Visit Hawaii: King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

1. Location

King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel sits on a calm swimming bay next to Kailua Pier. It is the only hotel in Kona that fronts a small, sheltered white-sand family beach, a rarity for the Big Island where shoreline mostly consists of rocks and cliffs.

This location has perfect climate. You will love the endless days of brillian sunshine and balmy tradewinds that keep the temperature about 75-85 degrees year-round.

Kailua-Kona town, located just at the doorstep of King Kamehameha Hotel, is a picturesque village and the hub of the island. Many interesting places are located within easy walking distance from the hotel. You can go next door to the pier and watch fishermen come in to weigh their marlin, or stroll around Alii Drive, the most happening street in Kona. Many restaurants, shops and art galleries are located nearby.

King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel's summer home happens to be located right outside of the hotel. It is a beautifully restored ancient property, definitely worth a visit.

If you want to see Volcanoes National Park, you will have to drive about 85 miles to the east side of the island. Full-day trip will be the best way to explore that area.

2. Rooms

If you are looking for a fancy resort, this is not the place to go. However, if you want a clean and comfortable room with modern amenities, you will really enjoy King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel.

King Kamehameha Hotel was built in 1975, but recently went through a major renovation, so all rooms are updated. It is perfect for divers, colllege students on a budget, or adventure-seekers who stay at the hotel just to have a place to sleep.

Private lanai is the best room feature. In the evening, you can relax on the lanai and watch the bay and the streets below. Kona looks like a perfect little beach town, framed by lush tropical greenery and orange- and red-colored tropical sunset.

If you want the best view, we highly recommend booking. Those rooms are located on the 5th and 6th floors, and feature truly spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Kamakahonu Bay.

King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel has 6 floors and 456 rooms. Each room has:

Beds: 2 doubles or 1 king, and twin daybed
Air-conditioning
Private lanai
Color cable TV
Coffee maker
Refrigerator
Safe
Room service

3. Restaurants

King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel does not have an on-site restaurant, but there are quite a few restaurants and cafes located within 1-2 miles from the hotel. Here are our 5 favorite places:

1) Kona Beach Restaurant

This restaurant is known for casual dining with unbeatable view. Each table has an outlook of the ocean and the bay, with the ancient sacred site (Ahu'ena Heiau) as a striking focal point.

Here is the rundown of their great dinner buffets: Mon - Hawaiian specialties, Tue - crab and tempura, Wed - Chinese, Thu - Italian, Fri and Sat - popular prime rib and seafoood buffet. Sunday Champagne Brunch is another weekly favorite.

2) Billfish Bar

Billfish Bar is a perfect place to enjoy a cool and refreshing tropical drink by the pool. It is open all day (9am-11pm), and also serves many pupus (appetizers).

If you come here in the evening, you will enjoy live performance by Hawaiian musicians (Tue-Sat), as well as a memorable view of sunset.

3) Island Breeze Luau

This traditional Hawaiian feast has many highlights. As the sun goes down and the show begins, you will watch outrigger canoes carrying the royal court glide by the ancient Hawaiian temple and land at the beach.

Next, you are invited to the sumptuous Hawaiian buffet with delicious imu-cooked food (underground oven). During the evening, you will see many exciting and colorful Hawaiian performances, dances and songs. It's a lot of fun!

4. Things to do

Beach activities
The beach in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel is perfect for small children. The beach is right next to the pier, the waves are low, the swimming area shallow, but still teaming with plenty of marine life. It has great for both children and adults - you will see a ton of fish, eels, coral and urchins at the end of the bay.
You don't have to go far for snorkel gear or kayaks - the rental shack is right on the beach.
Pool and Whirlpool
The pool and whirlspool spa have awesome views of Kamakahonu Bay. You can relax and enjoy a drink and pupus (appetizers) from the poolside Billfish Bar. Reasonably priced menu includes salads, burgers, shrimp, calamari, etc.
Scuba Diving
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is haven for scuba divers! Launch pier is right next door, which means that when you are tired after a dive, all you have to do is walk right back to you room, instead of having to find your car in the parking lot and drive back.
Cultural Activities
Hawaiian Cultural Activity Center, located inside the King Kamehameha Hotel, offers lei making and hula lessons, Hawaiian history classes and cultural tours.
Each Friday, King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel hosts Hawaiian demonstrations, workshops and crafts exhibits in the lobby. Those are definitely worth a visit because you will see many unique, creative pieces. You can also see many Hawaiian artifacts in the hotel's hallways, such as a feathered cape and helmet, and portraits of Hawaiian royalty.
If you are interested in the history of Hawaii, take a free tour of the Ahu'ena Heiau - restored anicent temple of King Kamehameha. It is located on the grounds of the hotel.
Shopping Mall
The mall on the ground level of King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel consists of many tourist shops and tour operator booths. It is the only air-conditioned mall on the island. You can do all of your gift shopping and arrange any island activities in one visit.