Royal Sea Cliff Kona by OUTRIGGER

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Royal Sea Cliff? It’s not your typical Kona hotel experience – and I mean that in the best way possible. Instead of being crammed into some high-rise tower with a hundred other tourists fighting for pool chairs, you’re actually staying in these low-rise buildings that cascade down the cliffside like they’ve always belonged there. The whole setup feels more like a really upscale apartment complex than a hotel, which honestly makes the whole Big Island experience feel less touristy and more… authentic, I guess?

The location is pretty brilliant if you know Kona at all. You’re perched right on the rocky coastline south of town – close enough that you can easily walk to all the waterfront action when you want it, but far enough removed that you’re not dealing with the cruise ship crowds and traffic chaos that hits Alii Drive every afternoon. The units themselves are proper condos with full kitchens, which is clutch because let’s face it, eating out for every meal in Hawaii gets expensive fast. Plus there’s something satisfying about hitting the local farmers market and actually cooking with all that incredible Big Island produce. The ocean views from most units are legit spectacular – you’re looking straight out at the Pacific with nothing between you and the horizon but maybe a few fishing boats heading out at dawn.

What really sells this place for me is how it handles that whole “resort amenities without resort crowds” thing. The pools are scattered around the property instead of everyone packed into one massive scene, and the oceanfront location means you can snorkel right off the rocks if the conditions are right (though honestly, check with locals first – the surf can be unpredictable). The 8.1 rating makes total sense when you factor in that you’re getting way more space than a typical hotel room, real kitchens, and that unbeatable clifftop setting. Sure, it’s not brand-new and shiny – some units definitely show their age a bit – but there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that prioritizes location and space over flashy lobbies and overpriced restaurants. If you’re the type who wants to actually live in Hawaii for a week rather than just visit it, this is your spot.

Hawaii hotels range from charming beachfront bungalows in traditional Polynesian style to elegant oceanfront luxury resorts and modern accommodations with panoramic Pacific views.

Rooms

• Garden View 1 Bedroom with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean View 1 Bedroom with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Ocean View 2 Bedroom 2 Bath with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 6 adults, 5 children
• Garden View 2 Bedroom 2 Bath with 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• Studio + Kitchen with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Oceanfront 1 Bedroom with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Oceanfront 2 Bedroom 2 Bath with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Mm from Canada (8/10)

  Our flight was late and the front desk was closed by the time we got (11:30 pm) there but the keys were ready and were with the security guard.
  
  The front desk staff were very friendly. We spoke to them several times when getting the key for the tennis court. Our room was fine, the bed was very comfortable and the kitchen was well equipped. The main pool was quite nice and a decent size. The smaller quiet pool was just that, but it had a hot tub. We didn’t spend any time at the quiet pool. There wasn’t any access to the shoreline in front of the property, the gate was locked. Nice sunset views though!

• Debra from United States (7/10)

  Great view. Helpful staff.

• Hwajung from South Korea (7/10)

  The staff were so nice and quick to respond.

• Maria from United States (9/10)

  MY OCEAN VIEW WAS PERFECT!! PLENTY BATH TOWELS , LOCATION OF ROOM WAS GREAT! LOCATION WAS NEAR GOOD RESTAURANTS AND OF COURSE THE SHAVED ICE SHOP

• Barbara from United States (9/10)

  N/A

• Kevin from Canada (9/10)

  Clean beautiful grounds. Good location awesome views

• Lyle from United States (8/10)

• Alejandro from United States (7/10)

  Great location, away from crowded downtown

• Gabrielle from Canada (9/10)

  The room and the outdoor common spaces were clean. Staff was friendly and helpful.

• Andre from Mexico (1/10)

  Kitchen fully equipped
  Orientation and Lei Making session in the lobby

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities