See all properties

Kona Kai San Diego

4.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kona Kai San Diego

2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, cabanas (surcharge)
Property video
Water view
View from property
Aerial view

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
$268
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9

Explore the area

View in a map
1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106
  • Place, Shelter Island
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Bay
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bayview King

Bayview King | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Bayview King

  • 344 sq ft
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bayview Two Queen

Bayview Two Queen | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Bayview Two Queen

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(12 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Marina View King

Marina View King | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Marina View King

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Marina View Two Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Marina View Two Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe King

Deluxe King | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe King

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(25 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen

Terrace/patio

Deluxe Two Queen

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Junior Suite

Deluxe Junior Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe Junior Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 377 sq ft
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 420 sq ft
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 420 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 420 sq ft
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite King

Marina View Junior Suite King | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Marina View Junior Suite King

  • 420 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite King

Bayview Junior Suite King | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Bayview Junior Suite King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 420 sq ft
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fire Pit Junior Suite

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Fire Pit Junior Suite

  • 420 sq ft
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

  • 315 sq ft
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Waterview One Bedroom Suite

Waterview One Bedroom Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

  • 645 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

  • 645 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Similar properties

Property grounds
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 2,363 reviews
Paradise Point Resort & Spa

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

4-star hotel in Point Loma
Spend the day catching some rays at Kona Kai San Diego's private sand beach, relaxing by one of the hotel's 2 outdoor swimming pools, or pampering yourself at the full-service spa.
Kona Kai San Diego offers 170 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and minibars. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 42-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels and pay movies. Refrigerators and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms include designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

A private beach and a marina are featured at the hotel. 2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a hot tub. Other recreational amenities include a steam room and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The onsite spa has 6 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa; other services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, and sports massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with a hot tub and a steam room.

The spa is open daily. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Simply walk outside to feel the sun on your face at the sand beach. Sit back and relax on the beach with cabanas (surcharge), umbrellas, and sun loungers. At Kona Kai San Diego you can cool off in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools and indulge in a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa.

Dining options at the hotel include a restaurant and a snack bar/deli. Guests can unwind with a drink at one of the hotel's bars, which include 2 poolside bars and 2 bars/lounges. A computer station is located on site and wireless Internet access is complimentary. This beach hotel also offers a hot tub, a steam room, and a fitness center. Onsite parking is available (surcharge), along with a car charging station.

Kona Kai San Diego is a smoke-free property.

Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM and on weekends between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Vessel Restaurant and Bar - Overlooking the pool, this restaurant specializes in local cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available.
Paloma Pool Bar - This poolside bar serves light fare only. Open select days.
Tiki Bar - This poolside bar serves light fare only. A children's menu is available. Open select days.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Key Global, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Self parking on site (USD 46 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekends; USD 33 to 100 per person
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 poolside bars
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Paloma Pool Bar
  • Tiki Bar
  • Vessel Restaurant and Bar

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Beach yoga
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Boat tours
  • Fitness classes
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Kayaking
  • Personal motorized watercraft
  • Sailing
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 5 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference center (56,000 square feet of space)

Outdoors

  • Beach cabanas (surcharge)
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • Marina
  • On a private beach
  • On the bay
  • On the boardwalk/promenade
  • Pool cabanas (surcharge)
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 6 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Hot tub
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • Steam room
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • 3 floors
  • 8 buildings
  • Ballroom
  • Built in 1959
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV with premium digital channels
  • iPod dock
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2:00 AM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 65 lbs per pet)
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 110.00 per night
  • Resort fee: USD 60 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Beach access
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Business center/computer access
  • Fitness center access
  • Fitness/yoga classes
  • In-room coffee
  • In-room safe
  • Newspaper
  • Phone calls
  • Pool access
  • Spa access

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 33.00 to 100 per person
  • Self parking fee: USD 46 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa

Property is also known as

Kona Kai Resort & Marina San Diego
Kona Kai Hotel San Diego
Kona Kai Resort Spa San Diego
Kona Kai Resort Spa
Kona Kai Spa San Diego
Kona Kai Spa
Kona Kai Resort San Diego

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 543 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 218 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 124 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 59 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1008 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This location worked very well for us. Check in was a little strange, our room wasn't ready at 4pm and we had to remind them that we were still waiting at 5:30pm. Even though they said they would call us when the room was available.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Duane Douglas Fansler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was fabulous and extremely friendly! Room was very comfortable and clean, but the bathroom could have had more storage/ towel hanging options (only one towel rack in the shower and one little hook on the wall; nothing near the sinks for hand towels), along with a working vent fan (it was so humid and muggy without a fan in the bathroom). Also, the coffee offered in the morning was a pretty ridiculous situation for a luxury resort; put out much later than advertised and gone before we could get any, even if we came to the lobby by the 7:00 AM timeframe. However, the good stuff at Kona Kai FAR outweighs the negatives. The pool areas were amazing and the views couldn't be beat. We would definitely stay at Kona Kai again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Emma

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an extremely disappointing stay. This property is way too expensive to be in this bad of quality. The room was old and run down looking, there were several holes in the curtains, there was hair in the shower and on the dresser, and there was also a massive spider in the room. There’s barely any beach and the pool also had bugs in it. The water was cold and dirty. We will not be staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

armen

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
Not worth the price for that area hotel was old i felt like i was in a motel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ernesto

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our second time visiting this property and we really do like it. I read several negative reviews but figured let’s give it a second try regardless. The property is a little old could use a little TLC, but it’s beautiful view of the bay make it worth it. They were giving away away T-shirts at the pool bar, La Paloma. We had the drink. I asked the girl my wife could have a shirt and she said asked if she wears a small. I said yes and she said sure and then she placed a tray of drinks on top of the T-shirts. It made it awkward, so I left with no T-shirt. I could have been forceful, but I felt she really didn’t want to give me a T-shirt so I walked away. I think she could have handled this better. Not sure if we’ll be back But the bartenders of the pool will were great
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Gloria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
The Kona Kai is a beautiful property - although not downtown it still offers a convenience to most attractions with some travel- with some opportunities for dining and music on the same avenue , however the hotel shop for amenities and snacks are very much overpriced - the staff is generally accommodating and I always appreciate a 24 hr desk and that's what Kona Kai provides
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Alex

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff treated us kindly. Property was beautiful, exceptional stay. We will be back. Thank you Kona Kai!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Prabhjot

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Olga

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Desiree

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great front desk staff, beautiful facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Donna, Yucaipa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Marissa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I rarely write reviews, but my experience at Kona Kai Resort San Diego was disappointing and misleading. I booked a Bayview Junior Suite King months in advance, expecting the waterfront views and layout shown in the photos. What I got instead was a completely different room — different furniture, layout, and a parking lot view. The front desk even admitted the room didn’t match what was advertised. At over $400 a night, that’s unacceptable. After pushing back, they finally offered the correct room — but not until the next day. We had to cancel our anniversary plans just to pack, wait, and switch rooms. This wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was about getting what we paid for. I hope management does the right thing and refunds us for the first night. A resort advertising itself as luxury shouldn’t leave guests feeling deceived.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of our favorite, family friendly, beautiful, quiet resorts to sneak away to
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Christy, South Pasadena

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Needs to be updated
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a chill relaxing place with a chill staff. I pretty much stayed at the resort the whole time
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Vikas

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

araceli

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Terrence

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is in a beautiful area. It has a terrific gym, pool, and other amenities. There is a lovely walking path near the water. The staff was professional and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable. Most movies were on demand and generally it seemed that the hotel made most eating options geared toward using the rather expensive restaurant. Free coffee in the morning was only available from 4-7 am with no free pastry or fruit options provided in hopes you would pay for the $28 breakfast buffet in the restaurant. The coffee urn was removed promptly at 7:05 am. This seemed a little chintzy for an otherwise good hotel. The parking was an extra $45 per night unexpected expense and the use of the room key card to enter and exit the parking lot was a little inconvenient. Overall we enoyed our visit and would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Family friendly property, beautiful location with views of the water.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Margarita

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Dorothy

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jamari

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Gina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was beautiful and amazing. The only downside was they didn’t have prices posted for dining and their prices were a little extra.! Also when booking through Expedia, we were charged an additional $46 a day resort fee that was unexpected. So the prices we got on Expedia we’re not the actual prices we ended up paying.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025