Kona Bali Kai #174

Kona Bali Kai #174 Overview

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places along the Kona coast, and Kona Bali Kai #174 honestly surprised me in the best way. You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just clicks? That’s what happened here. The unit sits right on the water – and I mean RIGHT on it – so you’re falling asleep to actual waves, not the hum of traffic from Ali’i Drive like some of the other spots in town.

What really got me was how thoughtfully set up everything was. The kitchen actually has the stuff you need (sharp knives, decent pans, not the usual hotel castoffs), which matters when you’re grabbing fresh ono from the fish market or picking up those incredible Hamakua mushrooms from the Saturday farmers market. The lanai faces west, so yeah, you’re getting those legendary Kona sunsets every single night – but here’s the thing nobody tells you: the morning light is just as gorgeous, bouncing off the water in this soft, golden way that makes your coffee taste better somehow. The Wi-Fi actually works too, which… honestly, that’s not a given around here, especially when the trade winds pick up.

The building itself has that classic 70s Hawaii vibe – you know, the kind that could either feel dated or charmingly retro depending on how it’s maintained. This one definitely leans retro in a good way. There’s a small pool that rarely gets crowded (most people are too busy with the ocean right there), and the snorkeling spot just steps from your door is legitimately some of the best on the island. I’m talking about green sea turtles hanging out like they own the place, which – let’s be real – they kind of do. Parking was never an issue, even during peak season, and the whole property has this laid-back, residential feel that makes you forget you’re technically staying at a vacation rental. The only minor thing is that the walls aren’t super thick, so if your neighbors are early risers or late-night revelers, you’ll know about it. But honestly? Most people who stay here seem to sync up with island time pretty quickly – early to bed, early to rise, with the sun dictating the schedule like it should. For what you get – that location, the ocean access, a unit that actually feels like home – it’s the kind of place that makes you start planning your return trip before you’ve even checked out.

Facilities