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 (1840)
  • Very good (2094)
  • Average (946)
  • Poor (419)
  • Terrible (296)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Really lovely property.

Jul 9, 2025 H9324HKlucys

Large property close to everything you could need. Small pool was clean tidy and relatively quiet. No beach. Great bar/restaurant overlooking the water, only had breakfast there, which was good. Great service from all staff. Stayed in Alii Tower room was large comfortable and clean. Large balcony with furniture with partial Seaview. A bit rough… Read more
Large property close to everything you could need. Small pool was clean tidy and relatively quiet. No beach. Great bar/restaurant overlooking the water, only had breakfast there, which was good. Great service from all staff. Stayed in Alii Tower room was large comfortable and clean. Large balcony with furniture with partial Seaview. A bit rough round the edges and needs some small repairs and painting here and there but overall really nice. Would stay again and recommend to friends and family. Didn't hear anything from the building works. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Outstanding stay and experience

Jul 7, 2025 Inspire21617573459

This resort was great and I had an exceptional experience. I was celebrating my daughter's birthday. The Royal Kona Resort has a history with me as I was here back in 1998 with my daughter's mother on our honeymoon. The location of the Royal Kona Resort is absolutely scenic as it's right next to the ocean. You cannot have a better view of the… Read more
This resort was great and I had an exceptional experience. I was celebrating my daughter's birthday. The Royal Kona Resort has a history with me as I was here back in 1998 with my daughter's mother on our honeymoon. The location of the Royal Kona Resort is absolutely scenic as it's right next to the ocean. You cannot have a better view of the ocean in any position but from this beautiful hotel resort In addition, the staff was very friendly and very helpful. I want to give a shout out to the manager on duty when I checked in whose name is Kevin. Great location and great restaurant that is in the hotel and everything is within walkable distance. My daughter and I had a great vacation and time of our lives. The rooms were clean and room service was outstanding. I highly recommend this resort. And their prices were very reasonable and affordable. Keep up the great work. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great sea view but let down by outdated room (175) decor and bugs

Jul 2, 2025 Al-Shumba Bedfordshire, United Kingdom

We stayed at this resort when visiting Kona. We were given a ground floor room in the Bay Tower (175). It was cleaned to a good standard daily. On arrival it took a long while to get processed by only two reception staff on duty and a long queue. Our appointed room had a great sea view, and had great sunsets, but smelt musty / damp. The room… Read more
We stayed at this resort when visiting Kona. We were given a ground floor room in the Bay Tower (175). It was cleaned to a good standard daily. On arrival it took a long while to get processed by only two reception staff on duty and a long queue. Our appointed room had a great sea view, and had great sunsets, but smelt musty / damp. The room was dated and needed renovating. The patio sliding door from room to patio was rusty and was difficult to open and close. There were numerous bugs / moths in the room that would land on your face during the night and wake you up. The provision of cheap plastic and paper cups lacked quality. The garden in the quadrangle outside the room had croaker frogs croaking all night long which kept you awake. Nice to have the greenery but not when it stops you from sleeping. The air con worked well and the car parking was good, albeit at additional cost. The hotel was well located near to shops and restaurants / bars. The hotels own bar and restaurant was good and efficient and the staff were knowledgeable about gluten free options on the menu which is essential for coeliac. Checkout was quick and efficient. Big Al’s Top tips: Ask for a room in the main block as they will probably be quieter Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Friendly staff, convenient, clean rooms!

Jun 30, 2025 Judy C Honolulu, Hawaii

We love that it's right on the bay. You can hear the ocean at night. It puts me right to sleep. The restaurant and bar are very convenient. Close to shopping and other restaurants, no need to drive if you don't want to!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating One night stay

Jun 28, 2025 BJ K

Check in was a breeze. Front desk, Jayden, wasn't the friendliest. No aloha, no greeting, no smile. Rooms was big, third floor in renovation building. Could not hear any noise from renovation. Went down to check the luau. Outside security worker was not friendly, no aloha, not local, not helpful. Had breakfast before checkout. Nice… Read more
Check in was a breeze. Front desk, Jayden, wasn't the friendliest. No aloha, no greeting, no smile. Rooms was big, third floor in renovation building. Could not hear any noise from renovation. Went down to check the luau. Outside security worker was not friendly, no aloha, not local, not helpful. Had breakfast before checkout. Nice restaurant, nice view, good food, large portions. Checked out with Ann. She was nice, helpful, friendly. Willing to stay again when in Kailua-Kona. Read less