Keauhou Kona Surf Racquet 2101

Hotel Description

You know what? The Keauhou Kona Surf Racquet 2101 is one of those places that grows on you — it’s not flashy when you first pull up, but honestly, that’s kind of the point. This is proper local Hawaii, where you’re staying in a condo complex that feels more like a neighborhood than a resort. The building sits right in Keauhou, which means you’re about ten minutes south of the main Kailua-Kona action but still close enough to everything that matters.

I mean, the 4-star rating makes sense when you actually spend time here. The unit itself is spacious (way more room than you’d get in a hotel for the same money), and there’s something really satisfying about having a full kitchen when you want to make coffee at 6 AM or store those massive papayas you bought at the farmers market. The tennis courts are actually decent — I’ve seen plenty of vacation rentals where the “racquet” part is just for show, but people genuinely use these. The pool area gets busy during pau hana hours when locals come by, which honestly gives you a better sense of island life than being stuck with other tourists all the time. Parking is straightforward, thank god, because finding a spot in Kona proper can be a nightmare during cruise ship days.

Here’s the thing about this location that most people don’t realize until they’re here — you’re literally a few minutes from some of the best snorkeling on the island at Kahaluu Beach Park, but you’re also close enough to hop over to Magic Sands when you want actual waves. The Keauhou Shopping Center is right there (it’s small but has everything you need, plus a decent poke counter), and you’re on the route that locals actually take to get around, not stuck on some resort property where everything costs three times what it should. The 7.0 rating feels honest — it’s not perfect, the decor is probably a bit dated, and you might hear your upstairs neighbors sometimes, but it delivers on what matters. You get the space, the location, and that feeling of actually staying somewhere instead of just passing through. If you’re the type who wants to feel like you’re living in Hawaii for a week instead of just visiting it, this works really well.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Anonymous from United States (7/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities