Gem of the Kona Coast Relax in the pool or the saltwater pool nearby CDEA207

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first pulled up to this place on the Kona Coast, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect – the name’s a bit of a mouthful, and let’s be real, “Gem of the Kona Coast” sounds like something a marketing team dreamed up. But you know what? Sometimes the cheesy names actually deliver, and this spot really does feel like stumbling onto something special tucked away from the usual tourist circus.

The thing that got me right away was having two pool options – there’s the regular chlorinated pool if that’s your speed, but then there’s this saltwater pool that honestly just hits different. I mean, after spending days in the Pacific, slipping into that saltwater pool felt like the perfect middle ground between ocean swimming and that classic poolside vibe. The saltwater is gentler on your skin too, which you’ll appreciate after a day of snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay or hiking around the coffee farms up in the hills. Speaking of location, you’re positioned really well here for exploring the real Kona – not just the touristy waterfront strip, but the actual neighborhoods where locals grab their plate lunches and the back roads that lead to those black sand beaches you won’t find in most guidebooks.

What surprised me most was how quiet it stays, even during peak season. I visited in February when everyone’s escaping the mainland winter, and while places like the Royal Kona Resort were absolutely packed, this place maintained that relaxed, almost residential feel. The check-in was refreshingly straightforward – no hard sell on timeshare presentations or mandatory resort fee surprises. Parking was actually easy, which anyone who’s circled downtown Kailua-Kona looking for a spot will tell you is worth its weight in Kona coffee beans. The rooms have that comfortable, lived-in quality without feeling worn down, and honestly, the lanai views of the coastline are what sold me. You can watch the sunset paint those lava rock formations while sipping something cold, and it never gets old. Sure, it’s not the flashiest resort on the coast, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want – a place where you can actually relax without feeling like you’re performing vacation for Instagram. If you’re the type who values substance over flash and wants to experience the Kona Coast like someone who actually lives here rather than just passes through, this gem lives up to its name.

Rooms

• Apartment with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Latoya from United States (6/10)

• Linda from United States (8/10)

  The pools

• Annette from Germany (8/10)

  Die Anlage verfügt über einen Salzwasser Pool der gut war. Die Betten waren bequem.

• Anonymous from Turkey (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities