Review of the Pacific 19 Kona Hotel – Peaceful and Affordable in Kailua-Kona

So many of the hotel options when you’re planning a trip to Hawaii are full on resorts sprawling along the beach or across the lava field. There are a few great hotels, like the Pacific 19 Kona, that are simple and just ideal for having a nice place to stay that’s not a full on resort. Located directly downtown in Kailua-Kona, walking distance to nearly everything in town, the Pacific 19 is a freshly updated, very chill, affordable hotel in a perfect spot.

Are you trying to pick a place to stay that’s nice, convenient, affordable AND feels like a great retreat in Kailua-Kona? If so, read on and you might have found your solution with the Pacific 19 hotel. If you have any questions about staying here or planning a trip to the Big Island, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a wonderful Aloha trip!

Why Stay at the Pacific 19 Kona

When you are planning your time on the Kona Coast, so much of the days are spent out and about exploring, whether you’re doing guided hiking on the Hualalai Volcano or up on Kohala at the waterfalls, or if you’re just bouncing from beach to beach snorkeling, so just having a simple place to come home to and relax is great. I love fancy resorts, but I really like it when we get to explore and then don’t feel bad about not taking advantage of the hotel and its amenities.

The Pacific 19 Kona has enough going on that you can just enjoy the relaxing atmosphere by the pool or on the patio, but not so much that you feel like you’re missing out if you’re gone all day. Convenience and price are probably two of the biggest selling points for the Pacific 19 Kona hotel. Such a central location with self-parking AND it’s usually the best nightly rate in Kona, that’s just such a win.

The property itself is very nice and open, very similar to the SCP Hilo Hotel, which we also love. There is wonderful public space and the rooms are plenty large for up to four people. I’ve stayed here twice and I’m sure we’ll stay at the Pacific 19 Kona again.

Book the Pacific 19 Kona here!

Room Options at the Pacific 19

I like the size of the standard rooms at the Pacific 19 Kona. There is ample space for luggage, relaxing, yoga, hanging out, whatever. The balconies are good size and the bathroom is very standard. The decor is nice, subtle and very Hawaii-mod. For the room types, you can choose between a King bed or two Doubles (I think they’re queen beds but they’re listed as doubles). And then from there you book based on the view, with the most premium view being the partial ocean or pool view.

For families that need more space than a two bed room, there are also a few suite options that have a separate King bedroom and then a pullout sofa. They’re like small apartments. If you’re planning to stay in Kona for several days, these are a great option to set up a functional home base.

Pacific 19 Kona Amenities

The primary amenity is the large swimming pool. The Pacific 19 Kona has a lovely space surrounding the pool with a deck, tables and chairs, lounge chairs with umbrellas and more. This is where the daily complimentary yoga takes place and where my afternoon naps happen (I’ve fallen asleep here with no judgement and I love it). There are pool towels provided, and if you want to go to the beach that’s just a block away you can take them with you there as well.

There isn’t a fitness center on property, but two blocks up the hill is a gym that you can purchase a gym pass for. I actually love when we stay in downtown Kailua-Kona because I have a great running route that’s not too steep and is pretty safe, in regards to traffic. From Pilani Road to the Kuakini Highway and then back down the hill to Ali’i Drive and you’ve got a flexible 3-5 mile running route. Wifi and morning coffee are complimentary, and there is a great lobby space if you need to work for some reason.

Dining Near Pacific 19 Kona

The Pacific 19 Kona hotel doesn’t have a restaurant or room service, but they do have a coffee cart out on the patio that opens at 6:00 am through the lunch hours. You can get a variety of beverages and some snacks, and they’ve got lots of milk options. I love staying in downtown because there are so many food options within such a short walk. Along Ali’i Drive, all the way down to the Royal Kona Resort you’ll find good restaurants, and I consider it all walking distance. Two blocks up the hill there is also a KTA grocery store and a Longs Drugs (and more dining) if you need it.

Pacific 19 Parking Information

I despise paying for parking; how dumb to pay to let your car sit somewhere. Parking is included when you’re a guest at the Pacific 19 Kona hotel. This is a big win because Hawaii is a very expensive destination, so those savings here and there add up. Be sure you get a parking pass when you check in though, as they do monitor their parking areas.

Activities and Sights Near Pacific 19 Kona

Since the Pacific 19 is located downtown Kailua-Kona, you are steps away from everything. Just a block down the hill is the beach at Kamakahonu Historic Site in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel. And then there’s also the Island Breeze Luau right there as well. If you want to leave your car at the hotel and get on the water, Body Glove Hawaii’s Super Raft, whale watching and historic dinner cruise all go out from the Kailua Pier, as well as the Kona Style manta ray snorkeling trip. The Hulihe’e Palace is another block away… Basically staying here puts you in the heart of so many great activities.

In case you do want to drive to go exploring, here are some more great options for things to do within a 15 minute drive of the Pacific 19 Kona:

• Kaloko Honokohau National Historic Park – beach with sea turtles (honu)
• Old Kona Airport Park – community botanical garden and tidepool beach
• Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation – a cool cloud forest Kona Coffee operation
• Voyagers of the Pacific Luau – this is actually walkable, located at the Royal Kona Resort
• Guided hiking trips with Hawaii Forest & Trial – five minute drive and then they’ll take you hiking either up the Hualalai Volcano or to do the Kohala waterfalls.