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.…
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.…
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.
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.…
Fantastic location, right next to the water. Outstanding customer service. Rooms and tiny though, and they only have enough beds for three (even though their website allows you to book a room for 4!). If you are on a tight budget, the place is unmatched.
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