Aston Kona by the Sea
Overview
Perched on a rocky lava shoreline along Alii Drive, Aston Kona by the Sea is an intimate 86-unit condo resort that delivers genuine oceanfront living on the Big Island's sunny Kona Coast. This isn't a sprawling mega-resort — it's two low-rise, four-story buildings set on three tropical acres where crashing waves provide the soundtrack and sunsets paint the sky right from your lanai.
Every unit comes with a full gourmet kitchen, in-suite washer/dryer, and generous living space — even one-bedroom condos stretch to 919 square feet, while two-bedrooms reach 1,263 square feet. It's the kind of setup that makes extended Hawaiian stays not just possible, but genuinely comfortable. Fire up the BBQ grills by the pool, stock your kitchen with fresh fish from the local market, and settle into the rhythm of Kona living.
Managed by Aqua-Aston Hospitality, the property sits along the historic Alii Drive corridor, within easy reach of Kailua-Kona town's restaurants, shops, and coffee farms. The oceanfront saltwater pool and hot tub overlook the Pacific, and while the shoreline here is rocky rather than sandy, beautiful swimming beaches like Magic Sands and Kahaluu are just a short drive south.
Accommodation Options
All 86 units are individually owned condominiums with full kitchens and a residential feel that sets them apart from standard hotel rooms. One-Bedroom units (919 sq ft) feature a king bed, full bathroom, separate living area, and a furnished lanai — available in Partial Ocean View, Ocean View, and Oceanfront configurations.
Two-Bedroom units (1,263 sq ft) add a second bedroom and bathroom, sleeping up to six guests comfortably. Every unit includes a full-size refrigerator, stovetop and oven, microwave, dishwasher, rice cooker, blender, and coffee maker — plus a washer/dryer, flat-screen TV with Blu-ray player, and complimentary WiFi.
Because units are individually owned and decorated, quality and furnishings can vary. Some have been recently updated with modern finishes, while others retain a more classic Hawaiian style. If updated decor is a priority, it's worth checking photos for your specific unit when booking.
Pools, Beaches & Activities
The resort's oceanfront saltwater pool sits right on the lava rock shoreline, giving you unobstructed Pacific views as you swim. A heated lava rock hot tub alongside the pool is perfect for sunset soaks, and the surrounding sandy lounge area with coconut palms creates a relaxed tropical atmosphere.
The shoreline directly in front of the resort is dramatic lava rock — beautiful to look at and great for watching wave action, but not suitable for swimming. An adjacent public ocean pool (a natural tidal pool maintained by the county) offers a unique alternative for ocean dipping. For sandy beach days, Magic Sands Beach is less than two miles south, and Kahaluu Beach Park — one of the Big Island's best snorkeling spots — is just 2.8 miles away.
Dining
Aston Kona by the Sea has no on-site restaurant, but that's by design — the full gourmet kitchens in every unit make self-catering easy and economical, especially for longer stays. Outdoor BBQ grills are available for guests, and grilling fresh catch from the local fish market while watching the sunset is a quintessential Kona experience.
The resort's location on Alii Drive puts you within easy reach of Kailua-Kona's dining scene. Dozens of restaurants line the drive and cluster around the town center, from casual poke spots and coffee shops to oceanfront fine dining. The Kona Brewing Company, Huggo's on the Rocks, and Island Lava Java are all nearby favorites.
Nearby Attractions
Kailua-Kona town is about two miles north along Alii Drive, offering shops, galleries, restaurants, and the historic Hulihe'e Palace — a former royal vacation home. The Kailua Pier is the departure point for deep-sea fishing charters and snorkel cruises.
Kahaluu Beach Park (2.8 miles south) is one of the Big Island's most accessible snorkeling spots, with resident sea turtles and colorful reef fish in calm, shallow waters. Coffee lovers should head uphill to the Holualoa artistic colony (3.8 miles), where small-batch Kona coffee farms offer tours and tastings.
For bigger day trips, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about 80 miles and a 2-hour drive across the island, while the Kohala Coast's luxury resorts and white sand beaches are 30-40 minutes north.
Tips & Good to Know
Because units are individually owned, the condition and furnishings can vary significantly — ask your booking agent about the specific unit or check photos carefully. Wing 1 units tend to be quieter, while Wing 2 is closer to the ocean but gets louder wave sounds at night, which can be either a feature or a drawback depending on your preference.
Housekeeping runs every third day rather than daily — bring that into your expectations. A departure cleaning fee ($120 for one-bedroom, $130 for two-bedroom) is charged in addition to the nightly rate.
Free self-parking is a genuine perk on the Big Island, where resort parking fees can run $30-70+ per night at larger properties. The property is entirely non-smoking, and pets are not allowed.
Location
75-6106 Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
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