TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I love this place, it’s the second time I’ve been and I can’t wait to be back. The location can’t be beat as it’s walkable to everything, right on the water, and even has its own private beach with umbrellas and chairs. It’s also an incredible deal for a waterfront resort with amenities. Hot tip- Priceline gave us a rate about $600 cheaper than the Marriott Bonvoy site, so it you’re not using points, that’s the way to go. The pool is steps away from the beach and it’s very family friendly so my son made friends in an instant. The pool service was great, James especially and the bartender (blonde, I’m sorry I forgot to ask your name!) didn’t mind my bizarre drink requests. The pool special of pasta with bacon and shrimp was terrific. The front desk staff is warm, welcoming and extremely helpful. The bellhops were kind and accommodating, and the staff at the restaurant were wonderful too. Everyone from the host to the servers were friendly and on point. Marie was especially sweet when we had the prime rib and snows crab buffet- don’t sleep on that, it was incredible! There is a shaved ice place and coffee shop for breakfast and snacks on the first floor that we really enjoyed. The lox bagel at the coffee shop was terrific. It’s a quick trip uber to and from the airport, and walkable to restaurants, a strip mall, even the goodwill. We love Kona and the King Kamehameha hotel, will definitely be back.

We stayed here one night before we were able to move into our condo for a week. The room was clean, but needed some maintenance - shower was leaking and there was water damage to the bottom of the bathroom door. Toilet kept noisily running. Air con was comfortable and bed cozy. Fitness center was appreciated, and the pool was nice. Cocktails and food at the bar were well+made and tasty. Customer service was so-so - but the shell necklaces at check in were nice as was the welcome cocktail. The hotel doesn't so much have an ocean beach, as a small protected lagoon next to a historic native Hawaiian pier and park. It's a great spot for kids though (Safe, no waves and easy to keep tabs on them). Close to the rest of historic Kona, so lots of shops and restaurants within a 5-10 min walk. Overall, the place feels a bit dated and tired, but the pool and "beach" were enjoyed.

We always stay here when in Kona. Beautiful hotel close to many delicious restaurants.

Hotel was clean and I think that is the most important part of a hotel. Rooms were roomy and decorated nicely. The tub was a bit of a step up which could be tricky for anyone with mobility issues. We stayed on the 6th floor and had a gorgeous view of the mountain and ocean. I think naming this a “beach resort” is a bit of a stretch. The main beach picture used to advertise is a bit of a misrepresentation on what the beach situation actually is. Pool was an okay size but pool area was very small and had an extremely limited amount of chairs. Hotel lobby was gorgeous with a lot of amazing paintings and history. The concierge was very helpful and kind. Spoke to her a few times and was able to plan a great day for my family with her suggestions. Most of the staff were incredibly pleasant and helpful but some we encountered were a bit short bordering on rude. All the valets/bellhops were amazing, they really go above and beyond. Some of our party went to the on grounds luau and said it was awesome and the food great. The filtered water dispensers on every floor were a godsend and I was very thankful for them. My only really complaint would be that the air conditioning in the room was not great and did have a moldy/mildew smell.

I’m a Hawaii resident and travel to Kona often. I used to gladly pay more to stay here because the experience was worth it. Not anymore. The hotel has eliminated standard room key cards and now forces every guest to carry a large blue rubber wristband as their room key. It's bulky, inconvenient, unattractive, and often doesn't work properly. Most travelers already have wallets or phone cases designed for key cards, so this change makes no sense from a guest perspective. Even worse, my room was not clean. There was hair in the sink, and multiple surfaces were dirty upon arrival. I have photos. This property has clearly lost focus on the guest experience. Between the cleanliness issues and the impractical wristband system, I won't be staying here again.