The Kona district is technically on the Big Island in Hawaii. It’s a sunny area that stretches across nearly the entire western side of the island.
You’ll experience beaches, state parks, coffee farms, and other landmarks. There’s no shortage of activities for all ages, and the first step to this slice of paradise is booking your stay in one of the best hotels in Kona.
Why You Should Visit Kona
When most people visit Kona, they will be in the Kailua-Kona area, part of the Kailua Village. This coastal town offers access to stunning golden sand and white sand beaches where you can engage in water activities like jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, swimming, and more.
It’s a terrific way to take advantage of one of the best aspects of island life — the warm ocean waters. Additionally, you’ll walk past tons of farmer’s markets and shops that sell fresh fruit and produce along the road.
Many restaurants serve traditional Hawaiian and American cuisine for reasonable prices. The coffee shops are notable since Kona coffee has developed a reputation for being among the world’s best.
Picture relaxing in a café while enjoying a cup of joe and watching the waves crashing against the shores — do you need any more convincing?
If so, you probably already know that the weather is incredible in the Kona district. Being on the side away from where the wind blows makes for enjoyable weather all year.
The mornings are typically sunny, with the occasional afternoon rain that tends to pass by quickly. All of these reasons are why you want to book your stay at a resort in Kona as quickly as possible!
Many resorts and hotels are close to major tourist attractions and events. The gorgeous weather and plethora of activities are perfect for family vacations, romantic getaways, group vacations, and more. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Kona.
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The 12 Best Hotels in Kona in 2024
When you travel to tropical locations, the accommodations are usually a combination of a hotel and a resort. Resorts generally offer more amenities than hotels, to the point that the resort in and of itself is an experience.
Hotels provide amenities but are more notably a place to relax after your day out. Many of the hotels double as a resort in Hawaii, which will be reflected on our list. Without further ado, check out the best hotels in Kona!
1. Four Seasons Resort Hotel
Source: Booking.com
- Location: 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Kaupulehu
- Average Price: $3,108 per night
The Four Seasons Resort Hotel is on the Kona-Kohala coast of Hawaii Island, and it features five dining options, stunning ocean views, and convenient swimming areas. There’s an on-site Jack Nicklaus signature Hualalai Golf Course providing 18-holes of golf.
The resort rooms offer fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean, and the décor within the rooms that are Hawaiian-inspired. There’s a full spa, a saltwater pool, and even an adult-only area for your enjoyment.
Enjoy the fitness facility that’s 15,000 square feet. The private sandy beach is available for guests of the Four Seasons Resort, and it has relatively calm waters — perfect for swimming.
Not only are there two on-site lounges, but there are three excellent restaurants available on site as well. And if you’re looking for some adventure, the Akaka Falls State Park is just two hours away.
2. Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
Source: Booking.com
- Location: 75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona
- Average Price: $509 per night
The Kona Beach Hotel features modern rooms with nature and island themes throughout the décor. You’ll get basic amenities such as a safe, a coffee machine with their famous Kona coffee, a refrigerator, and air-conditioning for your convenience.
The property has two restaurants on the premises that serve breakfast and dinner, and the Hulihe’e Palace Museum is just five minutes away on foot.
The staff also hosts occasional luaus depending on the season. Additionally, there’s an outdoor pool and a mall at this resort hotel, and you’re always welcome to inquire about other activities at the tour desk.
An underwater tour at Atlantis Adventures Kona and King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach is just a short walk away from the hotel.
3. Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort
- Location: 75-5961 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI
- Average Price: $482 per night
The Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort is close to numerous restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and tourist attractions. The rooms will have a DVD player, a flat-screen TV, a fully-equipped kitchen, spacious seating areas, and more.
The property has a kid’s pool, two larger swimming pools, a picnic area with a grill for barbecuing, a fitness center, two hot tubs, and other convenient features.
If you want to take a trip to one of the major shopping centers, visit the Keauhou Shopping Center, which is just five minutes away.
4. Aston Kona by the Sea
Source: Booking.com
- Location: 75-6106 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona
- Average Price: $474 per night
Aston Kona By the Sea provides furnished rooms and suites with lovely views of the Pacific Ocean. The rooms are spacious and decorated in bright colors with tropical vibes.
The living rooms are large, and most suites have two bathrooms, one of which is private. There’s also a washer and dryer, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a private balcony.
The resort hotel has an outdoor pool, barbecue equipment, a hot tub, free parking, and concierge services at your disposal. You’ll find the country club and the shopping center on the Kona coast, just ten minutes away.
5. Kanaloa at Kona by Castle Resorts & Hotels
Source: Booking.com
- Location: 78-261 Manukai Street, Kailua-Kona
- Average Price: $459 per night
Spread across 18 acres, Kanaloa at Kona is a beautiful property with large rooms with a washer and dryer, a fully-stocked kitchen, plush bed linens, and a brightly decorated room. Outside there are two tennis courts and three swimming pools.
Guests can also enjoy the barbecue equipment in the spacious recreation areas around the facility.
If you want to get out and explore the island, the Golf and Ocean Club, the Keauhou Shopping Village, and the Beach Park are all within 15 minutes of the hotel.
6. Kona Coast Resort Hotel
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- Location: 78-6842 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI
- Average Price: $386 per night
Kona Coast Resort is a tropical resort that happens to be less than a kilometer from Kahaluu Beach. At this resort, accommodations such as tennis courts, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant are readily available.
In addition, there are three hot tubs, a sauna, and two outdoor pools. The resort hotel features furnished rooms with a living room and dining room, air-conditioning, cable TV, and a sofa bed.
The resort has a handy Kona Coast Resort Island activities desk, open seven days a week during business hours.
It’s a tool that guests use to arrange their activities, such as diving excursions and hula dancing lessons. If you have the little ones with you, you can use the exciting playground.
7. Kona Reef Resort by Latour Group
Source: Booking.com
- Location: 75-5888 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona
- Average Price: $322 per night
The Kona Reef by LaTour Hotel & Resorts offers various amenities to make your trip memorable, beginning with the swimming pool, sun deck, and hot tub on the property.
The suite will have a kitchen that comes with everything you need to make meals in the comfort of the hotel. There’s also a dining room and a private balcony in every room.
Guests will receive a complimentary breakfast each morning, plus they can participate in the island orientation that the staff hosts on Mondays.
Concierge services will direct you to rent snorkel gear, boogie boards, and bikes during your stay. Restaurants, the Hulihe’e Palace, and chic boutiques are all within ten minutes of the hotel.
8. Royal Kona Resort
Source: Booking.com
- Location: 75-5852 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona
- Average Price: $321 per night
The Royal Kona Resort has a restaurant on the property, a swimming pool, a lagoon (saltwater), and a private beach for guests to enjoy during their stay. There’s also a spa, tennis courts, a fitness center, a tour desk, and a beauty salon on-site.
Whether you want to indulge in a massage, get help at the front desk that runs 24/7, or ask about activities at the tour desk, you’ll never be bored at the Royal Kona
The rooms come with a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee machine. You can also request larger rooms if you’re traveling with family. Visit the Golf and Ocean Club, 5he Country Club, or the Shopping Centers, just 15 minutes away.
9. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona
Source: Booking.com
- Location: 75-146 Sarona Road, Kailua-Kona
- Average Price: $321 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona features a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. WiFi is free to guests, as well as a continental breakfast served daily.
Additionally, amenities include a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, a coffee machine, and a microwave in every room. There are also laundry services at this property.
If you have a question or need assistance, there’s a front desk available 24/7 that greets guests and can point you in the direction of activities and events. This hotel is less than ten minutes away from the beach and less than a mile away from Hulihe’e Palace.
10. Kona Seaside Hotel
Source: Booking.com
- Location: 75-5646 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona
- Average Price: $298 per night
The Kona Seaside Hotel is near gorgeous beaches, Hawaiian landmarks and tourist attractions, and plenty of shops and restaurants. The rooms will have comfortable accommodations like air conditioning, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, and space to move around freely.
The Captain Cook Monument and the Kahaluu Beach Park are nearby the hotel, and you can also inquire about more activities at the front desk. There are also laundry services and an outdoor pool at the Kona Seaside Hotel.
11. Hale Maluhia Country Inn
Source: Booking.com
- Location: 76-770 Hualalai Road, Kailua-Kona
- Average Price: $296 per night
Close to the Shopping Center at Keauhou and the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, the Hale Maluhia Country Inn is a fantastic hotel that gives you the basics at a reasonable price.
Guests get free parking, a hot tub, a garden, free wireless internet, and access to the spa and wellness center at the inn.
There’s also a shared kitchen for those that want to create their meals from time to time. The rooms have a private bathroom with toiletries provided, an updated shower, and a hair dryer for your convenience.
12. Holua Resort Hotel
- Location: 78-7190 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona
- Average Price: $293 per night
The Holua Resort Hotel features spacious villas with accommodations such as patios or lanais connected to your room, DVD players, and fully-equipped kitchens. Patrons will have access to the on-site laundry facilities and WiFi as well.
Guests at the Holua Resort Hotel can take a dip in any of the six outdoor swimming pools or relax in the on-site tropical garden. If you’re in the mood to be active, have an exciting time at one of the 11 tennis courts or the fitness center.
There’s also an outdoor barbecue area to enjoy a cookout with the family.
Other attractions in the nearby area include scuba diving, snorkeling, restaurants, local shopping centers, and even active volcanoes. Hawaii’s Big Island golf courses are just seconds away from this luxurious resort.
Want More Options?
While we’ve picked what we think are the best hotels in Kona, don’t limit yourself! We suggest browsing both Booking.com and Expedia.com to see what awesome deals are available.
To see the deals, just click one of the buttons in the box below. Trust us — you can save BIG on your booking!
Don't waste your hard-earned money. Get the best deal on your trip by comparing deals on Booking.com and Expedia!
- Options for all travel styles & budgets
- Price match guarantees
- Exclusive last-minute deals
Making the Most of Your Kona Hotel Stay
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To help you get the most out of your vacation to Kona, here are a few valuable tips:
Getting to the Hotel
If you don’t take the proper measures, getting to your hotel from the airport can be more hassle than you bargained for. There are a few options to choose from, one of which involves researching whether or not there’s an airport shuttle available to drop you off at your destination.
The next option is to take a taxi to your desired destination. However, you have to be mindful that the cost could be pretty expensive depending on the distance and taxi service you’re using.
When it’s all said and done, renting a car may be the best option — giving you complete freedom to travel when and where you please. Public transportation isn’t very reliable, but if you want to go that route anyway, the public trolley is $2 each way.
Crime and Safety
Although some areas, like the northwestern neighborhoods, have a crime rate that’s moderately higher than the rest of the islands, in general, Kona is a safe vacation destination.
Since this is a popular tourist destination, visitors are warned to use common sense safety tips. This is especially important when they decide to leave the resort area.
For example, you have to be aware of the number of bags you have and other valuables while shopping, at the beach, or even dining.
Do not leave any of your valuables unattended for a moment. Be wary of strangers who are a little too nice or others who appear to bump into you harmlessly; they could be trying to steal from you.
If you find that someone has stolen from you, contact the police immediately. Additionally, if it happens while you’re at the hotel or resort, contact management and inform them of the crime.
Traveler Tips
Below are some beneficial tips to use when traveling to Kona:
- The climate of the island is dictated by which side you’re on
- Pets can’t travel with you to Hawaii
- You must go through customs upon arrival to make sure you didn’t bring anything thing illegal to the island
- WI-FI service is good, but cell phone service isn’t great
- Bring bug repellent for the abundant mosquitoes
- Wear sunblock
- To show an appreciation for the culture, try using the local language
Frequently Asked Questions
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Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions concerning hotel accommodations in Kona:
What is Kona Hawaii known for?
Kona is famous for hosting the International Billfish Tournament (August) every year, a deep-sea fishing tournament. Kona coffee is also renowned for its distinctive flavors.
What is the best time of year to visit Kona, Hawaii?
Visiting Kona, Hawaii, during the winter months of November- March is considered the best time. During this time, the skies are clear — perfect for viewing the constellations.
Does Kona have good beaches?
Although Kailua-Kona is better known for its storied history, seaside town, and bustling harbor, it also has some fabulous beaches.
Is Kona crowded?
It is unlikely to be crowded, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best weather while you’re at it. The western side of Big Island is the most crowded. However, there is a lot to do on this side of the island, such as shopping and dining at great restaurants.
Do I need to rent a car in Kona?
To get the most out of your trip to Kona, renting a car is your best bet. Public transportation is unreliable, and some of the best attractions are far away and challenging to reach without a vehicle. Uber is also an option!
So, What’s the Best Hotel in Kona?
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Vacationing in Kona, Hawaii, promises to be an unforgettable experience, especially when you choose one of these resorts to enhance your time there.
Proper planning and safety precautions are the keys to having a great time without a hitch. Consider renting a vehicle to maximize your ability to experience everything the island offers. We wish you safe travels on your trip to Kona!