While Maui may be better known by travelers, Hawaii’s Big Island is a locals’ favorite and island goers in the know. And condos in Kona tend to be less expensive than on the other Hawaiian islands.
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.
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 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.
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 this beautiful four-bedroom secluded home 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: “It was difficult to pull myself away from the property to see the sites of the island! The view is sublime, the shore line is magical, the pool is perfect, the house is tranquil and allows you to feel as though you’re living in nature..” —Danita K.
Check price and availability here.
Read more on Hawaii vacation rentals:
• 17 best Kihei condos and homes in Maui
• 12 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: “Everything was wonderful, from the condo with pool and hot tub, to the best snorkeling right across the street! We took the Captain Cook snorkeling adventure; while we had a lot of fun, we thought the snorkeling off our beach (as we came to call it) was much better! So much to do on the Big Island!” —Julia A.
Check price and availability on Ahhhhh Paradise! here.
6. Hale Kona Kai Seaside Retreat
The Hale Kona Kai is a true oceanfront condo with a large wrap around lanai… It offers nearly four times the lanai space at other condos here.
In fact, the lanai almost hangs over the ocean…making it easy to observe turtles in the lagoon and tide pools here.
Located at the edge of Kona, Hale Kona Kai is a smaller oceanfront complex with just 39 one bedroom units.
While the space is designed for two with its ocean-view king bedroom, it does include a queen sofa bed in the living room as well.
In addition to central air, the condo includes free assigned parking, an upgraded kitchen and completely remodeled bathroom with brand new walk-in tile.
Guest review: “Direct ocean front views and a wrap around lanai overlooking the wedding venue of the adjacent Royal Kona Surf make for memorable vistas. The unit is thoroughly upgraded and appointed. I’d recommend the unit enthusiastically.” —Dennis H.
Check price and availability on Hale Kona Kai here.
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.
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.
Check price and availability on the rare beach home here.
11. Romantic Storybook Polynesian Cottage
This beautiful one bedroom Polynesian 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 fishing 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.
Check price and availability on the romantic storybook cottage here.
More Options for Condos and Airbnbs in Kona
12. Kona Reef One Bedroom with Ocean Views
This lovely condo and prime beachfront property juts out over the reef.
With a king in the master bedroom, the condo sleeps four…thanks to the brand new sofa bed. There’s also one full bath.
The condo is located on the completely private top/third floor and is one of the premier units in the very desirable Kona Reef Resort. The ocean views are unmatched here!
You’ll find that this condo is bright and airy and will love the newly installed Dual Zone air conditioning as well as the nice breeze from the large lanai.
The kitchen features high end cabinetry, granite counters and all the modern appliances you’d ever need, as well as a European washer and dryer.
You’ll find all the beach essentials you need here…or head directly to the oceanfront pool, BBQ and jacuzzi!
Check price and availability at the Kona Reef ocean view condo here.
Guest Review:“Lovely ocean front stay! 3rd floor overlook of small bay with surf break 24/7. Nice lanai for breakfast. Easy walk to ‘downtown’ Kailua-Kona. Kitchen well appointed, especially appreciate the decent knives and cooking utensils.” —James F.
13. Kona Reef Three Bedroom with Ocean Views
Located literally at the water’s edge, this tropical Kona Reef condo makes an ideal base for a family of a group of friends. There are 3 bedrooms (king, queen, and two twins) and three full baths.
The location is excellent, with easy access to stores and restaurants in Kona. Plus, it’s just 30 minutes from the airport.
After a sandy and salty day on the beach, retreat to the expansive lanai for a technicolor sunset. Chefs will love this upscale kitchen, too. This is one of the top-rated holiday rentals in Kailua-Kona for a reason.
Check price and availability on the 3 bedroom Kona Reef condo here.
Guest Review: “Spacious condo with stellar views! We had a fabulous time at this condo! The views are even more incredible than the pictures online. The pocket doors that slide all the way open were an unexpected surprise. There was plenty of room for the 3 adults and 3 teenagers in our group. Perfect vacation!” —Tim
Celebrate Hawaii in Your Kailua-Kona Condo 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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