Hi,

I'm looking for a condo complex (preferable) that is within walking distance of a nice beach. Any suggestions? We're looking to go on a trip with my extended family.

Thanks

If beach quality means more than accomodation quality check out Puako, just south of Hapuna Beach. For something more upscale there's also the Waikoloa resort area (Kolea etc) which has A-Bay within walking distance.

South Kona (Kailua-Kona and Keahou) has most of the island's condos, but the beaches aren't great. It's either lava or mixed lava/rock, with seasonal white sand in a few spots. Nothing worth recommending in my opinion.

Thanks for the guidance!

The Mauna Lani Resort has a number of condo complexes, a few of which are within walking distance of Makaiwa Bay; a beautiful beach and one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.

Thanks, the beach looks beautiful!

The development in the Big Island is different from other areas of Hawaii. Most of the big, nice condo complexes are not beachfront. The beaches have, for the most part, been left undeveloped and pristine. So, "walking distance" becomes a bit tricky.

The Mauna Lani is a gorgeous area and has a few condo complexes that could work...the Point and the Terraces. We prefer the Palm Villas as we like to be close to the tennis courts. The Mauna Kea has some homes up on the hill overlooking the ocean that are gorgeous. Kuana'oa, the beach at the Mauna Kea, is the prettiest in the state, IMO. The Four Seasons also has some great homes up on the hill with access to all the Four Seasons amenities. You need a golf cart to get around there but the property is spectacular. Hali Kai at Waikoloa Beach Resort is very close to Anaeho'omalu Bay. Kolea is also really nice within Waikoloa Beach Resort.

There are some condo complexes in Kailua-Kona that are oceanfront (but not beach front...no great beaches in Kailua-Kona). So, if you want sit on your lanai at night and see the sunset and listen to the waves crash, they could be for you. They tend to be much older and without AC. If you choose to stay there, pick the condo very carefully (look for freshly updates, away from busy Aii Drive, AC included) and know that you will be driving 45 minutes or so to the best beaches every day.

Great advice imo. The Mauna Lani has one of the larger white sand beaches on the island. The resort has become a bit overdeveloped imo, but it's great if you're looking for close proximity to shopping and other amenities. And it sure beats shredding your feet on lava rock at the Four Seasons. Their own beach is narrow, the sand is half rock and water shoes are required for ocean access, but the property itself is indeed spectacular imo.