TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

This is now the 3rd time I’ve stayed at The Royal Kona and I wouldn’t have it any other way for the 4th visit! The location is fantastic with a great on-site bar/restaurant and easily walkable to so many other great restaurants and shops. Maria Catherine specifically at the front desk was AMAZINGLY helpful with our room but every single staff member from the guy that helped us with our bags to the bartender and everyone/anyone who cleaned our room. Mahalo for a great stay and helping my family make memories that will last forever!

Check in was swift, room was immaculate. Well stocked. The staff were polite and helpful. Comfortable bedding. The views were breath taking. I will be back.

Room was clean. Stayed just 1 night. Pool attendant very friendly. Check in and out very friendly . Had a great time- Clean atmosphere. Would book another vacation here. I would definitely try the restaurant next time. Didn’t have time to go there. Stayed on a Saturday night but wasn’t at the hotel long enough to see if there was anything going on at the hotel. Had other plans somewhere else.

Most of the time when I stay in Kona I've stayed at the Royal Kona but now I'm going to look into what offers the most bang for my buck. They have a $25 fee each day if you need to use their parking lot as well as a mandatory $25 a day resort fee. I don't need drinks, their sunscreen, coupons, a yoga class, etc... On top of it, THEY DO NOT INCLUDE BEACH TOWEL RENTAL WITH THE FEES!!! WTF? I'm not making this up! I get that there are places that get angry due to people not returning towels which is why you take peoples' room numbers and name or even take a deposit but the nerve to charge a resort fee and to not even include a basic beach towel? There was nothing I needed of the $25 a day resort fee yet you get charged for it. If you are a solo traveler like me, the $50 each day is a huge extra fee when Hawaii is already expensive especially with the additional lodging taxes. I don't even mind so much paying the $25 a day parking since you pretty much need to pay for parking everywhere in Kona Town today thanks to the state selling land to property developers who now made the parking fees excessive. I also thought it was weird that they include 2 bottles of water the first day and then none the rest of the days. Yes they have water refilling stations, but why even give water bottles the first day in your room if you won't do it the other days?IMO if you are going to include 1 day of bottle water, keep it downstairs at check in not in your room. As beautiful as the view was from my room (that I paid extra for), next time I'm in Kona, I'm going to find a place that offers more than what the Royal Kona offers. Unrelated, I was talking to an employee and apparently he operators of the Royal Kona charges employees to use their own parking lot when they go to work. Messed up!!!

Overall, this was a lovely resort with a fun local Island feel. The staff was super friendly. The resort restaurant and bar on site has an excellent beachfront view, making for a pleasant and relaxing drink or casual dining experience while listening to the waves on the rocks on the ocean shore below the resort. They also offered two Mai Tais included in the stay (as part of a resort fee perks). The Mai Tai drinks were nice, strong, and super tasty. Also, the place is close and great for walking from the resort, around Kona, and nearby restaurants and bars. Additionally, the Luau was worth it; my wife and I had a great time. We paid for the VIP seating at the Luau, and it was worth it (to us at least). The open bar drinks were strong and tasty, and the view of the show was fantastic. The tiki cups included in the price are lovely, making for a great souvenir. Lastly, the room was cozy but outdated, and another problem I noticed, but not until later, was some spiders in the corners near the sliding door to the balcony inside our room. I would recommend staying here, as it is mostly budget-friendly. It was a very relaxing experience for me and my wife, and we will likely stay here again.