Iowa J (Des Moines, Iowa) 03/25/2019

Twenty-six years after our initial visit to Kona by the Sea, we were delighted to stay here again on our recent trip to the Big Island. My three sisters and I stayed here for 3 nights before moving on to Hilo and came back to Aston Kona by the Sea for our final two nights. We had a 2 bed/2 bath condo which provided us with plenty of space. Both units were clean and comfortable. We loved the large balcony with chairs and a table where we could enjoy both sunrise and sunset. This complex is just the right size to provide all the amenities without feeling crowded. We used the pool and jet spa several times and only a few other people were in the area. We appreciated the free parking, good internet, and sufficient pool towels. We brought pictures from our first stay and we can tell that the pool and spa area as well as each unit has been updated to a high standard. Our most vivid memory was of an earthquake that we felt in the middle of the night in 1993, and as fate would have it, we felt the 5.5 quake in the early morning of March 13th. Good memories! I hope we don't have to wait another 26 years before our next visit and we highly recommend the Aston Kona by the Sea for its great location and value for money.

Ken F 03/22/2019

My Wife & I and our 12 year old Daughter stayed in apartment 210 for 7 nights the week before xmas 2018. We chose this Hotel mainly due to the fact it has full Kitchen facilities, we did eat out quite a bit but it's nice to have the flexibility to cook breakfast or lunch if you are having a lazy day in. The Apartment was very clean and has everything you need for a wonderful Holiday, the views from the "Ocean view apartments" are 10/10 staff were very Friendly and helpful the whole experience was great. Price I thought was very reasonable considering you do have the Kitchen facilities you are not forced to spend Hundreds of Dollars to eat out if you don't choose to. The Hotel is only a short drive from the main centre of Kona, I highly recommend this Hotel we will be staying here in the Future.

markjd4524 03/05/2019

The Aston is located right on the ocean and provided some great whale watching. When we arrived we received a room with a great view of the Lobby. Our request to move was granted immediately and the new room had a great view of the pool and the ocean. The staff were helpful and friendly. The rooms were clean and the grounds were mellow and not busy. Common bbqs were available and we used them one night for supper. A nice stay for 5 of us the Aston.

sharsoren (Eden Prairie, Minnesota) 03/04/2019

I found this hotel/condo last Spring through Trip Advisor after spending a week in North Kona (Waikoloa) and knew I wanted to stay south on Ali’i Drive. Through a little research at All Things Big Island Facebook group page, this establishment is a hidden gem. Upon checkin, we were hoping for the 4th floor but 2nd floor room was available. Lucky us!! Perfect views, updated room, 2 king rooms/2 baths and PLENTY of room to spread out. The lanai is a nice size complete with 4 chairs, table and lounge chair! Parking is easy, the building access is very secure for elevator, restrooms and pool areas. Daily maid service and replenishment of towels for bathroom & pool. Management has been very helpful and very friendly, especially Melody upon checkin.

JSWKingsfield (Seattle, Washington) 02/25/2019

We were looking for a place to rest and be lazy in the sunshine by the sea. Booked a two bedroom, two bath condo so that college aged kid on mid-winter break would have his own space. Great set-up -- kiddo got his own bedroom suite at one end of the condo, with his own TV and ability to slip in and out without bothering the parents. We had the large master suite on the other end of the condo. We prefer renting a condo for family trips, because we find it more restful to stock a kitchen with breakfast supplies from the local supermarket (cold cereal, bread for toast, butter, fruit, yogurt, milk), snacks, and some simple dinner ingredients. Kona by the Sea has 3 gas grills out by the pool, very handy for grilling burgers, steaks, fish (you might want to buy foil at the local grocery store). The granite counter-top kitchen was compact yet well equipped with plates, bowls, cups, glasses, mixing bowls, utensils, cooking tongs, toaster, coffee maker, microwave, large fridge, electric range w/oven, coffee maker, even place mats. There was salt & pepper, one daily packet of Kona coffee (enough for about 6 cups of drip coffee), some coffee service items. Full size dining table large enough for 8 was very welcome. Great to have a living room to enjoy a movie (free DVDs are available to borrow on site, plus there was a Playstation) or read in the evening. Even better place to read, was the deck facing the water. What a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of wine. A/C worked very well. Good wifi reception. Concierge was very helpful, as was the front desk when it was time to print out boarding passes for our departure flight. Very convenient to have a washer & dryer in our unit -- really needed that dryer after a day in the downpour on the Hilo side of the island. The grounds are well kept. Daily housekeepers were cheery (they do not service the kitchen, other than to empty the wastebasket and keep the coffee stocked). Pool and hot tub very welcome, with the background sounds and view of crashing waves. There is a sandy area to sit and read. The shore is black volcano rock, but fun to spot green turtles coming near to eat algae in the tide pools. My husband saw a whale spouting in the distance. On a particularly high tide day, surfers were out catching the waves (not the best spot to surf). Our unit was very clean, but clearly had some wear & tear, none of which bothered us particularly. Just happy to be comfortable in relaxing surroundings. This is not an "all services" resort. There is a convenience store two properties north. Limited places to eat in the area -- the Poke Shack is few blocks south, and there also is a BBQ place a little further south (closes at 5 p.m.). A vegetarian food truck and a shaved ice stand is in the nearby open air Marketplace that is open Tuesday - Sunday. Best to have a car with you -- the Safeway is a 10-mile drive north (towards the airport), has all the supplies you could want. There are a couple of KTS supermarkets nearby, our favorite being the one at the Keauhou Shopping Center which is 10 miles south off of Ali'i Drive. The Keauhou Shopping Center has a variety of good places to eat, plus a Saturday farmer's market. If you're looking for a big fancy resort to be fussed over and constantly entertained, go to Waikoloa or something like that. Kona By The Sea is for a restful, non-touristy, easy-going environment.