Kona Kai Resort & Spa

San Diego, California

Star rating

Deluxe King Room
Vessel Restaurant
Terrace
Deluxe Queen Room
Marina Terrace
Marina View Junior Suite
Deluxe King Room
Vessel Restaurant
Terrace
Deluxe Queen Room
Marina Terrace
Marina View Junior Suite

The hotel

This iconic California hotel is on Shelter Island, overlooking the famed Kona Kai Marina. With ocean views from every room type, you can laze the days away on your balcony if you fancy - complete with stunning views of San Diego bay. Although with a private beach two waterfront pools, you'll probably want to leave the room to enjoy a leisurely day by the water either way. Embrace true holiday life and head to the poolside bar for a refreshing drink – and take in the views of the marina, or pamper yourself at the spa. If you fancy something a bit more active, explore the island on one of the complimentary beach cruisers or enjoy one of the many water sports activities on offer!

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

Located on Shelter Island on Kona Kai Marina, minutes from Downtown San Diego and San Diego’s International Airport.

Hotel information

170 rooms, including 41 luxury suites, all with spectacular water viewsfrom the private patio or balcony, as well as flatscreen TV with premium entertainment channels, complimentary coffee, mini-fridge, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, iron and board. 

Deluxe Guestrooms have 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Premium Rooms offer 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Suites are also available, featuring sophisticated coastal design, spa-inspired bathrooms with bath and rainfall shower, and bay or marina views from an oversized balcony. 

Vessel restaurant (local coastal cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Tiki Bar and adults-only pool bar. Resort pool and adults-only pool. Pool and beach cabanas*. Spa*. Fitness centre. Complimentary fitness classes. Private beach and firepits. Water activity centre* including kayaks and paddle boards. Volleyball. Badminton. Complimentary bikes. Fishing*. Beach parties. Kona Kai Marina with bay cruises* and dinner cruises*. Gift shop. Room service*. WiFi*. Self-parking $34, plus tax per night (payable locally, subject to change)

This hotel has resort fees that are included in the room rate (subject to change)

Resort fee includes: - Daily Newspaper in Lobby - WiFi - Fitness centre and steam room - Towel Service at pool and spa. Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.

*Denotes local charge. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1663)
  • Very good (456)
  • Average (308)
  • Poor (199)
  • Terrible (178)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Kona Kai- Marina View

Mar 31, 2025 shanna w Los Angeles, California

We had a great stay at Kona Kai. They have a lot of resort amenities that you can take advantage of. The pool overlooks the marina and there are lawn games and fire pits throughout the resort. Parking is expensive at $46/night (resort fee is also $46/night). I'd recommend only booking with a Marina view as the Navy base is nearby and seems to fly… Read more
We had a great stay at Kona Kai. They have a lot of resort amenities that you can take advantage of. The pool overlooks the marina and there are lawn games and fire pits throughout the resort. Parking is expensive at $46/night (resort fee is also $46/night). I'd recommend only booking with a Marina view as the Navy base is nearby and seems to fly jets over the harbor at all hours so it gets very loud. Also, the harbor side has a parking lot and street in-between your room and your view. I stayed on the Marina side and it was great. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unforgettable Romantic Escape at Kona Kai Resort

Mar 31, 2025 Micah E

My girlfriend and I had the most amazing stay at Kona Kai San Diego Resort! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and stunning waterfront views. The resort has a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury, making it the ideal getaway. Our room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and had a breathtaking view of the marina.… Read more
My girlfriend and I had the most amazing stay at Kona Kai San Diego Resort! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm hospitality and stunning waterfront views. The resort has a perfect blend of relaxation and luxury, making it the ideal getaway. Our room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and had a breathtaking view of the marina. Waking up to the peaceful sound of the water every morning was an experience in itself. The amenities were fantastic—comfortable loungers by the pool, a relaxing spa, and access to the private beach made our stay even more special. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a relaxing retreat, Kona Kai Resort is the perfect destination. We can’t wait to come back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beware of standard rooms

Mar 30, 2025 erinh607 Saint Louis, Missouri

Our family stayed at Kona Kai for two nights of our spring break trip. I booked this hotel through American Express since it was one of their preferred Hotel Collection properties. Upon arrival the staff was friendly and the property was beautiful. My concern came when we entered our deluxe guest room. The room was small and in great need of… Read more
Our family stayed at Kona Kai for two nights of our spring break trip. I booked this hotel through American Express since it was one of their preferred Hotel Collection properties. Upon arrival the staff was friendly and the property was beautiful. My concern came when we entered our deluxe guest room. The room was small and in great need of updating. There was dust and dirt trapped under the glass tops of the chipping wood furniture. Thankfully I was able to switch my family to a junior suite and the room was clean, updated and spacious. Based on my experience my suggestion to those wanting to stay at the Kona Kai is to know what you’re booking. If you want a 2.5/3 star room the standard deluxe room should be fine, if you are expecting a 4 star room like I was, definitely book a suite. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great Place for couples and Families

Mar 29, 2025 Tony M

The grounds are always clean and gorgeous. The Staff is always smiling and super helpful. We enjoy staying here time and time again! Kona Kai is very reasonably priced for all the amenities provided. We highly recommend it to anyone whether you’re coming for a day or a month.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good location.

Mar 29, 2025 Meridith W

It was just ok. Location was cool. Liked the view of the ocean which we chose, but then we had a whole bunch of issues with our bathroom and then our air conditioner went out turning our room to a sauna, so they “upgraded”us. That view was super lame over the pool deck and all the people. We looked straight into the roof of a cabana and lost the… Read more
It was just ok. Location was cool. Liked the view of the ocean which we chose, but then we had a whole bunch of issues with our bathroom and then our air conditioner went out turning our room to a sauna, so they “upgraded”us. That view was super lame over the pool deck and all the people. We looked straight into the roof of a cabana and lost the entire view for the remainder of the stay. I wouldn’t stay at that place again. Super pricey. The breakfast buffet for one adult and one child was $63. I thought that was pretty outrageous. The fireplaces didn’t work very well either. We did enjoy the ping pong table, but it’s not in great shape. We made the best of it. We weren’t there for the hotel experience. We were there to place golf elsewhere. The beds were comfortable so we rested well. That’s all we needed. Read less