Aston Kona by the Sea — Hotel in Hawaii

Let's start with the Pros:

It has a kitchen if you have a small one and need to make meals. It has a couch to relax and watch Tele, not like you will need to all the time in Hawaii. The residents (Older Citizens) are nice and courteous since this is a Owner occupied resort/Condominium complex you will run into other people who actually own units and live there. You get a washing machine, again if you are active on your vacation that is handy. You can kind of see the ocean from your unit, a walk over to a tiny sandy area and you can sit and watch/listen to the ocean and waves. Location is not bad although far from the Hilo side if you plan on visiting only Kona then it's ok.

Now the Cons:

Unit was not as pictured on the web. Paid for an unobstructed ocean front unit but got a unit that practically looks onto the pool from the second floor and some partial ocean view if you lean sideways from the balcony. Suite 220. Mis-representation on the web, some rooms are listed as unobstructed ocean front, but front desk staff said "they don't have those and views are subjective to the tenant" exact words. Even when I argued about my unit definitely NOT being an ocean front unit with great views claimed when I booked it. Unit has carpets that have NOT been shampooed in a WHILE. Many stains around the dining area, entry area from tile floor, carpet in living room and entry into bathroom from second bedroom all have stains, deep dark ones. Patio has bird feces/droppings especially around edges of the balcony and under the patio furniture. Furniture needs to be replaced for sure, arm chairs and stools are OLD. Pool and barbecue area are only open till 10pm so forget having a nice long late swim on your vacation. Bathroom shower tiles and sealants are cracked and dirty and needs replacing. Cable TV auto shuts off while watching it. Left after our first night to go hiking to return to what we call the worst cleaning ever, someone was in the unit did NO cleaning but pulled the sheets in the master over our sheets, everything else was left as is. Underground parking space need to be cleaned, the concrete has sticky stains from spills that a water hose could take care of easily.

These are honest/accurate remarks and experiences of our stay at this location. Aston Kona by the Sea. So you can decide if this is the right location for you and/or...

Location and Accessibility

Kona by the Sea is located in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii. This prime location provides easy access to the town’s amenities while offering a serene beachfront experience. The Kona International Airport is just a short drive away, making it convenient for travelers.

Accommodations Kona by the Sea offers spacious condominiums that cater to both short-term and long-term stays.

Each unit is equipped with: Full Kitchens: Modern appliances and ample counter space for cooking. Living Areas: Comfortable seating, often with ocean views. Bedrooms: King or queen-sized beds with quality linens. Balconies: Private lanais with seating and stunning views of the ocean. The décor typically reflects Hawaiian themes, providing a cozy and authentic island feel. Amenities Swimming Pool: Oceanfront pool with a sun deck and hot tub. Beach Access: Direct access to a small beach area, perfect for sunbathing and tide pooling. BBQ Facilities: Outdoor grilling areas for guest use. Gardens: Beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. Parking: Free on-site parking for guests. Activities and Nearby Attractions Snorkeling and Diving: Excellent spots nearby for underwater adventures. Shopping and Dining: Kailua-Kona town offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Cultural Sites: Close to historic sites such as Hulihee Palace and Mokuaikaua Church. Outdoor Adventures: Easy access to hiking trails, coffee farm tours, and the Volcanoes National Park.

Service and Hospitality

The staff at Kona by the Sea are known for their friendly and accommodating service. Housekeeping is available, and the front desk can assist with activity bookings and local recommendations.

Pros Stunning ocean views from most units. Convenient location close to town and airport. Well-maintained facilities and grounds. Spacious and comfortable accommodations.

Cons Limited direct beach access due to rocky shoreline. Some units may be dated and in need of refurbishment. Noise from nearby roads can occasionally be an issue.

Overall Experience Kona by the Sea offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for travelers looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii while staying close to the amenities of Kailua-Kona. The spacious condos and excellent service make it a great choice for families, couples, and groups seeking a relaxed and...

When we arrived, Luann in the office greeted us warmly. We were given shell leis, chocolates and a bottle of wine to celebrate our anniversary and our son’s graduation. Thoughtful touches for sure. ||||Overall, the property is dated but compounded by the problems with cleaning. We arrived to an apartment with fruit flies, dead flies under the sink, a strong odor of rotting food and old food in the dishwasher. We immediately called the front desk and talked with Luann who profusely apologized and sent up someone with the rollaway bed we requested and some cleaning supplies to help with the fruit flies (we were told this is “fruit fly season”). The staff person randomly sprayed around the kitchen. We asked if they had anything specific for fruit flies and she said no, there wasn’t anything they could do. We’ve had fruit flies at home and have used apple cider vinegar and dish soap to treat the problem. We left the property to go to the grocery store to get some items to get rid of the fruit flies and throughout our stay it helped with the situation. ||||Luann had offered to tentatively move us to another apartment pending availability as well. After my husband and I doing some cleaning and airing out the apartment, we decided to stay since the view was beautiful (apartment 404).||||Be aware of the cleaning fee; we had housekeeping in and they did not vacuum (pile of sand still left on shag carpet), empty the trash or replace shower gel etc in second bathroom. ||||The primary bathroom is tiny and the shower is full of soap scum. ||||The office staff waived our fees because of all the problems we had which is great but overall I definitely would not stay at this...