The recently renovated Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa boasts a stunning ocean-side setting on lava flow cliffs. This Big Island retreat has a family-friendly pool complex in landscaped gardens. Each stylish room has Hawaiian art, Sweet Sleeper bed, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi (charges apply), mini fridge, coffee maker and bathrobes. Some have an ocean-view balcony. Two pools and the largest waterslide on the Big Island await guests and the Ho’ola Spa offers island-inspired treatments. There are several ceremony locations for weddings within the stunning grounds. At seafood restaurant Rays on the Bay, guests watch local manta rays frolicking in the surf. An on-site coffee shop and a poolside bar serve tasty snacks and refreshing drinks. Historic Keauhou Bay is 20 minutes away on foot. Kona Town is 20 minutes by car and Kona International Airport is 30 minutes by car. World-class golf courses are within a 30-45 minute drive.
The contemporary furnishing and décor of rooms delights many guests, who have high-praise for the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Beds and their luxurious bedding. Lots of guests comment on the spacious size of the rooms. Those with ocean-view rooms enjoy romantic moments on their balcony.
Visitors have been able to learn traditional island crafts with local teachers and frequently look forward to the morning yoga sessions. The once-weekly farmer's market is a great opportunity for guests to immerse themselves still further into island culture and enjoy beautiful locally grown produce.
With its own Himalayan Salt Room, the Ho'ola Spa is a favourite with guests who love the tranquil outdoor setting and spectacular ocean views. Travelers can gaze out to sea while enjoying a massage or an exotic, island-inspired face or body treatment. All feel thoroughly rejuvenated afterwards!
Some guests found the location a little out of the way, and advise future guests to hire a car when staying here. Travelers appreciate the resort's trolley bus service to places in the locale, but found the stops limited in terms of how much there is to see, both around Kona and beyond.
The resort's lack of beach bothered some travelers who had expected a sandy paradise beach on which to unwind. Not all guests liked having to go 1.5 miles to the nearest beach-side bathing spot.
Mixed reviews have been received by guests who dine in the resort's own seafood restaurant Ray's on the Bay. The restaurant's culinary offerings are generally enjoyed, but their waiting staff are not. Long waits for food/drinks orders to be taken and wrongly taken orders are reccuuring complaints.
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