Are you looking for the best place to stay in Kona for families with kids of all ages? Keep scrolling to read my honest Royal Kona Resort review.
This Royal Kona Resort review was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Looking for a great place to stay in Kona that won’t completely drain your bank account? I’ve got you covered.
I’m Marcie, and I’ve been visiting Hawaii for over 30 years.
As a certified Hawaii Destination Specialist and professional tourist, I’ve stayed at a lot of Big Island hotels.
The Royal Kona Resort caught my attention because people kept asking about it. So my family spent five nights there to see what it’s really like.
Here’s the truth: it’s not a fancy resort where you’ll find perfectly manicured everything. But it might be exactly what you need.
Ready to book? Check the best rates on Expedia
Want the complete Big Island planning toolkit? My Big Island Travel Guide has daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and all my insider tips in one place.
Where Is the Royal Kona Resort?
The resort sits right on Ali’i Drive at 75-5852 Ali’i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.
You’re literally in the heart of historic Kailua-Kona, which means you can walk to tons of restaurants, shops, and the waterfront. No Uber needed for dinner.
This location is gold. You’re close enough to everything but not in the middle of the chaos.
What to Know Before You Book
Here’s what you should understand upfront. The Royal Kona Resort completed a $15 million renovation of all 436 rooms and the pool deck back in 2021. The property looks updated and fresh.
But as of December 2025, they’re still doing exterior work on the Lagoon Tower (scheduled to wrap up by the end of December 2025).
The good news? They only work during business hours between 9am and 4pm, so it shouldn’t mess with your sleep or evening relaxation time.
You’ll be staying in one of three towers: Ali’i, Bay, or Lagoon. Unless you specifically request a Lagoon Tower room (which comes at a discounted rate right now), you’ll be in either Ali’i or Bay Tower.
The Rooms (And What My Family Thought)
We stayed in a Lagoon Tower room on the fifth floor. Here’s what I loved: it felt spacious.
We had two full-size beds, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker (with complimentary Kona coffee), and a decent-sized desk.
The bathroom had a tub, which was clutch for our kids.
And honestly? That lanai (balcony) became our favorite spot. We had these great cocktail chairs where we’d eat breakfast while watching the sunrise over the parking lot. I know that sounds weird, but the sunrise views were stunning.
The rooms in the Lagoon Tower open to the outside, kind of like a motel or condo setup.
It’s not what you’d expect at a resort, but it worked fine for us. There’s a laundry center on the ground floor if you need it (you pay through an app, pretty straightforward).
Fun random fact: there are two radio stations on the ground level of the Lagoon Tower. You can watch the DJs through the windows. My kids thought that was cool.
All rooms have air conditioning, private lanais, teak furnishings, and those handy marble wet bars with mini fridges. Some rooms have wrap-around sliding glass doors with mountain or ocean views.
The walls are a bit thin. We could hear our neighbors, and their light came under the adjoining door in the morning. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs or a white noise machine.
Curious about other Big Island hotel options? Check out my guide on where to stay on the Big Island with kids.
The Pool Situation
Let me be honest: the pool area is smaller than you’d expect at a resort. It fills up fast, especially in peak season.
There’s the main pool and a small kids’ pool (only 2 feet deep) right next to it. The kids’ pool is tiny, and we noticed adults liked to lounge in it too.
What’s unique about the pool area? It’s right next to where they hold the luau every night. So if you’re swimming in the evening, you can hear the music and catch glimpses of the show. Pretty cool ambiance.
They do rent out cabanas and daybeds if you want guaranteed shade and seating. These are first-come, first-served for resort guests.
Some face the pool, others face the ocean. If you’re traveling with extended family or a group of friends, renting a few grouped together works great.
The Lagoon Is the Hidden Gem
Before we arrived, I thought “the lagoon” was just some scenic spot we could look at from the hotel. Wrong.
It’s actually part of the property, located right next to the Lagoon Tower. They’ve got lounge chairs and umbrellas set up, and it’s honestly one of the best places on the property for families with kids.
Here’s my insider tip: bring reef shoes. The lagoon is all lava rock, and those rocks are slippery as heck.
Water shoes will save your feet. One of my friends told me this before we went, and I’m so glad I listened. Pack proper water shoes and you’ll be golden.
The lagoon is perfect for snorkeling. We saw tons of tropical fish, and other guests mentioned spotting sea turtles.
For families with younger kids who aren’t ready for the open ocean, this protected area is perfect.
Don’s Mai Tai Bar & Restaurant
This is where you’ll eat on property. The restaurant (formerly called Don the Beachcomber) expanded and is now Don’s Mai Tai Bar & Restaurant. It’s open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The setting is incredible. You’re right on the water’s edge with views of Kailua Bay. During whale season (late November through May), you might spot humpback whales from your table.
We tried to get dinner there one night and hit a two-hour wait. Turns out, you can order food ahead for pickup, which we discovered too late. Live and learn.
For breakfast, they charge about $24 per person. The food is good and the location can’t be beat for watching the sunset with a mai tai.
Since you’re on Ali’i Drive, there are a ton of nearby restaurants within walking distance. Huggo’s and Huggo’s on the Rocks are right there and they’re famous for good reason. Amazing poke, fresh fish, and they have a kids’ menu.
Island Ono Loa Grill supposedly has the 9th best cheeseburger in the nation according to Yelp.
Living so close to everything meant we could try different restaurants every night without spending a fortune on transportation.
Voyagers of the Pacific Luau
One of the best perks of staying here? You can walk to the on-site luau. No driving, no arranging transportation. Just walk over from your room.
The Voyagers of the Pacific Luau is located between the pool and the Lagoon Tower.
We went and honestly, the food was some of the best luau food I’ve had in Hawaii. The complimentary bar with mai tais and tropical drinks doesn’t hurt either.
The show covers multiple Polynesian islands (Cook Islands, Tuamotus, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawaii) and ends with an incredible Samoan fire knife dance.
General admission tickets for adults run around $170-$182 depending on when you book in 2026. Kids 6-11 are about $66-$71, and kids 5 and under are free.
Want all the details? I wrote a complete Royal Kona Resort luau review with photos and everything you need to know.
You can also book the luau through Viator or Get Your Guide.
Other Stuff Worth Knowing
Fitness Center: They’ve got a solid gym with state-of-the-art equipment. They also offer daily yoga and fitness classes (sign up at the front desk).
Lotus Center Spa: Located in the Bay Tower, the spa offers massages, facials, body scrubs, chiropractic care, even Psych-K sessions. You can get oceanfront massages or in-room treatments. The resort fee includes a $20 spa credit on 90-minute massages.
Tennis & Pickleball: The Royal Kona Resort Tennis Club has 4 courts (3 with lights for night play). It’s open to the public, but as a guest, you get complimentary racquet rentals through your resort fee.
Cultural Activities: They offer lei-making, ukulele lessons, and hula lessons. Great way to get the kids involved in Hawaiian culture.
Thursday Night Concerts: Free live Hawaiian music from 5-7pm at Don’s Mai Tai Bar. First come, first served for tables.
The Money Stuff
Let’s talk costs because this matters when you’re planning a Hawaii vacation.
Resort Fee: $25 per room per night (plus tax, so about $29.49 total). This includes a bunch of perks like tennis racquet rentals, $25 activities credit (when you spend $250+), the $20 spa credit, and various golf discounts.
Parking: $25 per day for self-parking in their gated lot.
Room Rates: Typically range from $145-$240 per night depending on season and room type. The Lagoon Tower rooms are offered at a discount during the renovation period.
Check current rates on Expedia
For comparison, this is one of the more affordable options in Kona. You’re getting that prime Ali’i Drive location without paying luxury resort prices.
Want to save money on your whole Big Island trip? Grab my free 5-Day Email Course on How to Save Money in Hawaii.
Is the Royal Kona Resort Right for You?
After five nights, here’s my take.
This hotel is perfect if you want to be in the heart of Kona without spending a fortune.
The location alone is worth it. You can walk to restaurants, shops, coffee places, the waterfront.
You’ve got that private lagoon for safe ocean swimming with kids. And the on-site luau is actually good (not all hotel luaus are).
But it’s not for everyone. If you want a super luxurious, everything-is-perfect resort experience, this isn’t it.
The pool is small. The walls are thin. It’s more of a comfortable, practical base for exploring Kona than a fancy resort where you’ll never leave the property.
For families who want to spend their days exploring the Big Island and just need a clean, comfortable place to sleep? It’s great.
Our room was spacious enough that we weren’t tripping over suitcases. The sunrise views from our lanai were gorgeous. And we loved being able to walk everywhere.
The staff was friendly throughout our stay. We never had any major issues. It just feels more like a well-located, reasonably priced hotel than a resort where you’ll be pampered.
Getting Around During Your Stay
The resort is about 20 minutes from Kona International Airport. We had no trouble finding parking (even during luau nights, we eventually found a spot).
Since you’re right on Ali’i Drive, you can walk to most places. But if you want to explore the rest of the Big Island, you’ll need a rental car.
I always use Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they compare all the major companies and usually find the best deals.
Want to Capture Your Family Vacation?
Hawaii is stunning, but getting good family photos when you’re also trying to wrangle kids and enjoy your vacation? Nearly impossible.
We used Flytographer during one of our Big Island trips, and I’m so glad we did.
They connect you with a local photographer for a short session, and you get professional photos without the stress. Plus you save $20 when you use my link.
Planning Your Big Island Trip
The Royal Kona Resort works great as a base for exploring Kailua-Kona and the west side of the Big Island.
But the island is huge.
If you want to see Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the waterfalls in Hilo, or the beaches up in Waikoloa, you’ll want to plan strategically.
My Big Island Travel Guide includes daily itineraries, kid-friendly activities, restaurant recommendations, and all my insider tips. It’ll save you hours of research.
If you’re new to Big Island trip planning, start with my free 7-Day Email Course on How to Plan a Trip to Big Island. I walk you through everything step by step.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want someone to handle the details? I offer Hawaii travel consultations where we can plan your perfect trip together.
As a Hawaii travel expert who’s been visiting for decades, I can help you avoid the common mistakes and find those hidden gems most tourists miss.
Common Questions About the Royal Kona Resort
Is it better to stay in a condo or resort in Kona?
It depends on how you like to travel. Condos are great if you want to cook most meals or need separate bedrooms.
But resorts like the Royal Kona put you within walking distance of restaurants and shops, which is convenient. Plus you get amenities like the pool, luau, and lagoon.
What are the best places to stay in Kona for families?
The Royal Kona Resort is solid for families, especially with the on-site luau, the lagoon for safe ocean swimming, and the central location.
The Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Beach Hotel is another good option on the opposite end of Ali’i Drive.
What’s the best area to stay on the Big Island?
The Big Island is massive, so I always suggest staying in at least two different areas if you’re exploring the whole island.
Kailua-Kona is great because you’re near tons of attractions and restaurants. Waikoloa (just north of Kona) works if you want a resort vacation.
You could also stay near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or in Hilo if you want to explore that side.
My Big Island Travel Guide breaks down the different regions and helps you decide where to base yourself.
Does the Royal Kona Resort have a beach?
Not a traditional sand beach, but they have a private saltwater lagoon with a sandy sunning area. It’s perfect for families with kids who want to play in the ocean without dealing with big waves.
How far is the Royal Kona Resort from the airport?
About 20 minutes by car (roughly 10 miles). Easy drive.
What is the nicest area of Kona?
Kailua Bay is beautiful and central. You’re close to the waterfront, historic sites, restaurants, and shops. This is where the Royal Kona Resort is located.
More Big Island Hotel Reviews
Still deciding where to stay? Check out these other reviews:
- Hilton Waikoloa Village Review
- Volcano House Review
- Budget-Friendly Big Island Hotels
- Kona or Hilo: Where Should You Stay?
Final Thoughts
The Royal Kona Resort won’t be the fanciest place you’ve ever stayed. But sometimes that’s not what you need.
We wanted a comfortable base in the heart of Kona where we could walk to dinner, where our kids could safely play in the ocean, and where we didn’t have to spend $600+ per night. The Royal Kona Resort delivered on all of that.
The location is fantastic. The staff was friendly. The rooms were clean and spacious. And those sunrises from our lanai? Still think about them.
If you’re looking for affordable, well-located accommodations in Kona with some nice perks (hello, on-site luau and private lagoon), this is a solid choice.
Just know what you’re getting. This is a comfortable hotel with great bones in an unbeatable location, not a luxury resort.
Want help planning the rest of your Big Island adventure? My Big Island Travel Guide has everything you need, or we can work together through my Hawaii travel consultation services.
And don’t forget to check out my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy, for more Big Island planning tips and episodes about family travel in Hawaii.
