OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa surprised me – and I mean that in the best way possible. When you first pull up to the place on Ehukai Street, it doesn’t immediately scream “resort,” but that’s actually part of its charm. It sits right on Keauhou Bay, which is this quieter stretch of coastline about 10 minutes south of the main Kailua-Kona hustle, and you know what? That location is everything. While everyone else is fighting for parking spots near the pier downtown, you’re watching manta rays glide through the water right from your lanai.

The property itself has this low-key Hawaiian vibe that feels authentic rather than theme-parky – something that’s getting harder to find on the Big Island these days. The rooms are solid (though not fancy-resort fancy), but here’s the thing: you’re not coming here to hang out in your room anyway. The real magic happens at the Keauhou Bay side, where they’ve got this incredible oceanfront pool area that literally hangs over the water. I spent way too many mornings there with coffee, watching the bay wake up. The spa is legit too – they use Hawaiian botanicals in their treatments, and honestly, after a day of hiking around Volcanoes National Park (about an hour drive), you’ll want that lomilomi massage. Pro tip: book spa treatments for late afternoon when the trade winds pick up.

What I really appreciate about this place is how it connects you to the real Kona experience without isolating you in a resort bubble. You’re close enough to drive into town for dinner at Da Poke Shack or to catch the sunset at Magic Sands Beach, but far enough south that you avoid the cruise ship crowds. The snorkeling right off the resort is actually fantastic – Keauhou Bay is protected, so the water stays calm most days, and there’s decent coral just offshore. Parking is free (which sounds basic but trust me, it matters in Hawaii), and the staff genuinely knows the area. They’ll tell you which days to hit the farmers market or when the manta ray night dives are running. Sure, it’s not a brand-new property, and some of the furnishings show their age, but the bones are good and the setting is spectacular. If you’re the type who wants to experience Hawaii rather than just Instagram it, this place gets it right.