White Sands Village #318 at Magic Sands Beach by Casago Kona

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about White Sands Village #318? The moment I walked onto that lanai and saw Magic Sands Beach literally right there – I mean, you’re basically sleeping above one of the Big Island’s most famous disappearing beaches. And yeah, it actually disappears during big winter swells, which honestly makes staying here feel like you’re part of some natural magic show that most tourists completely miss.

The condo itself has that lived-in vacation rental vibe that I actually prefer over sterile hotel rooms. Sure, it’s a 3-star place, so don’t expect marble countertops or anything fancy, but everything works and it’s clean – plus there’s something refreshing about having a real kitchen where you can make your morning coffee while watching surfers paddle out at La’aloa Bay. The whole setup feels like staying at a friend’s place, if your friend happened to live in one of Kona’s best spots for beach access. What really sells this location is how it sits right on Alii Drive without the chaos – you’re close enough to walk to Huggo’s for dinner or grab supplies at the little shops, but far enough south of downtown Kailua-Kona that you’re not dealing with cruise ship crowds every single day.

Here’s the thing about Magic Sands Beach that locals know but guidebooks don’t always mention – when the sand’s there (usually summer through early fall), it’s perfect for bodysurfing and the water’s surprisingly calm for kids. But even when winter swells wash the sand away and expose the lava rock, watching the waves crash from your unit is pretty spectacular. I spent way too many mornings with my coffee just watching the water change colors as the sun came up. The parking situation is actually decent too, which matters more than you’d think on this strip of Alii Drive where spots can be brutal during peak times. The 9.5 rating makes total sense when you factor in that you’re getting genuine beachfront access at a fraction of what the big resorts charge – and honestly, the trade-off of slightly older furnishings for this location is a no-brainer. Just pack some good earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, because Alii Drive does get some traffic, and weekend nights can bring some music from the nearby bars. But I mean, you’re in Hawaii staying steps from an iconic beach – a little ambient island life noise is part of the experience, right?

Rooms

• Holiday Home with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• Juan from Mexico (9/10)

  La ubicación y la limpieza

• Anonymous from Japan (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities