Kona Keauhou Resort #124

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from Kona Keauhou Resort #124 when I first pulled up – honestly, the whole complex has this sort of understated vibe that doesn’t scream luxury resort. But sometimes those are exactly the places that surprise you, and this one really did.

The thing about staying in Keauhou is you’re getting the real Big Island experience without all the touristy chaos of Kailua-Kona proper. I mean, you’re still close enough to drive into town for dinner at Huggo’s or to hit up the farmers market, but you wake up to actual quiet here. The resort sits right where the old Hawaiian ali’i used to have their royal grounds – there’s still this peaceful, almost sacred feeling to the whole area. Unit #124 specifically has this great setup where you can actually hear the ocean from your lanai, which isn’t guaranteed in every unit (trust me, I’ve stayed in a few that face the parking lot). The trade winds really do their thing here too, so even on those sticky Big Island afternoons, you’ll get that natural air conditioning flowing through.

What really sold me on this place was how it felt more like borrowing a friend’s condo than staying at some impersonal resort. The kitchen’s actually functional – I’m talking full-size appliances, decent cookware, the works. That matters when you’re picking up fresh ahi at the KTA down in Keauhou Shopping Center or grabbing those incredible Hamakua mushrooms from the Hilo Farmers Market. The pool area never felt crowded, even during peak season, and there’s something really nice about having that low-key community vibe where you end up chatting with the same folks by the hot tub each evening. Parking’s a breeze too, which sounds boring but you’ll appreciate it after dealing with the nightmare that is downtown Kona parking.

I’ll be honest – this isn’t the place if you need a concierge and daily housekeeping and all that resort service stuff. But if you want to actually live on the Big Island for a week instead of just visiting it, this works perfectly. The snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach Park is literally a five-minute drive, you’re fifteen minutes from some of the best coffee farms on the island, and when you want to venture out for the Manta Ray night dive or a trip up to Mauna Kea, you’re positioned perfectly. Plus – and this is key – you’re staying where the locals actually live and shop, so you’ll stumble onto those hole-in-the-wall plate lunch spots and shave ice stands that don’t make it into the guidebooks. That 9.0 rating makes total sense once you realize this place delivers exactly what it promises, just with way more aloha spirit than you’d expect from a three-star spot.

Many travelers prefer to book apartments in Hawaii through local agencies that offer personalized recommendations and insider knowledge about the best locations for exploring the islands’ pristine beaches and hidden gems.

Rooms

• One Bedroom Apartment with double bed1 large double bed, 1 double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults

Reviews

• André from Germany (9/10)

  Ruhige Lage mit schönen Blick auf die Sonnenuntergänge

• Hanser from France (9/10)

  La vue dégagée, la terrasse et la taille de l’habitation. La proximité avec un magasin d’alimentation.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities