Includes Beach Gear 303 Kanaloa at Kona

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first pulled up to Kanaloa at Kona 303, I wasn’t expecting much – the name’s a bit of a mouthful and the exterior looks pretty standard for these Big Island condo complexes. But you know what really caught my attention? They actually follow through on that “includes beach gear” promise, and I mean really follow through. We’re talking quality snorkel sets, boogie boards, beach chairs that don’t collapse when you sit down – the works. It’s one of those details that sounds small until you realize you just saved yourself like $200 in rental fees for the week.

The unit itself sits right in that sweet spot where you get solid 4-star comfort without feeling like you’re staying in some sterile resort bubble. The kitchen’s actually functional (shocking, I know), with decent knives and pans that aren’t completely warped. What I really appreciated was the lanai setup – it faces west, so you get these incredible sunset views over the water, but there’s enough overhang that you’re not getting baked alive during the afternoon heat. The AC works well too, which honestly matters more than people think when you’re trying to sleep off a day of snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. Speaking of which, the location puts you maybe 15 minutes from some of the best snorkeling on the island, and the front desk staff – well, the property manager I dealt with – actually knew which spots were worth hitting versus the tourist traps.

I mean, it’s not perfect – the shower pressure could be stronger, and there’s some road noise in the mornings when the delivery trucks start their rounds around 6 AM. But here’s the thing that really sold me on this place: it feels like staying at someone’s well-maintained vacation home rather than just another rental unit. The little touches matter – decent coffee in the welcome basket, beach towels that are actually absorbent, even proper wine glasses instead of those plastic things. The whole Kanaloa complex has this laid-back vibe where you’ll see the same families coming back year after year, and honestly, after staying here, I get it. It’s that rare find where you’re getting genuine value without sacrificing comfort, plus you’re close enough to Kailua-Kona’s restaurants and shops without being stuck in the middle of all that tourist chaos. If you’re the type who wants to feel like a local but still have a nice place to crash after a long beach day, this spot hits that balance pretty well.

Rooms

• Holiday Home with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 4 × 1 large double bed for 6 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities