Kona Riviera Villa #104

Hotel Description

So here’s the thing about Kona Riviera Villa #104 – it’s one of those places that doesn’t look like much from the outside, but honestly grows on you once you settle in. I mean, you’re not getting marble lobbies or concierge service here (it’s basically a condo rental), but what you are getting is this surprisingly solid home base that feels more like staying at a friend’s place than some sterile hotel room.

The villa itself sits in this quiet residential area that most tourists never really see – you know, the part of Kona where actual people live, not just vacation. It’s maybe a ten-minute drive to the main Ali’i Drive strip where all the restaurants and shops are, which I actually preferred because you escape that constant tourist buzz. The unit has this lived-in comfort that I wasn’t expecting… decent-sized kitchen where you can actually cook (and trust me, you’ll want to hit the local farmers market), a lanai that catches these amazing trade winds in the afternoon, and bedrooms that stay cool even when it’s sweltering outside. The whole place has this sort of 1980s Hawaii vibe – not fancy, but authentic in a way that feels right for the island.

What really sold me on this spot was how it puts you in the rhythm of local life rather than keeping you trapped in the resort bubble. There’s this little coffee farm about five minutes up the road where the owner will talk your ear off about bean varieties if you let him, and honestly, some of the best coffee I had during my entire stay. The beach access isn’t right outside your door – you’ll need to drive maybe fifteen minutes to get to the good snorkeling spots at Kahalu’u or Magic Sands – but that means you’re experiencing different parts of the coast instead of just camping at one resort beach. Parking was never an issue (which, if you’ve dealt with downtown Kona parking, you know is a blessing), and the whole area stays pretty quiet even during peak season. I will say the Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty when the weather gets rough, and the hot water takes forever to reach the back bathroom, but these are the kind of minor quirks you’d deal with at any local place. For what you’re paying – especially compared to those massive resort complexes down the coast – you’re getting genuine island living without the inflated prices. It’s perfect for people who want to explore the Big Island on their own terms rather than having everything spoon-fed to them.

Rooms

• One Bedroom Apartment with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities