6 Best Hotels in South Kona, Big Island

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We've compiled the best of the best in South Kona - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Aloha Guest House

$$ | Old Tobacco Rd., Honaunau, HI, 96750, USA

In the hills above Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, this guesthouse offers quiet elegance, complete privacy, and beautiful ocean views from every room. With a focus on nature, the house is tastefully furnished in tropically inspired earth tones. The bath products are 100% organic, and the yummy full breakfasts are as close to organic as they can muster, with produce grown on-site. Common areas include a kitchenette and living area with a high-definition television, DVD library, and computer with high-speed Internet.

Pros

  • Eco-conscious option
  • Delicious full breakfast
  • Kitchenette in common area

Cons

  • Remote location up a bumpy 1-mile dirt road
  • 40 minutes from downtown
  • Four-wheel drive recommended
Old Tobacco Rd., Honaunau, HI, 96750, USA
808-328–8955
hotel Details
5 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Horizon Guest House

$$$$ | 86-3992 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, HI, 96704, USA

Surrounded by McCandeless Ranch on 40 acres in South Kona, this place may seem remote, but it's actually just a short drive from some of the best water attractions on the island, including Puuhonua O Honaunau, Kealakekua Bay, and Hookena Beach. The gated driveway winds past herds of goats, donkeys, horses, and cows. Offering four suites with private entrances and lanai, plus beautiful ocean views, this tastefully appointed inn has an open-air living area, plus a media room with a DVD library of 1,500 titles. Buffet breakfast is served by the owner, plus there's a barbecue facility by the pool. Snorkel and beach gear are available. 

Pros

  • Private and quiet
  • Heated pool with Jacuzzi
  • Lovely ocean views

Cons

  • Not on the beach
  • 40 minutes from Kailua-Kona
  • Pricier option considering the location
86-3992 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, HI, 96704, USA
808-938–7822
hotel Details
4 suites
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Kaawa Loa Plantation

$$ | 82-5990 Napoopoo Rd., Captain Cook, HI, 96704, USA Fodor's Choice
https://www.facebook.com/Ka-awa-Loa-Plantation-158212420571/

On a 5-acre coffee farm above Kealakekua Bay, proprietors Mike Martinage and Greg Nunn operate a grand yet very reasonably priced B&B in a home featuring a 2,000-square-foot wraparound veranda with excellent views of the bay and the entire Honaunau Coast. The outdoor lava-rock shower is a treat, and the authentic Hawaiian cedar steam house, swing, and outdoor hot tub also offer panoramic views. Full breakfasts include ingredients harvested from the property, including homegrown, 100% Kona coffee. Greg was once head of housekeeping at a five-star resort on Maui, and it shows. A detached cottage in back of the main house provides additional accommodations for families.

Pros

  • Gracious and friendly hosts
  • Excellent breakfast
  • Hawaiian steam room

Cons

  • Not within walking distance of bay
  • Some rooms share a bath
  • Slightly steep turnoff
82-5990 Napoopoo Rd., Captain Cook, HI, 96704, USA
808-323–2686
hotel Details
5 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

Recommended Fodor's Video

Kane Plantation Guesthouse

$$$ | 84-1120 Telephone Exchange Rd., Honaunau, HI, USA

The former home of the late, legendary artist Herb Kane, this luxury boutique guesthouse occupies a 16-acre avocado farm overlooking the South Kona coastline. Internationally traveled proprietors Michael and David leave no stone unturned; amenities include fresh flowers, evening turndown, robes and slippers, Molton Brown products, and tropical fruit baskets. Herb Kane's iconic artwork is displayed in all the suites. Detached from the main residence, the Kane and Kanaloa suites are spacious and private. The Kane Suite opens onto a water garden and porch, and includes koa furnishings designed by the artist along with a minibar, library, marble bathroom, and atrium Zen garden. Breakfast features ingredients grown on the property.

Pros

  • Sauna, hot tub, massage therapy room
  • Upscale amenities
  • Beautiful artwork

Cons

  • Not on the beach
  • Off the beaten track
  • 25 minutes to downtown
84-1120 Telephone Exchange Rd., Honaunau, HI, USA
808-328–2416
hotel Details
3 suites
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Luana Inn

$$$$ | 82-5856 Napoopoo Rd., Captain Cook, HI, 96704, USA
www.facebook.com/konatikihotel

This B&B, with its rare location within walking distance to splendid Kealakekua Bay, offers three high-luxury rooms with kitchenettes in the main house that share the pool-patio area, as well as two suites with more room and privacy in the detached Ohana Cottage. Gorgeous, well-appointed rooms feature plantation-style furnishings and decor with Hawaiian touches. The property, renovated in 2019, includes a sparkling, chlorine-free pool. Romantics take note: facing the emerald pali (cliff) is a lovely, grassy space with a small gazebo, should you wish to renew vows or pop the question.

Pros

  • Nice pool
  • Jacuzzi spa at sunset
  • Tranquility and privacy

Cons

  • Some dated furnishings
  • Two-night minimum
  • Not oceanfront
82-5856 Napoopoo Rd., Captain Cook, HI, 96704, USA
808-731--6634
hotel Details
5 units
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

Manago Hotel

$ | 81-6155 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, HI, 96704, USA Fodor's Choice
www.flickr.com/photos/alexschwab

If you are on a budget but still want to be close to the water and attractions like Kealakekua Bay and Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, this historical hotel is a good option. Don't let the dated front TV room concern you: the place is authentic old Hawaii, and the restaurant serves great pork chops and island favorites. Dwight Manago—whose grandparents, Kinzo and Osame Manago, built the main building in 1917—has maintained one Japanese-style room with tatami mats and a furo, a traditional Japanese bath, and this is the room to book. The other rooms are basic and clean, and those in the newer wing have great views high above the Kona Coast. Some ultra-budget, shared-bath rooms are available, too. 

Pros

  • Authentic local color
  • Rock-bottom prices
  • Terrific on-site restaurant

Cons

  • Not the best sound insulation between rooms
  • Cheapest rooms share a community bath
  • Some rooms have highway noise
81-6155 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, HI, 96704, USA
808-323–2642
hotel Details
64 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $

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