Kona Kai San Diego

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Dates

December 2025

January 2026

2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, cabanas (surcharge)

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Very good

Popular amenities

Housekeeping

$291 nightly

$335 total

Total with taxes and fees

Dec 12 - Dec 13

Explore the area

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

Bayview King

344 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Bayview Two Queen

Excellent

344 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Marina View King

Very good

344 sq ft
Marina view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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

Marina View Two Queen

Wonderful

344 sq ft
Marina view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Deluxe King

Very good

344 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Deluxe Two Queen

Very good

344 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Junior Suite

Exceptional

377 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

Very good

420 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

Exceptional

420 sq ft
Marina view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

Excellent

420 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Marina View Junior Suite King

420 sq ft
Marina view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Bayview Junior Suite King

Exceptional

420 sq ft
Bay view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Fire Pit Junior Suite

420 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

315 sq ft
Resort view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

645 sq ft
1 bedroom
Marina view
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

645 sq ft
1 bedroom
Marina view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Similar properties

Outdoor pool, open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, cabanas (surcharge)

Pool
Hot Tub
Spa
Pet friendly

$207 nightly

Dec 16 - Dec 17

Total with taxes and fees

About the neighborhood

San Diego

Located in San Diego (Point Loma), Kona Kai San Diego is within a 15-minute drive of Old Town San Diego State Park and USS Midway Museum. .This beach hotel is 5.7 mi (9.2 km) from Cabrillo National Monument and 6.1 mi (9.8 km) from Seaport Village.

What's nearby

Shelter Island - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
San Diego Bay - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
San Diego Yacht Club - 3 min drive - 1.0 mile
USS Recruit - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles

Getting around

County Center - Little Italy Station - 10 min drive
Old Town Transit Center - 16 min drive
San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

‪Bali Hai Restaurant - ‬18 min walk
‪Point Loma Seafoods - ‬4 min drive
‪Blue Wave Bar & Grill - ‬8 min walk
‪La Perla #3 - ‬4 min drive
‪Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

Beachfront, with 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.

Make yourself at home in one of the 170 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and iPod docking stations. Rooms have private balconies or patios. 42-inch flat-screen televisions with digital programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers.

Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. After dipping into one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools, you can spend some time at the private beach. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.

You can enjoy a meal at Vessel Restaurant and Bar serving the guests of Kona Kai San Diego, or stop in at the snack bar/deli. Wind down with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges or 2 poolside bars. Buffet breakfasts are served on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and on weekends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for a fee.

Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in San Diego? This hotel has 56000 square feet (5203 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and 5 meeting rooms. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM and on weekends between 11:00 AM and 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 transportation

Electric car charging station on site
Self 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 motorized 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 center
5 meeting rooms
Computer station
Conference center (56,000 square feet 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
Elevator
Stair-free path to entrance
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible business center
Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
Wheelchair-accessible gym
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
Wheelchair-accessible pool
Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
Wheelchair-accessible spa

3 floors
8 buildings
Ballroom
Built in 1959
Fireplace in lobby
Reception hall
Smoking not allowed
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 movies

Food and drink

Champagne service
Coffee/tea maker
Minibar
Refrigerator

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 allowed for an extra charge of USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Welcoming dogs only

2 total (up to 65 lbs per pet)

Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

2 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

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 have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

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

We should mention

Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms

The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation

Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Linda, San Carlos

Sep 5, 2025

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

Sep 4, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Sep 3, 2025

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

Sep 2, 2025

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

Traveled with group

Sep 2, 2025

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

Traveled with family

Sep 1, 2025

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

Sep 1, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ernesto

Sep 1, 2025

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

Aug 31, 2025

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

Aug 31, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Aug 31, 2025

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

Aug 25, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Olga

Aug 25, 2025

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Desiree

Traveled with partner

Aug 24, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities

Great front desk staff, beautiful facilities

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Donna, Yucaipa

Aug 21, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Marissa

Aug 20, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

I rarely write reviews, but my experience at Kona Kai Resort San Diego was disappointing and misleading. I booked a Bayview Junior Suite King months in advance, expecting the waterfront views and layout shown in the photos. What I got instead was a completely different room — different furniture, layout, and a parking lot view. The front desk even admitted the room didn’t match what was advertised. At over $400 a night, that’s unacceptable. After pushing back, they finally offered the correct room — but not until the next day. We had to cancel our anniversary plans just to pack, wait, and switch rooms. This wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was about getting what we paid for. I hope management does the right thing and refunds us for the first night. A resort advertising itself as luxury shouldn’t leave guests feeling deceived.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Traveled with family

Aug 20, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

One of our favorite, family friendly, beautiful, quiet resorts to sneak away to

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Christy, South Pasadena

Traveled with family

Aug 19, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Needs to be updated

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Traveled with partner

Aug 18, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

This is a chill relaxing place with a chill staff. I pretty much stayed at the resort the whole time

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Vikas

Aug 18, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

araceli

Aug 16, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Terrence

Traveled with partner

Aug 15, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

The hotel is in a beautiful area. It has a terrific gym, pool, and other amenities. There is a lovely walking path near the water. The staff was professional and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable. Most movies were on demand and generally it seemed that the hotel made most eating options geared toward using the rather expensive restaurant. Free coffee in the morning was only available from 4-7 am with no free pastry or fruit options provided in hopes you would pay for the $28 breakfast buffet in the restaurant. The coffee urn was removed promptly at 7:05 am. This seemed a little chintzy for an otherwise good hotel. The parking was an extra $45 per night unexpected expense and the use of the room key card to enter and exit the parking lot was a little inconvenient. Overall we enoyed our visit and would stay here again.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Traveled with family

Aug 15, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Family friendly property, beautiful location with views of the water.

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Margarita

Aug 15, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Dorothy

Aug 14, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

Kona Kai San Diego

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Kona Kai San Diego

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Room options

View all photos for Bayview King

Bayview King

View all photos for Bayview Two Queen

Bayview Two Queen

View all photos for Marina View King

Marina View King

View all photos for Marina View Two Queen

Marina View Two Queen

View all photos for Deluxe King

Deluxe King

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen

Deluxe Two Queen

View all photos for Deluxe Junior Suite

Deluxe Junior Suite

View all photos for Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite King

Marina View Junior Suite King

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite King

Bayview Junior Suite King

View all photos for Fire Pit Junior Suite

Fire Pit Junior Suite

View all photos for Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

View all photos for Waterview One Bedroom Suite

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

View all photos for Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

Similar properties

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

About the neighborhood

San Diego

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

Awards and affiliations

Property amenities

Internet

Parking and transportation

Food and drink

Restaurants on site

Things to do

Family friendly

Conveniences

Guest services

Business services

Outdoors

Full-service spa

Accessibility

More

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bathroom

Entertainment

Food and drink

More

Policies

Check-in

Check-out

Special check-in instructions

Access methods

Pets

Children and extra beds

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Optional extras