Kona Bali Kai #310

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Kona Bali Kai #310? The view hits you the moment you walk through the door – and I mean really hits you. It’s one of those places where you drop your bags and just stand there for a minute, watching the waves roll in across Keauhou Bay. The condo sits right on the water (literally right on it), so you’re falling asleep to actual ocean sounds, not traffic pretending to be the ocean.

The building itself is classic old-school Kona – built back when they actually cared about catching trade winds instead of just cranking up the AC. Unit 310 gets this perfect cross-breeze that keeps things comfortable most of the day, though honestly, you’ll probably want the ceiling fans going by afternoon. The kitchen’s been updated enough that you can actually cook a decent meal, which matters because you’re a bit removed from the main Kailua-Kona action down here in Keauhou. There’s a Safeway about ten minutes up Ali’i Drive, and if you’re smart, you’ll grab groceries early before the cruise ship crowds descend on everything.

What I really love about this spot – and what a lot of visitors miss – is how it puts you right in the heart of some of the best snorkeling on the island. Kahaluu Beach Park is literally a five-minute walk, and that’s where you’ll see more green sea turtles than you can count. The locals call it “turtle soup” for a reason. Plus, you’re close enough to hear the drums from the Sheraton’s luau on weekends, but far enough away that it’s ambient rather than annoying. The pool area gets surprisingly busy during peak season (think December through March), but there’s something nice about the mix of families and couples – it feels lived-in rather than resort-stuffy. Parking can be tight when everyone’s back from their adventures around 4 PM, but that’s pretty much standard for any decent place along this stretch of coast. I mean, you’re trading a bit of convenience for being right on some of the most gorgeous water in Hawaii – seems like a fair trade to me.

Facilities