Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
distance to Aliʻi Dr. There's the usual crowd of youngsters, misfits and the heavily road-
worn.
Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel
HOTEL $
including Uncle Billy's because it's smack downtown and, as a result, lots of people end
up here. The problem is there's lots of street noise and that retro-chic exterior devolves
into old and boring grandma sheets inside.
Plumeria House
APARTMENT $
MAP
upland residential neighborhood, this immaculate 800 sq ft one-bedroom unit features
many convenient touches: full kitchen, filtered water, patio tables and use of wash-
er-dryer. Wheelchair accessible; $50 cleaning fee.
Kona Sugar Shack
INN $$$
MAP
(
877-324-6444, 895-2203;
www.konasugarshack.com
; 77-6483 Aliʻi Drive; r $150-540;
) The Sugar Shack hits the sweet spot when it comes to vacation rentals. The
friendly, artistic hosts have created an attractively funky yet homey three-room inn,
mostly solar powered, with shared outdoor kitchen, a miniscule pool and lots of amenit-
ies. Best of all is the eclectic decor and general vibe; this spot feels like it's happily torn
between being an art museum, attic of amazing stuff and funky gallery.
Also, the owners are great with kids. Did we mention this place is just across the street
from White Sands Beach? Three-night minimum stay required; the entire house, sleeping
15, is available for rent as well.
Hale Kona Kai
CONDO $$$
(
800-421-3696, 329-6402;
www.halekonakai-hkk.com
; 75-5870 Kahakai Rd; 1 bedroom
$170-195;
) Quietly positioned on a hidden lane just walkable to downtown,
this three-story block of frequently upgraded units is an excellent choice. At the time of
writing there were over 20 condo units to pick from, all decorated and maintained in
unique fashion, from kitschy Hawaiian Tiki-tastic to slick and modern; check the website
for individual descriptions of each property. That said, all face the ocean and have lanai.
