Simple Kona Beach Weddings Lodging Guidance

Lodging Guidance

Here you will find helpful information about lodging here on the Big Island, in and around the Kailua-Kona, HI area, staring with Hotels and Resorts (first), Bed and Breakfasts (next), as well as AirBnB/VRBO best locations and suggestions.

Hotels and Resorts

If you are looking for a hotel or a resort experience, below is a guide to where you will find each, and what kind of experience you will most likely have in terms of accessibility to various conveniences and other attractions here on the Big Island. Note that the nicest resorts are the farthest north, but they the are most isolated.
I've started with the hotels in town (i.e. Kailua-Kona proper), then moved to the Waikoloa Beach Resort area, and finally to the nicer resorts, most of which have locations the farthest north. Scroll below.

All are drivable to where your wedding will take place.

In or Near Downtown Kailua-Kona

Note that below is a list of the best hotels to stay in this area. Most of the hotels downtown have pools and some beach access, but they don't have the kind of beach that you'll find at the hotels up north. The best thing about these hotels is proximity to town, most with walkability to restaurants and shops, as well as an easy drive up or down the coast. These are not your super high-end hotels, but they are still a nice experience with a Hawaiian feel.

Royal Kona Resort.
Ocean front at the south end of the main "downtown" part of Alii Drive. Recently renovated with excellent walkability. A popular place to stay for many of my couples. They have a small swimmable area, but it's definitely not prime beachfront for swimming here, but from there, like the King Kam, it's a relatively easy drive to some of the island's best beaches.

Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel (nickname "The King Kam").
They are in the process of renovating their many rooms, so you may get an older one or a newer one. It is extremely easy (as is the Royal Kona) to walk downtown, as it is at the opposite end of the main part of Alii Drive. I'm not a fan of their pool - they just have one and it's usually crowded - but they do have a little sandy beach. This, again, is best for being convenient, and is ocean front as well.

Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa.
This used to be the Sheraton Kona. Outrigger bought it and took it over in 2021. It's south of the main part of town and you cannot walk to downtown from this location, but it's quieter than the other hotels, and is right on the beautiful Keauhou Bay, where they do the night manta ray snorkels. Although ocean front, don't expect a beach at this resort, since the coastline here is rocky. They do have a nice pool, however. It's a bit more inconvenient and farther away from amenities than the other locations in town, but is still a decent option!

Resorts in Waikoloa Beach Village

All of the hotels up in Waikoloa are resorts, have multiple pools, and have a tropical feeling about them. Golf courses nearby.
Note, however, that these hotels are very large, take a long time to get from your room anywhere, and are not near any conveniences (i.e. grocery stores or the like), and are a 30-40 minute drive into town from this location. There are, however, two outdoor shopping areas - The Queen's and King's Shops - with nice stores, a mediocre food court, and some restaurants (although expect to pay resort prices).
These hotels are both on or close to "A-Bay" - a beautiful white sandy beach, although often crowded, and it's not a very swimmable beach due to the reefs and rocks not too far out from shore (but good for snorkeling).

The Hilton Waikoloa Resort.
This place is beautiful, but HUGE. It boasts a lagoon that you can paddle boat or snorkel in, as well as several pools, an opportunity to swim with dolphins (in a pool), and a beach. It definitely has a cool feeling to it, but just know that it's going to take you a long time to get from your room anywhere else.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.
This fronts A-Bay, and also sports a large footprint. We haven't stayed here, so I can't give you a first hand experience on this one, but from what I hear, the grounds are nice and the rooms are decent, many with beautiful views. Nice pools as well.

Nicest Resorts.

A note that I haven't stayed at any of these places, but I have been to all of the below properties. There is a reason that they are at the higher end of the price spectrum due to amazing, swimmable beaches, beautiful rooms and nice amenities, as well as stellar golf courses. I've never heard anyone complain about any of the below, but (with the exception of the Four Seasons, which is just north of the airport and situated in a really amazing weather pocket), they are the farthest north and the farthest from town, but worth the drive if you want a more upscale experience.
I invite you to click on the links below to see which best suits your fancy.

Fairmont Orchid.

Mauna Lani (Auberge Resorts Collection).

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort.

The Four Seasons Hualalai.

Bed and Breakfasts

Holualoa Inn.
This is a gorgeous inn with amazing views and a wonderfully serene environment. Situated above (but still close to) Kailua-Kona up in Holualoa, this bed and breakfast offers rooms not only in the main house, but also has a couple of options apart from the main house for even more privacy. A gorgeous property with a pool, a mandala garden, and lots of lush fruit trees and landscaping to enjoy, you'll enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of this property, along with delicious breakfasts. Not ocean front, but amazing ocean views. Every time I step onto this property, I feel my entire body relax. Exceptional service and location. Highly recommended!

Honu Kai Bed and Breakfast
This is in a very convenient location to town. Not clear if there are ocean views, but a gorgeous, jungly feel.
(The below is taken from an information page - NOTE: NO KIDS UNDER 17 PERMITTED):
"Honu Kai is a 5-star Bed & Breakfast set within an old growth tropical jungle garden featuring a zen zone atmosphere, beautiful statuary, and year-round flowering plants.

"Beautifully appointed luxury Suites, all with separate entrances, private bathrooms and access to expansive lanai spaces to enjoy the jungle view and wild birds who frequent the gardens. Located 3.5 miles north of Kailua Kona at an elevation of 1000ft (304m) on the mountainside of Hualalai Mtn, the air is temperate and comfortable, perfect for sound sleeping. Each morning enjoy a full, gourmet breakfast served on the lanai in the company of other world travelers.

"Expect warm hospitality and Aloha from the owners, Wendi & Dave, who enjoy welcoming guests from all over the world and who share their love of magnificent and magical Big Island of Hawaii.

"Honu Kai Bed & Breakfast is a non-smoking property and welcomes adult guests 17 years and older."

AirBnB/VRBO Location Guidance and Advice

Other than hotels and resorts, you may want to rent a condo or private home. There are many to choose from along the ocean front up and down Alii Drive, and near the Outrigger (old Sheraton), and although some are nicer than others, and some of these have an older feeling to them, they are all in a great location. There are also lots of condo complexes up north in the Waikoloa Beach area, as well as up by the Fairmont and Mauna Lani/Mauna Kea. These condos tend to be newer, and have nicer amenities, are usually near golf courses, but often not oceanfront.

If looking at renting a home or an Ohana (i.e. a mother-in-law type apartment), you will want to stick to near Alii Drive (for oceanfront), as far south as Keauhou (usually nice houses in that area with ocean views) and as far north (for homes or condos) as Puako (gorgeous, old Hawaii style ocean front homes), the Mauna Kea/Mauna Lani/Fairmont, although most house rentals will be closer to town or "above the airport". Any further south and you will be driving a very long way to the wedding, not to mention being more isolated, the same with any further north. There are also cute homes/cabins for rent in Holualoa, or up Kaloko Drive, but expect it to be rainier in both of these locations. Also, if the volcano is still going off, it will be more voggy (i.e. the volcanic fog of the volcano, turning the air hazy and gray) the further south you go. The air tends to be clearer north of the airport, but it can be windier as the sun sets the farther north you head. :)

Avoid any homes right on Palani Drive or up/off of Kalani Drive. These are NOT the best areas, although close to town.

Best advice: Read the reviews of other guests staying at the rental!