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Kona Kai San Diego

4.0 star property

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2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool cabanas (surcharge)
Property video
Aerial view
Outdoor wedding area
View from property

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

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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

View all photos for Bayview King

Bayview King

Bayview King

  • 32 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bayview Two Queen

Bayview Two Queen

Bayview Two Queen

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

View all photos for Marina View King

Marina View King

Marina View King

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

View all photos for Marina View Two Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Marina View Two Queen

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

View all photos for Deluxe King

Deluxe King

Deluxe King

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

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe Two Queen

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

View all photos for Deluxe Junior Suite

Deluxe Junior Suite

Deluxe Junior Suite

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

View all photos for Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 39 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 39 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 39 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite King

Marina View Junior Suite King

Marina View Junior Suite King

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

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite King

Bayview Junior Suite King

Bayview Junior Suite King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 39 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fire Pit Junior Suite

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Fire Pit Junior Suite

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

View all photos for Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

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

View all photos for Waterview One Bedroom Suite

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

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

View all photos for Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

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

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About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

Beachfront, with full-service spa
Spend the day catching some rays at Kona Kai San Diego's private sand beach, relaxing by one of the hotel's 2 outdoor swimming pools, or pampering yourself at the full-service spa.
Kona Kai San Diego offers 170 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and minibars. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 42-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels and pay movies. Refrigerators and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms include designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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.

Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Kona Kai San Diego. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Shelter Island. Features include free WiFi in public areas, plus 2 outdoor pools and 2 poolside bars. This property offers pet-friendly amenities like food and water bowls.
  • Free WiFi
  • Enjoy local cuisine and pool views while dining at Vessel Restaurant and Bar
  • Buffet breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Self parking available for a fee
  • Take a swim in the 2 outdoor pools or soak in the hot tub
  • Treat yourself to massages, body wraps, or aromatherapy at the spa
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge, and tour or ticket assistance
  • Onsite recreation includes a private beach, a gym, and a steam room
  • 9 minutes by car from Old Town San Diego State Park and 11 minutes from USS Midway Museum
  • Dogs welcome for a fee
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including food and water bowls
Simply walk outside to smell the salt air and watch the ocean waves from the sand beach. Hit the beach and work on your tan in the sun loungers (chaise longues) or relax in the shade with cabanas (surcharge) and umbrellas. At Kona Kai San Diego you can cool off in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools and indulge in a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa.

Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. For a drink, you can stop by one of the onsite bars, including 2 poolside bars and 2 bars/lounges. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. This beach hotel also offers a hot tub, a steam room, and a fitness center. Parking is available for a fee.

This 4-star San Diego hotel is smoke free.

For a fee, guests can enjoy buffet breakfast on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and on weekends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Vessel Restaurant and Bar - Overlooking the pool, this restaurant specializes in local cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available.
Paloma Pool Bar - This poolside bar serves light fare only. Open select days.
Tiki Bar - This poolside bar serves light fare only. A children's menu is available. Open select days.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Parking on site (USD 46 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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 motorised 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 centre
  • 5 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre (56,000 square foot 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
  • Lift
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • 3 floors
  • 8 buildings
  • Ballroom
  • Built in 1959
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Reception hall
  • Smoke-free property
  • 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 films

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

  • Pets: USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 65 lbs per pet)
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following 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

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • 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 may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

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

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 535 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 217 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 126 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 60 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1002 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Humphrey

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed the beautiful views of the Marina and sitting at the Fire pit in the evening.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Moises

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosario

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very accommodating beautiful location loved bombfire. Very clean
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

William

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Selma

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What a great facility! Really liked it.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Mitchell Trent

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is amazing, clean and very safe. The dining option is mediocre at best, you will need a vehicle during your stay or plan to Uber. The $45 daily parking fee is pricey in my opinion. The new energy efficient rooms will shut off your AC and refrigerator when you aren't in the room. Our AC failed night two of our stay and the property was kind enough to credit our account $50.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose M

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lo único fue que no estaba incluido el desayuno . De resto excelente
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Anne Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice accommodations & a fun, relaxing, pretty property. Thank you!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

LOBATO,

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay, was very happy that it was pet friendly. Disappointed dogs are not allowed in the pool areas. The photos online show a dog at the pool which was one of the reasons I booked and to find out pups are not allowed in the area was a bummer.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda, San Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This location worked very well for us. Check in was a little strange, our room wasn't ready at 4pm and we had to remind them that we were still waiting at 5:30pm. Even though they said they would call us when the room was available.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Duane Douglas Fansler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was fabulous and extremely friendly! Room was very comfortable and clean, but the bathroom could have had more storage/ towel hanging options (only one towel rack in the shower and one little hook on the wall; nothing near the sinks for hand towels), along with a working vent fan (it was so humid and muggy without a fan in the bathroom). Also, the coffee offered in the morning was a pretty ridiculous situation for a luxury resort; put out much later than advertised and gone before we could get any, even if we came to the lobby by the 7:00 AM timeframe. However, the good stuff at Kona Kai FAR outweighs the negatives. The pool areas were amazing and the views couldn't be beat. We would definitely stay at Kona Kai again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Emma

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an extremely disappointing stay. This property is way too expensive to be in this bad of quality. The room was old and run down looking, there were several holes in the curtains, there was hair in the shower and on the dresser, and there was also a massive spider in the room. There’s barely any beach and the pool also had bugs in it. The water was cold and dirty. We will not be staying here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

armen

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities
Not worth the price for that area hotel was old i felt like i was in a motel
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ernesto

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our second time visiting this property and we really do like it. I read several negative reviews but figured let’s give it a second try regardless. The property is a little old could use a little TLC, but it’s beautiful view of the bay make it worth it. They were giving away away T-shirts at the pool bar, La Paloma. We had the drink. I asked the girl my wife could have a shirt and she said asked if she wears a small. I said yes and she said sure and then she placed a tray of drinks on top of the T-shirts. It made it awkward, so I left with no T-shirt. I could have been forceful, but I felt she really didn’t want to give me a T-shirt so I walked away. I think she could have handled this better. Not sure if we’ll be back But the bartenders of the pool will were great
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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