Kona Palms 304 condo

Hotel Description

So I spent a week at Kona Palms 304 last spring, and honestly? It’s one of those places that grows on you. First impression walking in – it’s definitely got that lived-in condo vibe, not some sterile hotel room. The lanai overlooks the courtyard (not ocean, just so you know), but there’s something really peaceful about watching the palm fronds sway while you drink your morning coffee. The unit itself is spacious enough that you’re not tripping over your suitcase every five minutes, and the kitchen actually has everything you need – I mean, the can opener works and there are enough plates for more than two people, which is honestly rare in vacation rentals.

What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night. You’re close enough to Ali’i Drive that you can walk to dinner without needing a car, but far enough back that you’re not hearing every motorcycle that cruises by at 2 AM. The pool area is where this place really shines though – it’s not huge or fancy, but it’s got these mature palm trees that create perfect shade spots, and the water’s always clean. I’d usually grab a spot there around 4 PM when the afternoon heat started breaking. The other guests were mostly families and couples, not party crowds, so you could actually relax. Parking was never an issue either, which… if you’ve stayed anywhere else in Kona, you know that’s not always guaranteed.

Here’s the thing about location – you’re maybe a ten-minute walk to the waterfront, fifteen to get down to where all the shops and restaurants cluster near the pier. Magic Sands Beach is about a five-minute drive south, and honestly, that’s where I spent most of my beach time anyway since the swimming is better there. The unit’s AC works well (crucial during those muggy afternoons), and the WiFi was solid enough for video calls back home. I mean, it’s not luxury by any stretch – the furnishings are a bit dated and the shower pressure could be stronger – but it’s comfortable and functional. You know what sealed it for me? The trade winds actually flow through the unit when you open the windows, so some evenings I didn’t even need the AC. For a 3-star place with an 8.0 rating, Kona Palms 304 delivers exactly what it promises – a clean, comfortable base for exploring the Big Island without breaking the bank.

Rooms

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

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities