Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa: Family Getaway on the Big Island of Hawai’i

Trip overview

The Outrigger Hotel group is one reason for staying here—the most Hawaiian of Hawai’i’s hotels—and not just in a “here’s a shell” kind of way.

Each hotel has its own take on Hawaiian culture, and guests are invited to participate in different activities at each outlet. Here it was both a shell necklace upon check-in, and making your own kukui nut wristband, with the addition of a white kukui nut when you return.

You won’t become a resident immediately, but it gives you a tiny glimpse into what makes Polynesia, and Hawaii itself, different from the rest of the world, and a special, special place.

Outrigger Kona laden with mature trees, beautiful flowers, and huge flower bushes!

Water amusements

I’ve been to scarier water slides, but this one is pure fun! They have a lifeguard at the top, but I’d imagine that any age can slide down, and love it!

Not just a lagoon, the water is a feature that is encircled by the hotel, including a “beach” area with sand at the edge, deeper areas for volleyball, and a swim-up bar area for adult enjoyment.

There are also wait staff to bring you drinks and food wherever you are sitting.

Walk around the entire hotel from the oceanside.

Ocean views

And the ocean, it is everywhere! As you check in, behind the front desk—ocean. On the second floor, as you head to the coffee bar, in a large break between the sides of the hotel—ocean. And as you walk the grounds, the lava, the grass, pass by yoga practitioners on the lawn—ocean!

Outrigger Kona beach, at the side of the pool.

Manta ray marvel

This is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with manta rays, at night, with lights shining into the water to attract plankton—and that attracts massive beasts gliding in the water!

You can view the spectacle from the hotel itself, but pay a few bucks and there are boating companies that are more than willing to equip you properly, motor you to the right spot, set up a floating raft with headlights facing downwards, and safely lower you into the water.

The wingspan can be up to 29 feet, and the white underbelly has their eyes, so they float and spin, and come up directly in front of you, gaping mouth open.

Bucket list item—never to be forgotten!

Outrigger Kona grounds, lava to the ocean

We absolutely loved the Outrigger Kona—it is made for families and relaxed enjoyment—and it is the hottest part of the big island, rivaling anywhere in Hawai'i for temperatures.

The only drawback I can think of is to caution that this is a 30-minute drive from the airport, and a similar drive to the town of Kona. It is not down the street. It took about an hour’s walk to get to the nearest strip mall kind of place.

Kona

Though you might be tempted to bomb back to the airport upon departure, make the trip to the quaint oceanside town of Kona for gift shops, souvenirs, restaurant/bars, oceanside imbibing.

Either rent a car, or plan on grabbing a taxi to get anywhere, and we arrived to find bars/offsales/restaurants all closed by 10 pm—so bring some supplies!

You will be very well taken care of in the morning, with a variety of outlets for coffee/drinks/breakfast/dinner, etc.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Big Island page.