Let’s face it: You probably flew long enough that you’d like to minimize travel time to the water once you’re in Hawaii. Here are the best hotels right on the best beaches, all on the Big Island’s Kona (west) side.
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Feature Photo: Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel Facebook
TIP: Most hotels have 4 pm check-in. Ask for an early check-in.
If they can’t accommodate, they will let you store your bags so you can head to the beach!
Four Seasons Hualalai
Everything is exceptional here, from the newly renovated, subtly island-inspired guest rooms and the exquisite sushi and steaks at ‘Ulu Ocean Grill to guests-only amenities such as the enormous, indoor-outdoor spa with apothecary treatments and the championship golf course. Families will love the multiple pools, including a sandy-bottomed one with miniature lounges just for kids, as well as the complimentary Kids for All Seasons program and seasonal Camp Manitou offerings. The waters of the long, somewhat rocky beach may not be the best for extensive swimming and snorkeling, but the always-attentive staff will help you make the most of any activity, including outrigger canoe paddling.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ground-floor rooms boast large, outdoor showers with lava rock walls and tropical foliage. Snorkeling amid rays and tropical fish in the saltwater-fed, carefully monitored King’s Pond is a magical experience, which you can now extend by basking in the new infinity-edge pool or lounging areas next to it.
Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
King Kamehameha the Great claimed the best sand beach on Kailua Bay for his royal compound; in protected Kamakahonu Cove, warm salt water mixes with cooling freshwater springs before entering broad Kailua Bay. A small heiau (temple) and reconstructed thatched huts mark where he gathered with advisors; his legacy is also present throughout the freshly renovated, 452-room hotel, which includes an art gallery of Herb Kane’s renowned portraits of the king, other Hawaiian monarchs and historic events. This is also Ironman World Championship headquarters every October, with the race starting at adjacent Kailua Pier and ending just in front of the hotel. Non-triathletes can just relax by the infinity-edge pool or in a woven cabana, both with ocean views, or get a massage in an oceanfront cabana. The ground floor has a wealth of conveniences, including the best shave ice on the island, a coffee shop (with Kona coffee, of course), day spa, fitness center, yoga studio and Honu’s on the Beach, a resort-quality restaurant with more affordable prices.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The friendly staff at the Kona Beach Boys concession will get you in the ocean with all kinds of gear. Afterwards, enjoy a drink and burger with a view from Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille. Sports fishing, sunset, snorkeling and seasonal whale-watch cruises depart regularly from Kailua Pier. The oceanfront luau is entertaining and reflects the area’s history, starting with a royal procession that arrives by outrigger canoe.
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