Kona Reef, Big Island

Kona Reef is an oceanfront condo resort in Hawaii, offering a local-style ambiance and a convenient in-town location within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. The resort features an oceanfront saltwater pool, jacuzzi, BBQ grills, outdoor dining pavilion, and a well-maintained tropical common area with security patrols. Guests can enjoy the public beach right next door for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, as well as the nearby Honl's Beach, one of the best white sandy beaches on the Kona Coast.

The resort provides ample parking options, including a rooftop parking area, street-level outdoor parking, and two underground levels of a covered parking garage. Kona Reef is not only close to Kona Town's attractions but also just one mile from the Ironman pier and two miles from the best snorkeling in Kona. With its oceanfront amenities, convenient location, and proximity to various activities, Kona Reef is an ideal destination for vacationers seeking a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Hawaii.

Kona Reef Average Rates


As of April 2025, the average price of a 1 bedroom unit at Kona Reef is $327. The average price of a 2 bedroom unit is $562. 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 Reef Rentals page to see specific unit prices for your dates.

Kona Reef's Best Rentals

View All 70 Kona Reef Rentals (with vacancy and search options)

What Do Guests Think? An AI Analysis of 1000 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 at the Kona Reef condo resort on Big Island have shared a range of experiences in their reviews, highlighting both positives and areas for improvement. Many guests praised the resort's perfect location, which is within easy walking distance to Kona's main restaurants and shops, and the joy of waking up to the sound of waves. The views from the condos, especially of the ocean, were frequently mentioned as a highlight, with guests enjoying watching surfers, cruise ships, and sunsets from their lanais.

Several reviews mentioned the condos being well-equipped with amenities needed for a comfortable stay, including kitchen supplies, beach gear, and in some cases, air conditioning. The cleanliness of the condos received mixed reviews, with some guests finding their units clean and well-maintained, while others noted issues with cleanliness and maintenance.

Some specific units received praise for recent updates and the provision of extras like welcome baskets, while others were noted as needing updates or repairs, particularly regarding furniture, appliances, and general decor. The resort's pool, hot tub, and BBQ area were generally well-regarded, adding value to guests' stays.

However, there were some criticisms, including issues with parking, noise from nearby construction or the road, and challenges with property management responsiveness in some cases. A few guests also mentioned difficulties with the check-in process or accessing certain amenities.

Overall, while most guests had a positive experience, enjoying the stunning views and convenient location, there were suggestions for improvements in maintenance, updates, and management responsiveness to ensure a consistently high-quality experience for all guests. This summary is based on a comprehensive analysis of 1000 guest reviews.

Recent Kona Reef Reviews


Great unit. Great management. Great location. Very clean. Very well stocked. Very easy parking.
Richard C.
January 2025

I've been to Kona a few times and love the Big Island. The views from Kona Reef Resort are outstanding and this was our second stay on the property. James and Kena have done an amazing job with this condo - so many new updates. This is probably the best equipped condo we've ever stayed in. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook meals as we prefer to eat in most days and enjoy the sunsets from the lanai. Thank you!

January 2025

Great three weeks in this comfy condo
Kari G.
January 2025

The condo met our needs as place to stay. The condition of the Condo was not new. Rusty fixtures, older appliances, the bedroom configuration was strange but we made it work,
Pamela L.
January 2025

We had an absolutely amazing vacation! The high light of our stay was the condo. Perfect location to all the shops and shopping down Alii drive, the sunset views….omg you can’t get any better at any other location! We were there over Christmas and New years and really enjoyed the location. Love that the Kona Reef is really chill and peaceful. By far just sitting on the gorgeous lanai and reading and watching the waves and relaxing was the high light of our trip! Don’t hesitate on this one!! We’re already looking at booking again next year!
Janelle B.
January 2025

Fantastic condo! Clean, very comfortable, very well appointed. Great ocean view and short walk into town. Highly recommended!
Dayton C.
January 2025

The condo was just as advertised. Communication, check in and check out was all very smooth and easy. Location was right next to the beach and great for walking to restaurants and shops. We would stay here again!

January 2025

We enjoyed almost everything about the property!
Mason P.
January 2025

My family of four stayed at this Kona property during Christmas week, 2024. This condo is a wonderful two bedroom unit, facing the ocean. We spent many hours on the lanai, enjoying incredibile views of the ocean. The complex is quiet and peaceful, even though it is a short walk from shops and restaurants in downtown Kailua-Kona. The complex also has a pool (facing the ocean) and ample parking. The unit was well stocked with essentials, and the owner provided beach towels, chairs, toys, etc that we could use during our stay. I have stayed at many Vrbo properties in past. This unit was definitely one of my favorites. It is the first one where I thought the unit was actually nicer than the pictures. And by far, this unit has the best and most involved owner. He sent us all the information we needed for check-in and parking before we arrived, he answered every email or text promptly, and provided a wealth of information on local attractions Hawaii trivia. We loved our stay, and highly recommend this unit.
Regina G.
January 2025

Enjoyed being able to walk to Kona Town and market. Short drive to Living Stones Church.Good location for daily fitness walk along Ali'i.Cooling off in pool was wonderful.
Lisa B.
January 2025

This property was amazing with a beautiful view of the ocean and sunset every night. The condo was clean, comfy, and had everything we could ask for. The pool and hot tub were the perfect ending to each day. This was one of the best stays I’ve had with VRBO.
Steven G.
January 2025

Had a wonderful stay. Homeowner got back quickly if you need anything.
Terry P.
January 2025

This places was amazing it had lots of extras, beach items, kitchen accessories, spices. Short walk to town. We loved this place and will def come back.
Shauna b.
January 2025

Less than 10 minutes on foot walk to town to many restaurantsBoogie boarding and surfing, conveniently right downstairsHas everything we neededHost is wonderful, helpful and kindHighly highly recommend
Tootoo T.
January 2025

Condo is in the Kona Reef which is a wonderful location within kona, next to the water and very close to town. Unit had peekaboo ocean views and was well-stocked, including lots of beach gear we could use. Listing was accurate. And owner was responsive. No issues, we’d stay again.
Ashley F.
January 2025

If you’re looking for a perfect time in Kona, this is the place to stay! We enjoyed every minute and can’t wait to return!
Darcy L.
January 2025

Everything was great: the view, the location, the kitchen was amazingly well stocked. We will be back!! Mahalo!
Andrea M.
January 2025

Fantastic location. There is a small beach next door. Pool is great. Parking garage available with ample parking. beautiful sunsets every night. Easy access to host ,our coffee pot broke and was replaced in an hour.
Kathy C.
January 2025

We recently stayed at this beautiful property and couldn’t be more pleased with our experience. The location is absolutely unbeatable – just two blocks from downtown Kona! We loved being able to walk to shops, restaurants, and the waterfront with ease. The amenities at this property are fantastic. The heated pool was a highlight, offering the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.The property itself is wonderfully appointed, and was amongst the cleanest properties we've stayed at. It feels like the owners have thought of everything to make guests comfortable. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the decor is stylish and inviting. However, if I had to make one small recommendation, it would be to scale back on the decorative pillows and include just a few more practical extras like additional bed pillows and at least one more blanket or snuggies for those cooler evenings.Overall, this property is a gem – perfect for a relaxing getaway in Kona. We will absolutely stay here again and recommend it to anyone looking for a well-located, well-equipped vacation rental.
Steven P.
January 2025

You simply cannot beat this location. The view from this unit is stunning, parking is convenient and the walk to town is very easy. The kitchen is reasonably updated and the flooring is nice throughout the unit. It's a shame the windows/sliding door/lanai are so filthy, and the furniture in the main bedroom is so poor, as this really does distract from the unit.
Carolyn M.
January 2025

Overall great location for getting around Kona. Quiet, clean and simple setup to enjoy during stay.
pam g.
January 2025

Great waterfront condo with a beautiful view! Next to a small local beach good for surfing and boogie boarding. A quick walk to restaurants and a quick drive to Safeway for groceries. Well-outfitted kitchen, though other than salt and pepper there were no other spices, condiments, cooking oil, etc. so if you plan to cook you’ll need to pick things up.
Karen H.
January 2025

Our family had never visited the Big Island before and we were unsure of where to stay. The reason I booked this condo was the incredible view of the water, what we didn’t realize is how close we were to town.It was so wonderful to wake up each morning and be able to walk downtown and get coffee and breakfast my husband had the best latte of his life.Highly recommend for the family!
Ellie D.
January 2025

Love Kona Reef we stay here every year. This particular unit had everything we needed and was very clean, updated and comfortable. Highly recommend this unit!
Arin B.
January 2025

Great location next to ocean. Had a great stay. Only complaints were 1. The bathroom vent in the bathroom near the washer/dryer was plugged with dust and needs to be cleaned. 2. In the letter for incoming things to be aware of, it stated there was an “outdoor hose” to use to wash off beach sand. It would have been helpful to know exactly where it was and it was to locate.
Neal B.
January 2025

Close to town
chris
January 2025

Great location, great view to the ocean. A bit of maintenance needed but nothing impacting our stay.
Haimant B.
January 2025

Can’t beat the view and the condo was perfect for us.
Ellen M.
January 2025

I will definitely book this unit again! Everything was as listed and we had a wonderful time. Everything was comfortable, well appointed and our communications with the owner were responded to immediately. I love Hawai’i and would find this unit comfortable enough to live in full time!!
christie l.
January 2025

Its the little things that matter! This rental was PERFECT for our stay. This owner cares about their property, the quality and the subtle small things to make our 12 night stay worth every penny is evident in their property. This owner understands service, and care, from the moment we walked into to our cute welcome basket to the quality of the towels, linens and utensils which all served our needs exactly as needed. The upgrades to the refrigerator, washer/dryer and electronics gave us the desired comfort to make the stay so enjoyable we didn't want to leave on day 13. The condo is perfectly positioned to enjoy a coffee overlooking the whales in the morning and sunset in the evening on the very comfortable lanai. The organization of the outside "toys" afforded us to be able to use them with ease. There wasn't a si gle thing we didn't know its exact intention on how to use. We have stayed on a lot of VRBOs, including on this complex and this one by far exceeded expectations!
Tonya L.
December 2024

A little hectic of all the process, it's a comfy place for experienced tracelers
Qian L.
December 2024

The unit and most everything in it is old. A good modernization would make the property much more appealing. Location is great, view is as advertised.
Judy M.
December 2024

We had a very nice time. Great location.
Lori L.
December 2024

Roomy condo had everything we needed. Amazing view, great location, comfortable inside and out on the lanai. Really really pleased. Even a nice desk if you HAD to work. Good beach accessories stashed in the closet: noodles, mats, chairs, boards, umbrella, cooler, fins and goggles too. I should re-book for next year now that I think about it...
Rebecca H.
December 2024

Top floor, corner room unit with large deck and unbeatable view!
Greg & Deb F.
December 2024

The best part of this apartment is the amazing oceanfront view from the front porch.
Rachel N.
December 2024

The condo is very clean and functional. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you need even if you decide to cook. The shining light, of course, is the location. Right on the ocean and easy walking distance to anything in Kailua.
Willy H.
December 2024

We love staying at the Kona Reef for the ocean views and easy access to this property. The location is great for our needs.
Jeanette C.
December 2024

Beautiful, quiet, and peaceful.
Andrea S.
December 2024

We booked this on short notice because our dissatisfaction with the Marriott in Waikoloa. Overlooking the water, well equipped, great location close to Kailua/Kona/all amenities. Cannot recommend this home more highly. Hope to return in ‘25.
Rob G.
December 2024

A simple and more than adequate space, but the music of the ocean was soothing morning and especially at night. Will miss the lullaby of water and waves.
Sally M.
December 2024

This was a fantastic vacation and the place and location was fabulous. The kitchen was excellent and had all the things you needed. The coffee pot that was drip which was a challenge for me but worked great. The lanai was fabulous with the best view ever and we were able to see whales and dolphins and a turtle it was all just amazing so this is a great place. Great memories I would absolutely go back loved it.
Diane P.
December 2024

Amazing
lise b.
December 2024

The condo was perfect for the 2 of us. It had everything we needed and was a perfect location. The sunset was stunning every night and best seen from the condo.
Cari B.
December 2024

Awesome area.
RainbowPlays F.
December 2024

We love to stay oceanfront at Kona Reef! The host was so welcoming and the condo so comfortable. We love to walk so the proximity to restaurants, etc is great, and we love to hang out at the beach next to Kona Reef. Thanks for a great stay!
Leslie C.
December 2024

Great property! The condo was well taken care of and had amazing views out every window. James and Nancy are terrific hosts and were very responsive. Would be my first choice if I needed a 2 bedroom again.
William D.
December 2024

Fabulous views from a very clean, comfortable, quiet, and updated condo! Great location of complex in Kailua-Kona, and this unit was easy to access. We so enjoyed our stay and will recommend this unit to our family and friends.
Janet S.
December 2024

Nothing beats the location of this condo, just a short walk to downtown Kona. Condo was very clean and the check in/out process was extremely easy. Tisha is a very responsive host, I had to reach out to her on Thanksgiving day and she responded within a couple minutes!
Hayley M.
December 2024

Outstanding property and thoroughly enjoyable stay, as location to Kailua-Kona and ocean/beach view was stellar. Condo amenities included an extremely well equipped kitchen, convenient laundry area (stacked washer/dryer), and a well designed walk-in shower and bathroom. Decor throughout was visually pleasing, and every room was stocked with an abundance of essentials. Would definitely stay here again!!!
John D.
December 2024


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