Kona Kai San Diego

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

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)
Water view
View from property
Aerial view
Outdoor wedding area

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar

Explore the area

Map
1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106
  • Shelter Island
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • SeaWorld
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • USS Midway Museum
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Deluxe Two Queen

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

Fire Pit Junior Suite

  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Bayview Two Queen

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

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

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

Marina View King

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

Marina View Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe King

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

Bayview King

7.2 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

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

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

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

Bayview Junior Suite King

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

Marina View Junior Suite King

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

Deluxe Junior Suite

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

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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
  • SeaWorld - 10 min drive - 4.9 miles
  • USS Midway Museum - 11 min drive - 6.3 miles
  • Seaport Village - 11 min drive - 6.5 miles
  • San Diego Zoo - 13 min drive - 7.9 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

  • ‪Point Loma Dining - Nicholson Commons - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Point Loma Seafoods - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Bali Hai Restaurant - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Better Buzz Coffee Point Loma - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Mitch's Seafood - ‬4 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 eco-certified 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 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.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

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

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

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 Jul 12, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kona Kai San Diego on Jul 20, 2025 start from $249.0, 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 beach massages, body treatments, and facials.

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

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 534 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 226 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 126 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 60 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 59 out of 1005 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

4/10 Poor

Michelle

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a great property and we enjoyed every minute.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Danny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room not ready at check in time. Not notified it was ready until 6:30pm.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Christina

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wish more restaurants and shopping was around. Not walkable. Very pretty just not much around.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Joelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice place to stay for our first trip to San Diego but I wouldn’t stay there again. I wasn’t a shocked that I had to pay extra for parking and the breakfast buffet was delicious but so over priced. Also definitely not what the pictures look like online.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Nayely

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Bigg

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nathaniel

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
We spent 500 for a regular room and 50 for use of property amenities. No shuttle service. Hot tubs didn’t work. Rental website didn’t work for water sports ran through the resort. Pool had seagulls landing in the pool area eating peoples food that was left behind after they left. $16 liquor shots. Waste of money in my opinion. I am usually not a complainer but I couldn’t let this slide
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

VAROOJ

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very professional staff
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa

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

10/10 Excellent

Indriawati

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Really loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Brianna

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I have stayed at Kona Kai 3 times. All have been pleasant. The property is always clean. However, the most recent of my stays the swimming pool and jacuzzi were dirty. The jacuzzi jets stopped working. The key card I was given did not work to open my door.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Corinthian Lynn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Overall for the price we paid to stay it could’ve been better. Everything cost even the morning coffee parking lunch buffet was $100 for two people breakfast buffet was $75 for two people. All in all food was really good but it’s cheaper to eat off grounds.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We will be back
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Yasser

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARK

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Jose

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Our room was dirty. Bedding was full of hairs and dusty. Floors dirty. They changed us rooms and was on lower floor with no view.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Peter J

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There were so many extra fees - $46 resort fee, $46 parking fee, city fee, state fee, occupancy tax, etc. $7 for in room water bottles that we got charged for but didn't drink. So it ended up costing much more than the original booking. Beds were comfortable, view great, restaurant great. No microwave which was a bummer.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jessika

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Dirty room. Not worth it

The room setup was cool but the bathroom had lots of hairs in the tub. A wash cloth has some type of red (looked like blood) satin on it. Also I was charged $197.88 for fees when I was told it would be $48.00.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana, Huntington

Traveled with partner
Great location
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonna

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

Kona Vibes

Kona Kai made sure my request was provided with the same exact room I wanted. Amazing location, service is exceptional and the rooms are updated and clean!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Kelli

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Hotel! We were unfortunately right next to the building door, and would hear it slam every time it would open and slam shut. Was hard to fall asleep, and not wake up early due to this.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Jim

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrea

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Diane

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025