Kona Kai San Diego

4.0 star property
Beachfront hotel with spa, near Shelter Island

Choose dates to view prices

Nestled close to Cabrillo National Monument, Kona Kai San Diego offers a tranquil retreat with 2 poolside bars and a private beach. Unwind with beach massages, yoga classes, or soak up the sun in cabanas by the outdoor pools. With an on-site spa and Vessel Restaurant serving local cuisine for breakfast to dinner, this eco-certified hotel has impressed guests with its helpful staff.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • On a private beach
  • Marina
  • Restaurants and 2 poolside bars
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • Full-service spa
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Breakfast available
  • Fitness centre
  • Steam room
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach cabanas

For families (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Fridge
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Premium TV channels
  • Garden
  • Terrace
The current price is AU$466
includes taxes & fees
7 June - 8 June

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 16 of 16 rooms

Bayview King

  • Bay view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Bayview Two Queen

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

Marina View King

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

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 Wi-Fi

Deluxe King

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(26 reviews)
  • Resort view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

Deluxe Junior Suite

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

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 Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

Marina View Junior Suite King

  • Marina view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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 Wi-Fi

Fire Pit Junior Suite

  • Resort view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

  • Resort view
  • 29 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

  • Marina view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

  • Marina view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Map
1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106

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

  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 15 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field) - 27 min drive
  • San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 39 min drive
  • Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 47 min drive
  • Tijuana, Baja California Norte (TIJ-General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl.) - 59 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 16 min drive
  • San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station - 21 min drive
  • San Diego Santa Fe Depot - 22 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

Placing you just steps from Shelter Island, Kona Kai San Diego offers a private beach where you can enjoy cabanas, beach umbrellas and beach massages. 2 outdoor pools provide fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy and manicures and pedicures. Offering pool views, Vessel Restaurant and Bar serves local cuisine and is open for breakfast and dinner. Other highlights include 2 poolside bars, a marina and a fitness centre. The helpful staff and location get good marks from fellow travellers.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 170 rooms
    • Arranged over 3 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • 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 time is 11:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • An adult aged 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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • Up to 2 children (17 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room using existing bedding
DONE

Pets

    • Pets allowed (dogs only, 2 total, up to 29 kg per pet)*
    • Service animals welcome
    • Food and water bowls available
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • On-site self-parking (USD 54.88 per night; includes in/out privileges)
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
    • Electric vehicle charging point on site
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge) 7:00 AM–11:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 AM–1:00 PM on weekends
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 poolside bars
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Travelling with children

  • Children stay for free (see details)
  • Children's menu

What to do

  • On a private beach
  • Beach yoga
  • Fitness classes
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Boat tours
  • Personal watercraft (motorised)
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Whale watching nearby

Working away

  • 24-hour business centre
  • 5 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre (56000 square feet of space)

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Beach cabanas (surcharge)
  • Bike hire
  • Pool cabanas (surcharge)
  • Beach sunloungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Romance packages

Facilities

  • 8 buildings/towers
  • Built in 1959
  • ATM/banking
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Fireplace at reception
  • Fitness centre
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Full-service spa
  • Marina
  • Hot tub
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Steam room
  • Reception hall
  • Traditional architecture

Accessibility

  • Braille/raised signage
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible fitness centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Step-free path to entrance

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV
  • Premium digital channels
  • Films for purchase

Home comfort

  • Climate-controlled air conditioning and heating
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Pillow menu
  • Blackout curtains
  • Premium bedding

What to enjoy

  • Balcony or patio
  • Individually furnished and decorated

Freshen up

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Free local calls

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Fridge

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Access via exterior corridors

Special features

Spa

The on-site 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.

Dining

Vessel Restaurant and Bar – Overlooking the pool, this restaurant specialises in local cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, dinner and light fare. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available.
Paloma Pool Bar – This poolside bar only serves light fare. Open selected days.
Tiki Bar – This poolside bar only serves light fare. A children's menu is available. Open selected days.

Fees & policies

Refundable deposits

  • Deposit: USD 110.00 per night

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or checkout. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • Resort fee: USD 60 per accommodation, per night
  • Resort fee inclusions:
    • Beach access
    • Beach loungers
    • Beach towels
    • Business centre/computer access
    • Fitness centre access
    • Fitness/yoga classes
    • In-room coffee
    • In-room safe
    • Newspaper
    • Phone calls (may be limited)
    • Pool access
    • Spa access (may be limited)

Optional extras

  • Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately USD 33.00 to 100 per person

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for USD 20.0 per night

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)

Parking

  • Self-parking costs USD 54.88 per night with in/out privileges

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa
  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms. These are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher on-site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.

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

Does Kona Kai San Diego offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Kona Kai San Diego does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Kona Kai San Diego?

Yes, there are 2 outdoor pools. Guests have pool access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Are pets allowed at Kona Kai San Diego?

Yes, dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total and maximum weight of 29 kg per pet. There's a charge of USD 113 per accommodation, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls are available.

Is parking offered on site at Kona Kai San Diego?

Yes. Self-parking costs USD 54.88 per night. Electric car charging is available.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Kona Kai San Diego?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 2:00 AM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Contactless check-out is available.

What is there to do at Kona Kai San Diego and nearby?

Have fun with on-site activities such as kayaking, sailing and beach yoga. Additional recreation on-site includes fitness classes and yoga. Indulge in a treatment at the spa, soothe your senses in the hot tub or go for a swim in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools. Kona Kai San Diego also has 2 poolside bars, 2 bars and a private beach, as well as a steam room and a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Kona Kai San Diego?

Yes, Vessel Restaurant and Bar offers al fresco dining, local cuisine and pool views.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.

What's the area around Kona Kai San Diego like?

Kona Kai San Diego is located on the boardwalk in Point Loma, a short 14-minute walk from Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. Travellers say that this hotel is in a good location.

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Reviews

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews

8.2

Very good

8.8

Cleanliness

8.4

Amenities

8.6

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • The pool was great, with lovely temperature, plenty of seats, and beautiful views. (26 reviews)
  • The private beach offered a lovely atmosphere with fire pits, comfortable lounge seats, and scenic views. (13 reviews)
  • The spa was wonderful and provided a great experience for guests. (10 reviews)
AI Sparkle Icon
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Location
View
Restaurant
Food
Amenities
Parking
Bay
Marina

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Exceptional

This place is great. Excellent and very clean. The fire pits with s’mores were fun.
Jack, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

It is very good clean!!
Juan, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great room. Helpful staff. Fabulous location
Susan, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The staff was great. I got “stuck” an extra day due to east coast weather and they were so helpful!
Brittney, 4-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Nice staff
Erika, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Room nicely appointed. Great view of boats. Service and food at conference was very good. I had a very enjoyable stay
Barbara, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We were on our Honeymoon and we fully enjoyed our stay. It was clean and convenient with so many amenities. We are totally going back for our next San Diego trip.
Todd, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We enjoyed the beautiful views of the Marina and sitting at the Fire pit in the evening.
Stefanie, 3-night trip
Verified

6/10 Good

Pet friendly a must!!! We were happy they accommodated our pet
Jeremy, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Kona Kai is a beautiful resort. My family had a great time there. Definitely want to stay there again!
Joseph Roman, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Very nice accommodations & a fun, relaxing, pretty property. Thank you!!
John, 4-night trip
Verified

6/10 Good

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.
Jeff, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

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
Linda, 2-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

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.
Taylor, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Staff treated us kindly. Property was beautiful, exceptional stay. We will be back. Thank you Kona Kai!
Wendy, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great location
Diana, 3-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

The rooms were good sized. Their products smelled amazing. The property had a great courtyard with games and a variety of sitting areas. The breakfast was very expensive and they had 25% in additional surcharges. We won’t eat there again however we will stay there again.
Christopher, 3-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

The room was beautiful and clean.
Danielle, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Property very well kept/staff friendly
Trevor English, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The property was gorgeous and staff super accommodating!
Monique, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent service and lovely area
Sarah, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Really nice, relaxing. Beautiful views everywhere.
shauna, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Quite and relaxing views were amazing
Michael D, 5-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We had an amazing time. The rooms were super clean. All of our needs and desires were met.
Morgan, 3-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

It is a beautiful area in and out and everyone is so friendly. I only gave it a 4 because its expensive and i didnt see the reason for it except I guess the view..
Christina, 2-night trip