Where to Stay in Kona for First Timers: Walkable & Beaches
After 11 Hawaii trips and staying on several parts of the island, Kona is my absolute favorite place to stay on the Big Island! It’s *almost* always bright and sunny and is home to the BEST snorkeling I’ve experienced anywhere in Hawaii.
In this article I’m sharing my firsthand recommendations on where to stay in Kona, including the budget-friendly resort I always stay at that’s walkable to my favorite snorkel spot on the island! I’ll also share some other affordable hotels closer to Kailua-Kona town, and my dream eco-resort on the sleepy Kona Coffee Belt!
🌋 Bookmark for later: First Time Visitor’s Guide to Hawaii’s Big Island
Sunset views from Holualoa Inn & aerial view of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
📍 Rule of thumb: Where to Stay on the Big Island based on priorities
- 🐡 $200+/night: Closest to the best snorkeling (where I always stay)
- ✨ $200+/night: Walkable to downtown Kailua-Kona
- 👙 $1,000+/night: White sand beach access (rare in Kona)
- 🌿 $600+/night: My DREAM volcano eco-resort
*nightly rates vary throughout the year!
The Best Places to Stay in Kona, Big Island
As you consider where to stay in Kona, keep in mind that Kona is quite a large area—extending miles down the coastline past Kailua-Kona town, and up the steep slopes of the volcano to the Kona Coffee Belt. It’s also important to know that the golden sand beaches other Hawaiian islands are known for are quite rare on the Big Island. Kona has a few small sandy beaches, but for the most part, expect rocky volcanic coastlines—and the very best snorkeling on the islands!! 🐠
1. Kona Coast Resort (Where I Always Stay!)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9.2/10 on Expedia | 8.9/10 on Booking.com | $200+/night | Check current nightly rates
A short walk (or drive) from my favorite snorkel spot on the Big Island, the verrryyy spacious and affordable condos at Kona Coast Resort are my go-to place to stay in Kona!
Our one-bedroom condo here was massive—almost bigger than our three bedroom house at home, with a full kitchen, laundry, and a peaceful lanai with peek-a-book ocean views.
We also really enjoyed the pool bar which has perfect sunset views and decently priced drinks and food (not resort prices!), weekly family hula show, and the resort’s proximity to Kahalu’u Beach Park and Magic Sands Beach (one of Kona’s only sandy beaches). It’s not a luxury resort by any means, but a convenient, family friendly island home base at a good price!
2. Holualoa Inn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 10/10 on Expedia | 8.8/10 on Booking.com | $600+/night | Check current nightly rates
Ahhhh, my dream Kona getaway is Holualoa Inn, a 5-star eco-retreat situated on an active coffee planation 1,400 feet above sea level overlooking Kona’s dreamy coastlines.
There’s a pool and hot tub with panoramic views (and perfect for star gazing!!) and breakfast is made from ingredients grown on the property—plus the plantation’s own Kona coffee!
This is a one-of-a-kind boutique stay with all the meaningful touches that make it worth the steep price tag, but of course, Holualoa Inn is located up the mountain from Kailua-Kona, so staying here is not a beach getaway. That said, Magic Sands Beach and Kailua-Kona town are both less than 15 minutes away!
3. Kona Tiki Hotel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9.4/10 on Expedia | 8.5/10 on Booking.com | $325+/night | Check current nightly rates
If your dream is to watch the waves from your own private oceanside lanai, Kona Tiki Hotel is where you need to be!!
Located on the water’s edge with a a pool only feet from the ocean, the property is an lovely spot to literally soak in the ocean views (and sunsets!!), both from your room and the rest of the property.
Room are decently priced (for Hawaii, of course) with no resort fees, and the hotel is a 5 minute drive or 8 minute bike ride to downtown Kailua-Kona, you can easily enjoy shopping and restaurants without it feeling like a commute. (Kona itself is quite spread out, which you’ll quickly learn!)
4. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 9.6/10 on Expedia | 8.9/10 on Booking.com | $1,000+/night | Check current nightly rates
There really is something deeply healing about arriving at a beachside resort and knowing you won’t need to leave for an entire week (except you really should at least once, the volcano is calling!!)
With its very own rare white sand beach, a massive pool, onsite luxury dining, and spacious, peaceful ocean view rooms, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is really that type of resort that you simply don’t need to leave, unless you want to.
This lovely resort is a bit up the coast from Kona, but conveniently close to the airport and less than a 30-minute drive when you do want to get into town.
5. Royal Kona Resort
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 8.2/10 on Expedia | 7.5/10 on Booking.com | $200+/night | Check current nightly rates
A short walk from all Kailua-Kona has to offer (Kona Brewing Company, the farmers market, and so much more), the Royal Kona Resort is one of Kona’s oldest and most historic resorts!
Many of the rooms have ocean views, and the pool is situated overlooking the waves. Plus, there is an award-winning luau at Royal Kona Resort several times a week!
With the lower price point and walkable location, I think Royal Kona Resort is a lovely option for a carefree, budget-friendly trip!
More Hawaii Travel Guides
- The Perfect 7 Day Big Island Itinerary: Volcano, Manta Rays, Coffee
- The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling in Kona, Hawaii
- 17 Big Island Hidden Gems for Exploring Off the Beaten Path
- Which Hawaiian Island is Best? (From a Frequent Visitor)
- How to Visit Waipi’o Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii
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