Hotels of Earth

Kona Kai San Diego

★★★★ 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, 92106, San Diego, US

8.4 guest rating· 339 reviews

About this hotel

Relax at the Spa and Beach

Indulge in massages, body treatments, and a private beach after a swim in one of the outdoor pools.

Dining and Entertainment

Savor a meal at Vessel Restaurant and Bar, unwind at the bars/lounges, and enjoy poolside drinks.

Event Spaces and Amenities

With a 24-hour business center, event spaces, and luxurious guestrooms, every need is catered to.

Escape to Kona Kai San Diego for a luxurious getaway filled with relaxation and indulgence.

Rooms & rates

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

Sleeps 4 · 60 m² · King bed, Sofa bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Deep soaking bathtub

Marina View Junior Suite King

Sleeps 3 · 39 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower

Deluxe Junior Suite

Sleeps 3 · 35 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe King

Sleeps 2 · 32 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Bathroom grab bars
  • Coffee/tea maker

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

Sleeps 2 · 29 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Fire Pit Junior Suite

Sleeps 4 · 39 m² · 2× Queen Bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

Sleeps 3 · 39 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower

Bayview Junior Suite King

Sleeps 3 · 39 m² · King bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower

Marina View Two Queen

Sleeps 4 · 32 m² · 2× Queen Bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Two Queen

Sleeps 4 · 32 m² · 2× Queen Bed

  • Desk
  • Balcony or patio
  • Private bathroom
  • Bathroom grab bars
  • Coffee/tea maker

Amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Pool cabanas (surcharge)
  • Pool sun loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Conference space
  • Full-service spa
  • Health or beauty spa nearby
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Fitness facilities
  • Wheelchair-accessible fitness center
  • Self parking (surcharge)
  • Wheelchair accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Show all 59 amenities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Wheelchair-accessible on-site restaurant
  • Beach cabanas (surcharge)
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach yoga on site
  • On private beach
  • Golfing nearby
  • 24-hour front desk
  • 24-hour business center
  • Accessible shuttle
  • ATM/banking
  • Ballroom
  • Boat tours on site
  • Braille or raised signage
  • Computer station
  • Concierge service
  • Conference center
  • Electric car charging station
  • Elevator
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Food and water bowls
  • Garden
  • Gift shops or newsstand
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Luggage storage
  • Marina on site
  • Multilingual staff
  • No accessible shuttle
  • Personal motorized watercraft on site
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages available
  • Reception hall
  • Sailing on site
  • Smoke-free property
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Steam room
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Terrace
  • Tours/ticket assistance
  • Wedding services
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom

Location

© OpenStreetMap contributors

1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, 92106, San Diego, US

Check-in
from 04:00 PM to 02:00 AM
Check-out
until 11:00 AM

What guests say8.4339 reviews

+ Comfortable beds+ Friendly staffTerrible food serviceInadequate staffing
Cleanliness8.0
Service8.4
Location9.5
Room Quality8.9
Amenities8.5
Value for Money7.9

Plesant location for a conference. Great change from the norm.

10.0

Kona Kai was a fantastic destination for the conference I attended. The location was perfect and a great view of the harbour. Staff were friendly and helpful. Rooms are on the smaller side but very nice overall.

ctgrant · ST. CATHARINES, ONTARIO · 2026-02-13

Loved my stay at Kona Kai

10.0

I had a wonderful experience at Kona Kai The facilities and amenities are top notch. I felt like I walked into a showroom when I opened the door to my room. Location, Location, Location.

Navigator40920521246 · 2026-02-13

The best place for families or for couples looking to get away.

10.0

I had the best room, with a breathtaking view of the marina that woke me up each morning. Stepping out, it felt like I was in Hawaii. The tropical plants and relaxed, quiet atmosphere made it perfect for my family of four. My sons enjoyed the pool, the games in the communal garden area, and the fire pits.

V8027ZWnaomia · 2026-02-10

A peaceful stay

10.0

I arrived at this resort feeling completely drained and emotionally overwhelmed, but I left feeling renewed. What sets this place apart is not just the luxury, but the profound sense of emotional comfort provided by the staff. From the moment I checked in, the team seemed to sense both my family and I needed peace and a moment to recollect ourselves. They handled everything with a quiet, gentle efficiency that made me feel instantly welcomed and secure. The room was a masterpiece with incredibly comfortable linens, and a view that felt like a private slice of heaven. It is rare to find a business that treats you like a human being rather than just a reservation number. If you are looking for a place to heal, to breathe, and to feel genuinely cared for, this resort is an absolute gem. They don't just provide a bed, they provide a sanctuary.

toeafuaa · 2026-02-10

Kona Kai, a gem that provided excellent service with beautiful marina and ocean views!

10.0

First, I would like to say that I don’t usually write hotel reviews but the Kona Kai Resort in San Diego deserved this one!!! Our family will forever be grateful for the kindness and compassion we experienced at Kona Kai Resort on Shelter Island during one of the hardest moments of our lives. We were in San Diego to attend a family member’s funeral, and from the very first moments at check-in, we felt genuinely cared for. The General Manager Joseph personally welcomed our family. During check in, the hotel supervisor remembered why we were there, offered her heartfelt condolences, and reassured us that we were supported throughout our stay. That level of thoughtfulness meant more to us than words can express. We booked eight rooms, and every single one was clean, comfortable, and filled with beautiful water views that brought a sense of peace during such an emotional time. We were especially thankful for the convenience of parking close to our rooms, which made things so much easier for our large family. In the evenings, the fire pits became a place of comfort and healing for us—a calm, quiet space where we could gather together, reflect, and find moments of peace. Our children found joy in the swimming pool and the fire pit in the swim area, and it meant everything to us as parents to know they were in a safe, welcoming environment where they could relax and just be kids. On our final morning, we shared breakfast at the hotel buffet, and once again, the staff’s kindness and attentiveness did not go unnoticed. The food was wonderful, especially the eggs Benedict and crepes, which were a bright spot and a comforting way to end our stay. Kona Kai was so much more than a place to sleep. It was a place of comfort, compassion, and care when our family needed it most. We are deeply thankful to Joseph Taumua and his entire Kona Kai team and would highly recommend this property to anyone visiting San Diego—especially families looking for a truly supportive and welcoming environment.

Z9909BKjackj · 2026-02-09

10/10 Would Recommend

10.0

We recently spent a weekend at Kona Kai Resort in San Diego and had an amazing experience. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Our kids had an absolute blast enjoying the pool, the private beach, and making s’mores at the bonfire pits. The restaurant was delicious, and the staff was consistently attentive and professional. Our room was very clean and well maintained, which made our stay even more comfortable. A special shoutout to Joseph, the General Manager, who truly went above and beyond. He took exceptional care of our family from the moment we checked in until checkout, making us feel genuinely welcomed and ensuring all our needs were met. Thanks to him and the wonderful team, our stay was seamless and memorable. We will absolutely be returning for a future stay.

813justinee · 2026-02-08

Good to know

Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.

The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.

Pets

Pet max weight (per pet) in lb is 65

Pets

Maximum number of pets per room 2

Pets

Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

Noise policy

Noise-free rooms not guaranteed

Check-in & Check-out

Contactless check-out is available

Sustainability Certifications

Green Key Global

Guest type

Essential workers only - NO

Pets

Pets allowed

Pets

Pet max weight (per pet) in kg is 29

General

Professional property host/manager

Pets

Only dogs are allowed

Pets

Service animals are allowed