FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A: Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Bar & Restaurant is open daily serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 6:30am to 8:30pm. The bar is open until 9:00pm with last call at 8:45pm. Sit at the oceanfront bar in Kailua-Kona and take in 180° views of the Pacific Ocean and Kailua Bay. With over 10 types of Mai Tais, 16 draft beers including local handcrafted microbrews and international favorites, a variety of Hawaiian specialty drinks, enjoy live music every Thursday from our Legends of Hawaiian Music concert series.

A: Although breakfast is not provided complimentary, it can be purchased in advance or once you arrive. We offer a daily breakfast menu at Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Bar & Restaurant from 6:30am to 10am.

A: The restaurant and lounges at Royal Kona Resort offer gorgeous ocean views of Kailua Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Don the Beachcomber Restaurant & Mai Tai Bar is set right on the water's edge with 180° ocean views and beautiful sunset views from every seat. Relax at the adjacent Don's Breezeway Lounge offering inviting, comfortable sofas and armchairs positioned for full ocean views, perfect for watching the Hawaii sunsets.

A: The Island of Hawaii spans over 4,000 sq. ft., (more than 10,400 square km) nearly double the size of all the other Hawaiian Islands combined. Driving around is a breeze, as there are only two main roads, Highways 11 and 19. Together they create one big loop around the entire island. Highway 11 stretches 125 miles around the south of the island between Hilo and Kailua-Kona, approximately a 3-hour drive. Highway 19 winds around the north for 98 miles from Hilo to Kailua-Kona, which takes about 2 hours by car with a 55 mph speed limit. Combined it's about a 5-hour drive to make the complete loop around the island.

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A: Yes, absolutely. We can help you plan it all. Tour the Big Island and take in the sights and local attractions. Some activities not to be missed include scuba and snorkeling excursions, helicopter tours, parasailing, hikes to waterfalls, and exploring a live volcano. Just stop by our activities desk and let us help you plan a perfect itinerary based on your interests.

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A: There is so much to do and see in Kona and around the Big Island, that it is highly suggested to rent a car. You can do so at Kona International Airport either through Enterprise, Alamo or Big Island rental car.
Royal Kona Resort offers guests over 21 years of age the option to add a rental car to their room reservation. Pick-up and drop-off are at the Kona International Airport. Contact our Reservations office at 800-22-ALOHA (222-5642) to reserve your car now.

You can also rent a bike, motorcycle or scooter to ride around Kona. Big Island bike and Hawaii motorbike rentals are good options to start.

If renting isn't an option, use Uber or Lyft

A: Kona is filled with places to rent snorkel gear and paddle boards, or any other water toys you may want to try out, that are within walking distance to our resort. Visit Snorkel Bobs, Boss Frog's Snorkel, Bike & Beach, or Hawaii Ocean Sports for all of your gear. There's even a Walmart close by for any last minute purchases.

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A: The airport has a shuttle service for a fee. While The Royal Kona Resort does not offer a complimentary hotel shuttle from the airport, there are multiple transportation options to get to and from our resort.
SpeediShuttle and Arthur's Limousine

• SpeediShuttle and Arthur's Limousine offers shared-ride transportation between Kona International Airport and the Royal Kona Resort. Their Mercedes Benz fleet is equipped with GPS technology, which allows their staff to manage service on a timely basis and has kept them in the highest ranking for safety in the industry. Click here for information and reservations.
• Car Rental - Royal Kona Resort offers guests over 21 years of age the option to add a rental car to their room reservation. Pick-up and drop-off are at the Kona International Airport. Contact our Reservations

A: There are so many beautiful places to see in Kona and your hiking trails are endless. If you only have time for a few short hikes during your trip, make these your top priority.

• Kilauea'iki Trail hike: 4 miles round trip, difficulty: medium, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
• Waipi'o Valley hike: 6.5 miles round trip, difficulty: hard, Kohala.
• Pololu Valley hike: 2.5 miles round trip, difficulty: easy, Kohala.
• Hawaii Botanical Gardens: 1.5 miles, difficulty: easy, Hilo.
• Mauna Loa Lookout: variable, at least 1.5 miles, difficulty: easy, Volcano Village.

When you return to our resort after a hard climb, book a spa treatment to unwind.

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A: There's no better way to discover Kona's beauty than by signing up for a tour or excursion while staying with us. Depending upon your interests, take a full day tour of the Big Island with Big Island in One Day: Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Sightseeing, and History Small Group Tour By: Wasabi Tours Hawaii. For a fun fishing adventure, Kona Sport-Fishing Share Charter By: Bite Me Sportfishing is a local favorite. Go underwater at night with Manta Ray Night Snorkel from Kona By: Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides. Thrill seekers can ride high with Big Island Adventure Combo: Helicopter, Zipline and Lava Tour By: KapohoKine Adventures. Stop by our activities desk for more information on booking a tour right from our lobby.

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A: The Big Island features jaw-dropping beaches with varied landscapes and terrains. Visit black and white sandy beaches and explore the Island of Hawaii. Located in Kona, Kahaluu Beach is known for honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) that frequent its shores. Go snorkeling or swimming at Kahaluu, a local favorite. Laaloa Beach, AKA Disappearing Sands or Magic Sands Beach, due to the sand disappearing overnight due to tidal shifts. This beach is known for stellar surf conditions, so take your boards with you.
Onekahakaha Beach Park in Hilo is perfect for family snorkeling, as it has a shallow bottom and low tides. For a once-in-a-lifetime beach experience, make your way to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach.

A: Yes, there are many nearby courses to perfect your swing at. Just 2 miles away, Makalei Golf Club offers lush surrounding forests and perfect elevation for challenging courses for every level.  Makani Golf Club is just a ten-minute drive from Royal Kona Resort and offers scenic ocean views. Royal Kona Resort has partnered with nearby golf courses to provide exclusive discounts to our resort guests. Book your tee time at our activities desk located in the lobby.

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A: Every coffee enthusiast will appreciate a Kona Coffee tour while visiting Royal Kona Resort, right smack in the heart of coffee country. With over 650 coffee farms on the Big Island, picking the right one can be daunting. Some nearby farms that offer tours are:

• Kona Coffee Living History Farm
• Rooster Farms
• Kuaiwi Farm
• Sunshower Coffee Farm
• Heavenly Hawaiian coffee farms
• Mountain Thunder Kona Coffee:
• Buddha's Cup:
• Kona Blue Sky Coffee

Most tours are only about 30 minutes, so you can do more than one to sample the best coffee around.

A: Check-in time at Royal Kona Resort is 4pm. Check-out time is by 11am. 

A: Located in the Lagoon Tower, the Royal Kona Resort offers a self-service coin-operated laundry room.

A. Royal Kona Resort is 100% non-smoking. This includes guestrooms, balconies, and all outdoor public areas at the hotel. There are two designated smoking areas where ashtrays are located.

Please note a cleaning fee will be assessed to any guest who violates this policy.

A: Yes. Kona International Airport is just 9 miles, a quick 15-20-minute drive south on HI-19 to Royal Kona Resort. You may take a car service, shuttle or rent a car right from the airport to our hotel. If renting, please note that there is a daily parking charge. You may add a rental car directly to your room reservation. Taxi service and ride share is available to and from the Kona International Airport.

Directions from Kona Airport to the Hotel:

• Turn right on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (HI-19) towards Kailua-Kona
• Turn right on Palani Road
• Palani Road makes a natural left turn onto Alii Drive
• The Royal Kona Resort is located one mile

A: During non-holiday travel periods, any cancellations made three (3) days or less prior to arrival will result in a penalty charge of two-nights of the total package price. If you are only staying one night at the resort, you will be charged the full nightly rate. For stays during Ironman and Christmas Holiday travel periods please contact us for cancellation policies. In case of illness or death of passenger, please call 800-22-ALOHA for special assistance.

A: While The Royal Kona Resort does not offer a complimentary hotel shuttle from the airport, there are multiple transportation options to get to and from our resort.

• Royal Kona Resort offers guests over 21 years of age the option to add a  rental car to their room reservation. Pick-up and drop-off are at the Kona International Airport. Contact our Reservations office at 800-22-ALOHA (222-5642) to reserve your car.
• SpeediShuttle and Arthur's Limousine offers shared-ride transportation between Kona International Airport and the Royal Kona Resort. Their Mercedes Benz fleet is equipped with GPS technology, so service is safe and timely. Click here for reservations.
• Taxi service, is available to and from the Kona International Airport. As well as ride share like Uber or Lyft. 

A: Yes, Royal Kona Resort has an $25 per day parking fee. If you should need a rental car throughout your stay, Royal Kona Resort offers guests over 21 years of age the option to add a Alamo Rent-A-Car to their room reservation. Pick-up and drop-off are at the Kona International Airport. Contact our Reservations office at 800-22-ALOHA (222-5642) to reserve your car now.

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A:
While the Big Island is swarming with things to do, you don't have to leave the resort to enjoy Hawaii. Enjoy a relaxing day at the swimming pool, conveniently located next to Don's Mai Tai Bar, or head over to our private saltwater swimming lagoon for snorkeling. Play a match of tennis at The Royal Kona Tennis Club; featuring a pro shop and four courts available for day or night play. Relax your mind and body at the Massage & Spa Center offering a variety of spa treatments featuring both Eastern and Western spa techniques. Enjoy a workout at the Resort's fitness center open daily from 4:30 am-10:30 pm or stretch out with daily yoga. Catch an authentic Hawaiian tradition at the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau featuring a sumptuous buffet. Throughout the week, the resort offers scheduled Hawaiian activities like lei making, ukelele and hula lessons.

A: There is a daily resort fee charged to cover amenities and services that give guests everything they need for an enjoyable stay.

A: The Royal Kona Resort offers a convenient location within walking distance to the Kona Inn Shopping Village with over 50 retail shops and unique Hawaiian jewelry and gifts. The Coconut Grove Marketplace is also a short walk and features plenty of gift shops, cafés, restaurants, sports bars, boutiques, and several art galleries to explore.

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A: All rooms and suites are equipped with mini-refrigerators for added convenience, so feel free to stock up your favorites. They also include a coffee maker with complimentary coffee to start your day.

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A:
While our pool is not heated, it stays warm and naturally heated by the hot Kona sun. Pool hours are 8 am - sunset for safety and noise concerns. Enjoy our private swimming lagoon, as well as our oceanfront pool during your stay.

We do not have a waitlist. We ask you, please, look for an alternative date. Otherwise, check back to see if availabilities open. If cancelations are made, the calendar will be updated in real time. 

A: Yes, The Royal Kona Resort hosts the Voyagers of the Pacific Luau. Enjoy a sumptuous all-you-care-to-eat Hawaiian Luau dinner and open bar while watching a dazzling presentation of the music and dances celebrating the culture of Hawaii. Take in awe-inspiring sunsets and learn to hula all from our resort. Purchase tickets online in advance, as luau sells out. For more info, click here.

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A: The Voyagers of the Pacific Luau is offered every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm, gates open at 4:30 pm. Expect to spend all three hours celebrating this ceremonious Hawaiian tradition dancing, enjoying an all-you-can-eat dinner, sipping on Mai Tai's and breathing in the fresh ocean air as you watch the sun set over the Pacific.

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A. The Royal Kona Resort, which hosts the Royal Kona Luau, is located 9 miles south of the Kona International Airport. From the Kona Airport, turn right on Queen Kaahumanu Highway and continue into Kailua-Kona. Take a right on Palani Road and drive right down to the ocean where it makes a natural left turn onto Alii Drive, which was once the road only to be used by Hawaiian royalty. You will see the Royal Kona Resort across the bay as you make the turn. Approximately one mile ahead on your right is your destination. The address is 75-5852 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

A: If you are joining us for The Voyagers of the Pacific Luau and are not staying at the Royal Kona Resort as a hotel guest, parking is $5.00 per vehicle. Parking is on a first come, first served basis. Parking availability is not guaranteed and is only valid for the duration of the show. Parking validations are available upon check-in at the luau. Validation rate is $5.00. Payment is by debit/credit card only. We do not accept cash.

A: Guests can purchase tickets to The Voyagers of the Pacific Luau online or at the hotel upon arrival. You may pay at the door the night of luau, but it is $7 more per ticket. You may cancel within 24 hours of show. Enjoy a sumptuous all-you-care-to-eat, Hawaiian Luau dinner and open bar while watching a dazzling presentation of the music and dances celebrating the culture of Hawaii. Take in awe-inspiring sunsets and learn to hula all from our resort.
Book you Luau now!

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A:
The Voyagers of the Pacific features a variety of great food choices from our all-you-can-eat dinner featuring a succulently roasted pig served with many Hawaiian delicacies for everyone's taste - including vegetarian and vegan choices as well as gluten-free options to accommodate guests with food allergies or food intolerances. For an additional cost, we can prepare a special "chef's choice" dinner entree plate to meet some dietary needs. We will make every effort to accommodate all requests, however please note not all requests may be able to be accommodated. Please let us know if you have any special requests at least 24 hours in advance so we may assist you

A: Yes, our seasoned wedding planners have established relationships with the best vendors on the island to ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. We offer several wedding packages that include photography services, or you can add it a la carte. Additionally, we provide a la carte videography services to accompany your package. You will be able to view the work of our photographer and videographer vendors so you can choose a style that suits you.

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A: Yes, there are several packages to choose from based on your wishes. Whether you desire a lavish celebration or a small affair, we have the perfect package for you. We offer both ceremony only, and ceremony and reception packages. Special additions are available to add on an a la carte basis such as flowers, photographer, entertainment, etc. Please contact our wedding planners for more information. For a complete list of our wedding packages, click here.

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A: Say I do with a perfect Kona sunset as your backdrop. Each of our eight wedding locations features panoramic views encompassing the sparkling blue ocean and tropical foliage. Whether on the sand or walking down a majestic green lawn at one of our lush tropical locations, feel the magic of the Big Island as you say your vows. For a complete list of our wedding venues, click here..

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A: Yes, we welcome your guests to the Royal Kona by offering exclusive room rates for spacious, well-appointed guestrooms and suites with no minimum amount of rooms or blocks needed. Gather your family and friends to share in the joy of your special day. Everyone will fall in love with the fantastic hotel amenities, including a spa, swimming lagoon, Don's Mai Tai Bar and gorgeous ocean views at every turn. Please contact our wedding planners for more information on booking rooms at 800-919-8333.

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A: Yes, let our experienced wedding team use their established contacts with the best florists in town to flawlessly execute your vision. We offer several wedding packages that include floral services, or you can add it a la carte. Additionally, we offer a la carte photography and videography services to accompany your package. For a la carte pricing list, click here..

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A: Anytime you can plan a visit to the Big Island is the right time. However, if you are looking to escape crowds or weather patterns, knowing when to visit becomes important. Ideally, April through June are the best months to travel, as it is less busy than the fall, the holiday season, or summer break. Winter may be busiest months on the Big Island, but it is also the rainy season, so plan accordingly.

A: Expect a mild tropical climate all year long, with two seasons, winter (rainy) and summer (dry). Summers average between 85-90 °F (29-32 °C), while winters are between a balmy 79-83 °F (26-28 °C). In higher elevations, such as Waimea, temperatures are often lower, especially at night. Hilo can also be cooler, depending on your inland location, and Mauna Loa & Mauna Kea can be quite chilly, so pack accordingly. The Big Island receives most of its rainfall from the end of November through the beginning of March. The East side of the Big Island is the one that gets most of the rain, and Hilo is America's wettest city;

A: There are stunning waterfalls on both sides of the Big Island that are definitely worth checking out while in town. Most waterfalls can be found on the slopes of the Mauna Kea volcano close to Hilo, and on the Hamakua coast. To help narrow it down, here are our top five picks:

• ‘Akaka falls
• Rainbow falls
• Pe'epe'e Falls
• Umauma falls
• Hi'ilawe falls

A: When visiting the Volcanoes National Park, it is essential to dress appropriately due to all of the falling lava. It is best to wear sturdy shoes that are good for hiking. It is suggested to wear long, lightweight hiking pants to keep legs protected at all times. Hats are a good idea, as well as sunscreen and sunglasses.

A: When the sun goes down, Kailua-Kona heats up. With live Hawaiian music flooding the streets and plenty of bars and lounges around, there is undoubtedly entertainment and fun had by all. Although a bit quieter than some of the other islands, Kona is the central place for nightlife. Check out Kona Brewing Co. and Humpy's Big Island Ale House for some late night dancing, or Laverne's Sports Bar at Coconut Grove Marketplace for a happening happy hour. Just inside the Royal Kona Resort, eat drink and be merry at our Voyagers of the Pacific Luau, guaranteed to make you want to shake it, as it features an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet and all you can drink Mai Tai's and cocktails.

A: Pack lightly for your Kona vacation, as the weather is mild and balmy all year long. Think lots of bathing suits, sandals, and summer attire. Pack a light waterproof jacket for hiking or exploring rainforests. Bring some warmer clothes for higher elevations of Waimea and Hawaii volcanoes at the national park. Casual dress clothes and resort wear for any local onsite resort strolling or dining. Of course, you can always purchase sunblock, hats, and flip-flops right here at the hotel.

A: For a perfect stay on the Big Island, it is essential to safe during your visit. Certain precautions should be taken to avoid unpleasant situations. Please see our guide on ocean safety, driving safety and a list of important phone numbers you might need while at the Royal Kona Resort.

A: With sparkling blue waters and perfect waves, there's no better place than Hawaii to learn how to surf. Most notably, Kahalu'u Bay in Kailua-Kona's West Shore offers great surfing conditions for beginners as it isn't particularly crowded and waves roll softly. If you like to ride bigger waves you need to get out a bit and if you prefer smaller waves you can catch them from near the beach. There's a surfboard rental just across the street. The entry is rocky and the bay is shallow so you should consider wearing reef shoes. A little further north is White Sands Beach that is also called Magic Sands Beach because it always changes size. Unfortunately, it's always smaller than its pompous name suggests. The shallow sandy bay is perfect for body boarding.