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Kona Kai San Diego

4.0 star property
4-star beachfront hotel near Cabrillo National Monument

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Photo gallery for Kona Kai San Diego

Water view
Property video
Waterview One Bedroom Suite
Hallway
Property grounds

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • On private beach
  • Free WiFi

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
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bayview King

Bayview King

Bayview King

  • Bay view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bayview Two Queen

Bayview Two Queen

Bayview Two Queen

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(12 reviews)
  • Bay view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Marina View King

Marina View King

Marina View King

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • Marina view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Marina View Two Queen

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

Marina View Two Queen

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • Marina view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe King

Deluxe King

Deluxe King

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(25 reviews)
  • Resort view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen

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

Deluxe Two Queen

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)
  • Resort view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Junior Suite

Deluxe Junior Suite

Deluxe Junior Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Resort view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • Bay view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Marina view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • Bay view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite King

Marina View Junior Suite King

Marina View Junior Suite King

  • Marina view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite King

Bayview Junior Suite King

Bayview Junior Suite King

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Bay view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Fire Pit Junior Suite

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

Fire Pit Junior Suite

  • Resort view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

  • Resort view
  • 29 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Waterview One Bedroom Suite

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

  • Marina view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

  • Marina view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the area

San Diego

Beachside getaway.Your stay at this Point Loma hotel places you within 6 miles (10 km) of Old Town San Diego State Park and Cabrillo National Monument. USS Midway Museum and Balboa Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Shelter Island - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • San Diego Bay - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Humphreys Concerts by the Bay - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • San Diego Yacht Club - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • USS Midway Museum - 17 min drive - 10.1 km

Getting around

  • County Center - Little Italy Station - 10 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 16 min drive
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bali Hai Restaurant - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Better Buzz Coffee - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Mitch's Seafood - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪CZ GALLEY ASW BASE - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

4-star beachfront hotel near Cabrillo National Monument
Simply walk outside to smell the salt air and watch the ocean waves from the sand beach. Hit the beach and work on your tan in the sun loungers (chaise longues) or relax in the shade with cabanas (surcharge) and umbrellas. 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.

Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. For a drink, you can stop by one of the onsite bars, including 2 poolside bars and 2 bars/lounges. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. This beach hotel also offers a hot tub, a steam room, and a fitness center. Parking is available for a fee.

This 4-star San Diego hotel is smoke free.

  • 170 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 8 buildings
  • 2 bars by the pool
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • 56000 sq ft of conference space
  • 5203 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1959
  • Deli
  • Cabanas on the beach (surcharge)
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Cabanas by the pool (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference center
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Dining venue
Kona Kai San Diego offers 170 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and safes. 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 phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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.

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Property grounds
Humphreys Half Moon Inn
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  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 2,973 reviews
The price is CA $280
CA $350 total
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Family friendly

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

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 54.88 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

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

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

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

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: USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 65 lbs per pet)
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • 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've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 33.00 to 100 per person
  • Self parking fee: USD 54.88 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

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

Frequently asked questions

How close is Kona Kai San Diego to the airport?

Kona Kai San Diego is 4.1 mi (15-min drive) away from the San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Kona Kai San Diego?

As of May 22, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kona Kai San Diego on May 25, 2026 start from CA $301, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Kona Kai San Diego.

How close is Kona Kai San Diego to the beach?

This hotel is on a private beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Kona Kai San Diego offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Kona Kai San Diego, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of between USD 33.00 and 100 per person. It's available on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and weekends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Is there a casino at Kona Kai San Diego?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Kona Kai San Diego?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2:00 AM.

Is there free parking at Kona Kai San Diego?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for USD 54.88 per night.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have a pool?

Kona Kai San Diego features 2 outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy pool access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have a restaurant?

Kona Kai San Diego is home to Vessel Restaurant and Bar, which features local cuisine, pool views, and al fresco dining.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features prenatal massages, body scrubs, and mani/pedis.

How close is Kona Kai San Diego to downtown San Diego?

Kona Kai San Diego is 4.1 mi away from San Diego.

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 531 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 211 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 130 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 61 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 68 out of 1001 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bareq

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

4/10 Poor

Daniel, Lakeside

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

2/10 Terrible

Brad

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
We booked Kona Kai Resort & Spa to celebrate our 41st anniversary and were extremely disappointed with the experience. Upon arrival, our reserved 3rd-floor water-view room was not ready. After waiting over 40 minutes, we were told to accept a 1st-floor room instead. This is not what we booked, and no meaningful accommodation or compensation was offered at check-in. We were also surprised with nearly $100 per day in added fees: a $46/day resort fee and a $46/day parking fee. These charges were not clearly disclosed at the time of booking. If they were transparent, we would not have chosen this property. This felt misleading and excessive. In addition, the resort restaurant was closed, despite being advertised on the website. After a long day of travel, we were forced to drive elsewhere for dinner. This is not what you expect when booking a “resort” stay, especially for a special occasion. While the location is nice, the hotel itself feels worn and does not match the price point once the hidden fees are added. Between the downgraded room, undisclosed charges, and unavailable amenities, this stay fell far short of expectations. I would not stay here again and would not recommend Kona Kai to others looking for a special or romantic getaway. Be careful of the unmarked water bottles. They have hidden prices under the glass on the nightstand. $7.00 per bottle. Noticed it too late. Another loss for me.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

2/10 Terrible

Ivette

Travelled with family
The room was not ready at 4pm and the hotel agent called to let us know it was ready at 4:50pm. The front desk agent was very rude and did not explain where to park and where the room was located. The hotel played very loud music in the morning and woke our family up at 7:00am. Will not return.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is very good clean!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

4/10 Poor

Johanna

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Anne

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Samir

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Bruce

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great room. Helpful staff. Fabulous location
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Brittney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff was great. I got “stuck” an extra day due to east coast weather and they were so helpful!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lisa, OREGON CITY

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Lindsay

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
The room had thin walls. Parking lot view
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Comfortable rooms and beautiful grounds. The hotel was understaffed from check in to the restaurant and quite rude. Check in took a while due to understaffed front desk (~15 minutes). I asked for a late checkout and the staff scoffed at me. At breakfast staff wouldn’t let me sit at any of the numerous open tables (it’s a buffet) and made me wait around 10 minutes for a table. All in all good property, sub par experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Erika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Veronica

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Christopher

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sophia

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Marcia Da

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Cesar

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

Sara

Travelled with family
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
There was no clarification that you would pay a resort fee as well as a $50 parking fee. When we booked the hotel we were only aware of the resort fee. Very disappointing to have that thrown at us unexpectedly.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

Donna

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We booked this room specifically for the bathtub and the water pressure was so bad. The bathtub did not hold water. The drain didn’t work. The air conditioning was on stuck on. We had to call maintenance three times. The heater would not work. This was the worst experience I slept with my jacket and shoes on because the room was so cold.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Taylor

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Toilet seat wasn’t attached to the bowl, and there was a lot of banging around in the morning. Other than that property was great and staff were all very kind.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Samantha

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
I paid $38 each for the brunch buffet. However, the restaurant actually ran out of food! Isn't that amazing? On top of it, there wasn't any plates available. This is first time ever I encountered a buffet ran out of food. The room is also on the small side. It has a huge bathroom for some reasons but the rest is quite small.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025