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Royal Kona Resort

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Traveller (4283)
Room & Suite (980)
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About

#3 of 5 resorts in Kailua-Kona
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice

With its dramatic setting overlooking Kailua Bay, the Royal Kona Resort is an oceanfront landmark in the heart of Kona town, conveniently located just steps from many fine restaurants, shops, historical sites, and activities. Completed in 2021, guests will enjoy the $15-million renovation to the resort’s 436 guestrooms and suites, and oceanfront pool deck.

Drawing inspiration from the tropical surroundings and sheer beauty of the islands the new Deluxe guestrooms and suites are designed with modern coastal inspired décor and finishes, rich teak furnishings, colorful natural fabrics, and beautiful marble wet bars outfitted with coffee makers and mini refrigerators.

The relaxing open-air lobby, surrounded by a tropical saltwater fishpond, leads out to an expansive newly refinished oceanfront sundeck impressively set directly above the ocean featuring luxurious teak loungers, beach umbrellas, and pool cabanas. The Resort also offers a private sandy beach cove and sheltered saltwater swimming lagoon perfect for beginner snorkeling.

Guests will find light meals and a variety of tropical beverages, including the Original Mai Tai, showcased in a world-class oceanside setting at the signature Don the Beachcomber Restaurant & Mai Tai Bar. With its open-air setting, right on the water’s edge, Don’s is the perfect spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of all the activity taking place on Kailua Bay, and it’s a great place to catch a breathtaking Kona sunset. Several nights a week, the Resort is home to Kona’s best oceanfront Luau, the "Voyagers of the Pacific Luau” presented by the award-winning Tihati productions.

Other resort amenities include four tennis courts available for day or evening play; rejuvenating massage and spa treatments; a fitness center; Hawaiian cultural activities; yoga classes; and a great sundry shop. Island specialists are available at the Resort’s Activities Desk to assist guests in booking tours and to recommend other island attractions, and specialists are also available on-property to assist couples with destination weddings and vow renewal ceremonies.

For a great location in the heart of Kailua-Kona, gracious Hawaiian hospitality and service, and the Big Island’s best value, choose the Royal Kona Resort.

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Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Beach
Diving
Highchairs available
Parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Yoga classes
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Poolside bar
Snorkelling
Tennis court
Water sport equipment rentals
Evening entertainment
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Massage
Waxing services
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Convenience store
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shops
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
ATM on site
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Safe
Sofa
Telephone
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Radio
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Mountain view
Ocean view
City view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family Resort
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Filipino, Japanese
Hotel links
Special Rate:10% Off Best Available Room Rates
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles5,341 reviews
Reviews Summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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At the Royal Kona Resort, the panoramic ocean views and prime location win guests over, offering easy access to local attractions and a picturesque setting. The pool and lagoon are among the amenities that earn praise, though the absence of microwaves and need for room updates are drawbacks noted by some. While the resort's classic Hawaiian charm and live entertainment are highlights, travelers often express dissatisfaction with additional fees, diminishing the perceived value. The staff's friendliness stands out, despite occasional service hiccups. However, noise disruptions and dated decor are recurrent criticisms that impact the guest experience.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Dated
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Noise level
Noisy
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Satisfactory
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5,341Reviews128Q+A100Room tips
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GillJezz wrote a review Mar 17
Aberystwyth, United Kingdom541 contributions345 helpful votes
I thought this place was overpriced until I looked at what other hotels around Kona were charging and it turned out to be decent value by comparison. We got a room at the discounted tower renovation rate and ended up with a partial sea view and only heard muffled drilling noise once in the five days we stayed. The room was a bit dated and I rather assume that will be getting done fairly soon, but everything was clean and working with a comfy king sized bed and a large balcony. Check in was easy and the receptionists were very helpful and friendly. The car parking is safe with plenty of room and the hotel is within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars, souvenir shopping etc. The laundry room was easy to use and very handy too. We didn't eat here so I can't review the restaurant and their regular Aloha evenings seemed popular but aren't our thing
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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BolDert wrote a review May 2023
Snohomish, Washington4 contributions7 helpful votes
Hotel's Favourite
First timers to the Big Island and Royal Kona Resort. We were not disappointed. We knew in advance that it was not a sandy beach setting. Rather, the resort is located on a beautiful lava rock outcropping. There are plenty of places to relax next to the wave action, which was mesmerizing and peaceful. There are sandy beach areas up and down the coast, but we preferred relaxing at the resort. We also knew in advance that one of the resort towers was under renovation, and we were accommodated away from that area. The resort went to great lengths to keep disruption to a minimum, and we never even heard any construction noise. We stayed in one of the deluxe corner rooms. These have very large lanai's and perfect ocean and sunset views. If there was more outdoor furniture on the large lanai, we may have simply stayed there the whole time! We also saw other room types and it seemed that any with a water view were worthwhile. We enjoyed several meals at the resort's restaurant which is right at water's edge as well. One evening we listened to a live performance there at the restaurant by Henry Kapono, which was entertaining. We also enjoyed several days with a poolside cabana, super nice for enjoying the sunshine in moderation. All of the resort staff were excellent, from the moment we arrived and checked in, and throughout our stay. Everyone there was friendly and good at what they do. All of this, combined with the fact that the resort retains that Hawaii vibe that we like to feel, is why we will return to the Royal Kona Resort!
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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Response from HHR_CustomerService, CSR at Royal Kona Resort
Responded May 12, 2023
Aloha!! We appreciate your valuable feedback. We hope that you had a beautiful time and will keep us in mind on your next trip to Hawaii.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Debra D wrote a review Mar 11
Oklahoma2 contributions
Loved the open air lobby and the beautiful sunsets. The room was clean. Loved the wooden sliding louvered doors. A nice touch was the two Mai Tais ticket given at check in. Also really enjoyed the Thursday night live music but should’ve made a reservation because it was crazy busy.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from HHR_CustomerService, CSR at Royal Kona Resort
Responded 1 week ago
We are delighted that you enjoyed it and we hope to welcome you back again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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angeleyes27 wrote a review Mar 10
Brigantine, New Jersey5196 contributions979 helpful votes
We stayed here many years ago when it was the Hilton and then again a couple years ago. We liked it here. There are pros and cons here. First the pros: Nice location with easy walk to everything including shops and restaurants on the Main Street, pleasant public areas nicely done, beds comfortable and rooms clean, price was better than some others on the package we got, rooms are very large, beautiful grounds with many places to watch the ocean, nice luau right on premises, restaurant and bar on premises, good amount of parking spaces, pleasant staff. The restaurant had prices comparable to local restaurants and food was good.. Rooms had mini fridge. Now the cons: no hot tub. Needs more handicap parking spaces. , public areas in towers other than main tower have nice gardens but seem very worn with empty business offices at bottom.. watch your step in some areas as they could be more lit at night . We feel the good outweighs the bad.and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay again.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from HHR_CustomerService, CSR at Royal Kona Resort
Responded 1 week ago
Mahalo! We appreciate your positive feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to welcome you back again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Mari N wrote a review Mar 5
7 contributions2 helpful votes
First time staying here & the LAST!!! Loud wedding party under my balcony. No mention of this when I checked in. Had I known there was going to be noisy wedding reception so close by, I would have opted to stay at the other tower. Called the front desk...and got an apathetic response. The front desk staff are like AI bots...actually AI bots would have had a nicer programmed response. For what I paid for this room, not acceptable. Rooms are dated & need upgrading. I should have booked a nearby condo instead. AVOID...not worth the money!!!
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from HHR_CustomerService, CSR at Royal Kona Resort
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you for your recent feedback concerning your stay at the Royal Kona Resort. We are extremely sorry to hear about your negative experience. We will be forwarding this review to our team to address the concerns you have listed to improve the service for our guests.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Joyce Z wrote a review Mar 5
California91 contributions76 helpful votes
Let's start with the pros, had a 3 night stay here for my husband's birthday and was pleasantly surprised with how huge that corner room and its 270 degree view balcony was. You could've fit another bed on one side of the balcony, it was that big. The view was my favorite from this oceanfront room where you can see downtown and the open ocean to catch the sunset. There was a mini fridge and a microwave is available upon request to heat up any leftovers. The box of chocolates at check-in for his birthday was a nice touch. Cons: pool is only available during the day as the underwater lights are out, making it dangerous to be open after dark. I was surprised that it's not something they would've fixed since I noticed in one of the previous review that it was out for over 6 months before our arrival so not a new problem. Hopefully it has been fixed since. The last night there was a large roach on our balcony right by the door so luckily it had scurried away instead of into our room and it was our last night. I know this is a tropical location, but we didn't have any issue with even the B&Bs we stayed at on the Big Island, so quarterly pest control might be a good idea.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from HHR_CustomerService, CSR at Royal Kona Resort
Responded 1 week ago
Mahalo! We appreciate your valuable feedback. We will be reviewing your concerns so we can give our guests the best service, we hope that you had a beautiful time on the island and will keep us in mind on your next trip.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Getaway21667308477 wrote a review Feb 2024
2 contributions1 helpful vote
Great location close to restaurants and the parking was so convenient. The renovated room was great too. Downside is the noise. There’s a bar nearby that has karaoke, with an MC and DJ blasting music until 1am every night. 3/4 nights we barely slept because of this, and then was woken up by a worker using a leaf blower at 6:30am right outside the rooms. The staff were kind enough to move rooms but due to it being so booked up, we were only moved a couple of rooms down which meant we lost our view but still copped the noise from the bar. Such a shame because this would’ve been a great stay otherwise.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from HHR CRES, Guest Services / Front Office at Royal Kona Resort
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! We are so sorry to read that there was noise from town that disrupted your stay. Should you return in the future please contact us and we will do our very best to place your room in a tower further from town. We hope that you had a lovely time in Kona and will join us again in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Cathleen A wrote a review Feb 2024
Boston, Massachusetts16 contributions3 helpful votes
Location was a 5 out of 5. Daily whale and dolphin sightings. Two negatives brought my rating down to four stars. 1. Corner king had a huge balcony but only one uncomfortable high top bar table and two high chairs. Requested two lounge chairs but was told not allowed. No reservations at restaurant. First come first served. Showed up at 4 pm for the entertainer whose show began at 5 and the wait was 60-90 minutes. Do not want to spend my vacation waiting in line. Went elsewhere.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from HHR_CustomerService, CSR at Royal Kona Resort
Responded 2 weeks ago
Mahalo! We appreciate your valuable feedback. We will be reviewing your concerns so we can give our guests the best service, we hope that you had a beautiful time on the island and will keep us in mind on your next trip.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Adventurer441115 wrote a review Feb 2024
3 contributions
The good: The location and views out on this volcano rock can't be beat, especially at sunset from the pool! The beachfront bar and free mai tais at checkin are fun and the grounds have a kitchy, lovely old Hawaii feel. Fridge in the rooms. The saltwater lagoon was a secret retreat we discovered in our last days. The cons: The two beds are only doubles or fulls NOT queens, so I would not book here again with four people as we did. The interior of the building felt a little dingy and the exterior could use an update and freshener. The pool was quite cold with no hot tub. The price was more reasonable than some beachfront resorts but still so expensive! I almost wish we'd paid a bit more for a nicer pool/queen bed room elsewhere. Then again, the balcony view and sunsets were just incredible, so might be fine for a couple with one kid.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from HHR CRES, Guest Services / Front Office at Royal Kona Resort
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! We are happy to read that you enjoyed our beautiful location and we appreciate your valuable feedback regarding the bedding in the room. We hope to welcome you back again in the future for an improved experience!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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kellach3 wrote a review Feb 2024
Fonthill, Canada34 contributions5 helpful votes
I booked my 6 night stay at this resort about 6 months ago. I was impressed with the price (Reno rate) and the walkable location. A few weeks before leaving for my trip, I decided to check out recent reviews to see if there were any tips from travellers about activities to try, etc. I was surprised and concerned to see lots of recent negative reviews, I contemplated cancelling and staying elsewhere but didn’t because I would have lost my deposit and found that other options in the area were considerably more expensive. All this to say, I had a positive experience! My biggest issue was that the mai tai’s we ordered from the bar were our least favourite cocktail we had our entire trip. We also didn’t have luck ordering takeout lunch from the on site restaurant, I think they were short staffed. If you want to check out the live music on Thursdays, go early, it was too busy when we arrived and we had to go elsewhere, bummer. Room was clean and housekeeping was efficient. Check in wasn’t more than a 10 min wait, we got upgraded to a better room and received complementary sparking wine upon check in because we were celebrating our anniversary.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from HHR CRES, Guest Services / Front Office at Royal Kona Resort
Responded 3 weeks ago
Thank you very much for sharing your positive review with us! We are delighted that you had a positive experience and we appreciate your feedback regarding our restaurant on property. We hope that you had an amazing anniversary and will consider joining us again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
C$310 - C$407 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
royal kona hotel kailua-kona, royal kona kailua
LOCATION
United StatesHawaiiIsland of HawaiiKailua-Kona
NUMBER OF ROOMS
436
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Royal Kona Resort - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos (Kailua-Kona, HI) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Kona Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Royal Kona Resort?
Nearby attractions include Royal Kona Resort (0.08 km), Huggo's on the Rocks (0.2 km), and Don's Mai Tai Bar (0.05 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Royal Kona Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Royal Kona Resort?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Royal Kona Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Royal Kona Resort?
Yes, paid private parking on-site and paid public parking on-site are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Royal Kona Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Gypsea Gelato, Basik Acai, and Island Ono Loa Grill.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Royal Kona Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and yoga classes during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Royal Kona Resort?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Royal Kona Resort offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Royal Kona Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Japanese, and Filipino.
Are there any historical sites close to Royal Kona Resort?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Hulihe'e Palace (0.9 km), Kamakahonu National Historic Landmark (1.2 km), and Ahuena Heiau (1.1 km).