COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT KING KAMEHAMEHA'S KONA BEACH HOTEL, Kailua-Kona

The hotel sits at the center of Kailua-Kona, placing you steps from Ali'i Drive and dozens of restaurants and shops. The protected cove at Kamakahonu Beach offers calm, swimmable water ideal for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. Old Kona Airport State Park is a 15-minute walk north, and the Kailua-Kona pier is adjacent, providing easy access to boat excursions and seasonal events like the annual Luau. The public bus stops directly outside, and a rental car is recommended for exploring the rest of the Big Island, though much can be reached on foot for day-to-day needs. The location also means cruise ship crowds and street noise are part of the environment, particularly on pier days.

Each room includes a balcony-some with ocean, mountain, or garden views-along with a coffee machine, refrigerator, flat-screen cable TV, in-room safe, and air conditioning. Bedding options include two queen beds or one king bed with a pull-out sofa bed; rollaway beds are available for US$20 per night. Rooms are typically modern with island and nature-inspired décor, though some areas show signs of age. Soundproofing varies: rooms in the east tower facing the main road can experience street noise, especially during early morning and evening hours. Carpeted floors are standard. Bathrooms are en suite with a private toilet, sink, and shower or tub.

Honu's on the Beach is open daily for breakfast (buffet) and dinner, with an à la carte dinner menu and occasional special buffets. Billfish Poolside Bar & Grille serves lunch and dinner, with a poolside menu that includes burgers, salads, and lighter fare, plus cocktails and local beers. Both venues cater to dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free) with advance notice of at least 24 hours. Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice offers a sweet treat on site. The hotel also has a coffee shop on the ground floor for morning pastries and bagels. Guests can expect a busy atmosphere during cruise ship days, particularly at the pool bar.

The hotel features a large, heated outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, an adjacent hot tub, and a fitness centre. The spa offers massages (back, head, neck, foot, full body, couples) and seasonal wellness packages. The protected Kamakahonu Bay provides calm waters for snorkeling, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding, with free snorkel gear included in the daily amenity fee. There are also tennis courts, a business centre, and cultural programming including a luau and Hawaiian history tours. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for a fee. Early risers can secure pool chairs before the crowd arrives.

The hotel provides 24-hour reception, concierge, and security. Luggage storage is complimentary. Laundry facilities are available for a fee (US$2 per machine cycle, quarters required). A small minimarket (ABC Store) is on the ground floor along with an art gallery. The business centre offers free fax/photocopying and meeting/banquet facilities for an additional charge. A tour desk can arrange local excursions. Valet parking is offered, and the hotel accepts all major credit cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, UnionPay). The property is non-smoking throughout and provides air conditioning. No airport shuttle is available; Uber or local taxis are recommended. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available.