My second stay in the last month. This is an older property that is being renovated in real time. Both stays I've been in a room that was just recently completed so everything is absolutely clean, crisp, and inviting. This is an "old Hawaii" experience, so you need to have reasonable expectations. There are no TV's (who watches TV in Hawaii anyway?), no air conditioning (leave the windows open and enjoy the breeze and sounds of the surf literally 20 feet from your windows), no phones (everyone has a cellphone anyway). But each unit has a comfy bed, a microwave, refrigerator, plates and flatware, etc. They have a nice pool right next to the ocean. They have a grill where you can prepare your own fresh catches or grocery store procurements if you wish. In other words, if you're here for an island adventure Kona Tiki is perfect. They have everything you need and the "stuff" they don't have would be distractions from why you're there anyway. Their location is... magical. Absolutely ON the ocean, could not be closer. They have an old sea wall that the government would probably not allow you to build these days, and the three story building is oriented so that *every* room has a killer view. If you exit your room, the sea wall is less than 20 feet away and you can stand behind or on it and literally feel the spray on your face. So far it appears they have completed renovations on the first floor units. The managers live in one of the third floor units, and the others are in process. One interesting detail is that the most westerly room on each floor is narrower than the others. Last trip I stayed in a "normal" room, but this trip my wife and I stayed in the "end" room. Be aware, the narrower room was a bit cramped for two people. Especially the bathroom was a bit tight. It's all functional, but if you have the option I strongly suggest opting for the normal rooms. The extra space is worth it, especially if you have a bit of luggage (we did since we had our scuba gear along). Summary: Kona Tiki Hotel is a great place to enjoy a more old-style Hawaiian experience. It's perfect for us, and we've already met more than one repeat client which tells me there's a definite appreciation for what they're offering. We'll be back again!…
The Kona Tiki is such a unique small hotel with a real Hawaiian vibe to it. We “discovered” it a few years ago and have returned a handful of times. We prefer the first floor rooms because it’s easy to step right off our lanai to check out the ocean and maybe throw a bit of bread to watch all the yellow tang swarm to it. This year there is the added treat of remodeled rooms. The new, more stylish bathroom and kitchenette is a nice touch. It’s fun to be around for the lighting of the tiki torches at sunset accompanied by the blowing of the conch shell!
This is a quiet retreat right on the ocean . The rooms are recently renovated and have a small kitchenette. There is no television. Karen and Eddie are very accommodating property managers and responsive to your requests. They made our stay very enjoyable. We will stay here again. It is also away from the crowds since it is on the lower end of Alii Dr.
Manager was neither friendly nor helpful. The hotel should not have scheduled a room to rent. There were NO amenities. Don't go there until renovation is complete, and management is more welcoming and helpful. Call and talk to him.
Less than 2 weeks before my arrival they canceled my reservation even though I booked in February. I've never had this happen before I'm traveling solo miles from my home. When I spoke to the owner she was completely and entirely unsympathetic and rude never book this hotel you won't know if you actually have that booking.
Full disclosure- we did not stay here as they are under renovation. However, we met the owner and the manager and they were very nice people. We were lucky enough to get a tour of their renovated room and the aesthetic was lovely. Very welcoming and the room was a studio with a mini fridge, etc. I believe all the rooms have a lanai that is oceanfront. Cute pool area with renovated pavers around the pool.
Fifteen years ago, while planning our first visit to the Big Island, my wife found a great review of the Kona Tiki Hotel in Fromer’s tour guide and we were lucky enough to get a reservation. The Kona Tiki Hotel was such a amazing find, a Hidden gem and the best kept secret on the island. We have been fortunate enough to stay at the Kona Tiki, our special place, for 15 years now during the winter months, our home away from cold snowy Wisconsin. We love every minute here and look forward to returning every year. During the winter months many of the same guests return year after year and become part of a close-knit family While this is a great little mom and pop hotel (some call it a boutique hotel) with about 15 rooms, built in the 1950’s, it has continued to maintain its original vintage charm. It has an amazing setting with incredible views, all rooms have a lanai facing the ocean, only 15’ away. The rooms are clean, about the size of a standard hotel room (without TV, AC or telephone just the way we like it). They also serve a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, have a salt water pool and beach equipment to lend out. The management is very friendly and go out of their way to treat you like family. As the day winds down, the hotel has a nightly tradition where the guests are invited to participate in the ritual of lighting the tiki torches around the property while blowing the conch shell bringing the guests together during sunset. If there is a downside to this hotel, it is unfortunately difficult to get a reservation, especially in season, but well worth the try.…
This is a mystic place. I fed eels from the rock wall! The staff scoop out little ocean critters from the swimming pool each morning because the waves crash directly into the pool. Let's be clear, this hotel was around before Hawaii was a state. It is an special Hawaiian paradise (but old) no T.V's, rooms are older but I don't think any ocean lover would not notice or care.
Our family planned a Christmas get together at the Kona Tiki Hotel. We wanted to share this very welcoming & special hotel on the ocean with our adult children and one year old grandson. We have been enjoying this wonderful place for ten years and couldn’t wait to let them experience the incredible staff, the ocean views and sounds, and the ambience of the BBQ dinners together poolside with the nightly ritual of lighting the tiki torches to the calls of the conch shell. Yes, this family Christmas was a great success, as they all fell in love with the Kona Tiki and will definitely be returning to continue the good times. Thank you to the staff, especially Donovan, Paul, Jenny, and Merilee (sorry if we spelled your name incorrectly!). They went above & beyond to accommodate our one-year-old grandson with a bed and bedding. You are just the best!! See you next December. Have a great year.…
Researched a lot of places to stay and choose this sweet place because of the description and it did not disappoint. We were on the second floor in room 205. Loved the rice paper, balcony doors that opened to the water. Not having air conditioning or TV wasn't a problem at all. Gave us no excuse to close us inside. Water was perfect (January). The sounds of the waves crashing right outside our room was amazing, although it did take us a night or two to get used to it and to reassure ourselves they weren't coming into our room! Beds were super comfy and the room, although small, was very clean. Ceiling fan was better once we switched it to "summer" setting so it blew the air down instead of just around. The staff was great. Very friendly and accommodating and helpful to recommend places to go for good food. Met nice guest, many who have been coming to Tiki for years. Always a good sign. Gave 4 stars because my daughter came to stay with us but they didn't have any extra roll away beds, even though we had paid for an extra person, but we made it work. Was told they will be doing a major renovation this summer. Hope not too major as it would be a shame take away the charm and nostalgia of this gem.…
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