King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel - Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii Historic Hotel on the Kona Coast

The Hawaiian King himself once resided on the grounds now occupied by King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. It is situated in the heart of Kailua-Kona, a fishing village known for its important role in Big Island history.

On display in the hotel's lobby area are numerous historic artifacts and depictions of life in 18th-century Hawaii. For example, there is a fascinating mural by renowned artist Herb Kane, showing Kamehameha the Great, his son Liholiho the heir apparent, and Queen Ka'ahumanu. There are also twenty portraits of Hawaiian royalty, ranging from the King and Queen to King Kamehameha IV and his wife Queen Emma, as well as the bachelor king, Kamehameha V.

Other royal items on display include Ahu'ula (a feather cape), Mahi'ole (a feathered helmet), Lei Hulu (feathered wreaths), and Lei Nio Palaoa (a whale's tooth pendant). There are various war weapons, ancient Hula instruments, and exhibits of domestic and agricultural artifacts, too, making the hotel something of a museum as well as a fascinating place to stay.

The 230 rooms in the West Tower of King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel have been extensively renovated, with plush carpeting, new wood chairs, pillow shams, wall coverings and brand-new bedding. Among bathroom upgrades are new tubs, toilets, showers and shiny fixtures. Bath & Body Works products are now featured and all rooms come with hair dryers, irons and ironing boards. Each room also comes with a new flat screen TV, complimentary Kona coffee and coffee makers, and complimentary wireless Internet access.

Among the many guest facilities available at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel are a swimming pool, a whirlpool spa, a sauna, and a beauty salon. Services include valet laundry and dry cleaning, a launderette, and free parking. There is also a convenience store on the premises, along with air-conditioned mall shops. Bookings for golf, fishing, water sports, special events and other attractions can be made at the Guest Services Desk and the Activity Desk.

Every Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday evening, the hotel conducts its festive Island Breeze Hawaiian Luau. The evening kicks off with outrigger canoes bearing the royal court, followed by outdoor feasting on a Hawaiian buffet and food prepared in an imu, the traditional underground oven. There's music, dancing, and Hawaiian and Polynesian entertainment, too.

The on-site Kona Beach Restaurant serves a breakfast buffet from 6am daily and on weekends features a Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet from 5:30pm. For those who enjoy poolside dining, the Billfish Bar serves drinks and pupus (appetizers) from 9am to 11pm each day.

King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel has been rated among the "Top Ten Wedding Worthy Hotels'' in Hawaii. A number of packaged plans are available, and the hotel's staff can assist with every aspect of the marital event, from assistance with obtaining the license to photography and video recording, site selection, decorating, flowers, entertainment, reception planning and catering.

King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is located at 75-5660 Palani Road, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740. From Keahole-Kona International Airport, take the Queen Kaahumanu Highway (State Route 19) south to State Highway 11, and continue to Palani Road. Turn right on Palani Road and continue on to the hotel.