Big Island Kanaloa at Kona by Coldwell Banker Island Vacations

Hotel Description

You know what? The Big Island Kanaloa at Kona caught me off guard in the best way possible. I’ll be honest – when I first saw it was a Coldwell Banker property, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Real estate companies managing vacation rentals can be hit or miss, but this place actually gets it right where it matters most.

The thing about staying here is you’re really getting that authentic Kona experience without the resort bubble. I mean, you’re not going to have someone bringing you towels by the pool or a concierge desk, but honestly? That’s kind of the point. You’ll wake up to the sound of actual roosters (welcome to Hawaii, right?), and you can walk to grab coffee at local spots that tourists staying at the big resorts never find. The units themselves are comfortable – nothing fancy, but they’ve got that lived-in feeling that makes you settle in quickly. The kitchens are actually functional, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many vacation rentals skimp on this. I was able to cook local fish I picked up at the farmers market, and there were enough pots and pans that actually worked.

What I really appreciate is how they don’t oversell what this place is. It’s a solid 3-star property that delivers exactly what you’d hope for at that level. The parking is easy (huge plus in Kona), check-in was straightforward, and when I had a minor issue with the AC, someone actually showed up the same day to fix it. The location puts you close enough to Ali’i Drive that you can walk to dinner, but far enough back that you’re not dealing with the tourist chaos every time you step outside. During whale season – which, by the way, runs longer than most people think – you might catch glimpses from some of the units, though don’t expect oceanfront views at this price point. The trade-off is you’re saving money you can spend on actually experiencing the island instead of just looking at it from your lanai. I ended up using the extra cash for a manta ray night dive, which honestly was worth more to me than marble countertops would’ve been.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 1 double bed for 4 adults
• Superior Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• Roman from Czech Republic (7/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities