Kona Kai Resort & Spa

San Diego, California

Star rating

Deluxe King Room
Vessel Restaurant
Terrace
Deluxe Queen Room
Marina Terrace
Marina View Junior Suite
Deluxe King Room
Vessel Restaurant
Terrace
Deluxe Queen Room
Marina Terrace
Marina View Junior Suite

The hotel

This iconic California hotel is on Shelter Island, overlooking the famed Kona Kai Marina. With ocean views from every room type, you can laze the days away on your balcony if you fancy - complete with stunning views of San Diego bay. Although with a private beach two waterfront pools, you'll probably want to leave the room to enjoy a leisurely day by the water either way. Embrace true holiday life and head to the poolside bar for a refreshing drink – and take in the views of the marina, or pamper yourself at the spa. If you fancy something a bit more active, explore the island on one of the complimentary beach cruisers or enjoy one of the many water sports activities on offer!

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

Located on Shelter Island on Kona Kai Marina, minutes from Downtown San Diego and San Diego’s International Airport.

Hotel information

170 rooms, including 41 luxury suites, all with spectacular water viewsfrom the private patio or balcony, as well as flatscreen TV with premium entertainment channels, complimentary coffee, mini-fridge, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, iron and board. 

Deluxe Guestrooms have 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Premium Rooms offer 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Suites are also available, featuring sophisticated coastal design, spa-inspired bathrooms with bath and rainfall shower, and bay or marina views from an oversized balcony. 

Vessel restaurant (local coastal cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Tiki Bar and adults-only pool bar. Resort pool and adults-only pool. Pool and beach cabanas*. Spa*. Fitness centre. Complimentary fitness classes. Private beach and firepits. Water activity centre* including kayaks and paddle boards. Volleyball. Badminton. Complimentary bikes. Fishing*. Beach parties. Kona Kai Marina with bay cruises* and dinner cruises*. Gift shop. Room service*. WiFi*. Self-parking $34, plus tax per night (payable locally, subject to change)

The hotel charges a nightly resort fee of $48 plus tax per room per night. Subject to change

Resort fee includes: - Daily Newspaper in Lobby - WiFi - Fitness centre and steam room - Towel Service at pool and spa. 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 (1846)
  • Very good (492)
  • Average (333)
  • Poor (241)
  • Terrible (213)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating We love Kona Kai!

Jun 8, 2026 C940UEdavidk Prescott, Arizona

We love Kona Kai. We have stayed here well over 100 days over the last 10 years and we do a week long vacation here at least two times per year. The location is perfect for relaxing away from the chaos of San Diego and for walking Shelter Island where we enjoy spectacular views of downtown, huge naval and cargo ships sailing by and, our favorite,… Read more
We love Kona Kai. We have stayed here well over 100 days over the last 10 years and we do a week long vacation here at least two times per year. The location is perfect for relaxing away from the chaos of San Diego and for walking Shelter Island where we enjoy spectacular views of downtown, huge naval and cargo ships sailing by and, our favorite, macy jets taking off. Top Gun anyone? Very cool. The Kona Kai staff are the best. They are always upbeat and ready to help with any needs. The rooms are perfectly sized and my wife loves the tub with a view. The adult pool is a major plus for us. Its heated, has a view of the harbor and there's a nice sized jacuzzi to soak in and socialize. The Vessel restaurant is a great amenity and it also has a very nice view of the harbor with multi million dollar ships moored there. All in all, Kona Kai is our favorite resort destination. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Next Level Brunch Experience

Jun 8, 2026 B5434RIchristopherm San Diego, California

I recently visited the Kona Kai resort, with my husband, for the brunch buffet at The Vessel restaraunt. This has quickly become one of our favorite brunch places as a local. There's a great selection of food items without being overwhelming. Everything from fruit and yogurt, meats and cheeses, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, salad,… Read more
I recently visited the Kona Kai resort, with my husband, for the brunch buffet at The Vessel restaraunt. This has quickly become one of our favorite brunch places as a local. There's a great selection of food items without being overwhelming. Everything from fruit and yogurt, meats and cheeses, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, salad, and a couple hot Chef's selections that rotate. Add to that these huge peel & eat shrimp and crab claws which takes the experience to another level. The entire staff was great but I need to shout out Kaveh. He is a priceless gem to your establishment. On a prior visit we didnt have the best experience. Once he got involved, he did everything in his power to smooth things over including not accepting our travelzoo voucher because that was not the experience he wanted us to have. He told us to use it on our next visit. This was that visit. He remebered us and constantly checked in to make sure we had the best experience this time around. Super friendly and knows how to put the customer first. He turned what potentially would have been such a negative experience and a client that would most likely never return into a positive, memorable experience. Once again, he invited us back soon--and we absolutely will return. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not worth the price

Jun 8, 2026 Anthony B

Not worth the price, lackluster amenities, expensive paid parking not included in the resort fees, mediocre room, can't say it's worth anywhere near the price.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Cozy and comfortable place to stay with the best staff ever

Jun 5, 2026 Christopher M

I totally LOVE this property! I travel all over the US for work and this was such a cozy place to stay. Above all else, EVERYONE that I interacted with was THE BEST. From the ladies and guys to the front desk to Marin and TJ in the restaurant, what a great team! You will see me back soon!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful!

Jun 5, 2026 Anne P

Loved the resort! Beautiful and very clean. Location was perfect and what a spectacular view of bay! The staff was very friendly, courteous and helpful. We’ll definitely be back!