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4- and 5-star hotels in Kailua-Kona
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Kailua-Kona, from beachfront condos on Alii Drive to luxury resorts on the Kohala Coast. It is for travellers who want a rated, comfortable base for exploring the Kona coast, whether as a couple, a family or on business.
Staying in Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona is a sunny, walkable town on Hawaii's west coast, with shops, restaurants and historic landmarks such as Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church in its centre. South of town, Keauhou is a quieter resort area with a sheltered bay and ancient Hawaiian sites, while the Kohala Coast to the north is known for luxury resorts and white-sand beaches.
The hotels on this list sit in several of these areas. Several are on or near Alii Drive in Kailua itself, within walking distance of the historic centre: Aston Kona by the Sea, Royal Sea Cliff Kona By Outrigger, Royal Kona Resort and Alii Villas. Others lie further out, including Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and Kona Village A Rosewood Resort on the Kohala Coast, and Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger and Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa near Keauhou. Couples, families and business travellers will all find options, from large resorts with pools and restaurants to self-contained villas with kitchens.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
72 100 Ka'upulehu Drive, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereSet on the Kona coast at Ka'upulehu, this 5-star resort suits guests who want a full-service stay far from the bustle, 23.5 km from the centre. An outdoor pool, a fitness centre and a golf course cover active days, while the restaurant, bar and room service handle meals. Families are provided for with family rooms and babysitting service, and pets are allowed. Guests rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 1550 reviews.
See Four Seasons Resort HualalaiKona Village A Rosewood Resort
72 300 Maheawalu Drive, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereA 5-star Rosewood resort 24.0 km from Kailua-Kona centre, Kona Village pairs a beach setting with a fitness centre, a kids pool and a jacuzzi. Dining spans breakfast, dinner and a buffet, and a games room and entertainment activities keep guests occupied. Family rooms and babysitting service make it workable for parents. It holds a 4.7 out of 5 guest rating from 209 reviews.
See Kona Village A Rosewood ResortLilikoi Inn
75 5339 Mamalahoa Hwy Holualoa Hi 96725 Usa, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereLilikoi Inn is a 5-star base in Holualoa, 5.6 km from the centre, with a garden, terrace and jacuzzi for unwinding after a day out. A kitchen and lounge give it the feel of a house rather than a hotel, and breakfast is provided. Non-smoking rooms, free parking and free wifi round out the essentials, and family rooms are available. It suits guests who prefer a quiet hillside setting above town.
See Lilikoi Inn104A Waiulu Street Hualalai
104A Waiulu Street, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThis 4-star property on Waiulu Street places guests 23.6 km from the centre in the Hualalai area, with an outdoor pool as its stand-out feature. Free wifi and free car parking are included, which matters given the distance from town. Its 4.7 out of 5 rating is drawn from 1550 reviews. A straightforward choice for travellers who want a pool and parking in a residential resort setting.
See 104A Waiulu Street HualalaiKoana Breeze
77 353 Koana Way, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereKoana Breeze sits 3.0 km from the centre, close enough to town yet set in a garden with a terrace. A kitchen with oven, microwave and refrigerator plus a washing machine and fireplace make it suited to longer stays, and the sea and beach are nearby. Guests can also use the golf course and tennis court. It is rated 4.7 out of 5 from 209 reviews.
See Koana BreezeVilla Cinco Resort 8bdr 5bth at Kona Plantation Estates
755664 Kaahumanu Place, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
Why stay hereA large 4-star villa at Kona Plantation Estates, 3.0 km from the centre, with an outdoor pool, tennis court and garden on site and an arcade for indoor downtime. Free car parking keeps arrival simple, and a smoking area is designated. With 2071 reviews and a 4.4 out of 5 rating, it fits groups who want space and shared facilities close to town.
See Villa Cinco Resort 8bdr 5bth at Kona Plantation EstatesAston Kona by the Sea
75 6106 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereAston Kona by the Sea stands 0.1 km from the centre, with a private beach and sea views to match. Apartments come with a kitchen including oven, dishwasher and microwave, plus a balcony and jacuzzi, so self-catering is easy. An outdoor pool, fitness-free garden and concierge service cover the rest. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 623 reviews, it suits families and longer stays in town.
See Aston Kona by the SeaRoyal Sea Cliff Kona By Outrigger
75 6040 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereRoyal Sea Cliff Kona By Outrigger is 0.4 km from the centre and offers an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and tennis court, with diving available nearby. Each unit has a kitchen, balcony and bathroom, and there is a garden and terrace for outdoor time. Concierge service, free wifi and free parking are provided. Guests rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 1066 reviews, a solid pick for self-catering near town.
See Royal Sea Cliff Kona By OutriggerWhite Sands Village 201
77 6469 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereWhite Sands Village 201 puts guests 2.8 km from the centre, with a sea view and beach nearby. The apartment includes a kitchen with oven, dishwasher and microwave, plus a washing machine, and the complex has an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and fitness centre. Golf and fishing are within reach. Its 4.3 out of 5 rating comes from 331 reviews. Best for travellers who want kitchen facilities and pool access outside the busiest streets.
See White Sands Village 201Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger
78 261 Manukai St, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereSet 6.0 km from the centre of Kailua-Kona, Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger is a 4-star property whose 264 guests rate it 4.3 out of 5. Apartments come with a kitchen and balcony, and the grounds add a garden, terrace and outdoor pool, so self-catering days alternate easily with time by the water. A tennis court and table tennis keep active guests occupied, while free parking and free wifi simplify the logistics. It suits families and longer stays that prefer space and quiet over a downtown location.
See Kanaloa At Kona By OutriggerRoyal Kona Resort
75 5852 Alii Dr, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereRoyal Kona Resort is 1.9 km from the centre and has its own private beach, plus an outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre. A restaurant, bar and massage service are on hand, and yoga sessions are offered. Rooms have balconies, and tennis courts and a picnic area add to the outdoor options. With 6633 reviews and a 4.1 out of 5 rating, it is the busiest full-service option near town.
See Royal Kona ResortOutrigger Kona Resort & Spa
78 128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereOutrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 6.7 km from the centre, combines an outdoor pool, indoor pool and kids pool with a jacuzzi and fitness centre. A spa with massage, a restaurant and bar, and entertainment activities fill the days, and diving can be arranged. Family rooms and a chapel make it versatile. It scores 4.1 out of 5 from 4058 reviews.
See Outrigger Kona Resort & SpaBig Island Kailua Bay Resort 1 306 by Coldwell Banker Island Vacations
75 5669 Kuakini Hwy #1 306, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereThis 4-star Kailua Bay apartment is 3.0 km from the centre and comes with an outdoor pool and tennis court. A library, supermarket and multilingual staff are on site, and self parking and free wifi are included. Wheelchair access is provided. The 4.8 out of 5 rating rests on just 4 reviews, so treat it as a small-sample signal rather than a settled verdict.
See Big Island Kailua Bay Resort 1 306 by Coldwell Banker Island VacationsThe Great Kona Escape
73 4863 Anini Street, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
Why stay hereThe Great Kona Escape is a 4-star apartment 9.0 km from the centre, with a kitchen and kitchenette, patio and garden, and beach nearby. Bike rental and car rental service help with getting around, and golf, fishing, diving and horse riding are all available in the area. Bowling and entertainment activities are also listed. It holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating from 5 reviews.
See The Great Kona EscapeAlii Villas
75 6016 Alii Drive #308, Kailua-Kona, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereAlii Villas is 0.6 km from the centre, with a balcony, sea views and the beach nearby. The apartment has a kitchen with oven, dishwasher and microwave, plus a washing machine, and the complex offers an outdoor pool. Breakfast is available, and canoeing, diving and fishing can be arranged. Golf and horse riding are within reach. No guest rating is listed for this property.
See Alii Villas
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Resort Hualalai | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,550 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 23.5 km |
| Kona Village A Rosewood Resort | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 209 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 24.0 km |
| Lilikoi Inn | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | – | – | 5.6 km |
| 104A Waiulu Street Hualalai | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,550 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 23.6 km |
| Koana Breeze | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 209 | Yes | – | – | – | 3.0 km |
| Villa Cinco Resort 8bdr 5bth at Kona Plantation Estates | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 2,071 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 3.0 km |
| Aston Kona by the Sea | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 623 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.1 km |
| Royal Sea Cliff Kona By Outrigger | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 1,066 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.4 km |
| White Sands Village 201 | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 331 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 2.8 km |
| Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 264 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 6.0 km |
| Royal Kona Resort | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 6,633 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 1.9 km |
| Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 4,058 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.7 km |
| Big Island Kailua Bay Resort 1 306 by Coldwell Banker Island Vacations | ★★★★ | 4.8 | 4 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 3.0 km |
| The Great Kona Escape | ★★★★ | 4.2 | 5 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 9.0 km |
| Alii Villas | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 0.6 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For beach and pools
Aston Kona by the Sea, Royal Sea Cliff Kona By Outrigger and Royal Kona Resort all sit on Alii Drive with beach nearby and outdoor pools, and Royal Kona Resort adds a private beach and spa. Kona Village A Rosewood Resort offers a beach nearby plus a kids pool and fitness centre.
Aston Kona by the Sea · Royal Sea Cliff Kona By Outrigger · Royal Kona Resort · Kona Village A Rosewood Resort
For families
Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger has family rooms, kitchens, a tennis court and table tennis. Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa adds a kids pool, indoor pool and entertainment activities, while Aston Kona by the Sea offers family rooms, a kitchen and a picnic area.
Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger · Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa · Aston Kona by the Sea
For luxury resorts
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and Kona Village A Rosewood Resort are both 5-star, rated 4.7 out of 5, and sit north of town. Both have outdoor or kids pools, fitness centres, restaurants and bars, and the Four Seasons adds a golf course and jacuzzi.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai · Kona Village A Rosewood Resort
For independence
Koana Breeze, Alii Villas, White Sands Village 201 and The Great Kona Escape are apartment-style stays with kitchens and free parking, suited to guests who prefer to self-cater and drive to the beaches and attractions around Kailua-Kona.
Koana Breeze · Alii Villas · White Sands Village 201 · The Great Kona Escape
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Kailua-Kona is served by Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) at Keahole, about 15 minutes north of town. Direct flights arrive from major U.S. cities and some international destinations. Rental cars are the most convenient way to get around, as public transportation is limited. The town is walkable in the centre, but a car is needed to explore beaches and attractions outside Kailua. Taxis and ride-sharing are available but can be sparse, so plan ahead for trips to the Kohala Coast resorts and Keauhou.
When to go
The best time to visit Kailua-Kona is during the drier months from April to October, when rainfall is lower and temperatures are warm, though the Kona coast is generally sunny year-round. Winter months can bring more rain and higher surf, but also whale-watching opportunities. Peak tourist seasons fall around holidays and summer, so book accommodations early.
Questions, answered
How far are these hotels from Kailua town centre?
Distances vary widely. Aston Kona by the Sea is 0.1 km from the centre, Alii Villas 0.6 km and Royal Kona Resort 1.9 km, while the Kohala Coast resorts, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and Kona Village A Rosewood Resort, are about 23.5 and 24.0 km away.
Which hotels are best for families?
Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger has family rooms, kitchens, a tennis court and table tennis. Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa has a kids pool and entertainment activities, and Aston Kona by the Sea offers family rooms, a kitchen and a picnic area.
Do any of the hotels have a kitchen?
Yes. Koana Breeze, Alii Villas, White Sands Village 201, The Great Kona Escape, Aston Kona by the Sea and Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger all list kitchen facilities. Lilikoi Inn also has a kitchen, and The Great Kona Escape adds a kitchenette.
Which hotels are closest to the beach?
Several hotels list beach nearby, including Aston Kona by the Sea, Royal Sea Cliff Kona By Outrigger, Royal Kona Resort, Alii Villas, Koana Breeze and both Kohala Coast resorts. Royal Kona Resort and Aston Kona by the Sea also list a private beach.
Which hotels have a pool?
Pools appear at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kona Village A Rosewood Resort, Aston Kona by the Sea, Royal Sea Cliff Kona By Outrigger, Royal Kona Resort, White Sands Village 201, Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Alii Villas and 104A Waiulu Street Hualalai.
Do I need a car when staying at these hotels?
A car is recommended, since public transportation is limited and several hotels, including the Kohala Coast resorts and Keauhou properties, lie well outside the walkable town centre. Free car parking is listed at many of the hotels, including Lilikoi Inn, Royal Sea Cliff Kona By Outrigger and Kanaloa At Kona By Outrigger.
What is the weather like in Kailua-Kona?
Kailua-Kona enjoys a warm, tropical climate with temperatures typically between 70°F and 85°F. The area is sunnier than other parts of the island, though brief showers can occur, and April to October is the drier stretch of the year.