Where to stay in Kona Hawaii: Big Island Accommodation Guide

If you’re wondering where to stay on the Big Island, consider finding a place to stay in Kona. Whether you are looking for a vacation rental, hotel, or resort, this guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island. 

Jedd grew up on Oahu, Hawaii and got to know the Big Island while visiting relatives and traveling for work. We’ve since stayed in Kona for our honeymoon as well as recent family vacations. We hope you enjoy your stay in Kona as much as we have!

Where to Stay in Kona Hawaii Big Island: Best Areas

The Big Island of Hawaii has two airports. On the East is Hilo International (ITO), but Ellison Onizuka Kona International (KOA) on the West is the island’s primary airport. It’s just a short drive south along the coast to reach the town of Kailua-Kona.

Kona is the dry side of the Big Island. Most of the island’s tourist attractions and amenities, beaches, resorts, hotels, restaurants, and shopping are found on the Kona side.

When staying in Kona, you can still visit other attractions around the island by car. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or the waterfalls on the Hilo side are about a 2 hour drive. 

If you’re looking for a great Kona vacation rental, resort, or hotel that’s close to shops, restaurants, supermarkets, and beaches, consider staying in town. There are lots of things to do in Kona, and it can be a good base for day trips.

 * Access our free Hawaii packing checklist here *

Shops at Kailua Village, Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona town

If you have a rental car and prefer a little more distance from town, you can find great places to stay in Kona’s outer neighborhoods. Magic Sands Beach Park has rare access to sandy beaches just south of town, whereas the rest of the coast tends to be more rocky. Ali’i Kai, Holualoa, White Sands, and Kuakini Heights are nearby neighborhoods where you can find Kona Airbnbs and VRBO houses.

Another option is to head to the hills. Above Kailua-Kona town are hillside neighborhoods with fantastic views overlooking the ocean. It’s a few extra minutes driving to get to beaches, supermarkets, and restaurants. But you’re closer to coffee farms and removed from any tourist crowds.

Note that Hawaii has relatively new legislation about short term rentals and Airbnbs. Vacation rentals are limited in certain areas, and Airbnb hosts are required to post their official ID number on their rental listing, so check for this before you book.

Next, we’ll show you some of the best places to stay in each of these areas of Kona.

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Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Kailua-Kona Town

Kailua-Kona town is situated around Kailua Bay. It has plenty of restaurants, historic landmarks, the farmer’s market, and all the other shops and amenities you could need during your vacation in Kona. 

Check out our guide on the best things to do in Kona on a budget >

Here, we’ve put together some of the best places to stay in the town of Kona itself. Next, we’ll share places a bit further beyond.

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is conveniently located near the beach, shops, and top attractions in the area. The modern rooms have an island inspired decor and offer guests a view of the ocean. This hotel has two onsite restaurants, a swimming pool, a private beach, and highly rated staff.

Location: Kailua Bay, in town

Cost: $$$ 

Lodging style: Hotel resort

Amenities/highlights:  

• Onsite restaurant and shops
• Private beach area
• Seasonal Luaus
• Ocean views
• Swimming pool

Guests Say:  

 “The staff was great. The sunset view was great.” | “This hotel was one of the best for comfort, value, location… Food was good at the bar. Highly recommend. Will stay again.” | “So close to town and so much to do the private beach and then amenities were great!”

Check rates and availability for Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel >

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona (IHG Hotel)

Looking to earn or use your IHG points on the Big Island?

Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a highly rated accommodation for its friendly staff and great location close to restaurants, grocery store, town, and beach. Guests staying at this resort can enjoy clean rooms, swimming pool, fitness center, and delicious continental breakfast.

Location: Walking distance to Hale Halawai waterfront park and Kona Farmer’s Market

Cost: $$$

Lodging style: Hotel

Amenities/highlights:  

• Outdoor pool
• Hot tub/Jacuzzi
• Fitness center
• Continental breakfast

Guests Say:  

 “I loved the comfort and cleanliness of the facility.” | “I was very pleased with the accommodation, the facility was nice and clean. The front desk personal was super nice!” | “The locations is great, walking distance to lots of places.”

Check rates and availability for Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona, an IHG Hotel >

Cultural events at the Saturday Market in Kona

Kailua Village on Ali’i Drive in Kona

Nicely Renovated Condo

4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds · 2 baths

This fully equipped condo, just steps from the ocean, features a lanai with view of Kailua Bay and a barbecue deck overlooking the first Christian church built in the island. This unit is complete with all amenities and conveniently located near the beach, stores, and cafes.

Location: 5 minute walk to beach, short walk from Ali’i Drive

Cost: $$

Lodging style: Condo

Amenities/highlights:  

• Scenic views
• Full Kitchen
• Bathtub
• Washer/dryer
• Beach equipment included

Guests Say:  

“This unit is good for a small group of adult travelers that are traveling on a budget.” | “The unit was everything you would need for a wonderful stay on the Big Island of Hawaii.” | “The location is great, close to the pier and the parking is convenient. Walking to places is super easy. The condo was well appointed and had all the items you need for the beach.”

Check rates and availability for Nicely Renovated Condo on VRBO >

Palani Condo

6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 beds · 1 bath

Palani Condo is a comfortable and well appointed condo apartment located conveniently within walking distance to restaurants and shops on Ali’i Drive. This property is also a few minutes walk to the beach and boardwalk where guests can enjoy swimming and watching the sunset.

Location: 5 minutes walk to the Pier

Cost: $$

Lodging style: Apartment

Amenities/highlights:  

• Shared swimming pool
• Free parking
• Full kitchen
• Garden view

Guests Say:  

“Perfect place for an overnight stay. Close to downtown Kona so could walk if we wanted to.” | “Location and owner contact was exceptional. Unit was neat, tidy and clean. Beds were comfortable. Shower water pressure was exquisite.”

Downsides: No A/C in the main room

Check rates and availability for Palani Condo >

Kona Plaza Condo 

4 guests · 1 bedroom · 3 beds · 1 bath

This completely renovated and island-inspired rental is in a quiet and private condo building right in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Guests can easily walk to the beach, the pier, shops, and restaurants. Located on the third floor, this condo unit features a spectacular view of Kailua Bay.

Location: Right on Ali’i Drive, Kailua Bay

Cost: $$

Lodging style: Condo

Amenities/highlights:  

• Full Kitchen
• Deck overlooking the bay
• Shared swimming pool
• Walking distance to food and attractions

Guests Say:  

“This condo has everything you could imagine and then some, plus it’s the perfect location. It’s close to everything in Kona, walking distance to most restaurants, and parking was always a breeze.” | “The host is very thorough and easy to communicate with. We highly recommend this property that is truly worth its five star rating!” | “One of the best Vrbo’s that we have stayed in!”

Check rates and availability for Kona Plaza Condo >

Best Hotels and Resorts: Waikoloa & Kohala Coast

North of Kailua-Kona is the Kohala Coast, or the Gold Coast. This area has the best beaches on the Big Island. It is mostly luxury resorts, golf courses, and some nice restaurants, spread out along the coastline. For a more built-up resort area feel with a couple shopping centers, check out Waikoloa.

While farther from Kailua-Kona town, it’s easier to get to north shore attractions like Kohala Forest, Waipio Valley, Pololu Valley, and Hamakua from Kohala Coast hotels.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

Want to earn or use Hilton points for your Kona stay?

My brother stayed at the Hilton Waikaloa for a conference and really enjoyed exploring the extensive property. With 62 acres and lots of coastline, it’s a great escape if you need a sunny break from winter.

The Makai tower has premium ocean views and parking while the Palace tower looks out on the golf course. On site trams help you get around easily to the many activities and attractions in the resort.

There’s a luau three nights per week (tickets required), an outdoor museum walk, spa, tennis, fitness center as well as the lagoon, beach, and pools. Restaurants are on site, too, so you could enjoy your entire vacation without leaving the property.

Location: Waikoloa oceanfront

Cost: $$$

Lodging style: Resort suites and hotel rooms

Amenities/highlights:  

• Pools, beach, and lagoons
• Golf course
• Fitness center
• Cultural activities and excursions
• Full-service spa

Check rates and availability for Hilton Waikaloa Village >

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

This Big Island Marriott resort is located in Kona’s luxurious resort area on a great white sand beach for swimming. The resort has on-site dining and a sunset luau, two championship golf courses, three outdoor pools with waterslide, and spa facilities. This is a great option for family vacations, events, and honeymoons in the Hawaiian Islands.

Location: Anaehoomalu Bay, Waikoloa

Cost: $$$

Lodging style: Resort suites and hotel rooms

Amenities/highlights:  

• Pools with waterslide
• Golf courses
• Fitness center
• White sand beach
• Full-service spa

Guests Say: “My husband and I were looking for a place to celebrate our honeymoon and the Waikoloa Marriott was perfect. Our room was clean, quiet and the resort the same. There was a limited wait at the restaurant when we went for lunch/dinner and the staff was super friendly.”

Check rates and availability for Waikoloa Beach Marriott >

Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Located on Hapuna Beach, one of the best beaches in Kona, this recently renovated resort is perfect for a beach vacation. As a matter of fact, this is where we had our Kona honeymoon back in the day! Hapuna Resort includes adult and family pools, a white sand beach, fitness center, restaurant, cultural activities, and golf course. We once saw dolphins from our table at breakfast!

Location: Hapuna Beach, Kohala Coast

Cost: $$$/$$$$

Lodging style: Resort rooms and suites

Amenities/highlights:  

• Outdoor pools
• Fitness center
• White sand beach
• Breakfast included in some rates

Guests Say: “My husband and I have been at this resort 4 times and love it oh so much.
– The open air floor plan and setup of the resort
– the adult only pool and hot tub
– the white sand perfect beach with snorkel spots right off it with sea turtles!
– the morning coffee or breakfast that hits the spot
– or the furniture perfectly placed around for perfect spots to just lounge and enjoy and embrace the ocean.
You will not be disappointed with this place & staff.”

Check rates and availability for Hapuna Beach Resort >

Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals South Kona

Just a bit south of Kona are some of the coolest places to stay on the Big Island because they’re still near town and the sea.

Kahaluu Beach Park, South of Kona town

Luxurious Oceanfront Villa

8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 5 beds · 3 baths

This oceanfront villa is a private and beautifully decorated home with large open floor plan and magnificent views of the ocean. This rental home is located in a quiet neighborhood, very close to white sand beach. Guests can easily walk or bike to restaurants and shops in Kona Town.

Location: 2 miles south of historic Kailua-Kona, steps away from the beach

Cost: $$$$

Lodging style: Vacation home rental

Amenities/highlights:  

• Fully equipped kitchen
• Deck and small yard at the water’s edge
• Indoor and outdoor dining areas
• Private pool
• Bikes, surf, and snorkel gear provided

Guests Say:  

“This is such a beautiful property in an ideal location. We loved the amazing view and the quiet neighborhood. This was the best stocked property we have ever stayed at.” | “The owner was easy to communicate with and the property manager was extremely attentive and available.” | “The house is beautiful, the view is spectacular, the pool is great, bedrooms nice, kitchen well stocked with dishes and utensils.”

Check rates and availability for Luxurious Oceanfront Villa >

Hale Koko – Gated & Private Hidden Gem

6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 beds · 3 bath 

Hale Koko is a beautiful and modern Kona vacation home rental located inside the gated community of Kahakai Place. Guests staying in this private property will enjoy all the comforts of a home and beaches are only a short drive away.

Location:1.4 miles from Magic Sands Beach

Cost: $$

Lodging style: Vacation house rental

Amenities/highlights:  

• Full Kitchen and BBQ
• Private lawn, garden, and patio
• Laundry facilities
• Pack & play, high chair available for rent

Guests Say:  

“I would rent here again because the price is reasonable and location is good.” | “The property was beyond our expectations. Enjoyed our stay. Best Vrbo experience to date. Will be back!” | “Great property. Everything you need is available. Comfortable beds, clean house. Would highly recommend.”

Downsides: Shared driveway; no view of the ocean

Check rates and availability for Hale Koko – Gated & Private Hidden Gem >

Best B&Bs and Vacation Rentals in Kona’s Hillside Neighborhoods

While hotels are rare outside of town or the coastline, you can find vacation homes, Airbnbs, and VRBOs in Kona in the hills above town. 

Hawaiian Oasis Bed & Breakfast

Hawaiian Oasis Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful property close to historic Kailua-Kona town and a few minutes drive to beaches, restaurants and shops. This property features lush landscaping, salt-water swimming pool, hot tub, koi pond, tennis court and lots of relaxing spots.

Location: A few minutes drive, up above Kona town

Cost: $$$

Lodging style: Bed and Breakfast

Amenities/highlights:  

• Ocean view
• Swimming pool
• Hot tub
• Shared kitchen
• Tennis court

Guests Say:  

 “Everything was wonderful and I would highly recommend staying here again. ” | “This was one of the most beautiful bed and breakfast homes we have ever stayed in. We had an excellent stay mostly because of the exceptional services provided by Nina and Tom.” | “The location of the B&B is perfect for visiting the whole island and the rooms are beautifully decorated with Hawaiian design and aloha spirit!”

Check rates and availability for Hawaiian Oasis Bed & Breakfast >

Spectacular Kona Grand Ocean View Villa Pinao

14 guests · 6 bedrooms · 5 baths

Kona Grand Ocean View Villa Pinao is a luxurious, spacious and unique vacation property, perfect for big groups. It is located in a private and gated community offering guests excellent amenities and expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Location: Hillside neighborhood above Kona town

Cost: $$/$$$

Lodging style: Villa

Amenities/highlights:  

• Full Kitchen with indoor and outdoor dining areas
• Lush surroundings and partial ocean views
• Private swimming pool with Jacuzzi and Gazebo
• 4 detached master suites

Guests Say:  

“The house was beautiful and had all the amenities anyone could ever need. The view was magnificent amidst the glorious sounds of nature.” | “The property is well equipped for relaxing, entertaining, or heading out to explore the island.” | “Really happy with this property! Was great for our group and we had an amazing stay.”  

Check rates and availability for Spectacular Kona Grand Ocean View Villa Pinao >

Top Kona Airbnbs on the Big Island, Hawaii

Stunning Ocean Front Home – 3bed/3bath, 10 guests
Epic Kona Coastline Ocean View – 3bed/2bath, 6 guests
Private Tree Top Suite – 2bed/2bath, 4 guests
KJ’s Place, in the heart of the city – 1bed/2bath, 4 guests

More about visiting Hawaii

 * Access our free Hawaii packing checklist here *

For further reading about Kona Hawaii Big Island:

– Things to Do in Kona Hawaii On A Budget 

For other Hawaii destinations:

– 5 Great Routes to Run or Walk in Honolulu and Waikiki, Oahu
– A Visitor’s Guide to Hiking on Oahu – Hawaii 
– Why You Should Visit Oahu and Where to Stay 
– One Week Oahu Itinerary & Activities List 
– What to pack for a week in Hawaii: Packing Checklist