10 Top-Rated Resorts in Kailua-Kona, HI

If you’re looking for white-sand beaches, gorgeous resorts, and plenty of sunshine on Hawaii’s Big Island, you’ll want to head to Kailua-Kona. This area has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Big Island.

The town and surrounding coastline, which is referred to indiscriminately as Kona and Kailua by locals, is the resort capital of the island and home to properties for all budgets and styles of travelers—accommodating families and couples alike.

The area to the north of Kona is known specifically as the “Resort Coast” and here, you’ll find the majority of the properties, including the high-end Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

There are also resort properties like the Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort in Kailua-Kona itself and the Kona Coast Resort to the south of town, which is an area known for its excellent snorkeling.

Plan your stay with this list of the best resorts in Kailua-Kona.

1. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai sits south of Kailua-Kona in a prime oceanfront location that is also isolated, ensuring privacy. Popular with celebrities, this property is nothing short of gorgeous with stunning views of the dramatic, volcanic coastline surrounding it.

The decor is Hawaiian contemporary, and the vibe is understated elegance. The 243 rooms, suites, and villas are located in low-rise bungalows that blend into the natural environment, and most of them have ocean views from private balconies.

Beyond the rooms are seven swimming pools, both saltwater and freshwater, as well as three restaurants, boutique shops, and a relaxing open-air spa in a lush location. There is also a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, open only to guests, and a fitness center offering daily yoga and other workout classes.

Address: 72-100 Ka’upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

2. Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

Right on the water, just south of downtown Kailua-Kona, the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa features contemporary rooms and suites that feel airy and spacious and come with partial or full ocean views from private balconies.

The beds are comfortable, the bedding is luxe, and there are living spaces and kitchenettes in the suites, which prove an economical choice if you want to cook in your room.

The resort fee here covers morning yoga, craft sessions, Wi-Fi, and parking. If you’re traveling with children (or for the kid in you), don’t miss the outdoor pool with waterslides. There is also a luxe spa on-site with a range of treatments and massages.

This hotel has two on-site restaurants. In a dramatic black lava rock locale, Wailele Café serves locally sourced, upscale fare. For a more casual Hawaiian dinner head to the Holua restaurant by the pool.

Address: 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

3. Aston Kona by the Sea

Accommodation: Aston Kona by the Sea

Just a few miles from downtown Kailua-Kona, the Aston Kona by the Sea has a fun, upmarket vibe and is right on the water.

Another family-friendly option, it offers cheerful and airy suites with big windows and island-style furnishings. All feature a kitchen, washer/dryer, and balcony with either full or partial views of the sea.

Rooms also come with PlayStation 3 consoles and flatscreen TVS plus Wi-Fi. Other on-site amenities include a private beach, a heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, and barbecue grills.

Address: 75-6106 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

4. Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort

Accommodation: Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort

An all-condo resort, the Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort is a great family choice located in Kailua-Kona with views across Kahalu’u Bay. Although it’s not directly on the beach, it is within walking distance of the sand.

The property has a relaxed, old-fashioned vibe that is meant to transport you back to the charm of 1930s Hawaii. The condos are spacious, two-bedroom affairs that can sleep up to six guests and are just under 1,200 square feet.

Condos are equipped with a full kitchen and washer/dryer, which makes them easy for families with young children. Should you wish to dine out, there are plenty of restaurants around town. On-site amenities include a concierge, two outdoor swimming pools, and two whirlpool hot tubs.

Address: 75-5961 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

5. Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Next to the Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark and within walking distance of Hulihee Palace, this hotel resort is right on the beach in Kona.

The rooms and suites are contemporary in decor and feature private balconies, but you’ll want to book an upgraded room to get a full ocean view (plus a pull-out sofa, making these an option for families). The suites add a separate bedroom and living space.

Away from the rooms, you’ll find a picnic area on the water, a lobby designed to resemble a living room for lounging, a fitness center, and a spa. There is also a swimming pool with its own casual American grill, as well as a separate, but equally low-key, Hawaiian restaurant, and a coffee shop on-site.

Address: 75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

6. Club Wyndham Mauna Loa Village

Accommodation: Club Wyndham Mauna Loa Village

The Wyndham Mauna Loa Village is a relaxed all-condo resort that is just a few miles from Kahalu’u Beach Park. It is an excellent family choice offering one- or two-bedroom condos with comfy beds, kitchens, washer/dryer combos, sitting areas, proper dining tables, and a private balcony.

A free continental breakfast is served to guests, but there is no other on-site restaurant here. That said, the resort is not far from a number of dining options, as well as shopping and the beach. And, because the condos have kitchens, many guests choose to cook for themselves.

There are also six outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs, 11 tennis courts, and barbecue grills.

Address: 78-7190 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

7. Shell Vacations Club Kona Coast Resort

Accommodation: Shell Vacations Club Kona Coast Resort

The Kona Coast Resort is set on 21 acres of tropical grounds with panoramic coastal views south of Kailua-Kona. It features spacious one- and two-bedroom resort suite accommodations that are family-friendly and can sleep up to six people in spaces up to 1,900 square feet.

All suites have full kitchens, as well as washers and dryers and contemporary Hawaiian chic decor. The resort is located directly on the ocean, but there is no direct access to a beach, although there is one just a short distance away.

Address: 78-6842 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

8. Royal Kona Resort

Accommodation: Royal Kona Resort

The Royal Kona Resort is right on the ocean just south of downtown Kailua-Kona and has relaxed rooms and suites set in three ocean-facing buildings. All rooms come with balconies, and most feature either ocean or mountain views. Suites have separate living spaces and some boast wrap-around porches.

Other on-site amenities at this resort include a private white-sand beach, a saltwater lagoon to swim in, and a sea-facing outdoor swimming pool. There is also a tiki-style restaurant, spa, fitness center, and four tennis courts on-site.

The property is child-friendly but also works well for couples.

Address: 75-5852 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

9. Shell Vacations Club Holua Resort at the Mauna Loa Village

Accommodation: Shell Vacations Club Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village

Featuring fantastic views of Keauhou Bay’s private harbor, Shell Vacations Club Holua Resort at Mauna Loa Village is a good-value, family-friendly resort choice. Kids stay free at this 3-star property.

Accommodation is in spacious villas that all feature Hawaiian-style well-stocked kitchens and private lanais with ocean, mountain, or golf course views. If you are traveling with a dog, the resort is pet friendly.

Golf is just one of many amenities at this resort. There are also six swimming pools and hot tubs, 11 tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and a fitness center on the well-maintained grounds.

If you want to cook out there are BBQ facilities. There is no restaurant on-site, but if you don’t want to cook for yourself, downtown Kona with multiple dining choices is just a short drive away.

Address: 78-7190 Kaleiopapa Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

10. Club Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff

Accommodation: Club Wyndham Royal Sea Cliff

Royal Sea Cliff is a set of vacation condos managed by Wyndham. Not far from Kona’s main tourist area, you’ll still need a car to get around the island if staying here.

Set atop volcanic bluffs, you’ll have your choice of studio, one- and- two-bedroom condos to book. Each of these units comes with a full kitchen and a washer/dryer. Décor varies depending on how the individual owner decorated, but all are relatively modern and come with large lanais.

Note that not all the condos have ocean views, and if you plan to spend a lot of time in your unit, especially if you plan to cook, it is worth paying extra for one that does.

There is no on-site restaurant here, but there are other resort-style amenities. You’ll have two swimming pools to splash around in. Both have ocean views, and one has a hot tub attached. Sunset from the pool is pretty. There is also a tennis court and ping pong tables on the grounds. Parking is free.

Address: 75-6040 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii