While Maui may be better known by travelers, Hawaii’s Big Island is a locals’ favorite and island goers in the know. World-class snorkeling abounds here just off the dramatic volcanic beaches. Plus, it’s just an hour’s drive from Kona to Volcanos National Park and waterfalls galore near Hilo on the other side of the island. If you’re looking for Big Island condos and vacation rentals, Kona is the way to go.
My favorite thing about staying here: Vacation rentals in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island are frequently priced better with more amenities than options on more famous Hawaiian islands.
Kona is famous worldwide for its bold, flavorful coffee, deep-sea fishing, and lava beaches. So, what are you waiting for? Put the Big Island’s Kailua-Kona on your Hawaii bucket list.
Here are my top 13 picks for Kona condos and Airbnb holiday rentals for every style and preference. See below!
Vacation Rentals in Kailua-Kona
From luxury Kailua-Kona vacation rentals to eclectic stays on Big Island, this list has got it all. But I’ll warn you…it’s not going to be easy to choose among so many great holiday rentals.
1. Exceptional Oceanview Home
You’ll be stepping into your own private resort when you arrive at this gorgeous ocean view home in Kailua-Kona. This incredible oasis even includes a saltwater pool, conveniently heated for midnight swims and a poolside gazebo to relax with your favorite book.
The large lanai (balcony) is a wonderful space to gather with your friends or family. Fire up the BBQ while you enjoy a backdrop of stunning ocean vistas.
You’ll have plenty of opportunity to spread out too…with three beautiful, large, and comfortable bedrooms as well as expansive living spaces.
While it won’t be easy to leave this sanctuary, you’ll be only a mile away from the beach, fun Kona restaurants, and the best boutiques.
Get ready for an unforgettable getaway with a hot tub, board games, spectacular views, and everything you need in one of the best vacation rentals in Kona, Hawaii.
Check price and availability on this exceptional oceanview home here.
Guest Review: “This house is AMAZING! It has everything you want and need to make your trip and stay in Hawaii an unforgettable one. Lee and Courtney are super hosts filled with great tips on where to go and what to do! I would 100% recommend this lovely home.”
— Andrea
2. 180 Degree Ocean Views
With two master bedrooms—each with a king-sized bed and private bathroom—and two additional bedrooms, this spacious family home is perfect for up to 10 guests.
Vaulted ceilings and tiger wood floors bring the ambiance as you enjoy a stunning Kona sunset from the large open living room on the second floor or lanai. (The lanai wraps around the whole house.)
There’s plenty of room to spread our here. Kids can play in the pool while adults grill on the patio and prepare dinner in the large kitchen. Or retreat to the private lanai in the second master bedroom to steal a moment for yourself.
Guest review: “This was the perfect place for our family. It had enough rooms for everyone (including a napping baby), a gorgeous view, and a great pool. We can’t wait to come back!” —John A.
Check price and availability on the 180 degree ocean views home here.
3. Oceanfront Condo with Pool & Beach Access
This upscale oceanfront condo is the perfect budget accommodation for a couple or small family (sleeps 4). It’s a steal for a property with views like these and easy beach access.
As you step into the condo, the first thing you’ll notice are the incredible ocean views. So pour a glass of wine and step onto your private lanai to decompress to tropical breezes and a Kona sunset.
Just minutes from Magic Sands Beach Park and Kahalu’u Beach park, the condo includes easy access to two pools (including a saltwater pool) and a BBQ area. Dine al fresco oceanside or walk to one of the nearby restaurants for poke.
Guest review: “Well beyond our expectations..very pleased! For the price point of a modest 1-bedroom condo further down the road from town, this was a 5-star accommodation. The ocean-front view is huge … just amazing! LOVED the private balcony.” —Marjorie D., April 2019
Check price and availability on the oceanfront condo here.
4. Hale Ohia for Making Memories
Visiting Kona for a destination wedding or special family gathering? Stay at Hale Ohia to experience luxury oceanfront living.
With a main house and open air living in three separate guest rooms, this hand-crafted Balinese-style home offers pristine views of Holualoa Bay. There are four bedrooms (two kings, one queen, and two twin beds) and four baths that include one jetted tub.
Watch the ocean waves crash just past the private infinity pool as you lounge under the expansive open air deck patio. This gorgeous home features 17 Ohia wood posts and is located next to Keolonahihi State Historical Park…an ancient site where Hawaiian warriors came to hone their skills.
Guest review: “Perfect Hawaiian retreat! I will certainly be renting again. Waking distance to town but in a small private gated community. House is on a triple lot with total privacy and sensational sunsets. 5 stars.”
— Bernard S., Jan. 2021
Check price and availability on Hale Ohia here.
Read more on Hawaii vacation rentals:
• 17 best Kihei condos and homes in Maui
• 13 Incredible Lahaina vacation rentals in Maui
• Best hotels and vacation rentals in Maui
5. Ahhhhhh Paradise!
This comfortable two-bedroom condo gets top marks from guests who return again and again. A bonus: The owner shares his favorite local insider tips and offers a concierge to book day trips conveniently.
Plus, he’s happy to connect you with a second neighboring condo if you need more than one for your party.
The property includes one king and two twin beds, making it the perfect spot for a couple or small family. It’s just steps to some of the best snorkeling and sea turtle spotting on the island in a protected bay.
Guest review: “If you like to snorkel, this is the perfect location! The beach across the street is the best snorkeling on the island. We had an amazing getaway.” —Lisa J., Feb 2021
Check price and availability on Ahhhhh Paradise! here.
6. Kona Onenalo Seaside Retreat
Kona Onenalo is a seaside retreat with 2400 square feet of luxury indoor-outdoor living. The three bedrooms—each with a king-sized bed—make it the perfect Kona base for three couples or a group of friends. (One bedroom can be converted to two twin beds, too.)
Located inside a gated community, it’s just a 3-minute walk to Magic Sands beach for boogie boarding and an oceanfront restaurant.
Amazing snorkeling awaits just outside your back gate if you can tear yourself away from the oceanfront pool and hot tub. (It’s shared with 11 other homes in the community.)
Or, head to nearby Kahalu’u State Park, one of the best snorkeling lagoons in the islands. Kona Country Club, for golfing, ist just two miles away.
Guest review: “The home was lovely and well equipped.” —Shaida G., Dec 2020
Check price and availability on the Kona Onenalo seaside retreat here.
Click here to download a printable Hawaii packing list with 31 essential items you don’t want to forget!
7. Deluxe Oceanfront Studio Condo at The Kona Bali Kai
A quiet and private studio in the Kona Bali Kai Resort, this oceanfront condo may be a studio, but it’s also so much more. If you open up the sliding glass wall, you can laze in your Californian King bed enjoying the ocean breeze and the sounds of the sea.
The kitchen is full-sized and fully stocked with appliances and spices. It’s ideal for cooking up a feast to enjoy on your lanai while you soak up this little slice of heaven. You could not be closer to the ocean in this Kailua-Kona vacation rental.
With access to resort amenities—and within walking distance to Kona’s entertainment scene— you’ll enjoy a ton of amazing restaurants on your doorstep. Ali Cove is truly a paradise.
Also, there is a swimming pool onsite, as well as laundry facilities in the unit, so you don’t have to worry about salty or sandy clothes.
Check price and availability on the deluxe oceanfront studio here.
Guest review: “Wonderful space! I hope you like the ocean because you need a boat to get any closer! We had a great stay and I highly recommend it!”
— Steven
8. Luxury Beachfront Home in Mermaid Cove
Throw open the giant pocket doors and breathe in the aloha here along with the ocean breeze. This is indoor-outdoor living at its best.
In fact, if you’re looking for laid back luxury, this Mermaid Cove beachfront home will surpass your expectations.
It’s just right for a crowd. There are four bedrooms (queen, king, king/twins, 3 single beds, and two doubles) to sleep up to 13. Plus, the gourmet kitchen includes Bosch appliances and everything you need to cook up a feast.
Warm wood tones, and luxury furnishings invite relaxation everywhere you look. As do the plush bedding, fluffy towels, double slipper clawfoot tub, and steam shower for two.
Guest review: “I’ve been renting vacation homes every year for 20 years for our large family get aways…this home & our neighbor were by far the most local friendly. I mean itʻs a big deal when a caravan of locals born, raised, and living on this island for more than 25 generations can feel truly feel WELCOMED! The kaheka or tidepools are marvelous.” —Kekuhi K., Nov 2020
Check price and availability on the luxury Mermaid Cove home here.
9. Magic Sands Studio Condo
This is a wonderful private studio near Magic Sands Beach… Or rather, right across the street from the beach. The location doesn’t get much better than this; you can pretty much just roll out of your comfortable bed and into the sea.
There’s free parking on premises outside this newly renovated condo, but you’ll barely need to drive anywhere. While there is no air conditioning, you will have ceiling and floor fans alongside that beautiful ocean breeze to keep you cool.
This sweet little studio has everything you need for a Hawaiian holiday: An outdoor shower, a fully-equipped kitchen, a stunning patio, and an awesome location.
Check price and availability on the Magic Sands studio condo here.
Guest Review: “We love to actually cook in the places we stay so it was a treat to find Robert’s kitchen so dialed in. Everything worked, the refrigerator is cavernous with a great freezer drawer and the pots and pans were top notch. We got to fall asleep to the waves pounding Magic Beach then wake up, skip across the street and jump in. Just what we needed.”
— John and Angela
10. Hale Honu at Kona Surf and Racquet Club
Hale Honu—or “Turtle House” is a rare beachfront property in Kona. Not just a home with an ocean view, but a home where you can step out the door onto the sand to see sleeping Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Just step from your chaise lounge chair down the short private trail lined by hibiscus flowers. Just a few minutes down the beach are native Hawaiian petroglyphs, too. Or, relax at the shared pool.
With two bedrooms to sleep six (two kings), this gorgeous home is ideal for two couples or a family. This two story home is both elegant and romantic and it’s located on the world-famous resort of the Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club.
Guest review: “Gorgeous view from the bedroom! The photo from the bedroom does not do justice to the actual view! It is stunning!!! It’s hard to get out of bed! Condo is in great location for snorkeling trips especially.” —Constance R., Feb 2020
Check price and availability on the rare beach home here.
11. Romantic Storybook Polynesian Cottage
This beautiful one bedroom Polynseisan cottage blends sleek wood furnishings with a cute cottage vibe and offers expansive hilltop views from its perch high on a mango farm.
Just up the slope from the old Hawaiian vishing village of Keei, It make the perfect romantic retreat for two. Plus, it’s just five minutes to snorkeling at beautiful Kealakekua Bay.
If you come during mango season, you may never leave the lanai. What could be better than sampling mango varieties, bananas, and other tropical delights fresh off the tree?
Guest review: “Great property. Great location. Friendly owner/manager. Sunset every night from our front porch. Perfect for two.” —Mark V., Feb 2021
Check price and availability on the romantic storybook cottage here.
Kona Airbnb Options
12. Romantic Sunset Retreat
Only moments away from Kahalu’u beach park, one of the best spots in Hawaii for surfing and snorkeling, is this incredible one bedroom ‘penthouse’ condo.
One of the top vacation rentals for a romantic getaway, you and your partner will love the mornings together on the sun-drenched patio. Not to mention sunset dinners.
While you’ll enjoy access to the pool in the complex here, you might be bouncing between the sandy shores nearby, too. The beach is just across the road. Plus, your penthouse condo comes with complimentary lounge chairs and bodyboards.
Check price and availability on the romantic sunset retreat here.
Guest Review:“What a great place! Amazing view. King size bed very comfortable. Communication was very prompt and accurate. We will definitely be booking here again!”
— Shannon
13. Country Cottage
As a spacious country cottage near Magic Sands Beach, this Big Island, Hawaii Airbnb is perfectly suited for two guests. But it can accommodate up to four thanks to the queen-sized fold-out couch. It’s well-designed and the kitchen is fully equipped for your vacation in Hawaii.
The surroundings are tranquil and green with plenty of tropical birds singing in the trees. Highly rated for location, it’s within walking distance from the local beaches and just 30 minutes from the airport.
In the morning, you can whip up a breakfast of fresh eggs and oranges from the chickens and orchards on the property. You’ll have a hard time leaving the massive pool which offers dreamy ocean views and a front-row seat to stunning sunsets.
After a sandy and salty day on the beach, you can rinse off in the outside shower among the greenery and birds. This is one of the top-rated holiday rentals in Kailua-Kona for a reason.
Check price and availability on the spacious country cottage here.
Guest Review: “The location is absolutely gorgeous, and the hosts were extremely friendly. It was like getting all the benefits and hospitality of an AirBnB while still having the privacy of a hotel. I would absolutely stay here again.”
— Tim
Celebrate Hawaii in Your Kailua-Kona Vacation Rental
Kona deserves at least several days of exploration and relaxation on your Big Island itinerary. In fact, all of the best beaches on the Big Island are on this side of the island. (It’s wet and rainy near Hilo…which makes for lush jungle and waterfalls…also delightful!)
But before you head out, visit a Kona coffee farm, experience the colorful reefs, and soak up the Vitamin Sea.
Whether you choose to spoil yourself with an opulent oceanside villa or opt for one of the more rustic vacation rentals in Kailua-Kona, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience.
Book a dreamy stay, pack your bathing suit and a spirit of adventure, and you’re ready to go!
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