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 December 2024, the average price of a 1 bedroom unit at Kona Makai is $281. The average price of a 2 bedroom unit is $494. 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 35 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


We have stayed at Kona Makai many times and this is probably our favorite condo to stay in thus far. View was great. Sofa bed was actually comfortable for two young teens to sleep on. Two air conditioners is huge when is gets stuffy! Only negative for the inside was the bedroom window was horribly filthy so looking out at the view from that window was a no go. We washed the sliding glass door upon arrival and the floors were questionabley mopped. Not major issues! Overall the place was fantastic and we would absolutely stay here again! The one thing missing for us that we have always had during other stays is beach chairs and coolers. They had a couple there but in real bad shape. I would say bring your own collapsible cooler if you plan to use one. We did leave the boogie boards we purchased for future guests. The host was fantastic to communicate with! We will be back!
nichole P.
September 2024

Beautiful property
Carl B.
September 2024

Claudia was an excellent host. Great communication. The condo had everything needed for a wonderful stay. You are steps away from a great snorkeling spot in front of the condo. The condo had a nice view of the ocean.
Gina D.
September 2024

Great condo, great views, great property, great host! It was an excellent stay. I definitely want to stay here again when I come back to the big island.
Carol P.
September 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: We absolutely love Kona Makai. This was a last-minute trip, and we usually try to book ocean front but found this little gem available. You could totally see the water and the amazing sunsets from the lanai. A little 30 second walk to the ocean front if you preferred to see it from there. The room was INCREDIBLE, and the property is immaculate. The remodel was stellar - honestly this was one of the nicest rooms we have ever stayed in across all our trips to Hawaii. We wouldn't hesitate to stay here again and would definitely recommend this room to friends and family if looking for a room that is less pricey than a true oceanfront. Also need to give 5 plus stars to Knutson and Team - we have booked with them multiple times and the service and check in is top notch! They really want your stay to be perfect! Mahalo for being part of an amazing week for us!
Denise L.
September 2024

Location was very good with a lovely view of the ocean. Unit was clean with all the necessary items present, and the owner was very attentive to any concerns.
Mark J.
September 2024

My wife and I stayed here September 2024 for 4 nights. The property was as advertised and was an incredible location. About a mile walk to shops and restaurants - which was the perfect distance to be close to things, but not be right in the mix. We made the walk multiple times a day. The host was incredibly responsive and always helpful. Not to mention, the view from the lenai was amazing. We would happily stay here again!
Connor B.
September 2024

The apartment was perfect for our stay in Kona. We loved the location close to shops and restaurants. The view from the balcony was amazing and perfect for watching sunset. It had everything we needed! Communication with the host was excellent. Highly recommend staying here!!
taylor h.
September 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: Very good. very clean and well-maintained. I would recommend property rental to friends and relatives.
NEILL S.
September 2024

We really enjoyed our stay in Kona and enjoyed our accommodations. The condo was clean well stocked and would love the location and pool. The managers were renters anxious to have us happy and we’re easy to get hold of if we need anything. We would stay here again
Patti L.
September 2024

The complex is in great location. The pool area has great view for sunset. The ocean view is partial from the balcony. You can't see it from inside. Unit has beach stuff for you to use! I would have liked tv in bedroom bc I am one of those who falls aleep to tv..but no complaints.
Kia N.
September 2024

Absolutely beautiful condo right on the gorgeous lava rock beach. Every morning, my daughter and I explored the tide pools and amazing rock and coral. Perfect location to amazing Kona activities- snorkeling, beaches, grocery. Ocean sounds were a constant soundtrack! Beds and rooms were comfy, kitchen well stocked, great communication with the company managing the rental. The home is so lovingly decorated by the owners.
Sarita S.
August 2024

Laurie was thee best host we've experienced so far. She was quick to answer questions we had, she helped when we accidentally locked ourselves out of the condo, and graciously accommodating to our travel needs. We will definitely book with Laurie again. Thank you Laurie!
Mar S.
August 2024

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: In all very satisfactory. Clean, comfortable, & convenient.
Jeff D.
August 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 room felt cozy with the clean fresh carpet and huge fluffy couch. The bed was extremely comfortable and the pillows and sheets were great quality. It was nice to have everything we needed and even things we didn't know we needed, like an additional fan, fun beach equipment, and a cooler! The view was insanely beautiful 😍. Perfect location, easy walk to the shops. There is even a trolly down the road that comes every hour if you don't want to walk as far. The landscape is picture perfect. I have stayed in several other rooms at Kona Makai, all of which are absolutely lovely. This room just felt more homey. I will be returning for sure.
Kimberley G.
August 2024

We loved staying at this condo. It was very close to town and had everything our group needed. We especially loved the grill downstairs. -Short 10min walk to the beach -lots of beach gear supplied -plenty of pots,pans,plates,cups
Ashkan G.
August 2024

my girlfriend and i had an amazing stay and will definitely come back!
Gunner L.
August 2024

The property was perfect for us as we were looking for a place that made it easy for us to travel the west coast of the Big Island. The condo is not far from the downtown Kona area, parking was a breeze, and the condo was stocked with everything we could ever need. An extra bonus was being able to hop in the hot tub after hiking and snorkeling at the Captain Cook monument. We highly recommend this condo for the home base and amenities it provides!
Rebecca L.
August 2024

We enjoyed our stay and this condo has been well care for. Everything was clean and newish. The property Managment was responsive and very helpful. Highly recommend this for 2-3 people.
Dustin A W.
August 2024

The condo was very clean and very well stocked with everything we needed. The view our balcony was amzing. If i ever get back to Kona will be staying there again
Donald
August 2024

Our stay was very pleasant! Listening to the waves crashing!! We loved it!
MONIQUE T.
August 2024

We have stayed at various Kona Makai condos for 39 years and for our family of 4 adults and 2 children, this was our favorite. Great location, well appointed, no stairs, convenient parking, and close to the pool. WiFi was great - worked well at the pool. We hope to stay there again in the future.
Kent R.
August 2024

We enjoyed our stay at this unit. It had a full kitchen with dishwasher and laundry as well. Easy to cook while here using the kitchen or the grills down by the pool. We used the pool quite a bit and the ping pong table a bunch. A few notes for other travelers - there’s lots of signage about no jumping in there cannonballs - or even floatation (noodles, rings, etc) or ball throwing in the pool. Something to be aware of if you have kids. The unit could benefit by blackout shades in the master bedroom.
Jill C.
August 2024

We had an amazing time, it was a great place to stay.
gary m.
August 2024

We arrived to welcoming island music. The condo is very nice with island decor. Beautiful view from both bedrooms and lanai. Did not need to use the air conditioner a lot. Bedding was comfortable. Perfect for adults not wanting to be around loud parties.
Toni B.
August 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was more than happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This unit is perfect for a family of four. AC in all areas of the condo. The unit is stocked with alll your basic needs for cooking and heading out to the beach for the day.
Lesley M.
August 2024

The Lanai was huge with spectacular views. You could see the yellow fish from the balcony in the below. Beautiful sunsets. Warm pool, large Jacuzzi and great location. Could hear the sounds of the waves all night. Close enough to town, but not too close. Great launching pad for all the island amenities. Very clean place with all the amenities needed wonderful hosts. Thank you
Chad O.
August 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: We loved staying at this condo! The ocean view from the lanai was wonderful, and the condo itself was very comfortable and had everything we needed. We also really enjoyed the pool and other amenities at Kona Makai. Highly recommend.
Bridget M.
August 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 unit is perfectly located in the complex with a spectacular ocean view! The unit is well appointed with everything you need for your vacation. We wouldn't hesitate to rent this unit again.
Kim L.
August 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: We found the condo itself to be well stocked, very clean and nicely updated. The beds and bedding were very comfortable. As noted in another review, the bedroom facing the pool area has sheer curtains only so mornings are early and bright😎 Air conditioning and ceiling fans kept us comfortable as needed. The grounds are very well maintained with gorgeous landscaping. The community is very quiet which was fine for us on this vacation but could be seen as prohibitive to some: no talking on your phone or playing music on the lanai. Beautiful sunsets from the deck. Plenty of parking and wagons to carry your groceries or luggage to the building. The location was great and a perfect home base to go exploring the island from. We grilled by the pool and made many meals in the kitchen and found plenty of dishes, utensils and glassware. (We has friends staying in another unit that this was not the case)We would love to come back again!
Melanie G.
July 2024

Property located on the first floor. It have beatiful lanai which is feeled private and surrounded by lash foliage. Entrance door is opened by code provided by management. Unfortunately entrance door do not have any deadbolt option. It means anybody with code may open door any time - day or night. Unit have 2 small airconditioners. They helped to keep comfortable temperature inside, but without constant air circulation we could feel light odor of unclear origin. Management was very responsive and friendly. They provided bags to keep air fresh, so we had no complains about odor after that. The place is beatifull and we were happy staing there.
Vladimir
July 2024

Great location, great condos!
Annick D.
July 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: Very pleased with the condo and the service. I would highly recommend this property to anyone looking and Knutson & Associates as the property management. They were a pleasure to work with and the condo was Great. Views were good, amenities were good, contact was perfect. Never had I had this kind of great experience.
Michael T.
July 2024

My family of 6 (4 to 74) had a wonderful 2 week stay at this property. Great views, great amenities, very responsive and helpful hosts, great location (close to beaches, restaurants, shopping, groceries). Place had everything one would expect of their own property - EXTREMELY well stocked with pool/ beach/ games/stationery/books/guides and brochures/utensils everything. Even had wet bag to hold phone wallet in water. We were very sad to leave and would 100% stay here again.
Soumya V.
July 2024

The property was nice and clean and was in a great location with a great view. A little more amenities would be nice so you didn’t have to go to the store to purchase daily use items such as coffee filter, paper towels,napkins, TP, tin foil. It could have provided a few items that could be used by the barbecue area since everything must be in a non-glass material.
GLENN M.
July 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: excellent views and condo breezes, condo was clean and had some upgrades from my previous visits, perfect vacation paradise
Karen F.
July 2024

Very well eqipped and clean. Super location. Had a blast, highly recommend.
Susan W.
July 2024

Rating Details: The property manager was adequately helpful. The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The apartment was in a good location, however, there were not many other positives. Before our stay I was asked to sign an over the top waiver and the cleaning fee increased despite already being booked and paid for. The condition of the property was poor, it was at least a decade overdue a renovation. The carpet was stained all through the apartment and furniture tired and tatty. The bath filled when showering and took a long time to drain. The safety gate lock on the mezzanine level was broken. It was described as gorgeous on the description but it really was in need of a complete renovation.
Neil S.
July 2024

We enjoyed our stay so much we extended our trip 3 more days! sunsets by the pool were beautiful. The property manager was very helpful with addressing any concerns we had and helped us book additional days with short notice.
Sonia
July 2024

We spent nine days in this apartment. The apartment is nicely and cozily furnished. However, the sofa bed in the living room squeaks, which our children found uncomfortable. What was very disruptive were the construction works that took place in various apartments of the complex throughout our stay. We were promised that there would be no construction noise on the weekend, but this was not true. Additionally, the neighbors were sometimes too loud, which disturbed our stay. The complex is very well-maintained, and it is a pleasure to relax by the pool when there is no noise.
Josephin
July 2024

Great location. Great place. Will be staying here again.
Otta R.
July 2024

Downsides: pool rules are repressive. we counted 17 signs telling us how much fun we couldn't have. there's no easy access to the ocean. Upsides: Everything else. great for families. quick drive to some decent beaches and close to town for food and fun. super well cared for property.
Jeff W.
July 2024

This is a great condo in a great location. A wonderful view with tons of natural light. The lanai is perfect for hanging out on and watching the waves crash on the lava. You feel like you are right on the edge. The condo had everything you would need for a great stay.
Sean D.
July 2024

We loved our stay here. The condo was spacious with a great well stocked kitchen and two large comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms. There was a private lanai with nice views of the ocean and beautiful landscaping. There was a large selection of beach equipment to make beach trips more fun. The location was close to beaches, shopping, and restaurants. The property had a great pool and hot tub with access to the shoreline with amazing sunsets. We did not use the tennis courts but they looked very nice. The parking was close to the condo and in the shade.
Tina W.
July 2024

This was a nice location with a nice little condo. 2 bed 2 bath right in the oceanfront. Enjoyed mornings on the lounge chairs on the oceanfront with some mornings spotting dolphins. Close enough to walk the 1 mile to downtown historic Kailua and central enough to drive any direction to get to North to great beaches, east to Hilo for waterfalls or south to Kona/Captain Cook for Kona coffee and great snorkeling. We found incredible tropical fruit everywhere. Jody put everything you need to know in the guest binder. She was also quickly responsive to email. The condo has everything you need in the kitchen, for the beach, and for children. My whole family enjoyed the stay! Thank you
Peter J.
July 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: Very clean, neat, every detail is being thought through. Would definitely stay there again
VLADI T.
July 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: Great property located right on the shore.
Glen B.
June 2024

Location and property was incredible, our first time to Kona and this property made it extremely easy, nearly everything you need for the family and beach is already in the unit! Would definitely stay here again and recommend to anyone!
Paul H.
June 2024

Beautiful grounds, nice location, and well maintained condominiums. This property was outdated especially from pictures displayed. I would recommend a unit with a better view. This one had a low table on patio that prohibited a good ocean view. 3 flights of stairs, no elevator made carrying stuff a challenge especially with children. The unit was well stocked with kitchen supplies and equipment. Only one tv in living room. No tvs in bedroom or loft. Unit needs some updating.
Leanne A.
June 2024

Very much enjoyed my stay. Everything was exactly as described. I really liked the ground floor view framed by the beautiful landscaping. So convenient for getting to and from car. Kitchen had everything I needed and more, even a garlic press. Many personal touches and decorations around the home. I've never had keys on a lanyard before, such a good idea - i didnt lose them once. :-) Morning coffee on balcony and sunsets down at water were perfect.
Sarah K.
June 2024


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