This was a wonderful stay! Myself and 2 friends had a great, albeit short, week at this condo. It had all we needed and the location is so convenient. Watching the sunsets, surfers and all the other activities from the lanai was so fun and relaxing.The owner, Jim, was great about responding to questions and making suggestions as well. I would definitely recommend this property for a great stay on the big island.
WAY too expensive for Old, musty, & falling apart condo. Shower door is rusted & fell off & out of the tracks and on me while in the shower trying to close it! Dust so thick on the AC & bathroom fans that is was piling out of the vents & musty. Patio door so rusted I could barely open with all my pulling strength. And I’M NOT OLD! Hinges on the kitchen cupboards are rusting and they won’t close correctly. The metal frames around the kitchen window have rusted out screws & the wooden frame that holds the metal window frame is rotten! Can’t open or close the blinds, strings are broken. Ceiling fans have no light bulbs..2nd bedroom has one tiny lamp that is a night light, so not enough light in the bedrooms.The only positive was a view of the ocean. AND WE WERE NEVER INFORMED THAT THE POOL WAS CLOSED FOR 5 out of 7 DAYS WE WERE THERE! Not worth a 475/night pricetag!
Fantastic location for walking to shops/restaurants and driving to island sights. Can’t beat the lanai views every morning and evening. Clean and comfortable condo. Kind and responsive owners.
Wonderful stay at Kona Reef. Condo was well-equipped with everything we needed. Views from the balcony were gorgeous and the sound of the waves washed away were very relaxing. The host was communicative and helped to address our only minor concern with parking swiftly. Would recommend this property and hosts!
Very clean place, pictures on line were accurate. I’d go back tomorrow if I could Jim is an excellent host. Views can not possibly be beat at any rated place.
Perched just above the shoreline, this property offers an unforgettable immersion into the natural poetry of Hawaii. The rhythmic crash of surf marks Hawaain time--slowly replenishing the spirit. Each day, rain or shine, ends in a blaze of color as the sun sinks into the Pacific, gilding the sea in molten gold. Rainbows appear with near-daily regularity, arcing across the sky like whispered promises, while sea turtles drift below and fishing boats hum up and down the coast, “mowing the lawn” in slow, meditative lines. Traditional waʻa glide past, paddles slicing in synchronized grace — a living tribute to Hawaiian heritage.The air is rich with salt and the heady sweetness of plumeria, a sensory balm that lingers long after sunset. Some great snorkeling coves and swimming beaches are a short commute away, plus a lively collection of shops and shave ice stands where flavors bloom like tropical flowers.What truly elevates the stay is Jim, the owner — a host of uncommon generosity and warmth. He is attentive without intrusion, always ready with insightful recommendations or fascinating island lore, should you ask. His care is evident in every detail. Make sure you ask him about island trivia.This is not simply a place to stay, but one to feel, to breathe in, and to remember. A rare haven where land, sea, and spirit converge in quiet harmony.
Five stars on everything. This property has perfect views and great breezes on the lanai. Beautiful sunset views. They don’t have the cheap plastic wicker furniture that other units I’ve stayed in at the Kona Reef have switched to. I can sit for hours and just enjoy the views without needing a chiropractor. The hosts are so helpful if you have any problems. We didn’t have any problems, just a few questions that they were quick to answer. I hope I get to go many more times
The four of us had a wonderful 6 night stay. Jim was a great communicator and easy to reach with our questions. The condo had everything we needed and more. The views are absolutely amazing. The condo is just a little dated but it’s clean, comfortable and very affordable for what you get. We’ve stayed at several units in Kona and this is for sure our new favorite.
My family of four stayed at this Kona property during Christmas week, 2024. This condo is a wonderful two bedroom unit, facing the ocean. We spent many hours on the lanai, enjoying incredibile views of the ocean. The complex is quiet and peaceful, even though it is a short walk from shops and restaurants in downtown Kailua-Kona. The complex also has a pool (facing the ocean) and ample parking. The unit was well stocked with essentials, and the owner provided beach towels, chairs, toys, etc that we could use during our stay. I have stayed at many Vrbo properties in past. This unit was definitely one of my favorites. It is the first one where I thought the unit was actually nicer than the pictures. And by far, this unit has the best and most involved owner. He sent us all the information we needed for check-in and parking before we arrived, he answered every email or text promptly, and provided a wealth of information on local attractions Hawaii trivia. We loved our stay, and highly recommend this unit.
Less than 10 minutes on foot walk to town to many restaurantsBoogie boarding and surfing, conveniently right downstairsHas everything we neededHost is wonderful, helpful and kindHighly highly recommend
Great property! The condo was well taken care of and had amazing views out every window. James and Nancy are terrific hosts and were very responsive. Would be my first choice if I needed a 2 bedroom again.
Donalda (Dawn) S.
Nov 19, 2024
The view from the lanai was so beautiful, we never wanted to leave! We really appreciated the comfy lounge chairs and made good use of them watching the dolphins and surfers all day long. Beds were extremely comfortable and the unit has all you would need for a trip to the beach to preparing meals in the fully stocked kitchen. Yes, the unit has not been updated but everything was in excellent repair and very clean and and comfortable and that is all that mattered to us! As amazing as this unit was the best part of this rental were the owners Jim and Nancy. Their communication with us was the best we have ever encountered in all our years of renting. Their obvious dedication to ensuring our stay was perfect was so appreciated and we loved the mid stay information email we received from them-so fun! Thank you for an awesome stay, we will be back!
Communication with the host was excellent. He provided email information about the unit, things to do, restaurants, etc. He provided up-to-date information about the property on the day we arrived. The location was wonderful. Every morning we were greeted by at least half a dozen surfers and a yoga class. Check in process was good, but the instructions indicate to look for blue roof property. We were arriving at night; ( informed host of this) and the street lights are not bright enough to see to color of the roof, or the Kona Reef sign. The condo, a corner unit had nice windows. The interior is not updated. The kitchen cabinets were worn and missing a handle (above the fridge). The kitchen sink faucet was glued permanently to the left side of the sink, making the rinsing of dishes and glasses on the right side almost impossible. The spray button on the faucet was missing. The refrigerator had items left by the prior guest. The refrigerator was not cleaned and empty prior to our arrival. There were food and drink items left in the fridge; including open butter, jam and condiments. We have rented at least 10 properties in the past and there was never any items left in the fridge. We did not remove them. The bathroom cabinets were also quite dated and there was no place to hang the hand-towel in the primary. The box on the balcony deflected the air conditioner hot air from condenser onto us.
Loved watching the surfers right off the balcony!
We had a wonderful time at this condo. It was the best place, great views and proximity to everything was perfect. Everything you need is there, just unpack and start relaxing. Thanks Jim and Nancy for sharing A-31 with us, we will definitely be back!!
Great location right on the water. Tremendous views up and down the coast and of small next door beach. Walking distance to downtown shops, bars and restaurants. Plenty to do on the island if you rent a car to get to beaches, hiking and much more. Stayed here two years in a row. A place to make memories.
We absolutely loved the condo, and as so many others - the lanai, where we spent hours watching the waves, surfers, spotting fish and turtles. It is very well equipped (including the kitchen, beach towels, beach equipment) and the location is excellent, within walking distance to numerous restaurants and shops. Jim has been an amazing host, offering accommodations if needed and sharing extensive guidance to local attractions and restaurants. All of that has been very helpful and we truly enjoyed our stay in Kona!
Perfect location with stunning view of Heeia Bay (Honl's Beach) and magical Kona Sunsets. Mornings, afternoons, evenings on the lanai watching body boarders, surfers, paddlers, and even spinner dolphins. Walk into town. Comfortable furnishings and beds. Easy peasy check-in.
Wonderful communication with delightful owner-manager. Why would you not choose this place? I know we will be back! Mahalo!
The location is absolutely gorgeous & the condo is just as nice as pictures indicate. The owner is the best too, fantastic communicator & wonderful to work with. I can't say enough good about the property or the owners. I have stayed at dozens of rentals & I give my highest recommendation.
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We absolutely loved our stay in the condo! The lanai was exceptional, and we spent many hours lounging, watching the ocean and enjoying the surfers and wildlife. The unit had plenty of room with all the extras needed to make our vacation comfortable and fun. Air conditioning was quiet and worked well. Best of all was the wonderful communication and information from the hosts. They really went above and beyond to ensure we were taken care of and had a great vacation. Thanks for being such great hosts and providing such a wonderful place! We hope to come back soon.
Wonderful property with all the amenities that is well maintained. Easy walk to restaurants, coffee and shops. Fabulous view from the lanai and the sunsets are priceless. Wish we had more time to explore this beautiful island!
Wonderful place! This condo is right on the ocean, and we spent much of our time out on the lanai where we watched turtles, surfers, boats, parasailers, cruise ships, and the most beautiful sunsets. The condo is equipped with everything one would need during their stay. We found the beds to be comfortable, and the living area had very comfortable furniture. The owners were great with lots of communication, and immediately answered any questions that we had. We highly recommend this place, and would definitely stay there again!
Jim Sommers, owner of our condo is an outstanding communicator. He provided lots of useful information about the condo and surrounding area. The condo was clean and well appointed. The location, right on the ocean is incredible. We saw a sea turtle from our lanai. This condo is a short walk to town and near lots of restaurants and attractions. Our friends who stayed a couple of miles away, were envious of our premier location near the island’s restaurants and evening attractions. Just a beautiful trip overall.
This was our first time to the big island and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Waking up to the waves just feet from the lanai was the best. And watching whales and all the ocean activities going on you really don’t need to leave this condo. This condo is so close to Kona it makes it so easy to go out for dinner, or just stroll through town. We also appreciated all the helpful information that was provided to us by Jim. We’re hoping to come back for a longer stay to explore the rest of the island.
We spent 9 nights at the condo over Christmas- 2 adults and our two young adult kids. We couldn’t ask for a better location. Best view ever, walking distance to town, good parking and lots of amenities in the condo (beach gear, fully equipped kitchen etc.). Highly recommend Kona Reef and Jim and Nancy’s condo in particular!
We had a wonderful time at the Kona Reef condo! The condo felt much larger than the listing photos showed and there was plenty of room for 4 adults. The bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious, clean, and very comfortable (beds and temperature). The kitchen was well equipped and we enjoyed many dinners on the patio.
Will definitely be back next we visit Kona!!
Enjoyed the condo and location everything was great
Enjoyed the condo and location everything was great
If you need a place to stay in Kona, this is the place. Jim's hospitality is unbeatable, centrally located on the west side of Hawaii, this condo has all the amenities a person/family would need to enjoy a wonderful vacation on the big island!
We were in Jim & Nancy’s unit for 2 weeks. We’ve stayed in many vacation rentals and Jim is far & away the best host we have ever encountered. He has excellent communication skills & is very open to suggestions.
Previous guests had identified an issue with the dryer. Jim offered up creative solutions in the event that it couldn’t be fixed right away. We were very impressed with his problem solving abilities. Fortunately the issue was resolved quickly.
Jim & Nancy have been gradually updating the unit. The investments they have made, such as comfortable beds, air conditioning and some high end appliances, show how they prioritize their guests’ comfort. Jim has also indicated that they keep the potential impact on rates in mind when they plan for improvements.
We’ve stayed at the Kona Reef many time before and love the development. This unit is now my favourite unit because of its owners.
