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.
Kona Makai delivers a classic Kona experience: a peaceful, oceanfront complex on Ali‘i Drive with lush, meticulously kept gardens, dramatic lava-rock shoreline, and nightly sunset gatherings by the pool/BBQ area. Guests love lingering on lanais for ocean breezes, dolphin and whale sightings, and the constant sound of the surf. The location is a standout—about a mile from downtown shops and restaurants (walk or a short drive) and well placed for day trips north or south along the coast.
Most condos are clean, comfortable, and well equipped, often with full kitchens, in‑unit laundry, reliable Wi‑Fi, and plenty of beach gear (chairs, coolers, boogie boards, snorkel sets). Many units have air conditioning, though coverage varies (often bedroom-only; lofts can run warm), and hosts/property managers are widely praised for fast, friendly communication and quick fixes when needed. Onsite amenities—oceanfront pool and hot tub, gas grills, ping-pong, and tennis—enhance the laid-back vibe, but note there’s no sandy beach on property; ocean entry is over lava and better for confident snorkelers, with sandy beaches a short drive away.
The consistent caveats: this is a quiet, rule-forward HOA. Pool use is conservative (no splashing/floaties/loud play), phone calls on lanais may be restricted, and quiet hours are enforced—great for serenity, less ideal for energetic kids. As with any individually owned condos, interiors and upkeep vary; a few guests noted dated furniture, occasional cleaning lapses, bright bedrooms without blackout curtains, or loud/limited AC, though most issues were addressed promptly. Periodic building projects (spalling/painting) and the dated gym appear in several reviews, and upper floors require stairs (no elevators). Overall, Kona Makai suits travelers seeking oceanfront sunsets, tropical gardens, and a calm home base near town; those wanting a sandy beach and a kid-centric, free-form pool scene should plan to drive to nearby beaches.
This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 907 reviews
Kona Makai never disappoints. We stayed here before and were more then happy to do it again.
Vladi T.
April 2026
Was a great central location for exploring the island. Pool and hot tub were a nice way to wrap up the day. Loved the lanai…enjoyed our coffee and the birds every morning.
debbie n.
April 2026
Great place in Great location! Nice AC units in the bedroom! Smart TVS in every room! Great Kitchen! Easy short walk both to nice swimming pool and hot tub and beach!
roger k.
April 2026
Had a great trip.
David C.
April 2026
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very 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:
Cute place to call home for our week long stay in Kona! We enjoyed the jacuzzi after a day of exploring and the ping pong tables were so fun as well. Place had everything we needed to make us feel at home. Has snorkel gear, cooler, water filter for fridge, and camping chairs. Only thing we wished were the chairs were beach chairs!
Jamie B.
April 2026
Yes, the ocean view was so beautiful.
Brooks K.
April 2026
All was good. Very nice stay. Should consider a new hair dryer
Brian M.
April 2026
The air conditioning was a lifesaver. The pool does have a lot of rules but it’s nice. There isn’t a beach at the condo. The sofa bed could use an upgrade.
Rebecca B.
April 2026
Our stay was great, we had everything we needed.
Sadie W.
April 2026
As a family with two teenagers the condo had everything we needed, games to play in between activities, well stocked kitchen, beach chairs, snorkel gear and beach towels. Loved the view from the lanai; palm trees, pool, and ocean. The condo complex was quiet and relaxing. The hosts were quick to respond to our questions. Everyone loved it!
Jesse R.
April 2026
This was our first trip to Kona. This condo was very convenient for lots of places to walk. The view from the patio, was great. We enjoyed our morning coffee’s outside every morning. We would stay here again.
Jeanette p.
April 2026
Paul tge property manager was excellent and resolved our issue incredibly fast. Great place to stay.
daniel z.
March 2026
We had a fantastic day and the owners were very reachable and kind! The place is absolutely beautiful and has amazing views! It was a fantastic location and we can’t wait to go back!
jessica b.
March 2026
It is such a lovely place. My family and I spent a week here. Although rain and undesirable weather were our experience, this place was our home away from home. The children still enjoyed the pool and the tennis court. The condo also had sufficient materials that we needed for our stay. If we are ever coming back to Kona, we will definitely stay here again. Thank you again!!!
Rose C.
March 2026
Nice view and convenient location. Leaving the doors and windows open for air flow meant a bit of road noise in the mornings.
Steve M.
March 2026
Location, Location ,Location!! Place was as advertised and views are amazing! Nice quiet complex that allows for perfect relaxation , but a short walk or shorter drive to the ocean front village of Kona for restaurant's, bars,and shopping!, Hosts where very communicative amd responsive. Would highly recommend this place and look forward to coming back again!!
Dan N.
March 2026
The condo was a great place for a week long stay. The views were beautiful-can see the ocean from the lanai as well as the bedrooms. Kitchen was nicely stocked. Condo was spacious and clean. We love having the beach chairs, cooler, umbrella and snorkel gear available for use.
Hockey F.
March 2026
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 location was great. Condo was clean, spacious, well furnished with sheets and towels, beach gear including coolers, kitchen pans, utensils and appliances. Very quiet and restful location. Lanai was awesome. Close to everything.Only thing I would recommend is that for guests staying more than one week it would be nice if you could provide more cleaning items and paper products.
Hockey F.
March 2026
We had a few issues during our stay, but staff were very helpful and attentive. The owner needs to replace the furniture as the sofa and chairs are very uncomfortable. This is a nice 2b/2b in Kona that included starter supplies. Great management company with their own maintenance staff that were pleasant to work with. Hot tub and pool were very nice, kept sparkling clean with a view of the ocean and sunset from them. BBQs are just outside the pool area and there are enough so you won’t have much if any wait to use them. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. Ample parking near the unit. AC units work well. It was a very peaceful stay.
Joan S.
March 2026
Had a great time.
Terri D.
March 2026
A great place to stay not too far from shopping and restaurants. The lanai has an amazing view of the ocean. Will be back for sure.
Steven L.
March 2026
Great condo, great location! Beautiful views and grounds!
Dave T.
March 2026
The condo was nice. The soft bed is worn out with two distinct wells or low spots for sleeping. Pillows were also cheap and flat like pancakes. It was unfortunate because the rest of the condo was very nice.
Leigh C.
March 2026
Great location and well maintained condominium
Philip W.
March 2026
Loved the space. Nice that they had beach equipment. Thanks so much!
Marti W.
March 2026
This was an outstanding location. We really enjoyed the ocean view. The apartment had everything we needed.
Mike H.
March 2026
It was really nice. Perfect size. Nice AC. View is fully obstructed as a heads up and there are so many warnings on the pool that it's just not worth going with little kids otherwise we loved this place.
Chantel
February 2026
Beautiful grounds. Condo amenities ! Great place for 2 people. Pool area very nice. Snorkeling was right there also. Host was quick to respond to questions.
Christine C.
February 2026
Easily contacted and responsive to our requests. They brought me batteries for freebies! Condo was clean well furnished.AC a little loud but not outrageous.Was great having washer/dryer in unit along with having beach chairs and such. Ceiling Fan on on patio needs balancing.Would definitely recommend!
Joseph W.
February 2026
Loved the complex & view from the lanai! The pool was the best I’ve ever experienced. Difficult to leave & go back home.Mahalo to the hosts!
Marilyne G.
February 2026
Lovely condo clean
Jennifer H.
February 2026
Clean and good location for staying in Kona, easy parking and peaceful community. The kitchen could use an update on plates, coffee mugs etc.
Leslie O.
February 2026
The unit was in immaculate condition, is in a great location, and had everything I needed! I would recommend this to anyone!
Heather K.
February 2026
Cute, charming condo with a great pool and view! Host was great as well and the property managers. We had an issue with the refrigerator and they were out same day and had multiple solutions for us and were very attentive and nice about it.
Kristie G.
February 2026
The best parts about this unit were the property, the views from the lanai, and the location. It's so nicely located near Kailau-Kona Village, good foods, and great coffee.
Amber P.
February 2026
The place was generally clean, but I think the cleanliness could have been improved a bit. Seems like deep cleaning is overlooked somewhat. The property where this unit was located was absolutely beautiful. We very much enjoyed the pool and barbecue area. All of the beds were comfortable, and though the unit is small, there was ample room for storage. The only negative comment that I would have is that you had to have all your towels washed and dried before departure. I have not had to do that in any of the other VRBO properties I have rented, which I have rented many. It makes it difficult to do when you need to have a shower and catch an early flight. It just seemed a bit excessive to me. Otherwise, everything was really great.
Melanie A.
February 2026
Kona Makai is our favorite place to stay in Kona with its lovely grounds, beautiful view, and quiet ambiance - and this our second time returning to Micheal’s wonderful vacation home. Amazing view and lots of special touches - we could spend our entire vacation on the lanai with my favorite basket chair. AC in the bedroom makes for a comfortable nights sleep and well stocked kitchen has everything you need. We hope to return and highly recommend
Anne C.
February 2026
Directions were clear related to expectations. Lovely view from deck. Complex grounds are beautiful, and shared areas well cared for. Lots of nearby shops and restaurants. The unit itself was clean and comfortable, well supplied. Only complaint we had that while the stove top worked well, the oven loses a lot of heat. If the plan is to do cooking, it could be a challenge.
Beth D.
February 2026
The pool and view were the best!
Lori B.
February 2026
We had a great stay in Building 1 at the Kona Makai. We have stayed in this complex several times over the years and enjoy the views of the ocean from the lanai. The condo was comfortable and had everything we needed from the well appointed kitchen and baths to enjoying a day at the beach. Great communication with the owners. Unit was easily accessible. We would gladly return.
Cathy H.
February 2026
![Kona Makai 1-301]()
Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was very 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:
It just doesn't get any better than this for oceanfront ..literally on top of it! Accurate description of convenient location to everything and pool, grounds/gardens are meticulously kept up. You likely won't find any other oceanfront complex with this much beautiful green space. Constant ocean breeze blowing through the unit making it comfortable even on the hottest days. Also constant surf noise which can be very loud at times so bring ear plugs if you need quiet for sleep in the master bedroom. We loved it. Well stocked kitchen, towels and linens. The reservation process and followup was excellent. Property manager was very responsive with any issues. We are returning for a third time next year and would highly recommend without hesitation!
joani r.
February 2026
The beach gear and other essentials that were included were super helpful and we really enjoyed having that available!
Sam G.
January 2026
Great location and really nice private condominium ground
Grant E.
January 2026
Great space and a great location!
January 2026
This is a perfect location, and the condo was well equipped
Amy S.
January 2026
Wonderful stay! Very nice condo with an amazing view! We so enjoyed our morning coffee and meals on the lanai. The community here is very friendly and welcoming.
Sharon L.
January 2026
Third time staying the the Kona Makai complex with this being our favorite condo. Had a nice deck with a beautiful view of the ocean. Also, main part of balcony didn’t face the daytime sum letting us use if more during the hot part of the day.
Asher M.
January 2026
The unit had all of the things we needed to prepare our meals. Pots, pans and utensils. Ice maker was nice to fill our cooler daily. Air conditioner in both the living and bedroom worked great. Full sized washer and dryer as well. Sunset from the pool area is amazing!
David C.
January 2026
Check in process was smooth. Comfortable bed. Enjoyed the close ocean view from the public patio. Convenient location.
Mathew F.
January 2026
Just as an FYI there were very few start up items left. No TP! We left TP, shower stuff and kitchen roll, hopefully for the next guests! The management agency was very responsive to our needs and helped with solutions quickly and fairly.The unit is cute and the bathroom nicely remodeled. Location is great and the complex amenities very well kept and cared for!
Faye B.
January 2026