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 $329. The average price of a 2 bedroom unit is $550. 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


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

This property exceeded our expectations! The unit is perfect, great location and views. It has everything you need for a great stay. Also included easy directions on how to use everything! The kitchen was well stocked, providing little extras. We definitely want to return. All the owner’s suggestions on activities and restaurants were much appreciated!!
Mary S.
December 2024

This place was amazing. Awesome location and it was super clean and had everything we needed for our visit.
Courtney I.
December 2024

My favorite place on the Big Island! Everything needed is there. Perfect place to go and relax!
Ruth Ann D.
December 2024

We had a wonderful time in Kauila Kona! The condo was in a great location! Beautiful views of the ocean!! Easy walking to some good restaraunts and shopping. The condo was clean and well stocked! Beach towels, chairs, coolers and snorkel gear to use. Beds were more firm then we like but overall it was fantastic! We would stay again!
Joni R.
December 2024

We just spent 14 days at the Kona Reef in F-26 what a fabulous condo. You can see the ocean from the lani and watch the surfers and dolphins. They have enough dishes to make a meal if you choose to. We used this condo many times and it never disappoints us.
Cindy S.
December 2024

Kona Reef is one of our favorite places to stay in Kona. Location is within walking distance of shopping and places to eat. This particular condo has a good view of the waves and the ocean. The owners have nicely remodeled the entire unit. It’s open and bright. The kitchen is well stocked. Everything was as described. Except the view. It changes every night and that keeps me coming back! Enjoy it
Leah R.
December 2024

We had a great time staying in this lovely condo. Lanai opens to a nice beach view from where you’ll hear the gentle waves. Everything was nice and tidy, well stocked and prepared. Communication was a breeze too. We loved every part of our stay!
Thomas M.
December 2024

The unit is comfortable the balcony view is beautiful the location on Ali’i drive is close to town and within walking distance. We were surprised by the amount of traffic noise at night on Ali’i Drive, nothing that can be remedied but something to be mindful of. We enjoyed our stay.
Connie L.
December 2024

What a fantastic unit! Sunsets from the lanai were perfect! And a 10 minute walk into town makes this a great stay! The host took care of a couple of issues so it will be just what we look forward to next time! It could use a deep clean (baseboards, patio, etc) but wasn't that bad! A/C worked (once we figured it out!) Pool and spa were in great shape as was the entire complex. Can't go wrong with this condo!!
Dale F.
December 2024

Epic oceanfront property!
Alex W.
December 2024

Would absolutely stay here again! Great location, beautiful view, very clean and comfortable space, huge bed, a/c worked good, kitchen had everything you'd need and the beach equipment came in handy.
Alexandria M.
December 2024

Property is just as advertised. Right on the water. Beautiful sunsets. Walking distance to many amenities in Kona. Unit is stocked with all you need.
Ken C.
December 2024

Great location. Close to downtown easy to walk to. Quiet area. Unit could use some of the amenities updated….cookware, pillows, coffee maker were not the best to use. Otherwise we had a great stay.
Decca J.
December 2024

The location is great. The unit could use some updates.
Wanda S.
December 2024

Great location - walking distance to restaurants and shopping
Donna S.
December 2024

Steve and Amber's condo is just absolutely fabulous. It was a home away from home for us. The welcome gifts of chocolates and coffee were a fantastic touch. The condo is perfect, has a perfect view and is in a perfect location. Hopefully we will be able to come back one day. Thank you Steve and Amber.
Wayne and Corinne K.
December 2024

This is a great condo! Clean, spacious unit. Well stocked kitchen, comfy bed and beautiful lanai. The pool area is clean and property is well cared for. Sunsets are stunning every single night We loved the location and all the amenities of the condo, would totally recommend a stay here.
Karen W.
December 2024

Property and staff both awesome.
Rod S.
December 2024

We loved our stay at Kona Reef Condos! The location was excellent with a short walk to coffee and dinner in the morning, and the beach around the corner. This unit in particular has exceptional views and really enjoyed sitting on the lanai drinking wine and watching the boogie-boarders while the sun set. The unit is a bit dated but comfortable and had everything we needed. We used the kitchen to cook breakfast each morning and enjoyed eating out on the lanai. The bed was comfortable and the AC and fan were a lifesaver to keep us cool while we slept. The unit has various beach chairs, snorkle gear, umbrella and cooler. The umbrella was a life-saver when we went to Hanapa Beach for the day. The cooler was a bit small and "well used" (has lost the zelcro to stay closed) but kept our snacks cold while we traveled the island. We attempted to use the fins to swim at Honl Beach next door (which is quite rocky and water shoes would be good to use), but the back strap was broken. The condo was easy to find, easy to access, and we had no issues during our stay. It was a big bonus to have the washer/dryer in unit (as compared to staying at a hotel). Oh, and the pool is also a really nice bonus! All in all, really enjoyed our stay!
Inger A.
December 2024

Property was clean and set up well for us. We used it as a staging center for our day adventures. It had towels and plenty of beach gear, and the patio was perfect for gazing at the ocean and reading. I appreciated having air conditioning to take the edge off the afternoon sun. The bathroom fan is pretty noisy but that’s a minor inconvenience.
Nikos M.
December 2024

I started here with my husband and two kids, aged 11 and 7. We chose this place because of the pool, free parking, and its proximity to Kona (an easy walk) and the beach (Hon'l Beach, basically next door). They had a well stocked kitchen (dishes, spices, etc) and we also really appreciated the beach items (chairs, cooler, umbrella, fins, goggles). We had a minor maintenance issue/question and they sent someone right out to look at it. Highly recommended, zero complaints.
Margaret G.
December 2024

Had a wonderful 6 night stay at Kona Coast. Had one small issue with the unit smelling a bit of mold, however, after speaking g to the management, they came out and cleaned out the air filter to the AC unit and the problem was resolved. Thank you for the quick action.
Cindy D.
December 2024

The place was a great size and a great location with a beautiful view. However the place is outdated with a couple upgrades. The tv is not a smart tv, so no Netflix, YouTube or steaming of any kind even with mobile device. The place is clean in common places, but is dirty up above, in oven and under chair in living room. They give only 1 ply toilet paper and the bedroom never gets dark. I took pics of everything. This was the third time to the island and have stayed in the same place the last couple times. With this place you are paying for the view. Cleanliness is not a priority which is a deal for me.
Robert R.
December 2024

For the last 6 years we’ve been coming to Hawaii for Thanksgiving. This year we stayed on the big island in this updated condo. Amazing sunset views, great pool that sits just right next to ocean. The unit has everything we needed. Particularly fond of the deck, shower and kitchen. Plus a brand new washer and dryer. The owners have clearly thought about what travelers might need. There was even a yoga mat and several of coolers for the beach. Would definitely come back.
Amy D.
December 2024

This condo had everything we needed and more. There were a LOT of nice touches - laundry soap, bath products, snacks, beach chairs and towels. The owner was quick to respond to any questions.
Nancy K.
November 2024

Overall excellent! Not too impressed with the homeless living in the beach next to the condos. Location is close to everything!
Pauline N.
November 2024

Remarkable Condo!!! Amazing location and wonderful amenities. Walking distance to shops, dining and beaches. Condo was immaculate with beautiful ocean and sunset views, upgraded appliances and very comfortable. Had everything we needed with added bonus of beach chairs, cooler and accessories. Pool was beautiful with lots of lounge chairs and BBQ area. Property was very well maintained, with ample parking. Would definitely stay again and recommend this unit to anyone wanting to stay on the Big Island.
Tony H.
November 2024

We loved the location (corner unit, ground floor, right on the ocean). The condo is a short walk from central Kona for coffee, restaurants, bars, and shopping and even closer to places like the Royal Kona. The cupboards are amazingly well-stocked with the basics food wise and for having fun at the beach (towels, chairs, umbrella, sunscreen, etc.). The kitchen and living room space is perfect for four (my wife and I stayed for a week with my parents). The patio furniture is comfy and the shade is nice in the afternoon. The A/C works pretty nicely for escaping the hear. Parking is easy for the rental car, too.
Jeryl F.
November 2024


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