marerare

Looking for an upscale condo preferly w/ tennis on the Big Island Kailua-Kona area--so many--any suggestions?

Barbara5353

I highly recommend Kanaloa at Kona, where we stayed for a week this past January. It's in the Keauhou area, which is at the quieter south end of Kailua-Kona. The two tennis courts looked quite nice; people were using them and having fun. We also liked the spacious units and large, lovely grounds. It never felt crowded. There are 3 pools: one oceanfront, one adults only, and one used more by kids. Units vary greatly in decor. Suggest you rent from a private owner if you can, or from a small agency that has photos of the units on their website. Our unit was super-nice. No ocean view,
but in a quiet corner with expansive garden view from lanai and dining room; very close to the tennis court and adult pool. We rented from Prince Properties and were very impressed with their service. On their website, the unit is called "Hale Kalena". Lots of pictures, including 360 degree views:
www.konaoceanfronts.com

Spokaneman

Our favorite is Kona by the Sea. It is 2 1/2 miles south of Kailua. It was completely renovated in the summer of 2004.

Avoid the Kona Bali Kai, we stayed there because the Kona by the Sea was in renovation and it was a dump, big time.

hammeba

I would also highly recommend Kanaloa at Kona. We just spent March 5th - March 10th there and it was wonderful. The grounds are very well kept and our condo was awesome. We had 3 different condos in our group and all of them were beautiful.

DawnCt

Another vote for Kanaloa at Kona. We had an ocean view unit and it was wonderful.

kureiff

We also stayed at the Kanaloa. Our group had two different units. Both were very big, but one unit was much nicer than the other. I'd definately check out photos of the unit you're renting.

Barbara5353

In addition to the unit I already mentioned through Prince Properties, there are two nice agencies that represent good units at Kanaloa at Kona. Photos of all. They are:
alohacondos.com
and
konarentals.net

travelingtedrows

Kanaloa is wonderful. We've stayed there 3 times. The grounds are well maintained and quiet. I agree that the units vary. We rented 2 units through Expedia. One was a 'villa'; the other a regular condo. The 'villa' was much, much nicer and the price difference hardly anything. Another party in our group rented privately. The first oceanfront unit they were in was on a corner with a better view of the golf course and no air conditioning. Since that was a feature they really wanted, they changed condos. The second one was very nice. While they rented it as a one bedroom unit, it was actually a 2 bedroom unit. The master bedroom was locked up by the owners. So, they had to do with the second bedroom features: no ensuite bath, no big tub, etc. Look for a unit with vaulted ceilings. Some of the ones rented through companies like Aston, had maid service every 2 or 3 days.

Before we got there, the person who made the private rental was boasting what a great deal they got doing it that way. Once there, they saw how different the unit was from the other 2. Also, the great deal wasn't such a wonderful deal once the 17% tax was added on. They ended up paying 'way more than we did.

I had heard that the on-grounds restaurant had closed. If it's open, you might want to consider where you are in relation to it. BTW, there isn't much beach access from condos in Kona.

Don't forget the book a snorkle cruise with the Fairwinds.

marerare

Wow! Lots of good comments for Kanaloa Kona! Has anyone stayed in Unit 2002? Or do you have any units you would recommend or avoid? Thanks for the input. Mare