Mauna Loa Shores #405 condo

Hotel Description

You know what? I was honestly a bit skeptical when I first pulled up to Mauna Loa Shores #405 – the building itself is pretty unassuming from the outside, sort of that classic 80s Hawaii condo vibe that you see all along the Kona coast. But once you get inside unit 405, it’s actually a really solid choice, especially if you’re the type who wants to feel more like a local than a tourist staying in some massive resort.

The condo sits right on the ocean side, and I mean *right* on it – you can literally hear the waves hitting the lava rock below, which is either going to be your favorite white noise machine or keep you up at night (honestly, I loved it, but my travel buddy needed earplugs by day three). The lanai faces west, so you’re getting those incredible Kona sunsets every single evening. I spent way too many mornings out there with coffee just watching the spinner dolphins – they cruise by pretty regularly, especially in the early hours before the snorkel boats start churning up the water. The unit itself is nothing fancy, but it’s clean and functional with a full kitchen that actually has decent knives and pans (you’d be surprised how rare that is in vacation rentals). The AC works well, which matters more than you think when those trade winds die down.

What I really appreciated was the location – you’re about a five-minute drive to the heart of Kailua-Kona, but far enough south that you miss most of the cruise ship crowds. There’s a little local grocery store called KTA just up the hill that has everything you need without the tourist markup, and honestly, some of the best poke on the island. The complex has a small pool that’s never crowded (most people are at the beach anyway), and parking is actually included, which saves you about $25 a night compared to the hotels in town. The snorkeling right out front is decent – not world-class, but you’ll see plenty of tropical fish and maybe some turtles if you’re patient. I’d say it’s perfect for morning swims before the afternoon winds pick up. Check-in was smooth, though the property manager mentioned they’re pretty strict about the noise policy after 9 PM, which makes sense given how sound carries between units. For the price point and that 8.0 rating, it delivers exactly what it promises – a comfortable, no-frills base camp for exploring the Big Island’s Kona side, with that unbeatable oceanfront location that lets you fall asleep to the sound of waves instead of air conditioning units.

The concierge service in Hawaii can arrange exclusive volcano helicopter tours, secure reservations at oceanfront luau restaurants, and organize personalized snorkeling adventures with marine biologists.

Rooms

• One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities