Where to Stay in Kona: the 7 Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals
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Deciding to stay in Kona for your vacation is an easy choice, but finding the right accommodation tends to be much more difficult! This part of the Big Island is home to upscale resorts, laid-back vacation rentals, and luxury retreats, catering to all types of travelers who flock here for the sun and surf.
If you’re unsure where to stay in Kona, then we’re here to help. Here are our seven favorite hotels and vacation rentals in the Kona area.
Shortcut your vacation planning with some of our most helpful resources:
1. Check out our Activities database for our best picks on some amazing Big Island experiences (Manta Ray night snorkeling, snorkeling tours, stargazing, and more!)
2. Don’t forget to get your free Island Cheat Sheet which give you the fast facts on what to do and and the best places to eat
3. Our full (free!) Big Island Guide makes planning your trip and understanding the island easy
4. If you haven’t booked a rental car yet, we love booking with Discount Hawaii Car Rental
Where is Kona?
Kona is located on the Island of Hawaii, otherwise known as the Big Island. It covers approximately half of its western coast from ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay to Manukā Park.
Within the Kona district, you’ll find Kailua-Kona, the largest town in Kona and the second largest on the island (after Hilo). Most of the places on this list are located in this area, although we do have a few in greater Kona as well!
Is it Better to Stay in Kona or Hilo?
In our opinion, the leeward side of the island (Kona or the Kohala coast) is the best place to stay on the Big Island. Not only are there better beaches and nicer weather (we’re talking 18 inches of rain vs. 127 inches of rain!), but it’s also where you’ll find most of the resorts and vacation rentals.
That’s not to say we don’t recommend Hilo at all. There’s cheaper lodging and great outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, and waterfall swimming. But if you’re on vacation to swim and snorkel, you simply can’t beat the west coast around Kona.
And if you are coming to swim and snorkel, make sure you check out our list of the best beaches and best snorkeling spots on the Big Island.
If you need more convincing, check out our full comparison between Kona and Hilo.
How Many Days Should You Stay in Kona?
With so much to see and do, you could spend weeks on the Big Island and still have things to discover each day. However, the average person spends around eight days here. That’s the second longest stay around the islands after Maui!
However, your length of stay largely depends on what you plan on doing during your vacation. If you’re just here to relax and hit the beaches on Kona, five days is the bare minimum amount of time you should stay. With a week or longer, you can see a few sights while also having enough time for relaxation. We go into this in a bit more detail in our article, How Many Days Should You Spend on the Big Island.
What are Some Things to Do in Kona?
Whether you’re on a honeymoon or with your family, Kona has a wealth of fun activities for you to enjoy. With so many great beaches on this side of the Island, you can go swimming, glass-bottom boating, outrigger canoeing, scuba diving, or snorkeling (the manta rays here are a must-see!).
Kona is also famous for its coffee production, which means you can tour one of the many coffee farms in the area (here’s our pick for the best coffee farm tours!). There are also historical monuments, charming farmer’s markets, and botanical gardens to explore.
Where to Stay in Kona: Our Midrange Picks
Although Kona is the most sought-after area for vacation goers, you can still find a wide range of affordable hotels and vacation rentals.
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Perched on a rocky outcropping overlooking the ocean, the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa is an excellent choice for families, couples, or groups. It’s a bit removed from downtown Kona, which is great if you want to escape the crowds but still be just 15-20 minutes from shops and restaurants.
The pool complex is a highlight, with a giant 200-foot waterslide for kids and a 21 and over pool for adults. The Outrigger also has plenty of fun activities, including a guided Kona cultural tour, hula lessons, ukulele classes, and yoga. You’re also on-site for one of the most popular Big Island tours we recommend – a Manta Ray Night Snorkel.
Built in the 70s, the resort is in the process of going through a full renovation (with a completion date of late 2023) to modernize the rooms and on-site facilities. Therefore, the only downside we see is the lack of a beach. But with jaw-dropping ocean views and access to manta ray viewing and snorkeling excursions, not having a beach nearby isn’t a huge deal breaker.
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa Features
Activities: Guided Kona cultural tour, hula lessons, ukulele classes, yoga
Kid’s Club: No
Restaurants: Casual restaurant, market and cafe, and on-site luau
Pools: Two pools – one with a waterslide for kids and another for adults
Nearby: Kona Country Club, Ho’oulu Community Farmers Market & Artisans Fair
Courtyard Marriott Kona
Located in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona, the Courtyard Marriott Kona is as central as it gets. That means you can easily walk to restaurants, bars, shops, grocery stores, and everything else in just a few minutes. No rental car needed!
Another huge perk is that it sits directly on Kamakahonu Beach, one of the only sandy beaches in town. While small, the water is calm and shallow, which is great for kids or those interested in snorkeling.
The hotel is rather basic and doesn’t offer many on-site activities or classes that you’ll find at other resorts on the island. However, they still have an outdoor pool, spa, gym, yoga studio, and water sports rental. And more importantly, the newly updated rooms are modern and clean, making it a nice retreat from the bustle of downtown living.
Courtyard Marriott Kona Features
Activities: Water sports rental (stand-up paddle boards, canoe, kayaks), Hawaiian history display
Kid’s Club: No
Restaurants: Poolside grill, coffee shop, shave ice stand, award-winning luau (Island Breeze Luau)
Pools: One pool
Nearby: Downtown Kailua-Kona, Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area, Keiki Beach Queens’ Bath
Sea Village Kailua Kona
The beautifully maintained Sea Village rental property has the stellar views of a 5-star resort with the added bonus of having the comforts and amenities of home. Located 2 miles south of downtown Kailua-Kona, the condo offers 1- and 2-bedroom floorplans with full kitchens, washer and dryer units, and private lanais.
Units are individually owned, so there may be some inconsistency between decor and in-room amenities. Unfortunately, there is no elevator in the building (so not ADA accessible), and most of the rooms are without AC.
As with many other places in Kona, the Sea Village is not beachfront. However, Honl’s Beach, Magic Sands, and Pahoehoe Beach Parks are all a short distance from the condo. (Check out our list of the best sandy beaches in Kona).
Plus, there’s an outdoor pool with panoramic ocean views, which is where you’ll likely be spending most of your time. If you don’t have an ocean-facing room, make sure to come down here in the evening for the best sunset of your life!
Sea Village Kailua Kona Features
Activities: Tennis courts, BBQ area
Kid’s Club: No
Restaurants: On-site coffee shop
Pools: One outdoor pool
Nearby: Honl’s Beach, downtown Kailua-Kona
Kona Reef Resort
This condo unit has one of the best locations in all of Kona – or even the Big Island! The Kona Reef Resort is a 20-minute drive from the airport, a 15-minute walk to downtown Kailua-Kona, and just steps away from the beautiful Honl’s Beach. While the waters here are generally too rocky for swimming, you can always take a dip in the condo’s saltwater pool instead.
Kona Reef Resort is an ideal vacation rental for groups of all sizes, as they offer 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units. Each unit is equipped with a kitchen, washer and dryer, and private lanai, while 95% of them have AC. As units are individually owned, it’s important to read the review of the exact unit you’re staying in since cleanliness, amenities, and decor will vary.
Don’t expect any organized activities or on-site amenities (except for the pool and BBQ grill area). The Kona Reef Resort is very laid back, although those needing more action can easily pop into town whenever they want. You’re also steps away from some great surf lessons.
Kona Reef Resort Features
Activities: No organized activities
Kid’s Club: No
Restaurants: No
Pools: One saltwater pool
Nearby: Honl’s Beach, downtown Kailua-Kona
Kona Ali’i
Located right at the tip of downtown Kailua-Kona, the Kona Ali’i condominium building is located across the street from Kalaepa’akai Beach. Although you’re close to the action, you’re still far enough to enjoy some peace and quiet.
The rooms at Kona Ali’i are very spacious, especially compared to other vacation rentals in the area. Each 1- or 2-bedroom unit comes with 2 bathrooms, which is very convenient if you’re traveling with families or groups. Not all units will come with AC (they are all individually owned and therefore differ in amenities), although they do have large kitchens and washer and dryers.
The pool on the property is small but rarely crowded. And although you have a full kitchen in your room, there are also some grills by the pool in case you want to grill instead. Unfortunately, there’s no view from the pool/BBQ area, so make sure you book an ocean-facing room to enjoy the fantastic Kona Ali’i views!
Kona Ali’i Features
Activities: No organized activities
Kid’s Club: No
Restaurants: No – but you’re minutes away from some great restaurants
Pools: One pool
Nearby: Kalaepa’akai Beach, downtown Kailua-Kona
Where to Stay in Kona: Our Top Luxury Picks
Interested in living in the lap of luxury during your Big Island stay? The following hotels are ideal for those who want to enjoy a more upscale experience during their trip.
Holualoa Inn
The Holualoa Inn is an intimate bed and breakfast and a real working coffee farm on the scenic slopes of Mount Hualalai. There are only six guest rooms and two standalone cottages, making this a luxurious escape for couples or honeymooners (kids are welcome but may get bored during their stay). And no matter which room you choose, you’re guaranteed to have sweeping ocean and landscape views (you’re 14,000 feet above sea level, after all!).
Staff is more than happy to arrange certain things like a private yoga session or romantic outdoor picnic, but other than that, activities are rather limited. However, the 30-acre property does have an outdoor pool and some walking trails that wind through the gardens and coffee orchards.
Keep in mind that while the inn serves a gourmet farm-to-table breakfast, you’ll need to leave the property for lunch and dinner. While there are some coffee shops within walking distance, you’ll likely need a car if you want to go anywhere else.
Holualoa Inn Features
Activities: No free organized activities (paid activities are available)
Kid’s Club: No
Restaurants: Only breakfast
Pools: One unheated pool
Nearby: Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens, Kamoa Point
Four Seasons Hualalai
There are very few 5-star resorts that can top the Four Seasons Hualalai. Not only is the service top-notch, but the property is gorgeous (it’s beachfront!), and the sheer variety of activities make this a truly unique stay for those visiting the Big Island.
While this luxurious getaway is great for adults, it also has tons of fun things to keep your little ones engaged as well. To start, the Four Seasons has eight outdoor pools, including a kid’s pool and a lagoon where you can snorkel for manta rays and fish. There are also basketball courts, tennis courts, a game room, a library, cultural classes, and a complimentary kid’s club.
As you might expect, the rooms are stunning, with many boasting views of the ocean, pool, or golf club. It’s important to note that the basic guest rooms and suites can only accommodate up to three people, so larger families with two or more kids will need to book one of the private villas. Although they’re much more expensive, at least you’ll get a private pool and anywhere from 3,740 to 5,253 square feet of space!
If you’re interested in hiking Hualalai volcano, there’s a great guided hike to check out.
Four Seasons Hualalai Features
Activities: Hawaiian cultural classes, tennis, basketball, golf, water sports
Kid’s Club: Complimentary kids program for ages 5 to 12
Restaurants: Six on-site restaurants, bars, and cafes
Pools: Eight pools, including a stunning seawater lagoon for snorkeling
Nearby: Kalaepa’akai Beach, downtown Kailua-Kona
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