See all properties

Kona Kai San Diego

4.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kona Kai San Diego

Water view
Property video
2 bars/lounges, 2 poolside bars
Property entrance
2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool cabanas (surcharge)

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106
  • Shelter Island
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • SeaWorld
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • USS Midway Museum
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

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 Twin Sofa Bed

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 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 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

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 Fire Pit Junior Suite

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Fire Pit Junior Suite

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

View all photos for Bayview Two Queen

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Bayview Two Queen

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

View all photos for Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

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 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

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

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

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Deluxe King

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

View all photos for Bayview King

Bayview King

Bayview King

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

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

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

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

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 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 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 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

Similar properties

Property grounds

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Spa
  • Pet-friendly
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 2,272 reviews
The price is €238
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Paradise Point Resort & Spa

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

On private beach with 2 outdoor pools, near Shelter Island
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 Swedish massages, body scrubs, 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 eco-certified 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.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Key Global, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

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)
  • 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

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

Reviews

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews

8.4

Very good

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 540 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 223 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 122 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 60 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 63 out of 1008 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Jordan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Lupe, North Las Vegas

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Not as luxurious as it’s advertised. Rooms are basic and outdated, feels dusty inside . Housekeeping staff is friendly though . Place looks old and needs a lot of updating . Their breakfast buffet is overpriced. Our room had the ‘bay view’ however it viewed the parking lot and trees lol . The building we stayed at had no elevator so we had to go through the building next to us to get to our room. And With a toddler it wasn’t convenient. Views are nice , the pool was ok . We won’t stay there again though .
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kimberly

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Razmik

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

shauna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really nice, relaxing. Beautiful views everywhere.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clara

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erika

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Adrienne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I think i had the best view! Wonderful, peaceful place to relax.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

james

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel, right on the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Sarah Alpha

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
The room was lovely and the resort amenities were amazing. I found the staff rude and unhelpful. I had to pay $47 a night for parking and most of the time I couldn’t get a spot to park or thru the gate- which was frustrating.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

William

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was not worth the price at all. Great location is about it
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cassie

Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Katie

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This hotel looks like it’s under renovation there’s a makeshift lobby. No elevator. The A/C was a wall unit and room smelled like musty mold. My fiancé got a Sunny’s infection sleeping with the AC on. There’s no longer room service. The restaurant was closed Sunday/Monday on a major holiday weekend. Both pool bars closed by 6pm. I booked for 2 days and checked out a day early.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jessica

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great pool and location but wish they would’ve notified us that they are under construction. Also they didn’t offer lunch which was odd
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Sasha

Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with pets
Disliked: Cleanliness
We have been to this resort before, but the service and amenities, and just the cleanliness of the resort has gone downhill since we were last there. It’s unfortunate, because we really loved this place. For example, the pool was disgusting with food inside of the pool and dirty cups everywhere. There were no clean towels at the pool so you had to go to the gym to get towels which did not used to be the case. The staff were really nice and tried their best but it it’s clear that they’re not sufficiently supported. Too bad again this used to be our favorite resort. We might consider coming back, but I’m more likely to try a new place next time. The cleanliness issue at the pool for me was a really big deal.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Megan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
I wish they would have mentioned the construction and a Bridal Expo at the hotel when we made the reservation. Probably would not have stayed at hotel had we known.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yongjin

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great views great location great service great people Wish more dinning options available
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Morgan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had an amazing time. The rooms were super clean. All of our needs and desires were met.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Harold

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Love the property & the staff was very Accommodating. I did have to change out of a room on the first floor. As soon as you opened the door it smelled like mold. The staff was very helpful & got me a nice clean room on the second floor.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025