Royal Kona Resort

Big Island, Hawaii

Star rating

The hotel

An established resort hotel, the Royal Kona is surrounding by 12 acres of tropical landscape, just steps from the sea. Its laid-back ambience ensures a relaxing stay with amenities such as an oceanfront swimming pool and a private swimming lagoon to tempt you. There are also tennis courts for those who’ve remembered to pack their whites and a fitness centre for keeping trim. A hot favourite we think will be the Mai Tai Bar, not only serving 10 types of Mai Tai’s but set in a spectacular location, against the backdrop of Kailua Bay. The Breezaway Lounge is also idyllic, with sofas and armchairs strategically placed to offer full ocean views. Grab yourself a seat, a Mai Tai (of course!) and admire dazzling sunsets night after night. At Don the Beachcomber, the dining is as sumptuous as the view, fusing Asian inspiration and European technique to create the most delightful of dishes. Not to be missed is the Lu’au — a feast of tropical delicacies, song and dance celebrating the legends and lore of Polynesia, the dramatic Fire Dance finale is breathtaking!

Amenities

  • Tennis
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • No Smoking
  • Restaurant
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

On the Island of Hawaii, beside the sea in Kailua-Kona, in the historical district and close to Hulihee Palace.

Hotel information

436 rooms and suites in 3 ocean front towers. All with air-conditioning, balcony, satellite TV with pay-per-view films, telephone, WiFi*, mini-fridge, coffee maker, safe, hairdryer, iron and board. Standard Room with 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Partial Ocean View Room with 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Ocean View Room with 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Ocean Front Corner King offer full panoramic ocean views with 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

Don the Beachcomber Restaurant, Don’s Mai Tai Bar, Don’s Breezaway Lounge. Ocean front swimming pool, private swimming lagoon. Fitness centre. 4 floodlit tennis courts. Ocean front Voyagers of the Pacific Lu’au* (select evenings). Weekly Hawaiian Music Legends Concert Series. Regular live music. Activities desk. Hair salon*. Spa and Massage Centre*. Laundry self-service*. Shops. Self-parking $12 plus tax per day (payable locally, subject to change).

This hotel has a resort fee of $25 plus tax per room, per day (payable locally, subject to change)

Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1826)
  • Very good (2091)
  • Average (944)
  • Poor (417)
  • Terrible (296)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great time other than my fall

May 20, 2025 Wayne A

We had a wonderful room and had a lovely gift basket upon arrival to celebrate our 55th anniversary. Everyone extremely nice . However on our 1st full day there , I slipped in the bathtub and had to go to the hospital ER . I had 2 broken ribs . The tub had strips in the middle of the tub . I told our housekeeper what happened and had a bath mat… Read more
We had a wonderful room and had a lovely gift basket upon arrival to celebrate our 55th anniversary. Everyone extremely nice . However on our 1st full day there , I slipped in the bathtub and had to go to the hospital ER . I had 2 broken ribs . The tub had strips in the middle of the tub . I told our housekeeper what happened and had a bath mat the next day . I am in my 70’s and my suggestion would be to have strips from front to back of tub or bath mats to prevent someone else from slipping like I did . Thanks so very much Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nice, Convenient

May 20, 2025 gregwh

The resort is a very short walk into town. If you want to shop and check out the restaurants, this property is a good choice. We had a balcony room on the ocean side so were able to view the fabulous sunsets. The bar and restaurants on property is decent although there are a few good ones toward town. We were in the bay tower. Our room had… Read more
The resort is a very short walk into town. If you want to shop and check out the restaurants, this property is a good choice. We had a balcony room on the ocean side so were able to view the fabulous sunsets. The bar and restaurants on property is decent although there are a few good ones toward town. We were in the bay tower. Our room had adequate storage for clothes and the usual travel stuff. We would stay at this property again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Royal Kona Resort is what the true Hawaii Spirit is all about

May 18, 2025 scott i

The most amazing location on the island. The entire staff makes you feel like you are home with your closest friends and family. The pool is right on the water and the Luau overlooks the beautiful blue pacific. We have been to the Big Island over 20 times and this resort is our favorite Go To Resort.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating STAY ANYWHERE BUT HERE

May 18, 2025 Caroline M

Upon check in, we were VERY briefly told about where our room was and very few other details. There is no bellman or carts available for use. The resort charges $25 for parking and $25 resort fee. The building is run down, the staff is incredibly rude and to be completely honest, extremely unhelpful, especially the host at the Mai Tai Bar with… Read more
Upon check in, we were VERY briefly told about where our room was and very few other details. There is no bellman or carts available for use. The resort charges $25 for parking and $25 resort fee. The building is run down, the staff is incredibly rude and to be completely honest, extremely unhelpful, especially the host at the Mai Tai Bar with darker hair. The bartenders were ignoring us because we had our coupon for our complimentary mai tai’s out on the bar, so we waited 15+ minutes watching them do ANYTHING else but serve us. There wasn’t even a full bar and everyone else was taken care of. The rooms and building is run down. I called housekeeping twice asking for blankets and waited over 45 minutes. The laziness around this property is not worth a stay, and it was unpleasant. Please do your research because this being labeled a resort is a joke. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Resort saved our vacation

May 17, 2025 gs7778

We had to cancel a VRBO that was not as advertised and booked a room at the Royal Kona last minute. Ann at the front desk gave us top notch customer service. We had a great ocean view room. The resort has a charming 1960s retro vibe with a Tiki bar with an ocean view. The resort has more character than places like the Marriott that looks like a… Read more
We had to cancel a VRBO that was not as advertised and booked a room at the Royal Kona last minute. Ann at the front desk gave us top notch customer service. We had a great ocean view room. The resort has a charming 1960s retro vibe with a Tiki bar with an ocean view. The resort has more character than places like the Marriott that looks like a shopping mall inside. Read less