MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Kailua Kona

Where to Stay in Kailua Kona

Kailua Kona Hawaii, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Traditional Lodging

  • Hostels

    Limited but available for budget travelers, offering dormitories and sometimes private rooms. Hostels often have shared facilities, fostering a social atmosphere.

  • Budget Motels/Inns

    These offer basic, no-frills lodging. They focus on providing a clean bed and a shower without extensive amenities. Kona Seaside Hotel or Kona Islander Inn offer good value.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    These properties have more amenities, like swimming pools, on-site restaurants, and fitness centers. Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel or Royal Kona Resort are examples.

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    High-end properties with extensive amenities, including spas, golf courses, and fine dining. Often feature private beach access. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection are prime choices.

Unique & Outdoor Stays

  • Vacation Rentals (Condos, Homes)

    Very popular, especially for families or longer stays. They often provide kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and more living space. Platforms like Vrbo or Booking.com feature a wide selection.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Offer a more personalized, intimate experience, often locally owned and reflecting the character of the area. Holualoa Inn is an example.

  • Coffee Farm Stays

    A unique experience on a working coffee farm. These accommodations offer insight into the local coffee industry and a peaceful, rural setting with often breathtaking views.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Permitted camping is available at specific state parks. Permits are a requirement. Limited county camping. Glamping options may exist further afield on the island.

Neighborhood Guide

Choosing the right neighborhood in Kailua-Kona shapes your experience. Each area is a distinct character and set of advantages.

Downtown Kailua-Kona Aliʻi Drive Area

Benefits
  • Immediate access to dining, shopping, and nightlife.
  • Walkable, making it easy to reach ocean activities at Kailua Bay and the pier for tours.
  • Many attractions are steps away.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially in the evenings.
  • Parking can be challenging and expensive.
  • Accommodations here are generally older hotels or smaller inns.

Kona Palisades / Keauhou

Benefits
  • Quieter environment.
  • Accommodations often present more space, providing good value for vacation rentals.
  • Keauhou features convenient amenities without being in the direct bustle of downtown.
Considerations
  • A car is a requirement to reach downtown Kona or most major attractions.
  • Fewer dining options are within walking distance compared to downtown.
  • More purely residential areas.

Kona Coffee Belt Holualoa, Hōlualoa

Benefits
  • Enjoy cooler temperatures and stunning panoramic ocean views.
  • Has a tranquil atmosphere and unique B&Bs or farm stays.
  • Direct access to coffee farm tours.
Considerations
  • Definitely a car for transportation.
  • A short drive (10-20 minutes) from the coast and downtown.
  • Limited nightlife options.

Safety

Downtown Kona

Generally safe. Be aware of crowds and potential petty theft, especially in busy areas.

Residential Areas & Resorts

These are very safe residential areas and resort properties.

Booking Strategies

Secure your stay with these booking suggestions.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Mid-December to April, June-August): Book 6-12 months ahead for the best selection and prices. Last-minute bookings are very expensive.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, September-Mid-December): Booking 3-6 months ahead is suggested. More options and better deals will surface.
  • Low Season (September-November, excluding holidays): Booking 1-3 months ahead is typically sufficient. Good last-minute deals may appear.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices can easily double or triple between low and high seasons for the same property. Holiday periods see the highest rates.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Websites like Booking.com and Agoda feature a wide range of options and often competitive prices.
  • Vacation Rentals: Utilize platforms like Vrbo or Airbnb for condos, apartments, and homes.
  • Hotel Websites: Direct booking through IHG Hotels or other hotel sites can sometimes yield better perks or loyalty points.
  • Negotiation: Negotiation is not customary in Hawaii. Prices are generally fixed, especially for hotels and established vacation rentals. Walk-in rates are usually higher.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Variances
  • Policies vary widely by property type and booking platform.
  • Always read the fine print before confirming a reservation.
  • Many vacation rentals require a significant deposit and have stricter cancellation policies (e.g., non-refundable within 60-90 days of arrival).
Hotel Flexibility
  • Hotels often offer different rates for refundable versus non-refundable bookings.
  • The refundable choice, though pricier, gives flexibility.

Additional Considerations

Budget Stays

Explore Hostelworld for budget accommodations.

Unique Exchanges

Consider TrustedHousesitters for house/pet sitting exchanges.

Local Bookings

Many smaller, independent accommodations prefer and sometimes present better rates for direct bookings through their own websites.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for different budget levels and travel styles in Kailua-Kona.

Hostel & Budget Hotels

The Big Island Hostels

Dorms & private rooms, shared facilities.

  • Budget-friendly
  • Social atmosphere
  • Shared kitchens available
  • Limited private rooms
Kona Seaside Hotel

Basic rooms, pool, central Kona location.

  • Good value
  • Older property
  • Central location
  • Basic amenities

Hotel & Resort Stays

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Good central location, historical grounds, pool, beach.

  • Oceanfront
  • Historical significance
  • Resort amenities
  • Family-friendly
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Premier luxury, golf, private beach, exceptional service.

  • World-class luxury
  • Pristine private beach
  • Championship golf
  • Exclusive access

Vacation Rentals

  • Kona Reef Resort

    Condo style, often with kitchenettes.

  • Kona By The Sea

    Condo resort, good amenities, oceanfront units.

  • Hualalai Estate Rentals

    Exclusive, private homes with resort access.

  • Vrbo & Airbnb

    Platforms for a wide selection of rentals for condos and homes.

Unique Stays

  • Holualoa Inn

    A Bed & Breakfast on a coffee farm, featuring stunning views and a peaceful setting.

  • Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

    A luxurious option, culturally rich, set on beautiful grounds.

  • Coffee Farm Stays

    Offers insight into the local coffee industry and a peaceful, rural setting.

  • Camping Options

    Permitted camping is available at specific state parks on the island.

Traveler-Specific Recommendations

Family-Friendly Options

Vacation rentals (condos or homes) with kitchens and multiple bedrooms prove ideal for families. Hilton Waikoloa Village is a popular large family resort.

  • Look for properties in Keauhou.
  • Consider resorts with pools and kids' clubs.
  • Kona By The Sea often presents spacious units.
Solo Traveler & Long-Stay Accommodations

Hostels suit solo travelers for meeting people. Hotels in downtown Kona facilitate easy access to activities without a car.

  • Hostels promote meeting other travelers.
  • Downtown hotels offer convenience and security.
  • Vacation rentals or hotels with kitchenettes prove best for stays longer than a week.
  • Longer stays make it possible to save on dining expenses.

Cultural Significance

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

This hotel sits on historical grounds where King Kamehameha I lived, directly adjacent to Ahuʻena Heiau.

Mokuaikaua Church

While not an accommodation, this is a significant historical site to visit in downtown Kona.

Traveler Reviews

Read recent traveler reviews on booking platforms to grasp accommodation quality and guest experiences. Note comments regarding noise, cleanliness, and staff support.