Royal Kona Resort

Resort

Clean room, customer service with a smile, good food at Don’s mai tai bar, great view and there’s a lot to do for the kids. Most definitely will come back but this time with the whole family. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

Loved staying last Feb, going back in October. Friendly staff, gorgeous views (we stayed in one of the corner king rooms), great location, awesome rates.

It’s in a good location clean staff very friendly and helpful.

Beautiful location, the rooms recently remodeled are lovely. The location of the resort is really great and Don the Beachcombe's Mai Tai Bar has the most wonderful view out over the ocean. The property is within walking distance to restaurants and shops. I highly recommend it.

Full resort it was nice. Needs a little modernize but nice and clean.

Dated, but rooms are great, service is phenomenal, location is perfect and views are breathtakingly gorgeous. If you haven't guessed yet, yes I highly recommend the place. Price is reasonable and no resort fees.

Great location, helpful & friendly service…

Beautiful ocean views, excellent food and great service. They are located in the perfect area to enjoy downtown Kona all within walking distance! Beautiful sunset views! 😊

Good food and good service there all good speciallly there service.

Very friendly staff. Resort is in an excellent location, beautiful scenic views and close to everything.

Customer service is the worst. Room is dirty, don’t recommend.

Came here for the luau and had an amazing time! Drinks were flowing and the drink service was fast and friendly. Food was so good I wish I could eat it again. The show was great as well, my whole family enjoyed it. Fire dancing was the best finally to the night. It did rain right as the show closed which seemed perfectly timed somehow lol. Would book this again if we come back to the island 100% 🏝

Mahalo to Big Island Radar for posting this for me.
I do not have a Facebook account and this experience really bothered me today. Great lunch ($200) until we needed to validate our parking. The waitress was gone, the bartender said his machine didn't work and we'd have to go to the front desk. We went to the front desk, not a problem at all. But only one person working the front desk and there were 4 people in line ahead of us checking in. Sooo, I went to the Concierge desk and asked if the gentleman could help us get our ticket validated. We are all over 60 years old and nice ladies. We have lived here for over 25 years. The gentleman advised us that we would have to wait in line because he couldn't help us. There was no one else around waiting for him. He further replied that he couldn't validate our parking because that wasn't his job and he said it with a rather tight voice. So I asked if he worked here and he said YES. Gosh then certainly he could have assisted us — but he refused. I asked to see a manager, by now it was incredulous that he would have this attitude in customer service on our Aloha island. He said no manager could help me! Honestly, this was abrasive and uncalled for. I asked for his name. He said it was "Ricky" — I asked for his last name he said, "it doesn't matter". It certainly does matter young man. You were rude, offensive, and very put offing to our group of ladies over a PARKING VALIDATION.

Beautiful place and wonderful atmosphere. Having a great time!

Eric was so helpful with preparing wonderful drinks for me and my mom. He was very knowledgeable of the area and things to do! will be back :)

Location is ideal for exploring Kona Coast. Great staff all around.

The waitress is very efficient. Diane is so awesome server. Thanks for opening to the bar. But can't wait for the luau to open. For sure ill be back and looking to celebrate my birthday here soon.

Was glad to be a part of the pandemic Reopening. Bar area offers great views, great drinks, great fun. Aloha.

Great view from a lot of the rooms. We are basically on the ocean. Our balcony is semi private but occasionally we see our "neighbor" sitting on the dividing wall. The breakfast at don the deachcomber is decent for a continental but is $22 per person for buffet. Won't do that again! Lobby is impressive and impactful but the rooms are showing their age a bit and the beds are not very comfortable. Also, only 3 pillows in the room and no extras… For a king bed. Overall the location is great though and the view is spectacular.

Stayed for a little over a week and loved it. No Beach access is a downer but they have swimming pools and a hot tub to relax in. You can rent snorkeling equipment and there is a beach close by. Also a nice little bar by the pool to relax at. Overall the rooms were spacious and comfortable.

Royal Kona has some of the best views and so relaxing. There is not an actual beach area, but more lava rock. The staff were very accommodating and cleaned daily. The rooms are average and have a small kitchenette with microwave. There are many activities to take part in. The pool and bar are awesome and overlook the ocean. There is also dining oceanfront and the food was great. There is also a Luau every week. There is security outside patrolling 24 hours. There are tennis courts and a gym that faces the ocean. We stayed in the couples section first where they have a private beach and lagoon, then moved to the ocean front. We stayed for 7 days and I would definitely recommend staying here. It's a good place for family or couples. The most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen are here!

Very nice location! Great view. The pool area was very nice, we have kids ranging in age from 2 to 14, and they all loved it. Great views of the gorgeous sunsets from the pool area. The house keeping did a great job on the room, they put so much care on arranging our shoes and toothbrushes. Just the little touches were nice!

We had our wedding with Royal Kona Resort on 8/8/18 and it was fabulous. Seriously well done. If I could give the resort higher than a 5/5 rating I would instantly do it. They far exceeded my expectations as the food was great, the wedding planning went smoothly, and the whole experience was everything I had imagined and more. The wedding planners and on site coordinator really helped make everything fantastic. If you are hesitant about having a destination wedding, this is the place to go.

Went for the Voyagers of the Pacific luau. Great luau with open bar and very good food. The luau show was about an hour long and it was very good. The grounds of the hotel were very nice, right next to the ocean… very picturesque. The hotel itself right next door also seemed very nice.

The view of the ocean is beautiful. The rooms need lots of work. My 1st room the base board under the bathroom sink was rotting and needed painting. The sink was missing the stopper. My 2nd room on the 1st floor had roaches. My 3rd room was half painted, cracks in the paint in the ceiling used to cover possible previous leaks. I looked over the side of the balcony and saw cracks in the balcony itself. The food at the hotel was mediocre at best and expensive. The food at the luau was 4 star. I give their staff 4 stars because they were very helpful.

Booked via hotel tonight app which usually sells off cheaper dated rooms. Our room was in the bay tower and it was MASSIVE, yet strangely it was almost bare. A box spring queen sized bed which had NO bedhead… just pillows against the wall. TV on a chest of drawers, and one car chair. That was all! It looked oddly empty. Could have put an entire lounge setting in there the room was so big. If you wanted to hold a yoga routine it would be great! Everything was clean. No smoking allowed in the rooms $200 fee for violation. Designated smoking areas outdoors. AC blew cold but is right above the bed so we decide to use open doors at night. Location is close to everything touristy in Kona, very easy to walk to and from. We had breakfast at the Buffet downstairs which we had read online was $15pp but turned out to be $25 pp Actually we liked this location and would book again.

The rooms are simple and in need of some updating, but perfectly functional. The location is superb though, right on the coastline, the grounds/common areas well maintained/charming and in close proximity (walking distance) to shops, restaurants and entertainment. Their staff was friendly and helpful. The on-site luau was well done. The restaurant and bar food was great though expensive, but in line with island pricing. They need to amp up their internet signal and not charge for room connectivity. Parking fees with your stay were surprisingly low. We would definitely return.

Nice view from this hotel. The music that is playing at the bar is very beautiful!

This was probably a very grand resort at one time, but is really showing signs of aging. They should really consider renovating. Food was okay. I liked the natural lagoon, but it is natural, so very, very rocky. It's a great location … many resorts and restaurants within walking distance. The place was clean. Overall, was a good value.

Had a wonderful stay at the Royal Kona Resort. The staff was friendly, and the facility was in a perfect location. Our room could have been a bit more updated, but we hardly spent anytime in there. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. I did book a ocean room view, but unless you book a suite (I believe) you wont get right in front of the ocean. We got a nice side view of the water, and the balcony was perfect for looking at the ocean and watching their Luau (which was so much by the way). The hotel is walking distance to a lot of shops and restaurants!, which was a plus for me. The restaurant/bar in the hotel was really good, try their poke, and the drinks were even better. I gave 4 stars because the room could have been a little more updated, other then that my stay was wonderful, and I will be back.

Stayed 7 nights and very satisfied. Quick check in, clean and spacious rooms, nice balcony. I had the side “Ocean View” room. Two pools, one for kids with bar next to the pool. Salt water lagoon has small sandy area with tables. Easy walk to many restaurants and shops. Optional Luau on property. Good cell coverage. (AT&T) No hot tub. No sandy beach. Parking $$, Internet $$

Did not stay at this hotel put attended their Luau. It was a nice event overall, but the check in line is WAY WAY long… expect to stand in line to check in for about 45 minutes! They only have 1 person to check in for like two hundred people. Check in line is a 1 star. But once in, they have a nice open bar, lay making for the kids, temp tattoos and music playing. Bring CASH! Parking is $3 cash only, plus for tips for bar tender and station attendants.

The Royal Kona is located right on the ocean, so the location couldn't be better. The staff are pleasant and helpful. The Voyagers of the Pacific Luau is AMAZING! We did experience a peeping Tom on the neighboring balcony though. And kids at the pool were loud as he'll all day long! All in all, we enjoyed our stay.

My wife and I stayed here for our Honeymoon for two weeks. I loved the staff, the pool, the ocean view, the food (albeit a tad pricey) was great especially the breakfast buffet, and the lounge. The room, not so much. For the price you pay to stay you'd think the room would be more updated. The Best Western governors hotel in San Francisco has more upgrades than this resort. However, if you don't plan on being in the room much then you'll enjoy it as a place to rest and then get back out to enjoy the island. Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would return, hopefully by then the rooms will have upgrades. Housekeeping was amazing and friendly.

Spacious rooms, amazing views, excellent staff. Spacious balconies. And comfortable beds. Took my honeymoon here. Right on the ocean. And in the middle of everything, literally u can walk to dining shopping and adventures.

The location is beautiful, the staff friendly. Rooms need serious attention, stains on ceiling, bathtub worn as are the walls. It is clean, beds are reasonably comfortable. But the advertised fitness center wasn't open at all despite posted hours and spa was closed, too. Bar/pool area EXTREMELY CROWDED on a Thursday evening. It's a convenient location and views are magnificent.

This is an older hotel so it looks a little tired in places. The garden and ponds are very well maintained. The rooms are big. The A/C worked very well. The stairways and tower floors need some maintenance. They are clean but worn. Staff is very nice. I would definitely stay here again.

We stayed here a few nights and it was fine basic rooms, nothing too special. We had separate reservation and tried to keep the same room but was told a family had bought out the floor to keep their family together, fine no problem. Then they moved us to the main rooms, the ones above the resort, not the one off to the side. Let me tell you this room had roaches alive and dead. They were centered around the refrigerator. Called front desk to be asked to another room but they said they were fully booked, went to look for another hotel in the area and guess what… there were rooms here for sale so I know that's a lie. There was no way we were staying the night here. Asked for a refund and got the he'll out of dodge. I think the way they handled this was terribly unprofessional. Be cautious if you stay here.

Staying here was one of the best experiences of my life. I would love to come back! The room was only so so but the hotel was in the perfect location. I highly recommend attending the Luau! You are in Hawaii. Why would you want to spend a lot of time inside your hotel room anyways?

Sunset view here is breathtaking. Food and buffet is amazing. The Mai Tais are perfect. The bed is super comfy. Hotel is not the most modern but most hotels in Hawaii are older style. The hotel is clean and everyone is friendly. Perfect location in the heart of Kona shopping and restaurant district.

The Lagoon Tower which we stayed in is in very run down condition. Rooms are basic hotel style with low railings on balcony, older carpets furniture and fixtures. Dorm sized fridge, 4 cup coffee maker in room. No microwave. Misty, the bartender, at Don the Beachcombers is wonderful and attentive, great service!

The Royal Kona is an older resort in a great location. We had a great view from our ocean side room on the top floor of the south tower. It doss get very loud in the rooms on luau nights though, so plan accordingly. We could look right down on it from where we were staying though. The staff seemed friendly. There were no ice or vending machines in our tower. Overall we enjoyed our visit, just do not expect a top of the line modern resort.

Hello Lady from Long Beach at Check in, thank you for your Kona coffee again. Now it's empty. Hopefully, I can come back soon. Very nice resort. Had a room just above the surf. Could see manta rays from my bedroom. And the poor blokes from Hawaii Iron Man, as they clung to the buoys in the bay, because suddenly sharks appeared. But the Germans like to feel like each same. Dafūr they are well known and always win, right?

We went to the Luau at the Royal Kona. It was a lot of fun and very educational. I really just expected food and fun, I did not expect to learn something. Plenty of food and drink for all the customers. The staff was a well oiled machine. The dancers were very approachable before and after the show.

Stayed here 19 years ago and again a few weeks back. Not much was new. Fresh coats of paint, flat screen TVs, and key fob style locks on the doors. Beds were less than plush but I like a firmer mattress so it wasn't horrible. Rooms were clean; location was walkable to several restaurants; The bar area has a lovely breeze and amazing views. We were supposed to have a mountain view — instead we got a view of the restaurant roof and the main tower. Previously had a huge corner balcony with an ocean view and it was picturesque. Breakfast buffet which used to be included with the room was now 25 extra. The room price only went from 100 with breakfast buffet to 180 without :-/

I was here only for the Luau. It was superb food as well as entertainment. The young ladies and men were very skilled. The fire dance at end was worth the cost alone! I highly recommend this to all tourists who come to island. Do it early in your trip because if the show is canceled you will get a rain ticket not a refund. That said, we had perfect weather.

The hotel is clean, and the staff is nice. The beds are hard as a rock and the towels, while clean and serviceable, aren't plush. This is a nice hotel, but if you are looking luxury, you might want to choose elsewhere. But if you are on a budget, there's no place better!

Great vacation destination. An older Hotel but worth the money. Fly first class and stay here. Everything is within walking distance downtown. Snorkel, SNUBA, visit Volcanowith the money you saved.

Room smelled of mold. Very tired and worn out room. My friend got married there and it was a nightmare for her. In the end it was a great wedding. Put they nickel and dimed her. And, they booked her for her bridal hair and make up. The salon never received payment from the hotel and she had to pay. The salon said that it happens all the time. Had to supply most of the flowers and candles herself after they already "paid" for it when they booked the wedding.

I really like the location of this hotel, and the entry and bar areas, and it's ocean facing position is quite spectacular… It flows and feels fluid and easy… However, I chose to stay elsewhere on my recent trip as I know the quality of the rooms and furnishings, and the general resort needs some serious refurbishment to update, invigorate and bring it up to 2017 standards, but I guess once they do it prices will increase by about USD100 or more a night.

Came here for a wedding from Australia, wedding was great but that's where the enjoyment stopped. Rooms are very dated with mould spotting in our bathroom grout. Be very! Careful when booking events as the bride and groom at our wedding were charged almost $1000 above and beyond their final figure which I believe to be very deceptively done by staff.

Noisy. Some good features but plenty to annoy. The private lagoon is great. The restaurants and bar are very good. The staff is friendly & accommodating. But our first room (on the top floor) was just beneath some sort of equipment on the roof (air conditioner tower we were told) that caused our room to vibrate like a train going by all night long. We asked to move, the replacement room was almost as bad, the bathroom fan so forceful and loud we had to keep the door closed just to mute the noise. Many fixtures and carpeting are also old and dated. Clean, and good housekeeping, but just very worn.

Loved staying at the Royal Kona. Beautiful views, very friendly staff. We loved swimming and snorkeling at the hidden cove & had a wonderful time. We also went to the Luau and enjoyed it a lot, as well. I would definitely stay here again.

The staff is truly wonderful! We booked through Costco travel and everything was so easy! We came here for our honeymoon, they even had a bottle of champagne in our fridge for us! Our room was perfect. Huge! And what a view! It was the aloha ocean room, overlooked the lagoon. I highly recommend getting an ocean view. Parking is $12 a day, not bad. The room was as expected for a hotel on the water. But still clean. The bed was comfy enough, needed more pillows though. I do wish there was a microwave in the room however. With food so expensive I am def keeping leftovers, but there's no way to heat them up. We would stay here again if we ever come back to Hawaii!

I have stayed at Royal Kona Resort once for my first time last year in Kona, and my family and I loved it! So we are coming back again this year! It is so beautiful and everyday when you wake up its hard to tell that you aren't even dreaming. The pool is amazing, with its fantastic ocean view, the dining room is spectacular and although it is an up charge, the food is great! They have a wonderful private, snorkeling spot where you can see lots of amazing fish! If you are looking for a wonderful Hawaiian experience, I recommend Royal Kona Resort.

Overall good place. Stayed for 8 days. Friendly staff. Rather big rooms. Ugly bathroom. Numerous restaurants around.

Came here for the Luau, everything was fantastic from the friendly service, great musicians, delicious food to the talented performers. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking waves and beautiful sunset… I would highly recommend you go, it is worth the price. Tip: instead of shelling out extra for the VIP seats, just go early (4:30-5) and get seats — you may even be able to get better seats than some of the VIP. Oh and the side closer to the resort gets to line up for food first.

The location of the resort is perfect. It is close to downtown and right next to several restaurants/bars. The resort is located right on the ocean and has a beautiful view. We went to the luau at the resort and this was fun. All you can drink and buffet of good food. Their bar had decent food and drinks and is located right on the ocean w a spectaular view. Only con we had was that the rooms were pretty dated. However, we didnt go to hawaii for sitting ina room so it didnt matter too much to us.

The rooms have a great view of the ocean. The staff is really friendly and outgoing. I really enjoy the open atmosphere of the hotel. The bar has good food and drinks but expect to pay island prices.

Just posting on the luau. I loved it and I have been to all the luau in the area. This was the beat price and most entertaining. Just look for a way to save some cash with discounts. They do exist. My kids will never forget that trip.

This hotel is old and in need of a face lift. The staff are wonderful and friendly and want to make sure you enjoy your stay. They have a luau 4 nights/week. Close proximity to the main Kona shops and restaurants. The rooms are clean but again need updating. Room 648 has the best views and is a corner unit top floor.

It needs a remodel; rooms are very outdated and seem a little run down. But it's not bad, just outdated. The location is perfect though It's right on the water and right next to the Alii strip. Bar, restaurant pool, and jacuzzi are all great too. They all overlook the ocean and service was great. Overall, the outdated rooms keep the hotel affordable and everything else about the hotel is great.

My room had a nice ocean view even though I had not booked a ocean view it ocean front room… Nice ocean side bar serving awesome cocktails.

A little trouble checking jn because we were "upgraded" but ended up with a smaller bed. The manager quickly fixed the issue. The grounds are very pretty and room was clean but could use a little updating.

The hotel is very dated. It was probably THE spot thirty years ago, but the rooms are mediocre. Old furniture, needs paint, needs some love. BUT, our room was right on the water. Amazing views. The bar is very cool. It's open, airy, and has great views. Walking distance to all the South Kona bars and restaurants.

We went to the Luau on the coastline at the Royal Kona Resort. The resort grounds were very nice and well kept. The party was great, and I would say that first time visitors should attend at least one before they leave. Tasty food (yes even the poi, though it has the strangest texture) and first class entertainment. The performers were simply incredible. A great time at the beach house.

The hotel is alittle older but it was clean and had a spectacular location. Excellent customer service. It was great for a one night stay after getting off the airport.

This place is a dump. It's like a cheap motel. The beds are saggy, everything is worn, the room smells musty, everything looks decades old. Don't believe the fake reviews, I'm sitting in it right now and it sucks. I am furious with Costco for selling me this crap.

I went here here for the Lū'au. It's amazing. The food was great and so were the performers. I went on a night there was plenty of seating so we didnt have to upgrade for the seats closer to the stage. The crowd faces west so be ready for an amazing sunset, as long as a cruise ship isnt in the way.

By the seaside. Comfortable spacious rooms. Very close to restaurants and shops.

More like Royal Painful Resort! The room sucked even though we took the Oceanside king bed. The maintenance of this hotel is very abysmal, our beds were made with hard springs, it hardly had any covers, the room smelled like something was rotting and was covered with chlorine, the flush of the toilet didn't work. They charge plenty for anything and everything other than the air you breath. The hotel staff too are very rude, when I went to complain about he room they didn't even apologize, just noted the room and he vanished to their nook in the back. please avoid this place if you have other options in kona!

Ive been to a few different resorts throughout the years on big island and maui. The service was terrific, hotel staff was very friendly and helpful and almost seemed to go out of the way to make my stay enjoyable. We stayed in the main building and I would say the bathrooms need updating along with the building itself but for location and price, im not complaining one bit and wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. We had a corner king ocean view room looking right over the pool. Absolutely gorgeous view and for what I paid for a 10 night stay I was absolutely thrilled. My recommendation is to become a royal Hawaiian hotel member (free) and it at least gets you free Wi-Fi. Parking is $10 which now a days I have been to a good share of hotels that all have parking fees. Bottom line, if you looking for a nice hotel, close walking distance to some really good bars and night life, I would highly recommend this hotel!

Beautiful and affordable place. They have their own lagoon and pools, the bar/restaurant area is right next to the ocean. Their Luau was amazing. We loved our stay here and would go back again.

The good news is that the location is near shops, restaurants and night life. Room is needs deep cleaning. Pool needs even deeper cleaning. Wi-Fi and parking adds another $20/night on to the room charge. Cocktails are good and reasonably priced.

I recommend changing name to Royal SCAM Resort. My wife and I went there for entertainment and drinks tonight. They advertise their authentic island entertainment that happens every third Thursday. After we ordered our drinks they informed us that the entertainer was not performing and they also said that the same thing happened last month. We ordered two Pina Coladas and they tasted like a coconut smoothie without one drop of alcohol in them. I highly recommend going to other places for entertainment, drinks, and food. Two thumbs down! Do not HANG LOOSE here!

Oh my goodness we had such a great room with 2 lanai's and a view to die for. The hotel is very comfortable and in a convenient location. Within walking distance to everything you need in town. We even had our family dinner at the hotel. We sat right next to the ocean and watched the sun set. Food was good, service was a little slow but it was OK because we were not in a hurry. The waitress was just overworked! We have stayed here several times and we will return next time we are in town. Hint (rm # 355).

Good, clean and comfortable. An older oceanfront hotel, it's in need of some kind of continuous improvement or another. Our room was nice and clean and all of the staff we encountered were friendly and gracious and the grounds were kept well and pretty, there's lots of free parking. Only grumble so far is that the shampoo and conditioner advertised is actually shampoo/conditioner! Great location though; right on the ocean lots to do and see in every direction driving, and right on the end of shoreline shops and restaurants for walking.

Room was great view ocean front. However this was a Diamond Resort affiliate, they are far below the standards. Cleanliness — OK — very old sort of run down. I did not have any of the items requested in booking. Supposed to be 2 bedroom, microwave, coffee small fridge.

Have stayed here twice, love hotel — on the water, dolphins swimming by, lagoon. Rooms are not fancy but who stays in your room when you're in hawaii? The rooms where clean and comfortable — restaurant pricey but good food.

Stayed at this hotel for 5 nights for my wife's and I honeymoon. Took a dive in the pool and accidently forgot to get my wedding ring. I remembered 3 hrs later and front desk kept it safe for me. Plus outstanding service.

Nice, clean, older resort. Luau located n their resort is amazing! And after 8 mai tai's, within stumbling distance to your room. (: Within walking distance of all local attractions. I would recommend it.

Clean. Friendly at every station from front desk to maid service. Comfortable beds. The views are gorgeous. Hotel decor is exquisite. We highly recommend this hotel.

This is a good affordable place in a great location. The rooms are no frills. The pool looks nice but I haven't been in. Staff is very friendly. Right near stores.

It's not a bad place. If you were only coming once it may be better. As a business traveler I do have some problems. The internet is per device and a little costly. That's kinda ok but the connection times out at the worst times like when I'm uploading something. It's also very very slow. 3g is blazing fast in comparison. Coverage has been spotty on several visits. Local phone calls per call cost money from the room. Parking is $10/day. During the week turning in early can be an issue because the luaus are loud. Fun to watch but loud. The lounge music at the bar can be loud at times as well. And I'm taking about loud in the room. On a relaxing note there is a pool but not that big for laps. There is no jacuzzi. good things are fast customer service. I was taking showers at work and taking my room supplies with me but they weren't being replenished. I had to ask the first few days and they were quickly brought up. The sunsets are beautiful but that's more an aspect of nature not the hotel. The rooms are sparse but clean. I saw a moth once but that's the only critter. There is a private lagoon that had a small and beach and a small cove for snorkeling. Good for beginners. They also have good rates in the off season. well I'm still searching for a working Wi-Fi signal which is why I'm typing this on my phone.

Royal Kona Resort in Kailua Kona is located downtown within walking distance of the restaurants, small shops, and a few great snorkeling areas. The rooms are being improved on constantly. It's not the Ritz Carlton, but hopefully you aren't on your Hawaii vacation to stay in your room. On Hawaii Time we usually play during the day and go to bed early. The Big Island weather is best in the morning. Around noon the clouds may start to appear. Which is good for us that have already been enjoying the great morning Hawaii weather! There are lots of great island activities in Kona, and the Big Island is full of adventures. Get out and EXPLORE.

The view was incredible. Because we paid a premium for it. The staff were extraordinary. They had to be to keep smiling while apologizing for virtually everything. A large black stain on the worn-out carpeting greeted us outside the door of our fifth-floor corner luxury upgrade, supposedly the second-best room in the hotel. It went downhill from there. The Royal Kona may have been a fine hotel when it was built, but it is now a run-down has-been. Let me reiterate that the staff were all wonderful: friendly, welcoming and helpful. And extremely good at apologizing. What was wrong? Where to begin? The place is old and shabby throughout. The sliding doors to our balcony were so corroded that my wife couldn't budge them, and I was barely able to open them (I'm 6'5" tall and pretty strong). An electrical outlet had exposed wires, with just a single layer of unraveling electrical tape to keep you from getting killed. The carpeting was old and worn. The shower was impossible to adjust to a comfortable temperature and would go from cold to scalding to cold with no warning or reason. The porcelain in the bathtub was cracked and so old the maids couldn't make it brighter than a dull grey. The room needed repainting. The little refrigerator froze our Cokes. The bed was just OK. The sheets were old and threadbare. They only gave us two towels; we had to ask for more. DO NOT get a room on the north side.

I really liked this hotel. It was a bit outdated and was not fancy at all, but it was clean, comfortable, and spacious and I enjoyed my room's view of the ocean and of the hotel's lagoon. I especially loved the sounds of the waves crashing against the rock, which at night, would get louder. I found that sound soothing to fall asleep to. The location was great as it was just walking distance from the strip of restaurants, cafes, shops, the farmer's market, and beach activities. I saw that the hotel did host a luau but we didn't take part in that, although the workers were kind enough to let me see the roasting pig. Other pluses is that parking is complimentary and the lagoon is beautiful. What I didn't like was that our room was not ready by 3PM. The day started out early traveling from Oahu and we just wanted a bed to rest our legs on. Good thing that the hotel lobby is beautiful with a wonderful view of the ocean.