Where to Stay in Kailua-Kona: King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Review
Best for anyone looking for action and excitement in Kona that's also affordable. Come to celebrate a birthday or a bachelorette party. Come for an event. Bring the kids!
This reporter was hosted by Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel for the purposes of this review.
I recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights at Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel to attend the annual Hawaiʻi Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival. This event is one of several the hotel hosts throughout the year.
The hotel is located in historic Kailua-Kona town on Kamakahonu Beach. The first hotel to ever set roots here was in 1966. In 1973, that was torn down and King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel was built in its place. The hotel officially opened in February 1976, and in 2011 became a Marriott property. The hotel still carries its retro look, but is well kept up.
On my first morning, I awoke to find the beach — which is always lined with canoes owned by local paddling teams — and the adjoining Kailua Pier filled with people and pop-up tents preparing for what would be a full-day regatta.
A few feet from the shore, a traditional hale stands, seemingly floating in the ocean. This is Ahuʻena Heiau, a sacred temple dedicated to the god Lono, associated with agriculture. It includes Hale Mana, or the house of spiritual power, where King Kamehameha I spent his final years. It was a place of prayer, school and, essentially, the first Capitol building of the Hawaiian Islands after they had been unified. A few yards away on land is a rock wall-enclosed area where King Kamehameha I lived and died May 7, 1819.
"This entire point into Kailua Bay was where the aliʻi ruled from," said Chris Blunt, director of sales and marketing for King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort.
The hotel lobby acts as an art gallery lined with paintings depicting ancient Native Hawaiian life, including an Herb Kāne original.
Spring (mid-February to mid-April), summer (June to August) and winter holidays are the busiest seasons on the property. Blunt said January brings a slight lull for a couple of weeks until ski week, when it picks up again. But with all of the annual events the resort hosts, the property stays lively year-round. Here are some of the highlights.
- Kona Brewing Festival — March
- IRONMAN World Championship — King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is the IRONMAN international headquarters. The triathlon began here in 1980 and is held every October.
- Kona Pride Festival — September
- Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race (the world's largest) — September
- Hawaiʻi Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival — June
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony — featuring the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by outrigger canoe, live hula, music and a holiday feast — Dec. 5
Things to Do Nearby
The hotel sits at the edge of historic Kailua-Kona town, within walking distance of dining, shopping and local cultural attractions. The Kona Farmers Market is open daily, selling locally grown tropical fruit, fresh coconuts for drinking and souvenirs. Mokuaikaua Church, built in 1837, was the first Christian church in Hawaiʻi. Across the street is Huliheʻe Palace, a former retreat of Hawaiian royalty built in 1838. Today it is run as a museum by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi. The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail also runs along the shoreline.
A 15- to 20-minute drive away is Kona coffee country, with more than 700 coffee farms and a stretch of coastline filled with preserved heritage sites, including Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Laʻaloa Beach County Park (also known as Disappearing Sands or Magic Sands Beach) and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park (Place of Refuge).
The Kailua Pier in front of the resort is where you can catch tour boats for winter whale watching and year-round snorkeling excursions.
- Star Rating: 4 stars on TripAdvisor (3,991 reviews)
- Price Range: From $329 per night (shoulder season) and from $400 per night (holidays and summer)
- Location Score: Rated 7.6 out of 10 on Booking.com
- Best for: Families with children, budget-conscious travelers, groups, event attendees
- Pros: Ground zero for many of the town's major events. Walking distance from historic Kailua-Kona town.
- Cons: Can be crowded and noisy. Not the place for a quiet getaway.
BOOK NOW
Location & Getting There
Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is located at the north end of historic Kailua-Kona town on the southwest side of Hawaiʻi Island. Its convenient location puts guests within walking distance of several restaurants, cafes, shops and bars.
The hotel does not offer shuttle service from the airport, but at only a 15-minute drive from Kona International Airport, reserving a rideshare or shuttle is easy. There is ample onsite parking (fees listed below) if you are renting a car, which is recommended if you plan to explore beyond town.
Room & Accommodation
I stayed in an oceanfront room looking out over Kailua Pier, Kamakahonu Beach, the hotel's lūʻau grounds and pool — a front-row seat to all the action. The room had two double beds, a desk, dresser, lanai, flat-screen TV, coffee maker, tea and toiletries. It was simple and clean with everything I needed. It's not a huge hotel, so you are never that far away from restaurants, sundries, the pool and other amenities.
Amenities
Kona Boys
In business since 1996, Kona Boys is one of the most popular tour operators in the area and one of the most responsible, providing ethical and environmentally friendly experiences. Visit their grass hale on the beach in front of the resort for outrigger canoe rides and stand-up paddleboard lessons.
Island Breeze Lūʻau — He ʻOhana Kākou
Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Features performances ranging from Fijian war dances to traditional Hawaiian hula, plus a full dinner buffet. From $192 per person.
More activities and amenities include:
- Free WIFI
- Pool
- Fitness center
- Parking
- Full service spa
- Meeting event space
- Cash machine/ATM
- Beauty shop
- Barber
- Mobility accessible rooms
- Luggage service
- Luggage storage monitored
- Mail/package delivery
- Florist
- Local restaurant dinner delivery
- Concierge
- Laundry on-site, coin operated
- Gift/newsstand
- Vending machines
- Room service
- Valet dry-cleaning
- Housekeeping
- Car Rental
Dining & Drinks
Breakfast
The hotel offers a daily continental breakfast for $18. On Sundays, visit Honu's on the Beach for brunch.
Kings Coffee Co. Espresso drinks, Kona coffee, breakfast sandwiches, panini, avocado toast, bagels, smoothies and yogurt parfaits. Open daily 6:30 to 11 a.m.
Lunch and Cold Treats
Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille Open daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving an all-day menu that includes appetizers, salads, flatbread, sandwiches and desserts. Happy hour 3 to 5 p.m.
Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice A favorite in the islands, Ululani's serves more than 50 flavors of shave ice made with all-natural fruit purees and ingredients. Open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dinner
Honu's on the Beach Currently serving all-you-can-eat seafood and prime rib every Saturday. Chef George Gomes joined the team last year. His background includes stints as Executive Chef at the Royal Kona Resort, Executive Chef at Merriman's Restaurant Hawai'i in Kapalua, and Corporate Executive Chef for Tri-Star/Jas Restaurant Group. Next month, he will open the restaurant for nightly dinner service and special dinner events showcasing local ingredients.
Service & Staff
The staff are friendly and laid-back. They are accustomed to large crowds and events and handle them with ease. During the festival, they moved us quickly through long lines and helped navigate each event. On the second day, I left my friend at the pool bar for a couple of hours and returned to find her on a first-name basis with the bartenders, laughing and trading jokes and stories.
Check-in moves a little slowly on event days, but checkout is easy and quick — no need to wait in line.
Value, Verdict & Who It's Best For
For one of the most affordable hotels on the Kona side of the island, the location cannot be beat. If you are attending any of Kona's big events — most of which are held here — this is the place to be. If you don't mind crowds and aren't looking for luxury, it's absolutely worth the money.
For convenience, price and amenities, this is the best hotel on Aliʻi Drive. It's ground zero for all the major events in town and the liveliest spot on the Kailua-Kona strip. It's not the newest or most glamorous hotel in the area, but it is well run, staffed with friendly people who enjoy a good time and has killer views. This hotel is all about location, location, location.
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is ideal for a group of friends looking to spend a week in Kona having a good time. It's best for anyone seeking action and energy at an affordable price. Come to celebrate a birthday or bachelorette party. Come for an event. Bring the kids — there is plenty to do, from the pool to beach activities to exploring Kailua-Kona town. This hotel suits guests who have a tolerance for crowds, festivals and a lively pool and downtown scene.
BOOK NOW
Address: 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Phone: 808) 329-2911
Check in: 3 p.m.
Check out: 11 a.m.
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Parking: Self-parking $20 hour or $40/day, Valet $45/day