OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa

Hotel Description

So here’s the thing about the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa – it’s one of those places that gets the Big Island vibe just right without trying too hard. I mean, you’ve got your typical resort amenities and all that, but there’s something about how it sits right there on the Kona coast that feels genuinely Hawaiian rather than just tropical-themed.

The property itself is pretty sprawling, which honestly can be a bit of a trek when you’re hauling beach gear from your room to the pool area – but that’s kind of par for the course with these larger resorts. What I really appreciated was how they’ve managed to keep things feeling relatively intimate despite the size. You know those massive hotels where you feel like cattle being herded around? This isn’t that. The lobby opens right up to these ocean views that’ll hit you the second you walk in, and honestly, that first glimpse of the water through those big windows is worth the flight alone. Check-in was smooth enough – nothing fancy, but the staff actually seemed to know the area when I asked about snorkeling spots (they pointed me toward some local beaches that weren’t just the obvious tourist traps).

The rooms are solid 4-star territory – comfortable beds, decent bathrooms, and most importantly for Kona, the AC actually works well. You’ll want that because even with the ocean breeze, it gets warm here during the day. I stayed in one of the ocean-view rooms, and while you’re paying extra for it, waking up to that view of the Pacific stretching out forever is pretty spectacular. The spa is where they really shine though – I’m usually skeptical of hotel spas, but they do this thing with local volcanic stones that’s actually legit relaxing, not just expensive for the sake of it. The pool area gets busy during peak hours (think 11am to 3pm), but if you’re an early riser or don’t mind hanging out there in the late afternoon, you’ll have plenty of space. Parking is free, which might sound basic but you’d be surprised how many places around here charge for it. The location puts you close enough to Kailua-Kona’s main drag that you can easily walk to dinner or grab coffee, but far enough out that you’re not dealing with the cruise ship crowds every single day. It’s about a 7.8 out of 10 for me – good solid choice that delivers what it promises without any major surprises, positive or negative.

Rooms

• King Room with Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Double Room with Ocean View with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean Front King with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• ​Ocean Front Double with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• ​King Room with Partial Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 3 children
• Double Room with Partial ​Ocean View with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• King Suite with Club Ocean View with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 2 children
• Guest room, King, Resort view with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Guest room, Double, Resort view with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• King Suite with Club Ocean Front View with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 3 children
• Club Ocean View Suite with 2 Beds with double beds, 2 double beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• King Room with Club Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Double Room with Club Ocean View with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• King Room with Club Ocean Front View with 1 extra-large double bed for 4 adults, 2 children
• Double Room with Club Ocean Front View with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults
• Superior Suite with Sea View with double beds, 2 double beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Shijia from United States (9/10)

  The most important reason that people book here is because you can watch the manta from the resort itself! So am I! There were viewing spots ready at nighttime so guests could watch manta without getting into the tours. For someone who isn’t a good swimmer, it is definitely for me. The restaurant surprised me a little with its amazing food. Had a local shrimp and the spiced tuna and they are delicious! During the day, there are plenty of resort facilities, a huge pool, and water activities. The surroundings are perfect for a walk, beautifully by the beach. The receptionist gave me a shell necklace as a welcome, which added to the experience.

• Amanda from Australia (7/10)

  The hotel was beautiful and the beds were comfortable. The location was superb.

• Cosette from United States (9/10)

  I adore 🌺 Outrigger! Beautiful facility and location.

• Dianna from Australia (8/10)

  The room was very spacious and had a large balcony. The pools were large and there is an over 21 pool away from the (loud) kids. Food at the restaurant for dinner was delicious, but the breakfast buffet quality was a bit disappointing.

• Joseph from United States (9/10)

  Views and the pool

• Thomas from United States (9/10)

• Thao from United States (8/10)

  Good location, breakfast buffet was ok, for the amount we paid I was expecting better food. The Luau at the hotel was overpriced.

• Juana from United States (8/10)

  The rooms were very clean, beds were comfortable, pools were not overcrowded.

• Nivedita from United States (7/10)

  I loved the location and the pool. Staff were super friendly though they were short staffed

• Doug from Canada (8/10)

  The family pool is really nice if you have children in your group, it is shallow throughout – and the area that has sand is great for small kids.
  
  Front desk staff and tour booking staff were attentive and friendly.
  
  Night time snorkel with the Manta Rays is an incredible experience – do NOT skip it.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities