Kona Kai San Diego

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Dates

December 2025

January 2026

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

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Very good

Popular amenities

Housekeeping

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

32 sq m
Bay view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Bayview Two Queen

Excellent

32 sq m
Bay view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Marina View King

Very good

32 sq m
Marina view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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

Marina View Two Queen

Wonderful

32 sq m
Marina view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Deluxe King

Very good

32 sq m
Resort view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Deluxe Two Queen

Very good

32 sq m
Resort view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Junior Suite

Exceptional

35 sq m
Resort view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

Very good

39 sq m
Bay view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

Exceptional

39 sq m
Marina view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

Excellent

39 sq m
Bay view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Marina View Junior Suite King

39 sq m
Marina view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Bayview Junior Suite King

Exceptional

39 sq m
Bay view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Fire Pit Junior Suite

39 sq m
Resort view
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

29 sq m
Resort view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

60 sq m
1 bedroom
Marina view
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

60 sq m
1 bedroom
Marina view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Similar properties

Pool
Hot tub
Spa
Pet-friendly

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

Beachfront, with full-service spa

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-per-view films. Fridges and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms include designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes, as well as telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

A private beach and a marina are featured at the hotel. 2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with Access to hot tub. Other recreational amenities include a steam room and a fitness centre.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

The on-site 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 that 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, such as 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 body scrubs, massages or body wraps at the spa
Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge and tour or ticket assistance
On-site 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 salty air and watch the ocean waves from the sandy beach. Hit the beach and work on your tan in the sunloungers (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 on-site bars, including 2 poolside bars and 2 bars/lounges. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. This beach hotel also offers a hot tub, a steam room and a fitness centre. 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 at the weekend from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Vessel Restaurant and Bar – Overlooking the pool, this restaurant specialises in local cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, dinner and light fare. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available.

Paloma Pool Bar – This poolside bar only serves light fare. Open selected days.

Tiki Bar – This poolside bar only serves light fare. A children's menu is available. Open selected days.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property

This property participates in Green Key Global – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and 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

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

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

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 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: USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 2 (weight limit: 65 lb per pet)
Food and water bowls are available

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 centre/computer access
Fitness centre 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 USD170 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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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 aged 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

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

5 Sept 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

4 Sept 2025

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

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

3 Sept 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

2 Sept 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

Travelled with group

2 Sept 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

Travelled with family

1 Sept 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

1 Sept 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ernesto

1 Sept 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

31 Aug 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

31 Aug 2025

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

31 Aug 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

25 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Olga

25 Aug 2025

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Desiree

Travelled with partner

24 Aug 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities

Great front desk staff, beautiful facilities

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Donna, Yucaipa

21 Aug 2025

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

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Marissa

20 Aug 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

Travelled with family

20 Aug 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

Travelled with family

19 Aug 2025

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

Needs to be updated

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Travelled with partner

18 Aug 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

18 Aug 2025

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

araceli

16 Aug 2025

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Terrence

Travelled with partner

15 Aug 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

Travelled with family

15 Aug 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

15 Aug 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Dorothy

14 Aug 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

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Bayview Two Queen

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Marina View King

View all photos for Marina View Two Queen

Marina View Two Queen

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Deluxe King

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen

Deluxe Two Queen

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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

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About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

Awards and affiliations

Property amenities

Internet

Parking and transport

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

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Optional extras

You need to know

We should mention

Property is also known as

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews

Reviews