Kona Kai San Diego

Property class: 4
Beachfront hotel with spa, near Shelter Island

Choose dates to view prices

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.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Free Wi-Fi

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)

  • Fridge
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms available
  • Premium TV channels
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
The current price is AU$398
includes taxes & fees
30 Sept - 1 Oct

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 19 of 19 rooms

View all photos for Bayview King

A hotel room with a large bed, a balcony with a view of the sea, and a dining area with outdoor furniture.

Bayview King

7.4 out of 10
Good
(16 reviews)
  • Bay view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bayview Two Queen

A hotel room with two beds, a view of the sea, and a balcony with a table and chair.

Bayview Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(14 reviews)
  • Bay view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Marina View King

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk with a chair, a balcony with a view of the marina, and a patterned wall.

Marina View King

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

View all photos for Marina View Two Queen

A hotel room with a wooden desk, two patterned chairs, a lamp, a large mirror, and a view of a marina through the window.

Marina View Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(9 reviews)
  • Marina view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe King

A hotel room with a large bed, a balcony with a view, a desk, and a chair.

Deluxe King

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(31 reviews)
  • Resort view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a view of the sea.

Deluxe Two Queen

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(14 reviews)
  • Resort view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Junior Suite

A hotel room with a bed, a chair, a desk, and a lamp.

Deluxe Junior Suite

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

View all photos for Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

A hotel room with a bed, a sofa, a small table, a lamp, a painting, and a view of the sea.

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

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

A hotel room with two beds, a large window with a view of the marina, and a balcony with a table and chairs.

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

  • Marina view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

A hotel room with two beds, a large mirror, and a wooden accent wall.

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

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite King

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a view of a cityscape through the window.

Marina View Junior Suite King

  • Marina view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite King

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a desk, and a sofa.

Bayview Junior Suite King

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • Bay view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fire Pit Junior Suite

A hotel room with two beds, a large mirror, and a wooden accent wall.

Fire Pit Junior Suite

  • Resort view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a bathroom with a shower, and a view of the outdoors.

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

  • Resort view
  • 29 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Waterview One Bedroom Suite

A hotel room with a large bed, a bathtub, a fireplace, and a balcony with a view of boats.

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

  • Marina view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

View all photos for Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a balcony with curtains.

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

  • Marina view
  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Room

  • Sleeps 4

Room

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Two Queen

  • 42 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Single Beds

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includes taxes & fees
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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
  • Vessel Restaurant - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Humphreys Concerts by the Bay - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • San Diego Yacht Club - 3 min drive - 1.5 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

  • ‪Ketch Grill & Taps - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bali Hai Restaurant - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Mitch's Seafood - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Point Loma Seafoods - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬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

Hotel size

    • 170 rooms
    • Arranged over 3 floors

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

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

Required at check-in

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

Children

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

Pets

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

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms

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

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. Open select days.
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

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
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 1-minute walk from Shelter Island and 14 minutes' 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

8.6

Cleanliness

8.2

Amenities

8.6

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • The private beach area was a highlight, with many guests enjoying the fire pits, lounge seats, and scenic views. (16 reviews)
  • The pool areas were amazing, safe for non-swimmers, and offered great views. (31 reviews)
  • The spa at this property is wonderful, offering fabulous massages and a great experience. (12 reviews)
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From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
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Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Location
View
Restaurant
Food
Bay
Amenities
Parking
Fees

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Very good

Went here to celebrate my wife’s birthday and stayed two nights.This older property was well maintained. We had a clean and quiet bayside room with a balcony. The staff was great.We enjoyed pool and jacuzzi time, took a complimentary bike ride and hot sauna. My wife had a massage and the filet mignon from the onsite Vessel restaurant was to die for! The drinks were pricey, but good. Really couldn’t have asked for too much more.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

We had a very pleasant stay! Beautiful views! If we ever are in the area again, we will likely stay here again.Thank you!
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Pools were nice.. Staff was friendly and view were great!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

This place is great. Excellent and very clean. The fire pits with s’mores were fun.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

We had a wonder visit from the moment we step into the resort. The Front desk staff help out us out with checking in, they even waived the parking fee. The rooms were clean and very comfortable. the views of courtyard and boats were great to see. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to book another visit.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Enjoyed the service at check-in provided by Bino. After checking in, he help us with the location for our dinner plans . The following evening he provided suggestions for dining on Shelter Island. Service at breakfast was also excellent. Our valet at check in and check out was also excellent.
Verified review

6/10 Good

They charge $48 for overnight parking for each night on top of so many fees. The breakfast buffet was delicious though. The bonfires were great too.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

The hotel is in a beautiful location, and some of the newer rooms are much more comfortable than the older ones. However, the price is higher than what the overall experience justifies. The common areas could be better maintained, particularly the hot tub, which was not as clean as expected. The service was average and did not consistently meet the standards one would expect at this price point.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great room. Helpful staff. Fabulous location
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

It is very good clean!!
Verified review

6/10 Good

The bed was terrible. The bathroom door did not work or close properly. The outlets on the lamp were broken. There were very few USB ports. A document was provided that they wouldn’t clean every and was upon request, yet kept getting interrupted with housekeeping. The private beach, pools, and fitness center were top notch.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Great hotel - just clearly understaffed. Basic needs cant be met - like the front desk being able to answer the phone, or handoff door dash in under 20 minutes. Also, paying for a suite and being given a mobility suite where you cannot hang clothes up to not be on the floor or have 2 people in the bathroom because the shower cannot be contained should be an option at the price. The staff was gracious and the views are great. The bed was very comfortable
Verified review

6/10 Good

The beach view is good but everything else is kind of meh. Overall I thought the resort was very overrated for what it is. There are many other better resorts in SD. That being said shelter island is awesome
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

I had such a wonderful stay at this resort! Everything was beautiful, peaceful, and very well taken care of. The staff were kind and welcoming, and the whole atmosphere made it easy to relax and enjoy every moment. My favorite part was spending the evenings by the fire it was so cozy and calming under the night sky. It truly made the experience feel special. I would definitely love to come back again
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Nice staff
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The staff was great. I got “stuck” an extra day due to east coast weather and they were so helpful!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

We came for the first time on our honeymoon and 10 years later we came back and it was just as incredible as the first time. Perfect location, gorgeous views, the staff is amazing. Love all yhe amenities from the pool, the spa, and thr fire pits, all of it. Our room was a tad dated but nothing to fuss over. Got hit with resort and parking fees but thats to be expected so budget accordingly. Otherwise its an incredible experience staying here. You're less than 20 minutes away from all SD attractions- downtown, Balboa Park, La Jolla, Coronado - all relatively close. We may come bacl for our 20 year!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Kona Kai is a beautiful resort. My family had a great time there. Definitely want to stay there again!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Room nicely appointed. Great view of boats. Service and food at conference was very good. I had a very enjoyable stay
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

We enjoyed the beautiful views of the Marina and sitting at the Fire pit in the evening.
Verified review

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.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great location
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The property was gorgeous and staff super accommodating!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

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

6/10 Good

Pet friendly a must!!! We were happy they accommodated our pet