Kona Kai San Diego

4.0 star property
Beachfront, with full-service spa

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
Outdoor wedding area
View from property
Aerial view

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping

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

Bayview King

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

Bayview Two Queen

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

Marina View King

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

Marina View Two Queen

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

Deluxe King

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

Deluxe Two Queen

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

Deluxe Junior Suite

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

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 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

Marina View Junior Suite King

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

Bayview Junior Suite King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 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

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About the neighborhood

San Diego

Located in Point Loma, Kona Kai San Diego is within a 15-minute drive of popular attractions such as Old Town San Diego State Park and USS Midway Museum. This 170-room, 4-star hotel has 2 outdoor pools along with a private beach and a marina.

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
  • ‪Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

Beachfront, with full-service spa
Kona Kai San Diego features a private beach, a marina, and a full-service spa. Self parking is available for USD 46 per night. Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with luggage storage, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Other amenities at this beach hotel include 2 outdoor pools, a gym, and a steam room.
42-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels and pay movies, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and pillow menus, and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Balconies or patios, iPod docks, and refrigerators are also available.
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.

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.

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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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total (65 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 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

You'll be asked to pay these 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

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • 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 list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-2:00 AM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply), along with a car charging station.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at Kona Kai San Diego?

Kona Kai San Diego offers free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

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

As of Nov 29, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kona Kai San Diego on Nov 30, 2025 start from $188.3, 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.

What is there to do around Kona Kai San Diego?

This hotel is situated in Point Loma, just steps from Shelter Island and San Diego Bay, and within a short walk of Naval Base Coronado. You'll also find Old Town San Diego State Park and Dog Beach within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Kona Kai San Diego?

Yes, parking is offered for USD 46 per night with in/out privileges. Accessible parking and electric car charging are also available for guests.

Is a spa located at Kona Kai San Diego?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include sports massages, Swedish massages, aromatherapy, and body wraps.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have a casino at the property?

No, Kona Kai San Diego doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Kona Kai San Diego?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 2 outdoor pools and a hot tub. Guests have pool access between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Kona Kai San Diego?

This waterfront hotel offers many amenities for couples, including Champagne service as well as a private beach and 2 outdoor pools.

Are there hot tubs at Kona Kai San Diego?

Yes, this hotel has a spa tub.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Kona Kai San Diego serves buffet breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Vessel Restaurant and Bar.

Will Kona Kai San Diego allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Kona Kai San Diego for a fee of USD 113 per accommodation, per stay. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Are there connecting rooms at Kona Kai San Diego?

Yes, you can book connecting guestrooms at this hotel for your group or family vacation.

How close is the airport from Kona Kai San Diego?

The closest major airport to Kona Kai San Diego is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), which is 4.1 mi away (15 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is located 13.7 mi away (27-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Kona Kai San Diego?

Yes, every guestroom at Kona Kai San Diego comes with a balcony with some featuring sea or pool views.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have a wedding venue?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at Kona Kai San Diego.

Reviews

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
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

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
When we travel to San Diego, we always stay on Shelter Island because we like the area. The staff was very friendly and helpful. For the price, Kona Kai is not worth the amount of money you pay to stay there. The resort was nice, but the cost of the rooms and resort fees are excessive. I believe the other hotels on the island are just as nice and far more affordable. Other issues: the bar at the adult pool closed at 5pm on Thursday, the hair dryer in our room was sticking with hair on it, the bathroom door was a barn door and did not lock- very little privacy, and the room was a bit dusty. My family enjoyed the fire pits at night fall and our view of the marina was nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 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

6/10 Okay

Alina

No access to charge my phone , not clean
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara A, Robbinsville

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable bed, friendly staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Howard

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Laurie

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
There was a room charge on my room that was not mine and it’s been impossible to get it resolved. The hotel did bot repond to my message for almost 2 weeks. Just been awful
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025