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3-star hotel Check-in 16:00 · Check-out 11:00

Kona Reef Resort

Bright oceanfront suites with full kitchens, 2 pools, hot tub, and beach access at Kona Reef Resort in Kailua-Kona, near Hulihe‘e Palace and Kahalu‘u Beach Park.

75-5888 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 490 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Outdoor pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Kona Reef Resort's oceanfront charm and convenience

Guests highlight the stunning ocean views, convenient location near Kailua-Kona, and well-equipped suites, balanced with notes on some dated features and varied condo conditions.

Guests often praise

  • Breathtaking oceanfront views from private lanais and suites.
  • Convenient walking distance to downtown Kailua-Kona restaurants, bars, and attractions.
  • Well-equipped kitchens in rooms and helpful amenities like laundry and beach gear rentals.
  • Outdoor pools, hot tub, and BBQ areas enhancing the relaxing atmosphere.
  • Friendly, responsive hosts and staff providing attentive service.

Worth knowing

  • Some units show signs of age and may have musty-smelling AC units or dated interiors.
  • There is no central air conditioning; cooling is provided by individual units.
  • Parking requires displaying a parking pass in the vehicle.
  • Not all condos are the same; experiences can vary depending on the specific unit rented.
  • No on-site fitness center or airport shuttle service available.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking an oceanfront resort with easy access to local dining and attractions.
  • Families or groups wanting suites with kitchen facilities and laundry.
  • Guests prioritizing outdoor relaxation with pools, hot tub, and beach nearby.
  • Visitors wanting a quieter, less commercialized stay within walking distance of Kailua-Kona.
  • Those looking for a comfortable base with stunning sunset views and ocean breezes.
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About this property

Welcome to Kona Reef Resort

Located on a bluff overlooking Kahului Bay in Kailua-Kona, this oceanfront resort hotel offers bright suites equipped with full kitchens, making it suitable for guests seeking self-catering accommodations. The setting provides direct beach access and calm waters nearby, with popular snorkeling spots such as Kahaluʻu Beach Park just a short distance away.

Facilities include two outdoor pools, a hot tub with ocean views, and a BBQ area with multiple propane grills, catering well to families and groups looking to relax and cook on-site. While the resort does not offer airport shuttles or a fitness center, conveniences such as free Wi-Fi, free parking, and air conditioning are available throughout the property. Each room has kitchen amenities, and the location is accessible, although pets are not allowed.

The property enjoys a practical location within walking distance of Kailua-Kona’s town center, dining, and local attractions like the Huliheʻe Palace and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. Guest reviews highlight the excellent ocean views and the convenience of being near restaurants and beaches, though some note the accommodations show signs of aging and that air conditioning units can be inconsistent.

With a rating of 4.3 from 467 reviews, Kona Reef Resort appeals to travelers who value a strong connection to the ocean, self-sufficiency during their stay, and easy access to nearby points of interest. It suits visitors comfortable with a resort that combines comfortable, functional spaces with a well-placed, welcoming Hawaiian waterfront experience.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Beach access
Kid-friendly
Kitchen in all rooms
Hot tub
Golf course
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JF
Jeanette Franco Apr 18, 2026
10

We rented a room from a private party. They had the room equipped with everything needed.toiletries and more! Lori and Jay and so welcoming had Hawaiian candy waiting for us when we got there with our room cool and welcoming. Lori has a book of every question you could ever have on the best place to go. Recommend excursions.fully equipped kitchen and spices if needed. A choice of Keurig coffee or potted coffee along with coffee there.. if a question did arise, they were very quick to respond within minutes and taken care of before we had the chance to blink. We stayed in F 14. The view is straight onto the ocean. Nothing standing in our way. Much new vacation to reset for going back to a very demanding job.. laundry in the apartment which helped a lot! We’re in walking distance from everything!

KS
K Sharp Mar 24, 2026
10

Beautiful views right on the water. Just outside of Kailua Kona town. Walking distance to many restaurants and bars. Condo is an older place but very adequate. Location is excellent!

LH
Leonette Hall Feb 23, 2026
10

We absolutely loved our stay for my partners birthday. Check in was via text, they gave us our condo number and code. The views are INCREDIBLE! We sat on our patio every morning and had breakfast, listened to the waves and took in the view. Great pool, hot tub and they have 4 propane grills for use. Free parking too! Everything u need within walking distance. There is a beach right next door where the boogie board was invented! We'll definitely be staying again.

SB
Steve Bicknell Feb 17, 2026
8.0

Great location in downtown Kona. It has a great pool with a hot tub which you can sit in and overlook the ocean and watch the waves crash. It’s got a nice sandy beach right to the side of the building. It’s walking distance 10 minutes to downtown Kona the rental is clean and has everything we need. I would stay here again.

CB
Cathy Burgin Feb 03, 2026
8.0

The views are amazing. It is a bit dated but comfortable. The view is the most amazing aspect of this location. Each condo is different. There is no central air or heat and the ac units smelled musty when we turned them on. The location makes Kona a walkable distance.

BR
Bob Rose Jan 27, 2026
10

This is an absolutely amazing resort right on the water. Our lanai opens to a perfect sunset view, complete with palm trees and crashing surf below. It is about a block from "downtown" Kona, offering great views of the coast. Undeniably a great place to call home for a while!

DM
David Martinez Jan 07, 2026
10

Great place to stay, location is superb! Right in the center of all the action. Rooms are good and very comfy, the staff were attentive and ready to help. Pool is great and the ocean view magnificent! You can also grab beach chairs, chest coolers, boogie boards and much more for you to take. We spent a week here 10 of us for New Years and it was a fantastic place. Hope we can come back again.

DS
David Smith Dec 25, 2025
10

Nice place to visit remember to post your parking pass in your vehicle.Has swimming pool, barbecue, ocean view, units have laundry in side as well as microwave and dishwaser with stove.. Restaraunts walking distance as well as beautifull church

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Kona Reef Resort

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA

Set on a bluff overlooking Kahului Bay, this unpretentious oceanfront hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Hulihee Palace museum and 3 miles from Magic Sands Beach Park.

  • Ali'i Drive @ Honl's Beach 4 min Walk
  • Ali'i Drive Honl's Beach 3 min Walk
  • Ali'i Drive Acrosss Coconut Grove Marketplace 7 min Walk
  • Kona International Airport 23 min Car · 43 min Transit
  • Hilo International Airport 1 hr 42 Car · 4 hr 48 Transit
  • Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUE) 55 min Car · 2 hr 3 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Hawaii. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park 2,769 reviews

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States

4.7 · Historical Place
Hulihe‘e Palace 691 reviews

Hulihe‘e Palace

Hulihee Palace Grounds, 75-5718 Ali'i Drive, 75-5718 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States

4.5 · History Museum
Kahalu’u Beach Park 4,111 reviews

Kahalu’u Beach Park

78-6702 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, United States

4.6 · Park
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