Kailua-Kona hotels

A secluded oasis awaits at the award-winning Four Seasons Resorts Hualalai, perfectly nestled into the dramatic lava rock shoreline that Hawaii Island is famous for. With the pristine Kona-Kohala coastline on full display at this indoor-outdoor resort, you’ll never forget where you are.
Perfectly manicured tropical landscaping completes the feeling that you’ve been whisked away to some Edenic retreat. Amenities are galore at this sprawling resort, where you can enjoy eight outdoor pools (including a swimmable aquarium), an 18-hole golf course designed by J, 28,000-square-foot spa and world-class fitness center complete with a rock-climbing wall and volleyball court.
Dine at one of the three onsite restaurants, especially ‘Ulu Ocean Grill and Sushi Lounge, which is the island’s only Forbes star-rated restaurant. For a true taste of Hawaii, order the locally sourced and flavored Kona coffee-crusted Maui venison. It’s paradise within paradise, among the best luxury hotels in Kailua-Kona.

The Mauna Lani sits on what were once ancient fishponds used only by Hawaiian royalty. Flanked by lava fields and shoreline, the luxurious spot, one of the unique hotels in Kailua-Kona is a tribute to the deep connection between the natural world and Hawaiian people.
Take up the hotel’s cultural experiences led by its Living Culture team, including exploring ancient petroglyphs at the nearby Ala Kahakai National Historic Trails by e-bike or hike. I love how many ways the resort encourages you to experience the ocean: go on an early morning outrigger canoe ride or take a surf lesson at the retro-style Surf Shack.
Experience dinner at the oceanfront restaurant CanoeHouse, whose kitchen is run by a former Nobu Chef. Nosh on lobster tempura and wagyu tataki as the sun sets below the horizon. At the end of the evening, you can return to your carefully designed idyllic retreat.

If classic Hawaii is what you’re looking for then look no further than the Holualoa Inn. Placed on the slopes of Mount Hualalai on a working coffee farm, this endearing bed and breakfast gives guests a close look at the relaxed Hawaii Island lifestyle.
Book quickly because Holualoa Inn has only four rooms, two suites and two stand-alone units – and each accommodation has its own distinct style and charm. My favorite is the idyllic Gardenia Suite. Tall windows provide sweeping views of the ocean and orchard, and the dark wood furniture is so ornate and intricate.
The owners of the bed and breakfast paid close attention to detail, with original artwork inspired by Polynesia and island-style cotton robes and fleece socks. Book one of the packages, like a luxury picnic or private yoga lesson, for a truly romantic getaway.

The Kona Tiki Hotel has quite the claim to fame: it’s the only resort in Kailua-Kona where every room has a private oceanfront lanai (local word for a roofed porch). You should definitely make it out there to watch the sunset, especially since Kona is known for its stunning green flashes as the sun touches the horizon.
With only 16 guest rooms outfitted in a vintage Hawaiiana style, Kona Tiki Hotel is among the top reviewed boutique hotels in Kailua-Kona, fostering a quaint, cozy vibe. There’s no air conditioning, but being right on the water, the rooms get plenty of breeze.
The charming three-story hotel offers free parking, so you can rent a car and explore all parts of the island without an extra fee. The hotel pool is also set up right next to the water so you can watch the waves crash against the sea wall.

With elegant two-story villas placed along its perfectly landscaped grounds, the Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village is a sanctuary for visitors looking to enjoy Hawaii’s natural splendor. I love how it never feels crowded at this resort because guests can spread out over six pools, six hot tubs and 11 tennis courts. There are also barbecue areas and a fitness center too.
Up to six guests can stay in the villas, which have a full kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer and private lanais. Some of Kona’s best beaches are just a few miles away from the resort, like Kahaluu Beach Park, a favorite of mine to snorkel at. The Kona Country Club neighbors the resort, so definitely pack your golf club if hitting the green is on your mind.

The Kona Coast Resort is a quintessential Hawaiian resort, located on the Kona coast with vibrant gardens and stunning oceanfront views. At 21 acres, the resort has endless activities to occupy its guests such as two pools, three hot tubs, jogging paths, sand volleyball courts, and basketballs and tennis courts.
It’s also one of the best hotels to stay in Kailua-Kona for golfers, as it neighbors the Kona Country Club, which has an 18-hole course designed by William Bell. The studios are classic, comfortable and notably spacious with tall wooden ceilings and a private lanai.
For larger groups up to six, the villas are equally spacious with full-size kitchens and dining areas. Each day, the resort hosts free and paid-for activities such as ti leaf lei-making and hula lessons.

Located in South Kona, the Ka’awaloa Plantation Bed & Breakfast is an absolute gem of a bed and breakfast located on a hill overlooking the ocean. Your senses will be in heaven since this cozy inn is located on a coffee and tropical fruit farm in the heart of the famous Kona Coffee Belt.
Visitors can indulge in a fresh buffet-style daily breakfast that’s included with their stay. In 2016, the bed and breakfast started to run completely on solar power, so you can feel good about choosing to stay there.
If you’re staying in certain rooms, like the Mountain Room, your shower accommodations include outdoor lava rock showers in the garden. There is also a steam room and hot tub. If you want to head down to the beach, the bed and breakfast has coolers, umbrellas or beach chairs to borrow.

The Aston Kona by the Sea lives up to its name. The oceanfront property has everything you need for a comfortable stay on Hawaii Island – including an incredible view among the best hotels in Kailua-Kona. The hotel is nestled into a small cove, and offers a man-made beach for guests to enjoy (There’s a pool too or Honl’s, a popular beach is a 20-minute walk away).
Bright, airy, and simple, the hotel has condominium-like one- or two-bedroom suites – each one has a full kitchen, private lanai and washer-dryer units so you can feel like you’re right at home. There are no on-property restaurants, but local favorites are just a short drive away, and you can barbecue down in the picnic area.
The Aston Kona by the Sea is an ideal homebase for visitors who are ready to take in what Hawaii Island, and especially quaint Kona town, has to offer.

The Kona Seaside Hotel is a locally owned contemporary boutique hotel located right in Kona town. The 30-room hotel’s chic, polished rooms are Instagram-worthy, being outfitted in bright whites and tranquil greens.
Each room comes with a mini fridge, split A/C units and a ceiling fan. Deluxe rooms have an outdoor net hammock chair and a private lanai that overlooks the hotel’s bamboo garden for added serenity. There’s also free coffee down in the lobby each morning. The central location makes up for the lack of on-property dining, since you’re just a stone’s throw away from Kona town’s best cafes, restaurants, and shops.
The hotel has a small on-site pool and there are no resort fees. It is also a two-minute walk from Kailua Bay and Pier, where you can swim, surf or rent a paddleboard.

The name says it all. The Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff is perched right on the edge of the Kona coastline, overlooking the stunning Pacific Ocean below, but still only a few minutes from downtown Kona (There’s also free parking).
With spacious one- and two-bedroom suites equipped with full kitchens and in-unit laundry, visitors feel like they’re right at home, well, if their home was a tropical island! I love how each suite has a private lanai for enjoying sunset dinners. The property lets guests borrow chairs and umbrellas before embarking on the five-minute walk to the gorgeous Honl’s Beach.
Families will enjoy basking in the sun at the resort’s spacious outdoor pool and the hotel’s central location means some of Kona’s best restaurants and shops are just a few minutes away by foot.