Kona Makai 1-301


Rates: $350 / night (avg.)
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Bed types: KTT (sleeps 6)
Reviews: 4.80 (from 78 reviews)
Kona Makai #1-301 is arguably the BEST condo in the entire complex! Being the top floor corner in building 1, the location is undeniably too perfect. Private & upgraded, this is direct oceanfront condo living at its finest. You can't get a better view than this at the Kona Makai. The amazing oceanfront wrap around lanai is truly stunning!

The amazing view is not all that this condo has to offer; the elegant finishes and attention to detail can be seen throughout the interior of the property. Enjoy the beautifully upgraded & fully stocked kitchen complete with granite counter tops & stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom has ocean views and access to the wrap around lanai. The guest bedroom also has access to the wrap around lanai and both bedrooms do have AC units allowing for maximum comfort! Both bathrooms have been upgraded and well appointed. The living room has a sleeper sofa as well. This condo truly has everything you'll need to relax in paradise!
We're more than proud to be representing 1-301.

The Owners of the unit in January 2024 made some great updates!
~New sofa sleeper with 5” foam mattress, reclining chair and rug. New TV and sound bar!
~New split king bed, lamps and TV in 2nd bedroom.
~Two new patio chairs and table!

The Kona Makai complex is a beautifully maintained & highly sought after Ocean Front Complex located on famous Alii Drive, just 1.3 miles from Kona town. This wonderful complex features and includes beautifully manicured tropical grounds, ocean front pool and spa, sunny lounge area, two work out rooms, eating area w/ gas BBQ’s, tennis courts, ping pong table, ample parking, and is gated during the night for security.

TA-155-477-6064-01
STVR#19-376620
**All guests are required to sign a rental agreement with Knutson & Associates Property Management in addition to purchasing a Damage Protection Plan or providing a Security Deposit if they stay at this property. Inquire within for specific details**

**All Reservation Requests greater than 12 months in Advance MUST be approved in advance by the Broker In Charge. Rates are subject to change.**
**FYI: Spalling Repairs are to commence at Kona Makai on Buildings#1, 2 and 3 are scheduled to commence as of 4/15/24 & will go on for an unforeseen amount of time according to the development. ** Registration Number: TA-155-477-6064-01, GE-155-477-6064-01

Kona Makai 1-301 Reviews



Sebastien B.
December 2023
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Everything in our experience was fabulous. The apartment was very clean, well equipped, enough space for all the family. We absolutely loved the location, with the waves to the feet of the apartment.... Sleeping with the sound of the waves was just incredible. Talking of waves, it’s the only sound we hear, the complex is very quiet. Should we come back to Big island? This apartment is definitely a place we’ll want to rent again!


A guest from Cape Town, WC
October 2023
Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Kona Makai 1-301 is a wonderful Hawaii location with exceptional views and stunning sunsets. The unit includes everything you require for your stay and is accurately depicted in the listing. Will definitely stay here again


Sheri L.
October 2023
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The week we spent at Kona Makai 1-301 was wonderful in every way! It was perfect for two couples because of the spaciousness. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. They both have wonderful views with access to the huge lanai. The lanai is what sets this unit apart. We enjoyed breakfast every morning on the lanai & every night we had dinner while viewing amazing sunsets! The location is close to town which we liked also. We contacted the management company a couple times with questions & they responded quickly. We would highly recommend this unit & we hope to return for another wonderful stay!


Lisa H.
August 2023
Wow is the only way describe this property. Every morning we had our breakfast and every night we had our dinner on the lanai. Everyone should treat themselves a stay at this property. We will come back again! Perfect for our family of four, memories to last a lifetime!


Fan F.
August 2023
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: I highly recommend staying in this property. We stayed at an ocean front unit. It was memorable experience - you go to sleep and wake up with the sound of waves. The unit was clean and well managed. The air conditioning is enough for Hawaiian property - we actually had to turn it off in August nights as the overhead fan is enough for the temperature. Very comfortable living, and convenient to Kona shopping.


Daniel M.
August 2023
Disappointed with several aspects which I explained in an earlier email with photos


Karen F.
July 2023
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: beautiful location, sunsets are amazing, management company responds very quickly if you have any questions, property is very well kept


Dennis O.
July 2023
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This unit is far and away the best condo in the complex. Beautiful views in all directions. Waves crashing directly below combined with the terrific ocean breezes provide for a tru!y restful vibe. We spent hours on the wrap around Lanai just relaxing and enjoying the views. The unit was fairly well stocked but would have appreciated more daily use items like soap, toilet paper etc being supplied for longer stays. The entire property is meticulously maintained with flowering plants everywhere. The pool and spa are always clean. We were able to go snorkeling without even leaving the property as the rocky area just below is teeming with a large variety of tropical fish. You just need to make sure the ocean conditions are calm enough to keep from being scraped against the rocks.We only had one occasion to contact Knutson with a problem (broken toaster) and they delivered a brand new one to the door within an hour. Excellent and responsive service.It was a terrific experience and we'll be back.


MJ N.
June 2023
Breathtaking ocean front view in great location. Super duper large lanai (balcony). Very thoughtful property management with all equipment and stuffs you would need during the stay. We literally felt like home while staying at the condo. Upgraded kitchen and a brand new laundry machine. Well maintained condo with quiet residents. Easy check in and out with clear instructions. Although there wasn’t an elevator, 3rd floor wasn’t so bad for our daily exercise. Parking and building needed to walk a bit but not far. Very laid back environment. We certainly will return to Big Island and will rent again from Knutson and Associates!


RICHARD M.
May 2023
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Marvelous view from wrap around porch/deck. Spent many hours mesmerized by the ocean waves. Condo in beautiful location in complex. Stairs a bit challenging with 50# suitcases. Cocktails on deck necessary for recovery. We will RETURN! Thanx for being so accommodating


Kimberlee W.
April 2023
Loved this property. Wrap around lanai had views from every spot. Quiet and clean.


Kathi M.
April 2023
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Totally enjoyed our week in this condo!


joani r.
March 2023
Incredible location! You can't get much closer to the ocean. Beds were comfortable and furnishings were adequate but could use a little update. Kitchen well appointed and an abundance of equipment/utensils/cookware. Lots of linens/towels and beach equipment available. Knutson Property Management was impressively prompt and efficient in addressing any minor issues. Overall outstanding experience and I would stay again without hesitation!!


Karlene D.
February 2023
We chose this condo for the view and it didn’t disappoint! Amazing sunsets! Nice condo and lots of room for 2 couples and nice that each room had their own ensuites. Would be nice if 2nd bedroom had a queen bed instead of twin beds.


Jennifer M.
January 2023
This property was perfect for our family of four! The large wrap around lanai had the best views, and the pool area was great for our older kids. The location was very convenient to stores and there are lots of great beaches nearby.


Rachel H.
December 2022
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: My husband and I try to get to the Big Island every couple of years because we love how laid-back the people are and the Island is so beautiful. Originally we stayed at a number of different vacation rentals spread over the Island, but when we discovered Kona Makai 1-301, we knew we had found our Big Island home base. This unit is on the top floor, has an unobstructed panoramic view of the ocean, a beautiful vaulted ceiling with large sliding doors that make the most of the tradewinds, is well-furnished with high-end finishes, and the sound of the surf crashing on the lava below is delightful. The property management company is very professional and responsive, so kudos to them as well. Bottom line, when we want a truly relaxing vacation, we go to Kona Makai 1-301.


sandy j.
November 2022
Very walkable location. Air conditioning only in bedrooms but worked well. The kitchen was well equipped. The unit could use a new paint job and furniture was a little worn but overall it was beautiful. I would for sure stay again. The property managers were awesome. We contacted them for some minor issues and they responded And resolve the issues very quickly


Debbie K.
October 2022
I emailed and they said that was in the agreement that I signed and if I bought more they would pay for it, however I've never had this issue before with any other properties I've rented


Susan P.
October 2022
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The view was amazing! The condo could use a few updates, but overall very comfortable. We would love to stay again! The host was I responsive when we had any questions....


Danielle H.
September 2022
We were there for 2 weeks and spent every minute of that time on the lanai, which is HUGE. The kitchen has enough of the basics to get by. Nothing fancy, but good enough. There is no AC in the living space, so the August afternoons were HOT inside, and cooking dinner each night was brutal, even with all of the windows/doors open. But there is AC in the bedrooms. Otherwise, the interior of the place was sufficient for what we needed. The lanai is the showstopper here. Each morning we saw our own private dolphin show from a pod that hung around. And we had a turtle friend that popped up every day. Pro tip: bring binoculars! The sunsets each night were obviously gorgeous. Honestly, we would book this place again just for the lanai. You will not find a better oceanfront spot in Kona for this price point.


Mark T.
August 2022
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a lovely time at this condo. The views are spectacular - so much coastal beauty and diverse action. All 5-star rankings! One note: depending on the length of your stay you might need to get certain items at the store, like soap or toilet paper.


Karen F.
July 2022
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: condo location is fabulous, beautiful views,unit need some upgrades, lanai doors hard to open, also TV in living room with Roku is difficult to navigate if you are an older guest, bedroom TV had no cable at all, though management offered to come and look at it. Front door hard to close and screen front door slams shut, needs some maintenance


Maria E.
July 2022
Unsurpassed views - The big wraparound balcony overlooking the ocean with no obstruction is definitely the big selling point. Plenty of chairs and tables to dine and relax outside. Great sunset views. The unit is comfortable and has everything you need. There are many things for the beach and water activities in the unit. Things are a little “worn around the edges” but everything is operational. Convenient location for sure. The complex itself is very well-maintained, with beautiful landscaping.


A guest from Richland, WA
July 2022
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We have stayed here Three different times for a total of 2 1/2 months. If you bring another couple to share then each couple pays $150 a night for fabulous accommodations! Top floor of three stories. Front unit hanging over the ocean. Lanai that spans the whole front and down the side to second bedroom. Front row seats to all the ocean activities from Kona Harbor jiust a mile away. No traffic noise, only ocean sounds. We never use the air conditioning as the trade winds keep us cool. We’ll be back!


Sean H.
June 2022
This was our fourth and last property stay for our 16-day trip to Hawaii. The location is convenient to everything and the view was exceptional. As mentioned in other reviews there is a bit of a walk to get to the condo from the parking area and there is no elevator. It was fine but can be difficult with luggage. The condo was superficially clean as if it was cleaned quickly. There needs to be a deeper clean to clean things like the backs of doors (unknown things splattered there) and backs of shower curtains, etc. The condo has exceptional guts but it does need some updating, especially to the furnishings. The big draw here is the wrap-around lanai, however, the furniture there is so dated and uncomfortable so sitting out there wasn't as pleasant as it should be. The cushions had their last life years ago and are in desperate need of replacement.


David B.
May 2022
Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: A really nice condo directly on the ocean with the most amazing huge lanai! WellMaintained complex with nice pool & hot tub. Very quiet community. The unit itself is nicely appointed with a well stocked kitchen with items you don’t always find in a vacation rental. Also the owners had beach towels and chairs you could use. Internet works well and the air conditioning in the bedrooms is a must. Visiting in June it was pretty hot & being able to cool the bedrooms was a plus. Really though the lanai alone made our stay. It is huge and we would see dolphins most mornings as well as turtles. We snorkeled right in front of the condo every morning. You have to get in & out via lava rock. IBut the snorkeling was great! Beds were comfy and plenty of towels. Washer & dryer was also nice to have for laundry. Would recommend & definitely stay here again. Management company did a good job coordinating when we arrived but did not have entry information.


Mellisa B.
May 2022
We enjoyed our time at this property. Close to a downtown Kona, walking distance to many great restaurants and shopping. Several beaches close by. The view from the wrap around balcony was amazing! The condo had everything we needed.



March 2022
This is the perfect location and condo but it does need some updating, especially in the kitchen. The furniture in the living room could use some new foam in the pillows. All in all it’s a nice unit, they just need to spend some of their income from it, on it.


Connie R.
February 2022
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Having stayed in a similar third-floor unit on the opposite side of the pool at Kona Makai eight years ago, my husband and I were excited to return and try this unit. We weren't disappointed. The wraparound lanai provided lovely views of the water and sunsets, and when the midday heat and sun were too much, we could move around the corner of the deck facing the pool and barbecue. The location of this unit at the end of the building keeps it quiet and let us enjoy the sound of the waves. The grounds of the Kona Makai complex are lush and well maintained. With this unit being at the far end of the complex, however, it may be a bit of a trek with groceries to the parking area (trust me, the views are worth it!)The unit itself is charming, with framed retro prints and posters, and the kitchen cabinets and dark granite countertops in the kitchen are a nice upgrade. The lounge chairs on the lanai, couch in the living room, and master bed mattress are a bit worn, however, and not the most comfortable. More supportive padding would really help. In terms of things to do, we were happy to relax and enjoy the view most of the time, but we also went into town in Kona several times, we snorkeled locally (picked up our gear at Snorkel Bob's), and spent one afternoon at Beach 69, which was our favorite. Knutsen & Associates were most helpful and communicative; check-in was a breeze. Loved our stay here!


Lori M.
January 2022
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The wrap around lanai at KM1-301 provides a spectacular viewing spot for whales, turtles, sunsets, and cruise ships. The complex itself is clean and quiet. This unit is on the 3rd level and there is no elevator so if stairs aren’t your thing then this probably isn’t the unit for you. Also, this unit is the farthest away from the parking area so be sure to utilize the courtesy wagons if you’re bringing in more than a few bags of groceries. The owner doesn’t provide beach/pool towels, so a quick trip to a thrift store remedied that situation. There were a few issues that needed to be addressed in the unit itself and the property management team handled them quickly and professionally. Would definitely put this on the “rent again” list.


Deb C.
December 2021
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We originally scheduled to stay in May 2020, and were finally able to in Dec 2021. The view cannot be beat. The lanai goes along the condo's entire ocean side and then along the pool/ocean area. I counted 5 or 6 doors along the lanai! The roof overhang is far enough that rain barely touched the lanai. Thankfully, for us, it rained only 1 night and a few minutes during one day. My son slept on the lanai each night. I don't know if any other units could surpass the view of 1-301, except maybe an end unit in building 6. On the last night, we saw the most beautiful sunset! If I travel to the Big Island again, I will return to this unit!


Gregory C.
December 2021
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We always enjoy the big island and this condo. We would have book it for next year but it was already taken.


QIAN G.
November 2021
The property is clean and spacious. The best part is the oversized balcony with breathtaking oceanfront view. We had breakfast and dinner at the balcony listening to the sound of waves every day. Can't wait to come back again!


Michael I.
October 2021
A very lovely condo in a beautiful complex. The views are second to none. The waves land just in front of condo. The sound of waves is 24/7. When in the condo, we were either sleeping or on the massive patio. We turned on the TV once for 15 minutes in an entire week. Even or two teenage boys never turned on the TV once. The WiFi is average. Would be hard to work and do video calls. The management team couldn’t have been better. Immediate responses and always professional and friendly. We absolutely loved the condo, community, neighborhood and location in Kona as well.


Aly O.
September 2021
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This was a wonderful place to stay for our Big Island vacation. The ocean view and sounds from the wrap-around lanai are really spectacular. We ate nearly every meal out there, enjoyed our coffee and reading out there and watched the sunset each night from the lanai. Some things that weren't clear to me from other reviews and the pictures, which would have been helpful to know: the only access to the unit is through the main door, which is three flights up (no elevator) and a good distance from the parking lot, so use the wagons provided for groceries and luggage as much as possible! I had thought from the pictures that the second bedroom overlooked an external/public corridor, but that's just the wraparound part of the lanai! Also, I like to walk and explore my surroundings as much as I can on vacations, but couldn't tell if this was available from the description. While the pedestrian path is on the narrow shoulder of the busy street/highway, there are several businesses and beaches that are within a mile or so walk. This was fine for our family (two teens, two parents), but I would have been nervous walking with young kids that close to traffic.


Robert S.
August 2021
Was an ideal experience and would recommend to anyone. The one caveat being it’s on the third floor and there are no elevators, so if you have older guests who have trouble with stairs, please be mindful. But otherwise, perfect!


Ryan B.
August 2021
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The condo was awesome with an amazing view that can't be beat. Also, everything was provided that was needed during our stay. One thing to be aware is that this is on the 3rd floor, with no elevator, so you will need to carry up your bags (so pack lightly).


Jean B.
August 2021
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Unbelievably large lanai with unobstructed water views on 3 sides, including a great view of the BBQ/pool area. Several seating options to be as close to, or away from, family/friends. You won't find a better place on the island to watch the spectacular sunsets. The entrance is secluded so you don't hear any other people coming and going. The walkway to the unit is lined with beautiful tropical plants. There is no elevator, so be prepared to walk 2 flights of stairs. They do provide wagons for the luggage haul to/from the car. It's nice that the bedrooms are on opposite sides of the condo with their own full bathrooms. We didn't feel the need to use the AC unit in the master due to the ocean breeze and ceiling fan. The sound of the waves on the rocks was very soothing and relaxing. The kitchen is very well stocked, and has laundry in the unit. The owners don't supply beach towels/chairs, however, previous guests did leave some things behind for use. Was very nice to have. There is an awesome Coffee shop, The Green Flash, about a 5 minute walk from the property. Fabulous breakfast sandwiches! Always a line, but worth the wait. It's about a 20 minute walk to town with shopping and restaurants. The snorkeling directly in front of the unit is amazing, although a bit challenging to get in/out. Mornings seemed to be the best time. There is also a beach with snorkeling about a 10 minute walk away. If you're looking for a fun adventure, the manta ray swim is a must do! We've never done anything like it, and this is the only area in the world that you can do it. The property management team was amazing to work with. We were supposed to be there August 2020, however due to COVID, our trip was cancelled. They offered to refund our money, or, hold it until 2021 with the offer of an additional night free. We were so grateful for the options! We postponed the trip and took the extra night. So glad we did! Was a tough place to leave. If you're looking for serenity, this is it!


Gregg S.
July 2021
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Kona Makai 1-301 is a perfect view and location and we stayed for 2 weeks. The lanai is large, the view is great, and plenty of room to relax. We had a few issues and Knutson was professional and timely. I would love to give this property all 5 stars, but the overall condition of the unit just holds it back a bit.Generally, the unit was clean and fully met our needs, but it's a bit dated and well used. The bedrooms both have AC which was very nice and the 2nd bedroom has an updated AC unit. The Master Bed AC however is not sized properly, hard to keep up, and the worst part is it blows directly on your head when laying in bed and that means a morning sinus headache for me. I ended up taking some cardboard and making my own deflector the helped, but other units we had rented in the same complex with the same setup had wooden deflectors installed. The AC unit really needs to be replaced with a properly sized unit similar to the 2nd bedroom and you wouldn't have any of those issues.We also had a water alarm go off at dinner and what an extremely loud noise and not sure it was working properly, but that was annoying. We had a screen door come off it's track which was fixed rapidly the next day, the front screen door won't close very well because it's missing a screw, and we only had one key for four people the first 2 days.Overall, the location and view is 5 stars and that's what you are there for! With the unit likely empty during most of COVID, I would have thought the owner would have taken that opportunity to do some upgrades, maintenance, and painting - but overall it's really not that bad - I still give the unit 4 stars - but it is a bit dated and well used and the view and Lanai make up for a lot of that because that's where you spend most of your time anyway! All said - I give it 4.5 Stars!


Shara S.
July 2021
This condo was amazing! It was clean, comfortable and had the absolute best view. The wrap around porch is an additional living space and where we spent the majority of our time when at the condo. Our kids loved exploring the lava rocks and there are beaches within a short drive. We hope to return!


Tad C.
June 2021
Nice quiet, convenient location. Unit was very clean and well maintained. Could have asked for a better experience. Mahonia!

Note: Vacancy calendar is approximate. Visit the owner/manager's reservation site to verify your dates.