At a glance:

Originally built in the 1950’s, the Kona Tiki Hotel offers 16 ocean-side rooms within walking distance of Kailua-Kona’s popular tourist centre, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

What is actually is: An old seaside motel that’s been modernized and offers oceanfront simplicity.

What it is not: Luxurious or full-service.

Room: King standard with oceanfront lanai (2nd floor)

Time of year: Summer

Scores:

Hotel Design: 80 – Small and simple, with a beautiful pool being the centerpiece of this small property tucked between the road and rugged coastline.

Location: 89 – Oceanfront and walkable to downtown Kona restaurants. Nearby beaches are small, rocky and not necessarily the easiest for swimming.

Sleep: 88 – Despite the lack of AC, road proximity and age of the building we still found sleeping here to be very comfortable thanks to the ocean breeze (with screen doors) and comfortable beds.

Service: 84 – Very friendly, personable and casual.

Room Design: 73 – Very simple and bright with nice balconies but extremely small bathrooms.

Room Amenities: 69 – Basic (no AC, no TV, no phone – all of which we enjoyed not having) However, we are not a fan of the 3-in-1 bath product and lack of in-room safe or kitchen sink (available in deluxe rooms only).

Hotel Amenities: 82 – Fantastic oceanside pool, and complimentary beach gear.

Vibe: 89 – Upscale studio/motel vibes, very casual.

Cleanliness/Maintenance: 82 – Very good overall, especially considering the age of the building and proximity to the ocean. No daily housekeeping made it feel a bit more like a vacation rental.

Value / Extras & Perks: 83 – Despite all there is to enjoy (and lack of extra resort or parking fees) the rates still feel slightly high for what is provided, but are reasonable when compared with other options in the area.

OVERALL: 81.9

Would we stay again? Yes