Hotel Overview

Even before you are welcomed to the Royal Kona Resort by the gracious staff you will be embraced by a swirl of salt air -- ha, in Hawaiian, the life-breath of the islands. You will see it ruffling the fronds of the palm trees that fringe the 12 manicured acres, tossing the waves against the stark black lava rocks at the property's feet, marching columns of clouds across the uninterrupted expanse of sky. The air here presents you with the perfume of tropical flowers. It is a reminder that you are on the Big Island of Hawaii, a reminder to breathe, to exhale, and completely relax.

Set oceanfront overlooking Kailua Bay in the heart of Kona town, the Royal Kona Resort is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, historical sites, and activities. Guests enjoy spacious guestrooms featuring a large lanai with beautiful mountain vistas or magnificent ocean views, a private saltwater swimming lagoon and sandy sunning area, oceanfront pool, tennis courts, and spa. The Resort also offers meeting facilities, a romance center, wedding services, and an oceanfront Luau. Dine at the water's edge at Don the Beachcomber signature restaurant or try one of the many unique Mai Tai creations at the adjacent Don's Mai Tai Bar.

At 390 square feet, the recently remodeled and spacious guest rooms at Royal Kona Resort are as expansive as the ocean and mountain skylines they showcase. For even grander appointments, the Corner King rooms offer 450 feet of relaxing space. At the heart of the resort is the Alii Tower, which is home to the open-air lobby, Front Desk, and Don the Beachcomber restaurant. The Lagoon Tower, on the south side of the resort, overlooks the private beach and saltwater lagoon. It also houses a beauty salon and self-service laundry. To the north, closest to Kailua-Kona, is the Bay Tower in which the massage and spa center can be found.

Designed by renowned Tiki architect George "Pete" Wimberly, the soaring, sheltering roofline of the resort's signature Don the Beachcomber Restaurant perfectly sets a tropical theme. Hawaiian music wafts through the dining area, flowing past the shaded, waterside tables. Don't be surprised if you are joined for breakfast by a pod of spinner dolphins, or starting in late October, migrating humpback whales whose breathtaking aerial performances bring the whole bay to a standstill. The dining is as spectacular as the view, a fusion of Asian inspiration, European technique, and the finest, freshest local ingredients.

Location

Kailua/Kona
Kona, HI, USA - Keahole (KOA) : 15 miles

Property Information

Year Built: 1968
Last Renovation: 2006
Accessible rooms: 4
Floors: 7
Total rooms: 436

{{title}}

Hotel Details

Amenities

Show More

Activities

Show More

Hotel Advisories

Advisory The Royal Kona Resort is now a 100% non-smoking hotel. All guestrooms are non-smoking. Smoking is not permitted in any public areas. There are three designated smoking areas throughout the resort, please contact resort staff for further information. A $200 cleaning fee will be charged to those who violate this policy. The fee will be assessed by the hotel and charged to the guest's folio. Cleaning fee is subject to change without notice.
Advisory A minimum self parking fee of $25 (plus tax) per room, per night, per vehicle will be charged and collected by the hotel at check-in or check-out. Parking fees are subject to change without prior notice. The information published here is to give the client an estimate of additional fees they may be responsible for, but not a guarantee of the final amount due.
Advisory A minimum mandatory hotel-imposed resort fee of $25.00 (plus tax) per room, per day, will be charged and collected by the hotel at check-in or check-out. This fee is subject to change without prior notice. The information published here is to give the client an estimate of additional fees that they may be responsible for but is not a guarantee of the final amount due. For a detailed description of what is included in the mandatory fee, please see hotel policies.
Advisory Lagoon Tower Restoration Project - Based on this update we can advise that the project will continue throughout 2025. Additionally, the project team has advised some work may be required on weekends starting now through 2025.

General Policies & Fine Print

Check In: 4:00 PM
Check Out: 11:00 AM
Minimum Check-In Age: 18
General Policies: Check-in Policy:
Hotel requires a credit/debit card authorization or cash deposit upon check-in for incidentals; this will place a hold on your funds.

Convention Policy:
Individuals attending a convention cannot book this property for their stay. If found attending a convention, guests may be subject to higher room rates upon arrival.

Hotel Spring Break Policy:
This hotel cannot guarantee a spring-break-free environment.

General Information:
Room taxes are included in vacation price.
Minimum night stay restrictions may apply.
Reservation changes may not be permitted unless authorized by the hotel.

Resort Fee - A mandatory hotel-imposed fee is charged and collected by the hotel either at check-in or check-out.

Amenities included in the resort fee are:

• Welcome to Paradise Mai Tais (one coupon good for two Mai Tais per room/stay)

• Bottled Water on arrival (two per room/stay)

• Filtered Water Stations 

• Enhanced Guestroom Wi-Fi

• Fitness Center Access

• Guestroom Safe Usage

• Local & 800 calls

• Daily Yoga/Fitness Classes

• Daily Hawaiian Cultural Activities (weekly schedule and sign-up available at Front Desk)

• Reef Safe Sunscreen (available at the pool)

• Complimentary Tennis Racquet Rentals, Tennis Balls & Water (available at Royal Kona Resort Tennis Club)

• $25 Island Activities & Tours Credit (valid when purchasing tours/activities valued at $200 through the Activities Desk) 

• $20 Lotus Center Spa Credit (available on 90-minute massages)

• $20 greens fee credit plus 50% discount on club rentals at Makalei Golf Club ($25 value)

• 20% off green fees and club rentals at Makani Kai Golf Course ($33 value)+++• Welcome to Paradise Mai Tais (two coupons per room/stay)

Inclusions subject to change and are based on availability. Some activities require reservations.
Pet Policy Pets Not Allowed

Customer Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_4.0 5490 reviews
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 4.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Best location

    We really enjoyed the Royal Kona. The grounds are super pretty and our room was spacious and comfortable. I believe we were in one of the renovated rooms. The furniture seemed new and the carpet was definitely new. However, the bathroom could definitely use an update. Beds were comfy, water pressure was great and we had a view of the lagoon and we enjoyed watching the tennis and Pickleball courts from our balcony. The building is under renovation and we did hear noise, and see the construction workers throughout the day, but it didn’t bother us much. They were all very friendly and did their best to stay out of our way. The restaurant has the prettiest view in the whole town and the breakfast was really good. The only complaint is that the hotel serves cheap coffee at the restaurant and in the rooms. You would think being in Kona, they would serve the best coffee around. Anyway, the service was good. The pool is small, but the view is beautiful and we never had a problem getting chairs or towels. The location is the best. You literally can walk everywhere to shop, eat, drink, etc. Parking was $25 per day, but it is in a gated lot and we never had a problem finding a spot, even on the very busy times of the day. Our only complaint was when we first arrived, the young girl at the front desk wasn’t the nicest. As soon as we walked up to check in, she didn’t even say hello. She asked for an ID without a smile. Collected our information to charge the 8 days of parking, gave us a map and showed us which direction to our room. Never said thank you or anything. Must’ve had a bad day, I guess. Fortunately, our 8 days at the Royal Kona were wonderful and we wouldn’t hesitate to return.

    Dec 21, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 3.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Good Location But Noisy

    We stayed at the Royal Kona for 3 nights. The Royal Kona is only a 15 minute drive from the Kona airport. The check-in was quick and the hotel had plenty of parking. The hotel charges for parking. We had a two double bed room. The room was spacious and clean. The bathroom was fully stocked and they cleaned the room every day. The hotel has a pool but no beach access. We stayed on the 4th floor and it was always loud inside the room at night. The walls and sliding glass door do not block any noise from the outside. Dumb people drive around on the street at night with loud music in their cars and you can hear it like it's in your room. They are renovating the hotel but they really need to use dual pane or triple pane sliding glass doors to block the noise. The beds were not comfortable either. Pros: Excellent Location with many restaurants within walking distance. Cons: Too Noisy in the rooms. Try getting a room that faces the ocean and not the street. Would I stay here again? Probably yes because of the location.

    Dec 16, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 1.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Most terrible smelling hotel ever

    We chose this location based on the photos and location. When we first arrived we were very impressed by the upgraded check in area outside. As we got to our room though we knew something was not right. The ceilings were low and the halls smelled musty. As soon as we opened our hotel door the overwhelming musty smell hit us like a ton of bricks and almost knocked the wind out of us. The carpeted floors were moist to the touch and the bedding was damp and musty smelling. My husband went down to the front desk and talked to the manager where we’re were informed that all rooms they could move us to would be very similar in condition. We left moments later and went to Courtyard, where we had a magnificent experience. We tried to get our money back or at least part of it and were denied. Vacationer beware.

    Dec 15, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 4.0 star tripadvisor rating
    3 to 4 Star Hotel in a 5 Star location.

    Another great stay at the Kona Resort. Our 2nd time. Its a 3.5 to 4.0 hotel in a 5.0 location. Pool is ok with a beautiful view, easy close access to a beautiful bar with a good happy hour and great for kids. Parking is close but can fill up but is always available after 7 or 8 pm. Everything is walkable and Huggo’s Restaurant right next door. Staff is constantly good, I think because it is not a chain hotel and they treat their employees right.

    Dec 15, 2024
  • TRI_LOGO_ANCILLARY_ 4.0 star tripadvisor rating
    Good hotel

    Great location with a magnificent view. Staff are friendly and helpful. Maid service is very good. The restaurant offers good food and drinks. Servers are pleasant. Because there’s a lot going on in the area, the surroundings can be noisy at night. The hotel is a bit outdated, needs a face lift. It appears they’re working on it. Overall, a good experience.

    Dec 14, 2024

*Prices per person based on double occupancy including round-trip airfare via U.S. certified air carriers (unless otherwise stated), hotel taxes and baggage handling, fuel surcharges, and all pre-collected U.S. and foreign taxes. Round-trip airport/hotel transfers are included in Mexico (excluding Loreto), Central America and many Caribbean Islands. Transfers not included for air-only passengers. Prices valid on new bookings only and in some instances, pricing may specifically apply to one of multiple flights on select departure days. All packages are based on the lowest hotel/air classes available at time of publication, capacity controlled, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotional pricing may only be available for a limited time. Restrictions & black -out dates may apply. Fees may apply for carry-on and checked baggage-view Baggage Policies. Some resort fees, environmental levies and departure taxes are not included and may be payable in resort. View Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Apple Vacations is not responsible for errors or omissions. Bookings are subject to the current General/Cancellation Terms & Conditions. All public charter flights Allegiant Air: PC 20-070/PC 21-043; Swift Air: PC 21-056; Viva Aerobus: PC 20-081; Volaris: PC 20-099 are operated by ALG Vacations Corp. Apple Vacations materials (including, but not limited to, names, trademark, service marks, logos, marketing materials, etc.) shall not be used, reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any way, except with the express written consent of Apple Vacations. CST2139014-20. This information is current as of June 3, 2021.