Best Places To Stay In Kona Hawaii – Staying at a resort is the most luxurious lodging option on the Big Island. We recommend staying at a resort if you want an ultimately relaxing vacation and don’t mind paying for it. Kona Coast resorts offer on-site luxuries such as relaxing spas, world-class golf courses, private swimming pools and tennis courts.
Below we list all resorts on the west coast of the Big Island: Kona and Kohala coasts, and one in Hilo. They are ordered by location from south (first on the list: Sheraton Keauhou Bay) clockwise to north (last on the list: Grand Naniloa in Hilo):
Best Places To Stay In Kona Hawaii
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You can find most of the resorts listed on this page on the following map which includes all booking.com properties available for your given dates.
The southern Kona district is not as arid as the Kohala Coast to the north, and access to pristine white sand beaches here is not ideal. However, this is easily offset by the lush and tropical nature (lots of Kona coffee!), proximity to some of the best snorkeling on the Big Island, and last but not least, the spectacular night dive with manta rays.
The only resort south of Kona is the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 7 miles south of Kailua Kona.
The Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa was built on an ancient lava flow that enters the waters along the Kona Coast on Hawaii’s Big Island. It offers everything from rejuvenating spa treatments to an entertaining luau.
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Perhaps most spectacular is the fantasy pool on the ground with several levels: “Manta Ray Super Slide & Pool”. Located at the heart of the resort, this huge freshwater pool includes a separate sand-bottomed play area, the island’s longest waterslide and bubbling hot tub. See the map below for an impression of the resort area and facilities.
As an added local bonus, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa hosts the Hoʻoulu Farmers Market every Wednesday on the lawn.
There is one resort within the Kailua-Kona city limits: the Royal Kona resort. The location is hard to beat, with great views of Kailua Bay and close proximity to all of Kona’s activities.
The Royal Kona Resort is an architectural marvel set on twelve oceanfront acres overlooking Kailua Bay in the heart of the historic town of Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.
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Their on-site recreation includes: a 2-level swimming pool, a private saltwater swimming lagoon, Royal Kona Tennis Club, a fitness club, a massage and spa center and Voyagers of the Pacific Luau. Watch the video below for an impression of the resort area and facilities.
Collection of 2 bedroom bungalows designed to recreate the charming traditional Hawaiian island atmosphere found back in the 30’s, with all the modern amenities and activities you would expect in a tropical resort. On-ground amenities include 2 outdoor pools, 2 picnic/barbecue areas, and 2 outdoor hot tubs.
Located in Kailua Kona, the Wyndham is within walking distance of the beaches and 1.2 miles from Kailua Bay.
Bungalows can be booked on all common booking sites, but the prices vary wildly based on place/date, so check several sources!
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One of two outdoor pools at the resort, each including a children’s pool, a picnic area with barbecue facilities, two outdoor hot tubs.
Almost all Big Island resorts are concentrated on the Kohala Coast, north of Kona. This is for a very good reason: great weather! It hardly ever rains on this part of the island, and the temperatures are pleasant all year round. Add pristine white sand beaches, a few palm trees and plenty of great snorkelling spots and you have all the ingredients needed for paradise.
Kohala is a great area to explore and if you are considering staying in one of the resorts below you should definitely check out our guide to Kohala as well.
Kona Village Resort is located on the Kona Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is perfect for Hawaiian honeymoons, family vacations and executive retreats. Think: private cottages with thatched roofs open to the beach and lush lagoons.
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Kona village resort has been closed since the March 2011 earthquake and will reopen July 2023. See their website for more information.
The signature suites (or kauhale) at Kona Village Resort all include outdoor showers, private pools, Jacuzzis and highly personalized butler service. belly credit: Kona Village Resort.
Among the most luxurious lodging options on the Big Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at historic Kaʻupulehu offers more to explore than ever – with a newly expanded outdoor spa, beachfront dining, fashion boutiques, new deluxe suites and a gym with daily yoga and other fitness classes . Located on the Big Island’s exclusive Kohala Coast, this spectacular oceanfront resort captures the essence of Hawaiian design, culture and tradition.
You’re sure to get your tropical fish fix if you get in the water at King’s Pond. Image credit: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai // Leonardo
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One of our favorite features at the Four Seasons is the King’s Pond (pictured above), which is a natural pool carved out of lava rock, but is essentially a life-size aquarium with 4,000+ tropical fish that you can snorkel in!
The Waikoloa Marriott Resort is spread over 15 hectares and faces the beautiful beach of Anaehoʻomalu Bay and ancient fishing ponds. There are various pools on the resort grounds, and the beach is almost as close as the pools. The resort grounds are also home to one of the most popular luau shows on the island: the Sunset Luau.
See the resort map (updated March 2017) below to see how close the main building is to the beach.
Multiple pools at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Image credit: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa // Leonardo
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The Hilton resort is located in the Waikoloa Beach Resort on the Kohala Coast on Hawaii’s Big Island. Set on 62 oceanfront acres, this resort features an impressive 1,240 guest rooms and suites. Luckily they have an air conditioned tram on the ground(!) to get around the resort grounds.
The Kona Pool on the resort property is the largest pool on the Big Island. Credit: Hilton Waikoloa Village.
The property also includes two world-class golf courses, three pools including waterfalls, a 175-foot waterslide and an adults-only pool, a lagoon with dolphins and the “Legends of Hawai’i” luau. See the resort map (updated November 2019) below.
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is one of the resorts in Waikoloa with fantastic beach access. The resort includes the luxurious Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, Mauna Lani Spa and Francis H I’i. Brown golf courses. Alongside the hotel rooms, there are bungalows available (with private plunge pools, gardens and plenty of room to spread out) for couples looking for privacy or families looking for space.
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The nearly 2,000 square meter infinity pool for adults only, with fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. Credit: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
After being closed for 14 months for an extensive $200 million renovation, Mauna Lani reopened in January 2020. Those accustomed to the “old” Mauna Lani resort should expect a more luxurious experience and higher prices (see the new resort map below).
The resort is spread over 32 hectares by the sea and faces a sugar-white sand lagoon and aquamarine waters. You can count on finding a year-round children’s program, a spa (without walls), 10,000 square foot oceanfront pool, golf, tennis, a popular luau and six restaurants at the Fairmont Orchid resort. See the map below for details.
Built on natural bluffs above the ocean, the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort overlooks the beautiful white sands of world-class Hapuna Beach. The resort offers stunning views of the Kohala Coast, an 18-hole golf course, a pool with beach bar, spa and fitness center.
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There is both an adult-only infinity pool and a larger children’s pool (pictured here) on the resort property. Credit: Westin Hapuna Beach Resort // Leonardo.
Formerly known as the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (see resort map below), this four-star resort features beautifully manicured tropical gardens and contemporary styling. Read a recent review of the new facilities at: review by The Points Guy.
Warning: this resort map is out of date as it shows the resort map created by the previous controlling chain (Prince Hotels). Retrieved March 2017 from source.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is the first resort built on the Big Island and opened in 1965. The hotel was founded by noted conservationist Laurance S. Rockefeller on the shores of the perfect white sand crescent of the famous Kauna’oa Bay.
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Today, the hotel is run by Marriott, and has 252 comfortable and spacious rooms and suites with modern island decor. At the resort, you have access to an exceptional golf course, a full-service spa, tennis courts, ocean and cultural activities, and a luau.
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