Kona Kai San Diego

4-star beachfront hotel near Cabrillo National Monument

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

December 2025

January 2026

2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, cabanas (surcharge)

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Very good

Popular amenities

Housekeeping

Explore the area

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

Bayview King

344 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Bayview Two Queen

Excellent

344 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Marina View King

Very good

344 sq ft
Marina view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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

Marina View Two Queen

Wonderful

344 sq ft
Marina view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Deluxe King

Very good

344 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Deluxe Two Queen

Very good

344 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Junior Suite

Exceptional

377 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

Very good

420 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

Exceptional

420 sq ft
Marina view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

Excellent

420 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Marina View Junior Suite King

420 sq ft
Marina view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Bayview Junior Suite King

Exceptional

420 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Fire Pit Junior Suite

420 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

315 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

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

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

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

About the neighborhood

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 Seaport Village are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

Shelter Island - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
San Diego Bay - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
San Diego Yacht Club - 3 min drive - 1.0 mile
USS Recruit - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles

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
‪Point Loma Seafoods - ‬4 min drive
‪Blue Wave Bar & Grill - ‬8 min walk
‪La Perla #3 - ‬4 min drive
‪The Quarterdeck - ‬11 min walk

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

Bellhop

Elevator

No smoking on site

Dining venue

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.

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.

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.

Similar properties

Outdoor pool, open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, cabanas (surcharge)

Pool
Hot Tub
Spa
Pet friendly

$218 nightly

Dec 8 - Dec 9

Total with taxes and fees

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 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

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

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 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

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

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.

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 Dec 7, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kona Kai San Diego on Jan 4, 2026 start from $188.1, 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 46 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 body treatments, deep-tissue massages, and aromatherapy.

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

8.4

Very Good

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

8/10 Good

Anne Kelly

Sep 7, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Sep 7, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Very nice accommodations & a fun, relaxing, pretty property. Thank you!!

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

LOBATO,

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets

Sep 6, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Loved our stay, was very happy that it was pet friendly. Disappointed dogs are not allowed in the pool areas. The photos online show a dog at the pool which was one of the reasons I booked and to find out pups are not allowed in the area was a bummer.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda, San Carlos

Sep 5, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

I loved staying at this property on shelter Island in San Diego. The Bay trail that’s nearby overlooking the bay, and the city itself was just beautiful. The hotel property was well appointed love the amenities like the pool and spa. The food was very good

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Sep 4, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Sep 3, 2025

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

Sep 2, 2025

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

Sep 2, 2025

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

Sep 1, 2025

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

Sep 1, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ernesto

Sep 1, 2025

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

Aug 31, 2025

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

Aug 31, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Aug 31, 2025

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

Aug 25, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Olga

Aug 25, 2025

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Desiree

Traveled with partner

Aug 24, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities

Great front desk staff, beautiful facilities

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Donna, Yucaipa

Aug 21, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Marissa

Aug 20, 2025

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

Aug 20, 2025

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

Aug 19, 2025

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

Aug 18, 2025

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

Aug 18, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

araceli

Aug 16, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Terrence

Traveled with partner

Aug 15, 2025

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

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About the neighborhood

San Diego

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

Awards and affiliations

Similar properties

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Property amenities

Family friendly

Internet

Parking and transportation

Food and drink

Things to do

Accessibility

Room amenities

Entertainment

Bedroom

Bathroom

Food and drink

More

Policies

Check-in

Check-out

Special check-in instructions

Access methods

Pets

Children and extra beds

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Optional extras

You need to know

We should mention

Property is also known as

Frequently asked questions

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews