Kona Reef Resort: walkable in Kailua-Kona

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In a nutshell: A prime location with all the comforts of home for a great value.

Overview of the Kona Reef Resort

The Kona Reef Resort is in a prime location for visitors looking to spend time in Kailua-Kona. You’re walking distance to the farmer’s market, restaurants, coffee, shopping, and entertainment. This resort offers a saltwater pool as well as a spa, and you’re only steps away from the beach. Right on the edge of the resort, the shore is rocky, but a few steps further and you’ll be at Honl’s Beach. The Kona Reef Resort is just outside of Kailua-Kona’s downtown which gives you a nice quiet environment to unwind after a full day of exploring.

The Kona Reef Resort Key Facts

The Kona Reef Resort Location:

Situated just south of downtown Kailua-Kona, it is just far enough from the crowds but close enough to walk to what you need. The Kona Reef Resort is a 20 minute drive to Kona International Airport, a 15 minute walk to the farmer’s market and an array of restaurants, and just steps away from the beach.

The Kona Reef Resort Pool:

The Kona Reef Resort has one saltwater pool and a spa, located in the middle of the vacation rentals, overlooking the ocean.

The Kona Reef Resort Unit Sizes:

This resort offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom (and bathroom) units. All units are equipped with a washer/dryer, a dishwasher, AC, and a private lanai.

The Kona Reef Resort Review: why we love it

• Location: If you chose the Big Island for Kailua-Kona, this resort is where you want to be. You truly can walk to just about anything you need or want in downtown.
• Quieter: Being right in the action of the Kailua-Kona area can bring a higher energy, but the Kona Reef Resort has a mellowness to it, while being family friendly, which gives you a nice escape from the excitement.
• In-unit amenities: While there is still a range in how many extras are offered and how updated each unit is, all units have a washer and dryer and 95% have air conditioning. This just adds to the convenience and comfort offered as a baseline at this resort.

Things to Know Before Booking The Kona Reef Resort

• The beach: While the resort is right at the ocean, the shore directly outside your vacation rental is very rocky. Honl’s Beach, just next to the Kona Reef Resort, offers some sandy lounging, but getting into the water is still pretty rocky. That being said, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea for swimming, but it is less crowded if you’re just looking to stroll or lounge by the water.
• Rental fees: All accommodations in Hawaii can come with some (rather large) fees. Whether you’re in a hotel paying resort fees or you’re getting a vacation rental and paying service fees, factor these into your equation. We usually go with VRBO because we’ve found that these fees are usually lower than what you’ll find on other similar platforms. 
• No unit consistency: all of these vacation rentals are individually owned, so there’s a lack of consistency. Some have excellent views and others come with a less impressive view or fewer helpful in-unit amenities. Reading reviews of individual units can always give you a better sense of what to expect before booking.

There is also one unit available for rent through Marriott Homes & Villas. While you can’t read reviews for the unit, there is some comfort booking through Marriott. And you can earn or use Bonvoy points when you book a stay!

Want to check out other options on the Big Island? Read our reviews:
Westin Hapuna Beach: wake up on the best beach on the Big Island
Waikoloa Beach Villas: central and walkable

The Best Big Island Itinerary

Ready to plan the rest of your vacation? We have you covered with our Big Island itinerary. This download and go itinerary takes you on a planned out route around the island seeing the best sights and eating at the best restaurants.

I can’t tell you how much we have appreciated your effort with the guidebook.  We saw things this past week we would never have known to look for.  These hidden gems were amazing from the black sand beach all the way up to Pololu lookout and all the small shops along the way.  We leave tomorrow and I wanted to say how much we used and enjoyed your book.  Thank you so much.

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