The following executive summary is based on a comprehensive and impartial AI analysis of guest reviews. Keep in mind that all units are individually owned, and review scores among units can vary considerably.
Most reviewers rave about the setting: true oceanfront condos perched right over the Banyans surf break on Ali‘i Drive, with nonstop views of surfers, glowing sunsets, and frequent sightings of turtles, dolphins, whales, and reef fish. The lanai is the star—guests linger there for morning coffee and evening sunsets, lulled by the sound of waves. The location is a strong plus: a short drive to downtown Kailua-Kona, Magic Sands Beach, and Kahalu‘u Beach Park (great snorkeling), with handy perks like reserved covered parking, an elevator, oceanside pool/hot tub and BBQs, and even Da Poke Shack or a small market nearby. Units are generally described as very clean, comfortable, and impressively stocked—well-equipped kitchens, in‑unit laundry, beach gear (chairs, umbrellas, snorkel sets, boogie boards, coolers), and often thoughtful touches from responsive hosts.
Stays feel relaxed and homey rather than “resort-y.” Many guests cook in, pack the cooler for beach days, and spend downtime simply watching the waves and surfers from huge picture windows or the lanai. The complexes are smaller and quiet, and the pool and hot tub area is often uncrowded with sweeping ocean views. It’s an easy base for exploring the Big Island in all directions; several reviewers used the free trolley or appreciated quick drives to groceries, coffee farms, and restaurants. Comfort gets frequent shout-outs—good beds, effective fans/AC in many units, and clear, proactive communication from owners/managers.
Common caveats to know before booking: these are older oceanfront buildings, so expect some normal coastal wear in common areas and occasional minor maintenance hiccups (usually resolved quickly). Air-conditioning varies by unit—some have split AC only in the living room or one bedroom, and road-facing bedrooms can run warm or pick up street noise; light sleepers may want earplugs. HOA rules keep things peaceful, which can feel strict for families wanting rowdier pool time. Directly in front is lava rock and reef (great for tidepooling and watching, not a beginner swim beach), though sandy beaches are minutes away. A few units have layout quirks (sliding partitions, sunken living areas, smaller lanais), and garage parking can feel tight. Overall, travelers who prize epic, front‑row ocean views and a calm, well‑equipped home base consistently love this stay.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 662 reviews
We had a wonderful stay at this condo with the most incredible ocean views! The views really were spectacular. We really enjoyed sitting on the balcony or in the living room or bedroom with all the windows and watching the surfers and the sunsets. Great location and easy to get to other parts of the island. We had everything we could need including the use of the car, thank you, Russ! Russ was excellent with communicating and fast responses and with recommendations. The beds were very comfortable and the unit was clean. Highly recommend!
Kathy W.
January 2026
The view is amazing and we loved listening to the waves and watching the surfers! The unit itself was adequate. It suffers from deferred maintenance and it’s too bad because the location is very nice. The refrigerator is very old and rusty, with an ice cube tray only. The Internet was very poor in the unit but fine out by the elevator, so no movie watching, and taking care of reservations or travel plans within the unit was very difficult. The electrical outlets were loose so the lamps constantly flickered and it was hard to charge our phones. The cleaning was superficial, for example it was very dirty under the bed. I really think it’s a great location but overall condition was disappointing.
Brenda S.
January 2026
Host was very communicative and accommodating. Excellet/best view of the ocean
January 2026
Excellent view.
Venkata Siva S K.
January 2026
The view from our balcony was wonderful. Only two things stood out to me, the lack of a door between bathroom and kitchen. When you have more than two people staying in condo, there is a definite loss of privacy when going from shower into bathroom. This is minor but the stains on appliances like refrigerator and stove sort of gave me a yuck factor. I personally keep my appliances at home very clean.
Barb C.
January 2026
What an ideal place for our family to spend the holidays, starting with coffee on the lanai watching surfers, grabbing the beach gear for a day out and returning to make dinner thanks to the fully equipped kitchen. This place had everything we needed. Thank you!
Wendy U.
January 2026
The view is outstanding, great location close to Kona Beaches. Would stay again in a heart beat.
Ben S.
December 2025
If you like ocean waves this is the place for you.
David K.
December 2025
Condo has the best view ever...the lanai is near perfect. Unit had so many useful additions...plenty seating, bedding, towels etc. Host is super responsive...when washer broke, it was fixed by the time we got home. Never tried TVs....no comments. Kitchen had more than enough stuff, and we did cook. Perfect vacation, perfect condo.
Rani M.
December 2025
Amazing view and condo with view of surfers every morning I sipped my coffee. Moonlight views even more amazing. The Big Island offers so much, enjoyed the diverse environments especially with tips from our hosts. Thanks.Highly recommend!
Randy H.
December 2025
We’ve stayed in many beautiful oceanfront condos in the islands. This was an extraordinarily memorable place! The ocean view was mesmerizing. We enjoyed cooking in the well equipped kitchen and had restful sleep in comfy beds. Perfect location for exploring Kona and beaches north and south. Hope you’re lucky enough to stay in Banyan Tree 300!
Carol G.
November 2025
This Condo is the best we have stayed in. The unit is well stocked with dish soap, laundry soap and what not. The unit is very clean and extremely comfortable. Nothing beats the view and watching the surfers. It is also a great location. Communication with the host was extremely quick and responsive.
Russ C.
November 2025
great place to stay.will definitely be returning.
November 2025
This ocean front location was perfect. Bed was very comfortable and the unit had everything we needed. Very quiet complex.
Jennifer L.
November 2025
Great condo and very clean!
Buron M.
November 2025
Bed comfy, kitchen good, showers need safety bars installed; view was the best!
karen g.
October 2025
We loved everything about the condo. The beach view was amazing. Watching surfers all day was fun! Oh, and the waves at Magic Sands were the biggest and strongest waves we had ever swam in. We would highly recommend this place.
Judy R.
October 2025
Location Location Location! There is no better 'oceanfront' condo location in Kona. It’s located on Alli Drive 1/2 way between Kailua-Kona & Keahou, so it's very quiet which makes sleeping very peaceful. There’s a designated parking spot right across from the elevator for your rental car. The a/c is powerful & quiet, also perfect for sleeping. The pool temp is perfect for lap swimming. The large lanai is an added bonus. There is a 55" Smart TV with basic cable in the living room with all the news channels if you enjoy keeping up with current world events. I especially want to thank the owner for the use of his 2 boogie boards that we made good use of at Hapuna Beach.
suzanne f.
October 2025
Host was excellent, you have the surf in front of you.You can hear the waves for sure.It is outdated in areas but worth the stay.Thank you for the stay and customer service.
christy E.
October 2025
Beautiful view of the ocean watching the surfers, sunsets.
Pascale L.
October 2025
Everything was great. The condo is next to a busy road but that makes it highly accessible to shops and restaurants.
Geeta R.
October 2025
Great rooms, location and views. Enjoyed watching the surfers. My only complaint was that the access information didn't get there until we arrived. A bit of stress.Thanks so much.
David L.
October 2025
all was good
vicky s.
October 2025
Loved the location and the condo is just beautiful
Heidi B.
September 2025
Location was good. View was 10 stars, outstanding. We saw tropical fish, a sea turtle, and many surfers from our lanai. This is just a condo, not a resort, so the outside area is ok, but not as pretty as a resort, but we knew what we were renting, so it didn’t matter to us. Condo was clean, kitchen was well equipped, bath and walk-in shower was very nice. Beds and sleeping area were comfortable. Our only complaint was that the furniture in the dining area and den was very worn, dated and uncomfortable. If this furniture was updated, I could give this a 5 star rating. If the furniture was replaced, I would consider staying here on future visits.
Norman S.
September 2025
This is the ideal spot! Close to everything! Out of hustle and bustle! Fabulous view of surfers every morning! Beautiful sunsets great pool! Only place to stay on the big island!
Lynne S.
September 2025
![Banyan Tree 303]()
The interior of the condo was as described in the listing, there were no surprises. The ocean is literally right outside your livingroom windows (which are floor to ceiling). Even before getting up the surfers are catching waves and are so entertaining to watch. The air-conditioning was always appreciated especially after a warm day at the beach. The kitchen cupboards are well stocked and there's a large selection of spices and condiments left in the fridge, ie: catchup, mustard, mayo. Hairdryer, curling iron, clothes iron are also available and the stackable washer and dryer are a dream to use.There is snorkel equipment, floaties for the little ones, cooler on wheels and a beach wagon to put all your chairs and umbrellas in (much easier than carrying).The pool area is lovely with tables and chairs plus the lounge chairs for sunning. The only suggestion I might have for the owner is to have a couple of more comfortable bar stools for the lanai, which is very narrow but great for your morning coffee or your late night drink. There is a very small patch of sand next to the condo where the surfers enter the water but is very rocky, no swimming there. The nearest beach was Magic Sands Beach which is nice for snorkeling, boogie boarding and bopping in the ocean. Our stay was absolutely delightful and the use of a car was a real bonus. I already miss the sound of the crashing waves.
Yvonne F.
September 2025
Great location, excellent air conditioning. There is road noise do the proximity of Alli road. Noisy for the second bedroom. The owner was very accommodating.
Christopher I.
September 2025
Fantastic 10 days. Condo was excellent. Great location. We felt extremely safe and were very comfortable.
John K.
September 2025
Great time thank you
David S.
September 2025
What an absolute gem of a property and location. Had a great five days thank you
Ash B.
September 2025
This was our second stay at Banyan tree 200! We love everything about this home and are looking forward to returning next year. The view from the home is amazing, right on the water. Every morning and evening we watched surfers , listened to the rhythmic crashing of the waves, watched crabs scale the stone wall and viewed the spectacular sunsets, what more could you ask for ? The location is excellent , I walked every morning past Magic Sands and Kahalu"u beaches with the smell of plumeria filling the air. Tracy and the owners are great. I won't stay anywhere else.
piper s.
September 2025
Beautiful, well maintained home. All the supplies you need included. Great location with breathtaking views of the ocean! Minutes away from downtown. Would stay again!
September 2025
Well appointed, beautiful view, convenient, reserved covered parking space, quiet, great balcony view!
Paul S.
September 2025
Absolutely loved this property. The view was spectacular, along with the furnishings. It was heaven to sit on the lanai each evening for “sunset hour” as we called it, and feel like we were floating on the waves. I would love to stay here again! For parents of young children who want to spend a lot of time at the pool, however, I would make sure to read through pool rules before booking to make sure that you’re ok with the limitations of pool play at this property.
Meghann B.
September 2025
Stunning sunset views on the ocean front property and close to Downtown Kona and shopping.
August 2025
This condo is spectacular. The views are amazing, it was very clean and spacious. Kyle was fantastic to work with. The check-in and check out process were very easy. Highly highly recommend.
Leslie D.
August 2025
So glad we booked this property. The description and photos were accurate. The owner very responsive to any issues. What was a pleasant surprise was how roomy and quiet the corner unit was. We didn't hear any neighbors, only the crashing of the ocean waves. The location is fantastic, overlooking a surfing spot that seems to be a local favorite. Don't hesitate - book this rental. It was perfect for our family getaway.
Melodee B.
August 2025
Beautiful condo. Secure building. Amazing views. Close to restaurants, beaches, shopping. Couldn't have had a better place to stay in Kailua Kona. Will definitely be back!
Jennifer M.
August 2025
I just needed a place to stay while working for a few weeks. The place was clean and functional for the most part. The elevator was out of order for a few days on 2 separate occasions during my stay which caused some inconvenience because the stairwell requires a key for entry, of which, there is only 1. I had a coworker staying with me who worked a different shift. We had to continuously coordinate to ensure access to the building during those days. Other than that, there are no complaints. The view is great. The location is great. The beds are comfortable enough. The place is clean. Everything functioned well in the condo. I'm not sure what more you would ask for.
Christine S.
August 2025
Great location. The ocean views were incredible from the lanai.
David M.
August 2025
Loved our stay and would definitely stay here again!
Jeremy A.
July 2025
This condo is exactly as described. Fabulous views. Large and comfortable 2 bedrooms. Very functional kitchen with everything you’d need for cooking and laundry/cleaning. And everything imaginable provided for beach. Building even when filled is quiet inside the unit. It’s also a quite good location with Kailua town about 2 miles in one direction and the local state park and other beaches nearby in the other direction. Kim promptly responds to any questions. All around, an excellent property choice.
bette l.
July 2025
Great location! Easy to get to places on the Big Island. The view of the sunsets from the lanai are awesome!
John D.
July 2025
This was a wonderful place with a huge lanai with a great view right on the water. We watched surfers and the sunset. The furniture was up-to-date and comfortable and the AC was excellent. I would recommend this place to everyone.
Deb M.
July 2025
We absolutely loved this condo! The spectacular views did not disappoint! The unit had everything we needed for an amazing stay in Kailua-Kona. Coolers, beach chairs, beach towels, and so many other items made our stay great. Beds were very comfortable. The pool is right on the ocean and offered a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Unit was clean, and in a great location. We will definitely be looking forward to a future stay!
CJ B.
July 2025
Wow is all I can say. This place was in a perfect location and with the views was amazing right from the living area and master room. Thank you Dawn for this and being an amazing host.
Arnoldo C.
July 2025
Bob was easy to communicate with throughout the booking process and the location right on the water was truly amazing! The condo had everything we needed for exploring the area, like snorkeling gear, beach chairs, umbrella, etc. Watching the surfers from the lanai was fun, and being near the town activities and restaurants was also convenient. The AC was a nice add on as well, though it does get hot in the twin bedroom at night- fyi. Overall a great trip to Kona that we will remember!
Kristin H.
July 2025
Wonderful condo right on the water! Hosts were great. Called to check to make sure everything was ok. Nicely equipped. Would definitely recommend!
Debbie B.
July 2025
My husband and I brought our two teenagers to Hawaii for the first time and this place was an excellent home base for us. The condo is well stocked with everything I needed to cook most meals at home. The lanai that overlooks the ocean was always full of surfers and I loved watching them. We watched the sunset from the lanai each day. The beach umbrella and beach chairs that were supplied were so nice! Lovely place!
Marcy R.
July 2025