Kona Makai, Big Island

Kona Makai is a beautiful oceanfront complex located on famous Ali'i Drive, just over a mile south of historic Kona Village. The well-maintained resort features lush gardens with native Hawaiian plants, an oceanfront heated saltwater pool, hot tub, tennis courts, exercise rooms, ping pong, gas barbecues, and covered parking. Guests can enjoy oceanfront seating with loungers, watch spinner dolphins, whales, and monk seals, and experience stunning sunsets. The complex is gated at night for security and offers easy access to snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water activities when ocean conditions are calm. Kona Makai is conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, farmers markets, and various recreational activities, making it an ideal choice for vacationers seeking a tranquil and picturesque Hawaiian getaway.

Kona Makai Average Rates


As of June 2025, the average price of a 1 bedroom unit at Kona Makai is $225. The average price of a 2 bedroom unit is $354. The average takes into account Hawaii's 18% accommodation tax as well as the cleaning and booking fees rentals charge. Also note that prices vary depending on the specifc unit and season (holiday rates are usally much higher). Visit the Kona Makai Rentals page to see specific unit prices for your dates.

Kona Makai's Best Rentals

View All 37 Kona Makai Rentals (with vacancy and search options)

What Do Guests Think? An AI Analysis of 616 Guest Reviews


Reviewer Portrait

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.

Guests have overwhelmingly positive experiences at the Kona Makai condo resort on the Big Island, praising its amazing views, cozy and well-equipped accommodations, and excellent location. Many reviews highlight the breathtaking sunsets visible from the decks, the well-maintained gardens, and the convenience of having everything needed for a comfortable stay, including full kitchens, washer/dryer, comfy beds, parking, and internet. The resort's amenities, such as the pool, hot tub, barbecue area, and direct access to the ocean, receive high marks. Guests appreciate the added bonuses of beach gear and other essentials provided in the units. While there are a few minor suggestions for improvements and mentions of maintenance needs, the overall sentiment is that Kona Makai is a beautiful, peaceful, and perfect spot for a Hawaiian vacation. The management's responsiveness and the sense of community among guests are also noted positively. Despite some rules around the condominium complex and occasional maintenance issues, guests express a strong desire to return and recommend Kona Makai to others. This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 616 guest reviews.

Recent Kona Makai Reviews


This complex is right on the ocean with a nice pool, hot tub, and grilling area, yet is very mellow and quiet! We enjoyed our stay here and would recommend to anyone! J&M Feb. 2025
Janet C.
March 2025

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Thomas G.
March 2025

Lovely property.. view from condo excellent.
Kimberley M.
February 2025

We stayed here for a total of 10 days, I had little children with me, oldest being 5 and youngest being 4 months. We loved our stay! There are a lot of rules for children at this property but they also aren’t hard to follow, only ones that difficult with children is not allowing them to jump into the pool.However, our room was great, everything was in working condition, the property is incredibly beautiful and the air conditioning units were a life saver on the hot days! Gather vacations is also very easy to get ahold of, we had some painting being done during our stay that we weren’t aware of, so for 3 days we couldn’t use our lanai. But we were able to contact gather vacations very easily! Definitely would stay at one of their properties again!
Mikaela S.
February 2025

Well equipped, great property, and lanai!
Jessica M.
February 2025

We stayed here for 10 wonderful days. We had everything we needed including coolers, beach chairs, boogie boards and a few sand toys. The views from the wrap around lanai were amazing and the place was very peaceful. If you come with kids the quiet times are quite strictly enforced as well as no jumping in the pool so just be aware of that and you will have a wonderful stay.
Conrad Jessica S.
February 2025

Overall complex awesome. Quick response from management with answers to our questions.
James & Joyce L.
February 2025

Wonderful place to stay. We enjoyed the amenities of the place. The property managers were easy to communicate with and checked in the day after we arrived. Just due to Google maps and the property, check in was a little difficult. They did have a wonderful email that later out the steps of our arrival. I would have preferred to have the check out information come the day before check out and not 4 days before we were going to leave. But the property, cleanliness, and location were great. We loved having breakfast on the lanai and looking out at the ocean.
Joshua C.
February 2025

Very nice and clean condo. Appreciate the beach amenities household items that made it very home like. The Tupperware full of different needed items was very thoughtful so we didn’t have to go buy those items (coffee and filters, storage bags, dish and laundry soap, etc).Convenient location in Kona and walking distance to downtown.
Paul H.
February 2025

This is our favorite complex in Kona due to beautiful ocean views, lovely pool and meticulous care of the gorgeous landscaping. We also appreciate the low tolerance for noise making it so quiet and relaxing. First time at Jeannette and Micheals unit and we liked it so much we rebooked for next year! Amazing view and property exactly as described. Bedroom is on the parking lot side but we never bothered before noice and the AC was appreciated. Highly recommend.
Anne C.
February 2025

Beautiful grounds, great facilities, and perfect location.
Amy S.
February 2025

It was perfect, we will be going bacl next year
Sally E.
February 2025

Pros: Paul, our host, was incredible. He was very responsive & accommodating from start to finish. The location & views are 10/10, incredible. Well equipped & comfortable condo for our party of 5. Cons: Very strict rules, it seems as though many of the other condos are inhabited by older residents who frown on those of us renters enjoying our vacation (i.e. conversing “too loudly” at dinner on the lanai, no floaties or splashing/fun in the pool, etc.) feels almost like it should be a 55 property based on the very strict rules & how they’re enforced by the residents. Overall, would absolutely stay here again! Thank you, Paul, for a wonderful stay!
Christine W.
February 2025

We stayed for 14 nights. Our condo was as pictured and described on VRBO. We had a beautiful view and the grounds are beautiful. The pool and hot tub were great.The kitchen was well stocked with all the needed dishes and utensils. The closet of beach supplies was well stocked. The area is beautiful.
Rhonda W.
February 2025

We are frequent visitors to Kona and have stayed at many of the properties along Ali'i Dr. Kona Macai is one of our favorites due to the vicinity to town and the well maintained grounds. We really liked this unit in paritcular because of how well the kitchen was stacked and the items for the beach. Many STRs have kitchen but have little beyond salt and pepper and it's hard to actually cook a meal. This unit had spices, condiments and everything needed for meal prep. In addition to the kitchen they had beach chais, umbrellas, cooler and it appeared even a SUP. Everything regarding check in and check out was easy.
John M.
February 2025

Great location- easy walking distance to Kona.Well stocked kitchen( pots, pans etc)Kona makai is fairly quiet facility- if you like to party- probably not the place for you.
chris c.
February 2025

The property is plenty adequate for those traveling the island, almost resort-like when you need it, and close to town when you want to be. Hosts are super nice and the condo is well maintained.
Rich H.
February 2025

Enjoyed the central location; Lush gardens; Fitness rooms. Property has well appointed kitchen. We saw whales from the lanai. The sunsets were also spectacular.
Ryle R.
January 2025

We really enjoyed our stay here, we loved the location - at the beach (watching the waves), the pool, the closeness to town. Issue with A/C was resolved quickly. New appliances. Beach gear we could borrow. Thanks for the great stay!
Kevin N.
January 2025

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: Excellent stay. Great property management company.
James H.
January 2025

Enjoyed our stay at the condo. The management assistance was outstanding.
Jerome P.
January 2025

Had great stay for 16 days. Quiet location but could still hear the surf on the big surf days. Property is well maintained. Would stay again.
Garett H.
January 2025

The location was great. View was excellent! Most everything you need for a great stay.
Wanda B.
January 2025

This is the second time my husband and I have stayed at Kona Makai; we absolutely love its location and the annual community it hosts. I lived on big island for a long time and it’s a perfect location to walk Alii, get to both Kona town and out of town. This unit, in particular, had an amazing view straight out to the ocean. Was stocked so so well too!!!! Everything was easy, comfortable, homey, and beautiful.
Elly Y.
January 2025

very nice
Michael G.
January 2025

Everything about this stay was smooth sailing. Easy to check in. Loved the lanai and the view, watching the birds and the ocean. Its a very quiet condo complex and the neighbors are friendly - lots gather during sunset down by the water. The bed was supremely comfortable and we slept very well. Great location to explore from! Would stay here again in a heartbeat.
Michelle T.
January 2025

We enjoyed our stay in this unit. The owner has done a great job of preparing it with everything needed for a Hawaiian vacation. The only issue is the lack of an oceanview. There is a nice view of the ocean from the patio but that is it. The views from the pool area are great. Overall a nice place to stay and a good value. I would give it a 4.5.
Paul
January 2025

Nice and chilled place to relax...the view from the balcony was lovely.
Emmanuel
January 2025

We've lost count how many times we stayed at this condo and hope to continue coming back. Fantastic location right next to the ocean with waves breaking right next to the unit. Great, super well managed property with beautiful grounds, The unit itself has everything that may be needed for an amazing vacation in Hawaii. And the most The best part is absolutely amazing hosts. So grateful for your hospitality - looking forward to coming back!
Irina N.
January 2025

Over all the property it self and the location were great. Our unit was lacking - some furniture was broken and unusable and the kitchen was not well stocked at all with supplies. We had to buy some basic supplies to get through.
Shelly B.
January 2025

Everything about this place was lovely! Great location right on the water and a very nice view.The only part that was missing was check in instructions with a code to get into the parking lot and instructions on where to park. The gate is normally open but at night it locks, if we hadn't followed a car in we would have been stuck outside. Everything else was very easy and smooth!
Justin N.
January 2025

Great location and relaxing stay, would come again!
Benjamin M.
December 2024

Just lovely. Thank you for a wonderful stay.
Anna-Marie S.
December 2024

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: Was a really nice location and very quiet. If you like peace, quiet and and a beautiful place to watch the sunset then stay here. The room was nice and clean, the deck was a nice bonus and the grounds are very nice! Would definitely stay here again.
Steven Z.
December 2024

Gorgeous view of ocean sunsets from the lanai. Clean, comfortable unit. Excellent location, ocean breezes keep the unit comfortable. We did not need to use the air conditioner at anytime during our stay.
Rich H.
December 2024

We returned to this property based on the value, location, and space for the family. Kitchen was super functional. Lanai was fantastic to sit on in the mornings. The owners response time on minor issue was amazing. I told them it could wait till after we checked out, she got it taken care of immediately. We will be rebooking soon!!!
Parker F.
December 2024

The l
Brian D.
December 2024

Love this property! Clean & quiet. Just the way we like it.
Duane H.
December 2024

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 is an awesome place to stay. The price was right and the view incredible from the balcony. Lots of activities for the family to do.
Sharon B.
December 2024

The unit rented met our needs, kitchen to make meals, living room to wind down from the day, balcony for morning coffee, breakfast and dinner, grills by the community pool to cook up dinner, beautiful view right on the rocky shore for sunsets.Management was very communicative
Eric C.
December 2024

The owner was very communicative and helpful. She had lots of the little things needed for a stay-shaving cream, shampoo, garbage bags, toilet paper. You name it, it was there. Stayed for 3 weeks and could have packed only a carry on. Nice location for exploring the Kona Coast and for snorkeling. Would come back in a heartbeat!
William K.
December 2024

Very beautiful property. Janet was very helpful. The location and view were perfect. We would stay there again. Thank you, Janet.
Kathleen W.
December 2024

Beautiful views right from the condo, great location walkable to town - loved it
GARRETT N.
December 2024

Management was excellent to work with and responded quickly to any inquiries. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the room, which was well-equipped. The kitchen had everything we needed, though it would have been nice to have more spices available beyond just salt and pepper.The BBQ area was a highlight, offering a fantastic spot to cook steaks while enjoying the sunset. However, the amenities fell a bit short of expectations. The gym was in poor condition, with rusted equipment and no windows, and it didn’t open until 8 a.m., which was inconvenient. Additionally, the pool closing at 9 p.m. felt a bit early; a 10 p.m. closure would have been more typical and would have allowed us to relax longer after a long day of hiking and exploring. Unfortunately, we only managed about 10 minutes in the hot tub.Despite these minor issues, it was a great place to stay in an excellent location. Mahalo!
Shawn S.
December 2024

We enjoyed our stay. The condo was clean and met all our needs. The sunset view was delightful.
Doug and Nancy L.
December 2024

We spent most of our time outdoors as this is Hawaii and there is much to do. We are very active so even though the resort is 3Km from downtown it is a very easy walk for us. The place is very clean and Jeanette and Michael are available immediately if you have any questions. The spectacular view from the lanais is nice to enjoy over breakfast or for a glass of wine at sunset. It is beautiful!
Arlet W.
December 2024

This is our favorite Kona Makai unit, conveniently located, well supplied, and comfortable. And oh those sunsets!
Paula R.
December 2024

Excellent stay
emily c.
December 2024

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: Our family of 5 had a wonderful time in this apartment. The main bedroom had a very comfortable bed and lovely furniture. The upstairs had comfortable bunk bed that worked out great for our teens. The second bed was also great. It was sparkling clean which is super important to us. It was the cleanest place we ever stayed in Hawaii. We really enjoyed our mornings on the lanai, watching the ocean and dolphins. Most of the appliances were like new. We enjoyed our evenings in the pool/ hot tub and sitting by the ocean. The grounds were beautiful too. We will definitely stay again when visiting Kona
Weronika P.
November 2024

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 perfect vacation for us and this condo was a big part of it. It’s really nice with a good sized kitchen and the lanai is huge where we had coffee and relaxation as the waves crashed just below us. The pool area is nice and we took morning walks into Kona.
Darin V.
November 2024


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