condo advice for Kailua-Kona
 

My husband, 2 daughters (21 & 24) are looking for a 2 BR, 2 Bath condo in the Kailua-Kona area. We will be there for a week after Christmas and have the following criteria:
snorkling beach, ocean-front, walking distance to entertainment/shopping/restaurants. Not sure if all this will come in one package, but would like to try. Maximum price range would be $250-275 per night. (Less would be nice!) Would welcome any advice on the area- stayed at Hilton Waikoloa a couple years ago, but just spent a day in this area. Thanks, Jan

We loved the condos at Kanaloa at Kona. Nice, spacious condos; nice location, and a fabulous restaurant on site.

I read somewhere that they charge you extra for air conditioning at Kanaloa- $30.00 a day. Is that true?
Thanks, Jan

Jan, that's $10 per day for A/C, IF your unit is equipped for it. All of them aren't........ They won't guarantee that you'll get one. I probably wouldn't worry about needing A/C that time of year, though you can always have a freaky weather pattern.

We stayed at Kanaloa at Kona three years ago and had a wonderful, ocean front condo. That said, there is no beach, its a rocky shore. It is not walking distance from anything except perhaps a small shopping area.

The Kona Reef and Kona Makai are within walking distance to Kailua, and while both are very nice properties they aren't the best condos along Alii Drive.

$275/night is enough to stay just about anywhere in Kona. For that price I'd look into a private condo or home rental through vrbo.com. Be sure to get references from the owner.

Kona by the Sea has nice condos as well. If you want to be closer to Kailua-Kona they might be an option. If you want to be closer to Keauhou Beach and places south, stay at Kanaloa at Kona.

Oh, also for Kona by the Sea...
Snorkeling is nearby, but not right in front of the condo... it's a few minutes drive away (5-10 min.).

I love Kona, and have posted a lot regarding this area and the Hilton. I have stayed at the Kanaloa at Kona condos twice, and it was Great. I rented directly from an owner. Some are privately owned, and they all vary in "AC extra" "Cleaning Fee". The location is great. Yes, no beach, but just a short drive. It's near the Keauhou shopping center that has a grocery store, drug store, etc; It's about 1/2 mile. (uphill!)
I am not associated with the owners of any of the condos. If you want to ask me more questions, email me, [email protected].
Aloha!!!

Is there much to do at Keahou area? Not sure if we want to stay closer to Kona or Keahou, and would welcome advice.
Thanks, Jan

well, I consider the whole area, "kona"...Keauhou is a small,residential/golf area south of Kona. There is a Sheraton opening in Keauhou on Oct. 1st. It was another hotel previously. Check the Sheraton website. There might be more "action" at this 500 room hotel, maybe get two rooms?
There are tours to take, snorkeling, fishing, etc; But the area is pretty laid back. There is a movie theatre, but why would you sit in a dark theater in Hawaii?...We mostly snorkeled, ate out, relaxed. What else does one need?
If you are looking for a big night life, Kona isn't exactly hopping! There are a few bars that get busy in the evenings.
You do have more freedom in this area, than up at the Hilton, where the resort 'shuts down' at 9 PM.
The shops in Kona are mostly touristy stuff.
I enjoyed parking and walking around Kona, going to Bubba Gump shrimp, etc; BUT, I always go during Ironman in October, and the place is *A Buzz* with beautiful athletes from All over the world...Oops the secret is out...lol
(Site seeing takes on a whole new meaning watching swim practice at "Dig Me" Beach!!!)
:)

Go to the "VRBO" website. There are more Condo's listed than you can imagine and the prices are significantly less than if you book through a big agency. Also Google "kona hawaii condominiums by owner". There you will also find a lot of condo's that are truely listed directly by the owner.

We have always stayed at the Kona By the Sea, but it is closed for remodeling this summer so we are going to try the Bali Kai on a "By Owner" basis. I have had several conversations with the owner and she has shared many pictures with me. It will be interesting to see how reality squares with perception.

We are doing the same drill on Maui, staying at a by owner unit at the Mahana. We have usually stayed at the Aston Kaanapali Villa previously so again this will be a new experience.

Thanks for all the suggestions. My choices seem to be Kanola- ocean view on the pool, or Keahou Kona Surf and Racquet Club- right on the water with a great lanai. I haven't read much about the Surf and Racquet Club- any experience? And do I need air conditioning in December?
Thanks, Jan

Spokaneman: We've stayed at the Kona Bali Kai several times. Furnishings in the different condos have ranged from adequate to very nice. A surfing area is directly in front of the property so it's a great place to meet locals. The downside is that it can get a bit noisy. Most of the surfers hang out on Alii Drive and at the large Banyan tree in the middle of the complex. If quiet surroundings are a priority, get an oceanfront unit that's as far away from the Banyan tree as possible.