The Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona is set in a location fit for a king, literally. King Kamehameha the Great established one of his royal residences here. As you survey the site, you can see how these grounds would have been chosen with a naturally protected bay. Remains and reconstruction of this royal residence and heiau provide reminders of the site’s importance. (Read more about the history of the Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.)
Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel celebrates this place’s history with artifacts on display in the main corridor. There, they also have a large collection of museum-quality paintings by Herb Kane that depict historic moments and battles in Hawaii. Additionally, their onsite luau reenacts a royal court procession that may have taken place in this very spot.
Location
The Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel is located in the northern end of the town of Kailua-Kona. The hotel overlooks lovely Kailua Bay. It’s near enough to all the lively action of Kona, but also not smack dab in the middle of it where parking becomes more of a challenge. Navigating in and out of the hotel’s parking lot to other parts of the island is very easy.
That naturally protected bay that once helped sustain King Kamehameha and his people, now provides an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, and more. Kona Boys’ watersports hut is right on site to rent gear and provide lessons. The hotel is set on the only permanent sandy beach in Kailua-Kona, that’s enjoyed by both visitors and locals. It’s also the only hotel in Kailua-Kona that’s set on a beach.
Rooms
The rooms impressed us from the start. Though only a 3-star resort, we had a spacious oceanview king room that was nicer than some 4 and 5-star rooms we’ve had in Hawaii. The newly renovated rooms are comfortable and well appointed with a large flat-screen TV, sitting area and room to spread out.
The bath had a single sink with an extra large granite countertop providing plenty of space for all our stuff. We liked the tropical-inspired Bath & Body Works toiletries.
Other in-room amenities include safe, coffee maker with Kona coffee and free wireless internet.
What to Know When You Go
– We were treated to an oceanview room on the fourth floor, however, bear in mind that there are a very limited number of rooms with ocean views.
– Ample onsite parking is available for a daily.
– Many restaurants and attractions are located within walking distance.
– All of the boating excursions depart from the dock that’s just steps from the hotel.
– At the moment, there’s not a spa.
– There’s only two onsite restaurants, but many restaurants within walking distance. We thought Honu’s provided a nice spread for a well-priced ($17.95) breakfast buffet.
Video Overview
Andy created this excellent video tour of Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.
Overall Impressions
We were impressed with this hotel. It was clean and tidy and included all the basics you need for a great Hawaii Island vacation.
For additional opinions about this hotel, see TripAdvisor reviews.
—
Mahalo to the Big Island Visitors Bureau and Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for sponsoring our stay.
Have you stayed at Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel? How was your stay?
Sheila Beal
4 comments
The King Kam hotel is indeed brought back to glory. But kept the charm and uniqueness of the special location despite extensive renovation–not an easy achievement!
Two little additions though:
There’s also Magic Sands, the second sandy beach in Kailua. Locals & tourists alike mingle there as well. Parking, life guard, restrooms available.
The complimentary ‘Kona’ coffee you got in your room was not from ‘Kona’, but 90% foreign beans which are not listed on the package. Most hotels and restaurants conveniently forget the 10% on their menus. This misleads many, many tourists and prevents us hardworking Kona coffee farmers to establish a bigger market for the premium 100% Kona coffee taste.
Right, Joachim, there’s also Magic Sands Beach….sometimes there and sometimes not. That’s why its called Magic Sands Beach because of it’s disappearing act. Perhaps I’ll amend my post to say the beach at Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach hotel is the only permanent beach in Kailua.
I can remember the first time I had 10% Kona coffee. I didn’t know any better, but that coffee tasted pretty good. It led me to discover the 100% stuff, which is now what I look for.
I guess my point is, don’t be too hard on hotels for stocking just the 10% stuff. It creates an interest and a demand for the 100% Kona–keeping everyone happy! 🙂
The prices listed above are not up to date – Parking is $25 a day – Resort fee $$ – Continental breakfast, fee from 18.95 USD Full American breakfast, fee from 24.95 USD Cheaper options across the street – A partial ocean view room ranges for $238 or more. A full ocean view the site was asking for $800 more. – Luau on site $$$