Big Island Kona Reef D-21 condo

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first pulled up to Big Island Kona Reef D-21, I wasn’t exactly blown away by the exterior. It’s got that classic 1970s Hawaii condo vibe, you know what I mean? But here’s the thing about staying in Kona – sometimes the best spots are the ones that don’t try too hard to impress you from the street. This place sits right on the rocky coastline south of town, and once you actually get inside and hear those waves crashing against the lava rock below, everything clicks into place.

The unit itself is honestly pretty solid for what you’re paying. It’s got that lived-in feel that vacation rentals sometimes have – not luxury by any stretch, but comfortable in a way that actually makes sense for a beach trip. The lanai is where you’ll spend most of your time anyway, and that ocean view… I mean, you’re literally watching waves crash over black lava formations while you drink your morning coffee. The trade winds keep things cool most of the time, though it can get a bit warm in the afternoons if you’re not used to the humidity. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – sure, you’ve got the constant sound of the ocean, but it’s not like staying in town where you hear cars and people walking around until late.

The location is actually pretty smart if you think about it. You’re about a five-minute drive south of the main Kona strip, so you can easily hit up the restaurants and shops in town, but you’re far enough away that you don’t deal with all the cruise ship crowds that flood the area during the day. There’s decent snorkeling right from the property too – nothing spectacular, but I saw plenty of fish and the occasional turtle. Parking was never an issue, which honestly surprised me since I’ve stayed at places in Kona where that becomes a real headache. The only thing that’s sort of a pain is the grocery situation – you’ll want to stock up in town before heading to the condo since there’s not much walkable from here. But that’s pretty typical for this part of the Big Island anyway. For the price point and that direct ocean access, it’s hard to complain too much about driving a few extra minutes for supplies.

Many travelers prefer to book apartments in Hawaii through local agencies that offer personalized recommendations and insider knowledge about the best locations for exploring the islands’ pristine beaches and hidden gems.

Rooms

• Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 6 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities