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 Quick Facts:


  • Address: 75-6026 Ali‘i Dr,Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
  • Property Size: ~4.0 acres (101 units)
  • Reviews: 4.77 / 5.0 (from 1144 reviews)
  • Average Price: $253/night for 1 bedroom units
  • Rentals: Kona Makai Vacation Rentals

The Top 8 Highest Rated Rentals at Kona Makai

Kona Makai Average Rates


As of March 2026, the average price of a 1 bedroom unit at Kona Makai is $253. The average price of a 2 bedroom unit is $395. These averages include 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 usually higher). Visit the Kona Makai Rentals page to see specific unit prices for your dates.

What Do Guests Think? An Analysis of 907 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.

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

Recent Kona Makai Reviews


The Best: Our stay was quite very relaxing. The condo is exactly as pictured and very comfortable in all ways. Location is perfect, beds comfy, unit was clean, ocean breezes were cooling with little need for AC. WiFi worked well, conference call with our IT to transfer data to a new laptop. The decor is unique and quite interesting. The sunsets and overall ambiance is spectacular. We did have need to contact the owners for a couple of quick questions and their response time was extremely prompt. We could have answered them ourselves had we checked cabinets, especially nice they took the time to point out locations of items. The owners take great care in the comfort and convenience of their guest.Minor issues: *Construction repairs are happening on one of the buildings at the edge of the property's oceanfront. The noise is considerable while at the pool/cabana and ocean seating area. * Although I believe the property does not allow animals, a local woman brought her dog to the seating area in the evening at sunset, well behaved just took up seating from other guests. *Very strict rules regarding telephone conversations, music, etc in common areas and on the lanai which we appreciate as noise does travel near the ocean. Only once did we experience another guest playing music loudly and making cell calls. Owners cannot be responsible for others who ignore the property rules, a maintenance person was present for the issues and said nothing so perhaps dogs are allowed.
Ashley G.
November 2025

Nice condo, close to everything and very comfortable. Great communication with the owner.
Fred M.
November 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: Nice accommodationsFull kitchen bedroom and bathroom Need instructions for electric stove and microwave
Stephen N.
November 2025

My husband and I enjoyed a fabulous week long stay at this cute condo! Everything was clean and very comfortable, from the spacious bedroom to the lanai overlooking the gardens and ocean. If you want to cook your own meals, the kitchen is equipped with a stove/oven, plenty of pots, pans and utensils, and all the standard spices. We really enjoyed the communal effort to keep noise to a minimum, allowing you to enjoy the sound of the ocean and wind in the palm trees from the lanai and pool area. Overall a fabulous location, well appointed condo and beautiful view. We would definitely stay here again!
Stephanie S.
November 2025

Really wonderful condo, have stayed at Kona Makai 5 times and this was my favorite so far
Ashley N.
November 2025

The oceanfront sunsets at this property were spectacular! It was easy to communicate with the host, they were very responsive and helpful. We appreciated all the amenities provided; including beach gear, and spices & condaments-it helpped a lot. The property is very well maintained. Mahalo for a wonderful stay in paradise!
Val K.
November 2025

Had a great 4 day stay here. The home is clean and well stocked. Really enjoyed the time spent on the Lanai and beautiful sunsets. The kitchen was well stocked with whatever we needed to cook breakfasts and make coffee. The walk from the home to downtown Kona is easy - about a mile to shops and restaurants. Hosts were responsive and check in process was easy. Parking and getting in and out was no problem. Definitely recommend having a car ti enjoy the island. Very happy with our stay.
Mike M.
November 2025

Pool, hot tub, grounds, and sunsets over the ocean were great. It was great to have the use of the beach towels, cooler, boogie boards etc. The only complaint would be the wifi was just terrible, we didn't come for the Internet but it was frustrating to even try and look up restaurants and stuff.
dave b.
November 2025

Overall the property was ok. The location is nice, parking was easy and the views were great. The pool was nice and it was nice relaxing by the ocean. However, the condo was not very clean. The walls, stove, and kitchen counters were all dirty and had some kind of residue. The beds were also very hard making it difficult to sleep.
Alaina V.
November 2025

Great pool!
Cathy F.
November 2025

Lovely ocean view from the lanai - even saw dolphins one morning. AC in bedroom was the bomb... one in the living room struggled to cool things down enough for us cool-climate Oregonians! It was nice to have laundry in the condo. Well appointed kitchen if you wanted to fix your own meals (we just made morning coffee and english muffins).
Susan B.
November 2025

It's a beautiful condo was alittle surprise there wasn't at least one or two coffee filters for my first day cup of coffee on lanai. The lint filter in dryer is broken looks like someone tried to fix it w/duct tape. I would love to have had black out curtains abit bright so early in the morning. I've stayed at this complex before, beautiful grounds, nice pool area and great place sunsets. Mahalo
Deborah S.
November 2025

Good things about the condo: it’s spacious, the beds are comfy, it’s quiet, the pool is ok for a dip. The kitchen is well equipped and easy to work in. The wrap around lanai is spacious. It was clean except for the floor, which was gritty. Not so good things: we arrived at night and the condo was hard to find. The lockbox took repeated attempts to get the key. When we arrived the lanai door to the master bedroom was open, prompting us to examine every closet for intruders. We were without hot water for a day and a half. The Vacasa rep advised me to let the water run for a long time so it could “regenerate” (I did not take his advice). The next morning a different rep suggested looking at the fuses, and some were tripped. Fuses looked old. Worst for me was a pervasive odor of dryer vent with a fabric sheet (I’m allergic to perfumes) in the master bedroom. I could not tell where it was from. It was particularly bad at night. All in all, our stay was ok but it certainly was not a 5-star experience.
Terri A.
October 2025

Amazing place!
Jacquelyn M.
October 2025

Clean. Quiet. Convenient
Luke M.
October 2025

Positives: - The complex is truly oceanfront as stated, and while the unit itself doesn’t have a direct ocean view, the patio overlooks a lush tropical garden - Apartment is spacious and comfortable for 2 adults - Plenty of parking - Patio is large Areas for Improvement: - For a 7-night stay, the starter supplies were insufficient: only 3 laundry pods, 4 dishwasher pods, 2 kitchen trash bags, 2 bathroom trash bags, and 2 toilet paper rolls - Provided detergent had no label or brand information - I experienced a skin allergy after using it on towels, so guests with sensitivities should bring their own detergent - Bath and beach towels are not refreshed during the stay, so you’ll need to wash them yourself - Management team did offer to reimburse for purchased supplies, but asking guests on vacation to shop for basics like detergent or trash bags feels inconvenient and inconsiderate - Kitchen cabinets are outdated and greasy/sticky to the touch - Dishware is mostly plastic, which feels cheap for the price point - A/C is loud — it’s difficult to sleep with it running - Pillows were small, tough, and uncomfortable, with no variety to choose from Overall, while the setting and space are pleasant, the lack of attention to guest comfort and the “starter pack” policy make you feel more like a tenant than a valued guest. Note: After checkout, management company sent a message asking that only positive reviews be posted publicly and that any negative feedback be shared privately
Kateryna
October 2025

Loved this unit and would stay here again. The kitchen was very well stocked with everything you would need. The rest of the condo too. Loved all the snorkel gear, boogie boards, football, reusable grocery bags and a beach bag!! Thank you! The master bedroom air conditioner was really loud but after a couple nights we figured out a work around to have it off a night and just the fans and other air conditioning units on and we were comfortable and able to sleep. I have 4 stars for cleanliness because there were a few areas that could use a deep clean for built up dust(my son has a bad dust allergy so I stress about dust) common living spaces and especially bathrooms and kitchens were very clean. Communication was quick, friendly and very much appreciated.
Angela H.
October 2025

Room climate was great. Very comfortable beds, quiet at night. View from the pool has amazing sunsets.
Sheryl T.
October 2025

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was more than happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Great size, lovey location with sea view and close to the pool, well equipped kitchen, both bedrooms large with own air con and bathroom and privacy. About 35 mins walk from town plus free bus up and down the hill every hour.
Lucy H.
October 2025

Everything was perfect !!!!We had a wonderful time in this amazing Appartement. Thanks for everything
Martina R.
October 2025

Excellent location near downtown. Two nice sized bedrooms and two separate bathrooms. Nearly all the units in the complex have a nice view of the ocean except for a few that are on the very end of the buildings whose view is the end of the other properties. Since we were out of our room most of the time, it didn't matter that much. But if someone is booking it to spend a lot of time on the balcony and expecting a view of the ocean....they will be very disappointed. I think the entity who is renting it out should specifically state that this is NOT a water view.
Dean C.
October 2025

Balcony view is exactly as advertised, so amazing! Lots of fans to keep the place cool, as well as air conditioning that we didn't use.
Miles G.
October 2025

We loved our stay here! The condo had all the supplies we needed for some basic cooking. We especially loved the ocean view from the lanai! We were able to walk into town which was nice. The location felt safe and parking was secure. Would recommend!
Kelly O.
October 2025

Very safe condo with well maintained gardens. Parking was easy. The condo has a big bedroom with a king bed that is very comfortable. The kitchen has a new microwave and stove. There were ample supplies in the kitchen cabinets, but since we were out a lot we didn’t get to make use of it. Very close to restaurants! Overall a great place for 2 people.
Naomi W.
October 2025

The unit was extremely clean and had all of the supplies that we needed for our stay. The dryer stopped working. We contacted the property manager. He was very responsive.
Clarissa B.
October 2025

A short drive to downtown Kona from the rental unit. The unit is quite lovely. Spacious, beautiful patio. Many thoughtful items available for use in the unit making it easier and less hassle packing supplies and gear! We would definitely stay again!
Jacqueline L.
October 2025

The property was a beautiful space. The kitchen had all the appliances including a washer/dryer. The lanai was the perfect morning coffee-drinking spot with virw toward the ocean. The livivng room was spacious with 2 couches. Bathroom was great with lots of room. The king size bed in the bedroom was veey comfy. Not having to take a key when leaving the condo is very handy.We loved the sunsets down by the cabana!The condo is close to restaurants and other stores. Also, the airport is very close for going home.There are many beaches south of the condo. Kahalu'u was our favorite for snorkeling; lots of fantastic fish.One can't go wrong renting this unit!
Gregory H.
September 2025

A very nice stay! The parking is great here. Very quiet. The hot tub and pool area has got to be one of the best in Kona. The sunsets are great. Very clean and beautiful complex also. Bed was super comfortable with great pillows. Only suggestion would be replacing the bathroom towels as mentioned in another review. Also, make sure you're turning the key to the right to unlock the door. I saw reviews mention the door is hard to open, but it's not hard at all. I would stay here again and recommend you do too.
Brian N.
September 2025

Great location for some quiet relaxation, but a short drive to the shops and restaurants in Kona. The rooms were good size and very accurate as advertise.
Jennifer D.
September 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: The experience at this listing was amazing. From lots of towels (including beach towels), a fully equipped kitchen, pristine bathroom and bedroom, all the Tommy Bahama beach gear (chairs, umbrella and boards) to the peaceful lanai where I drank my coffee every morning and the amazing spot by the pool for sunset gazing. Can’t wait to go back and will for sure book this place again.
Natallie B.
September 2025

This was an amazing condo to stay at. It was clean with everything you need to cook with in the kitchen. The grounds were so beautiful! The pool and hot tub were so relaxing! And of course the view from the lanai was breathtaking!
Karol R.
September 2025

Beautiful well equipped condo and grounds. Perfect relaxing stay. 100% recommend. Location is fantastic. Clean. Great communication with host.
Brooke G.
September 2025

Nice stay for my wife and I. Good base for exploring the island and close to shops and restaurants down the road. Would stay again.
Brian S.
September 2025

We have stayed at Kona Makai many trips to The Big Island. This was the first time in this condo. The unit is very well kept and the views from the lanai are spectacular. The grounds and the pool areas are beautiful.
Len D.
August 2025

This home was in a fantastic location for snorkeling, beaches, and generally exploring the island. Views from the lanai were lovely. Pool and grill area were great. If we were on the big island, we would rent here again.
Chelsea R.
August 2025

Very quiet, cozy, great location, nice view.
Andi L.
August 2025

Excellent property, we loved it! This was a beautifully landscaped condo complex right on the ocean, right on Alii, a very nice location. The pool was great, ping pong was fun! The unit was clean, well appointed and had excellent internet and tv service. Parking and access were also great and convenient. We would definitely stay here again. It was a dream trip for us - stayed for a month in height of summer. Grand slam for us 2 old freedivers on Big Island!
David J.
August 2025

This is a nice condo in a great area. Parking is easy and plentiful. You need to be prepared to walk a bit of a distance from the parking lot and then up three flights of stairs, which was no problem for us. The kitchen and bathrooms have everything you need. The kitchen even has a rice cooker, which we put to good use. No need to buy sunscreen, there is PLENTY in the hall closet. They also have lawn chairs, umbrellas, snorkel gear, coolers, and other things you may need to use. We liked having laundry in the unit. The beds were nice and comfy. It was nice having air conditioning. It was a very hot week in Kona and the AC struggled to cool it off inside, but it's much better than not having AC at all. The downstairs queen bedroom has the best AC that quickly cools the bedroom off. The loft never got cool because it relies on the one AC that cools the whole kitchen and living room too, so my youngest son slept on the couch, which he didn't mind. There's really not much the owner can do about the outside temp, though. Like I said, it was much better than staying somewhere without AC. Whoever uses the loft bedroom needs to be someone capable of climbing a small, spiral staircase. We had no trouble with it. Overall, it was a great stay and we were happy with this place.
Beth S.
August 2025

We so enjoyed our stay at Kona Makai. The grounds are beautifully kept, parking was great and easily found a spot every time we pulled in. There was a pool and hot tub, awesome area to grill with 4 built in grills with propane, ping pong table and small gym. Lovely spot by the grills to watch the sunset. You can also easily walk out on the lava rock beach. The unit was perfect for four of us! A wonderful surprise was that it was so stocked! Trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels and more! Full kitchen with everything you need. When we grilled, we even found a meat thermometer! There was lots of sunscreen and aloe there which was nice especially because you need the reef safe sunscreen. Several beach items when we were there, noodles, chairs, coolers, umbrella, beach towels, snorkels and sand pails. It is close enough to the strip in Kona to walk for shopping and dinner but far enough to not be in the hustle of it. Would have liked there to be tennis rackets since there is a court but not a big deal at all. There were pickleball paddles. I loved that it was a quiet community so I would suggest being mindful of that as you plan a trip with small children or if you are into lively night life. Quiet hours are 8p to 8a. A lot of rules at the pool about no floats or jumping, no kids until 13 in the hot tub. Overall a beautiful place to stay on the big island!
Becky S.
August 2025

Great location. Beautiful sunsets on the volcanic rock by the ocean. The gas grills were very nice. The kitchen was well equipped. Plenty of parking. It is a 3rd floor appartement with no elevator.
Robert B.
August 2025

The room was perfect for my daughter and I. Bed was comfortable and it was nice to have the air conditioning when you just needed to cool the rooms downs a bit. They have it stocked with everything you could need. We saved money just on using things like the cooler. The grounds were beautiful with lush landscaping and the views of the ocean were gorgeous. It was in close proximity of dining and shopping also. Perfect little place to stay. Rod was also easy to communicate with and I was very thankful that we could do a late checkout.
Holli B.
August 2025

Enjoyed our stay beds were very comfy, everything we needed beautiful view. Easy access, close to beach, shopping. Will definitely stay here again.
JoAnn F.
August 2025

The condo was perfect for what we needed. We thoroughly enjoyed the wrap around outdoor space. We would definitely come here again.
Joshua W.
August 2025

This was one of our favorite properties to stay at! The condo was very spacious, kitchen had most of what we needed, and the views were beautiful. It was easy to get into, management was quick to respond whenever we needed anything. The community had easy parking and very quiet and relaxing environment. It was also very central to lots of food and shops. We would defiantly stay here again!!
Menna
August 2025

This is our 2nd time in this unit and we love it. Always clean, well appointed and exceeded all expectations. Kitchen had everything we needed. Bed was comfortable.
Ryan J.
August 2025

Rating Details: The property manager was adequately helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Unit needs some updating , rental cost going up year after year , but nothing new in the unit, also bathrooms had a musty smell this year. ( been coming here for years ) Second floor unit directly below was doing renovations, loud banging and drilling sounds, not peaceful.Also not happy about the difficulty of getting a 2 hour earlier check in , unit was vacated the day before, but not cleaned until the day of my arrival and also a last minute repair, both of which could have been done the day before. Response from rental company was : "we have until 4 pm to get the unit ready ", YES, i know that already , but when i asked if i could have early check in , they said they would do their best, so telling me that they have until 4 pm is skirting the issue. Lastly , no consideration for repeat customers.
Karen F.
July 2025

Amazing property to stay at during our time in Kona! Easy access, close to shops, and has its own beautiful ocean access area where you can snorkel or just watch the sunset!
MaeLeigh E.
July 2025

Our family really enjoyed our stay at this property. We would book this unit again when we return. Beautiful grounds and pool area with ocean view. We appreciated the good communication with our property manager and the welcome kit with start-up supplies.
Mary Anne S.
July 2025

We stayed five nights. The grounds are beautiful and garden-like. The condo is well-equipped and comfortable. The kitchen has every tool and utensil you can imagine. The hosts have sunscreen available in the unit and beach gear. There were a few small hiccups with fan remotes while we were there. The property manager was quick to reply to a request for help and the handyman came out the next day. Communication was great!
Shanna M.
July 2025

All was perfect. All amenities were amazing and the outside area offers pleasent moments in family. Finally the view was especially breathtaking during sunsets.
Myriam B.
July 2025


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