The Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi has tons of great places to stay – including a number of delightful resort hotels.
(Photo: Booking.com / Courtesy Aston Kona by the Sea)
One of Hawaii’s most popular tourist spots, Kona combines all of the trappings of an idyllic coastal town with a distinctive character and charm – evidenced in the myriad of quaint shops and farmers’ markets that are a delight to explore. For accommodation, visitors have everything from guest houses to expansive resorts to pick from here. If you’re seeking something closer to the latter, we’ve picked out 5 of the most charming resorts that the district has to offer.
Aston Kona by the Sea
Perched above a rocky cove on the Kona coast, set against the scenic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this beachside resort combines idyllic surroundings with some top-class amenities. There are oceanfront pools, jet spas, barbecue grills and a sandy lounge area, while the condominium-style accommodations come with a fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, and a private balcony. All suites are decked out in tropical, brightly coloured décor, too. There’s also free on-site parking and concierge services, and the shops and restaurants of Kona are a short walk away. From $350 per night.
Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa
(Photo: Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa)
Perched above the lava-rock cliffs on the sun-kissed Kona Coast, Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa offers an idyllic home base for vacationing friends and families, as well as business and leisure groups of all sizes. With more than 500 spacious rooms and suites with private lānai (balcony), the resort’s lush 22-acre grounds also feature Ho‘ola Spa, a wedding chapel, fitness centre and two restaurants. Kids and kids-at-heart will get a kick out of the 200-foot winding waterslide at the oceanfront pool, while guests can also enjoy a range of Signature Experiences that invite them to ‘escape ordinary’ and immerse themselves in cultural programs and one-of-a-kind localised tours and activities. From $365 per night.
Royal Kona Resort
Situated on Kailua Bay, this resort boasts its own private beach area, along with a saltwater lagoon, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a spa, and a restaurant. Guest rooms are no less impressive, decorated in soft colours with rich wood accents and offering mountain or ocean vistas. Some also feature eye-catching wrap-around sliding glass doors. The 24-hour front desk, plus a dedicated tour desk, ensure that staff are at your every beck and call. Among the notable nearby attractions are the Kohanaiki Golf & Ocean Club and Kona Commons Shopping Center. From $276 per night.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
(Photo: Booking.com / Courtesy Four Seasons Resort Hualalai)
Part of the globally renowned Four Seasons chain of luxury hotels and resorts, this lavish property is a big hit with golf fans thanks to the presence of an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. And the sumptuous amenities don’t end there, with guests also able to avail themselves of a choice of three restaurants and two lounges, an adult-only area, a spa, fitness facilities, and a private white sand beach. As for the guest rooms, they come with Hawaiian-inspired décor, a flat-screen TV, and stunning views of the resort’s grounds or ocean. Guests can also connect with the resort’s marine environment by booking onto snorkelling lessons in the resort’s own saltwater aquarium pool. From $1,108 per night.
Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort
Designed in the style of a late-19th century Hawaiian village, this resort is ideal for those who like their contemporary luxury to come with character. Palm thatched roofs, rustic bungalows and paths are perched amid fruit-bearing trees, palms and tropical vegetation, enhancing the air of bucolic tranquillity. But there’s no shortage of state-of-the-art amenities either, with each unit containing a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, and a modern kitchen. Elsewhere, resort guests can make use of two outdoor swimming pools with a children’s pool, a picnic area with BBQ facilities, two outdoor hot tubs, and a fitness area. Central Kona is easily reachable on foot. From $322 per night.