Hello,

Would like to hear from someone who rented a vacation condo in walking distance of Kailua Kona town (within a mile or so) I am hoping to get a clean basic unit with a full kitchen and an ocean view. Around $3000 U.S. if possible for one month in the winter.

Has anyone had a good experience with a particular rental company? I am currently looking at the following complexes if anyone has comments. Kona Reef, Kona Makai, Kona Isle, Kona Shores, Alii Villas, Hale Kona Kai, Sea Village, Kona Pacific, and Kailua Village. They are all in the same general area as far as I can tell on the maps I have found. I think the last two are right in the village.

There are so many rental agency websites featuring these properties, it is mind boggling. As well there are many of them being rented directly from the owners, I guess there are pros and cons to both ways of renting.

Any help would be appreciated. I know I have to do a lot of research on the specific unit that I would rent in a complex. I understand a lot are privately owned and can vary greatly in quality and upkeep.

Thanks

We have stayed many times at the Kona Reef and my friends stay at the Hale Kona Kai right next door to the Kona Reef. They are both oceanfront and the units are individually owned, so some are better than others. You can rent from the Kona Reef either directly from the Castle Resorts website http://www.castleresorts.com/Home/ac...ions/kona-reef or directly from owners or several different rental agencies. I usually rent directly from Castle Resorts because they do not charge a cleaning fee or a refundable deposit, but you don't always know which unit you are getting. I like the Kona Reef because of the location and the oceanfront. BBQ's for use by the pool are nice for evening dinners. My friends really like the Hale Kona Kai. Another friend lived at the Kona Isle and it was nice also, but further to walk into town. Have a great trip. I love the Big Island.

Thank you for your response. If I may ask a few more questions. I have looked at some units in both the Kona Reef and Hale Kona Kai. They look very nice.

How far of a walk into town is it from there? I was hoping to rent a car for only 2 of the 4 weeks of my stay. I don't know if that would work staying at the Kona Reef. Is there place around it for buying groceries, or do you have to go into town?

I have found some nice units in buildings right in town, Kailua Village and Kona Plaza. The units themselves are nice, but the buildings of course are nothing like the Kona Reef. They are just large apartments. They don't have the nice grounds like your complex did, and are not on the ocean.

Thanks for any more advice you can give

You could walk to a grocery store from the Kona Reef and Hale Kona Kai. They are not much further than the Kona Plaza and Kailua Kona Village. Granted it is somewhat uphill, and probably about three miles, but doable if you are used to walking.

We always walk to the Kona Pier, the Kona Inn and all the shops and restaurants along Ali'i drive from the Kona Reef, but we like walking. Great short walk to Lava Java for morning coffee or breakfast and people/ocean watching.

There is an ABC store close by, which has some basic stuff. You could also walk to the Ali'i drive farmers market to buy your fresh produce etc. Much better and cheaper than the grocery store.

You will really love being on the ocean, especially at sunset. Kona District is famous for its sunsets and the Kona Reef is a great location for that.

Kona Isle would be a much longer walk.

Hi travelbug -

We used to visit Kona yearly and we always rented a condo - we've stayed at Kona Reef, Casa de Emdeko, Kona Bali Kai and the Billfisher.

Of these, the Billfisher and Kona Reef are the closest to town - both within walking distance. The Billfisher is closest, but it's across the street and set back from the ocean, so no views.

Of the places you've mentioned, I'd suggest Kona Reef or Hale Kona Kai.

As I recall, Kona Bali Kai had a small food store on the first level, but it's been a few years since I was there.

Have a great time.