Kanaloa at Kona – Oceanfront Condo Community in Keauhou

Fifteen years ago when I was working for the developer of the oceanfront Haliʻi Kai and Kolea condominium projects at Waikoloa Beach Resort, prospective buyers were often making a comparison with one other oceanfront condo community: Kanaloa at Kona. Both Haliʻi Kai and Kanaloa had an oceanfront pool with restaurant, tennis courts, and a gated, resort ambiance. I recently had the opportunity tour the Kanaloa at Kona community again with prospective buyers and was reminded of just how special this lifestyle would be for someone wanting a property to live part- or full-time in the Keauhou area.

Aerial view showing the oceanfront location of Kanaloa at Kona in Keauhou

Overview of the Kanaloa at Kona Condominium Community in Keauhou

The Kanaloa at Kona condo community was built in 1980, which means most of the owners have renovated their units over time, while keeping the vintage and irreplaceable koa wood cabinetry. There are 37 buildings situated on 16 oceanfront acres, with mature landscaping providing a sense of privacy. Amenities include three pools: the oceanfront pool currently under renovation, and two pools — one a “quiet” pool and the other a “family” pool — on either side of the central tennis courts and clubhouse. There is talk of modifying a portion of the clubhouse into a workout area with gym equipment, probably the only thing missing that would be standard in newer developments.

For those who are wondering, one of the tennis courts gets reserved for pickleball once a week.

Oceanfront pool at Kanaloa at Kona

Although many units have short-term vacation rental licenses and history, there are also owners who never rent, and some who live on site full-time. One of the full-time residents was the agent who toured us. She showed us the community garden area, and talked about walking the oceanfront trail to enjoy Heʻeia Beach and Keauhou Bay, and the amenities at the Outrigger Keauhou Resort. The Kona Country Club is next door for those who want to live near a golf course.

Keauhou Shopping Center is just up the hill and Saturday farmerʻs market was in full swing the day of our visit. The shopping center also houses a supermarket, drugstore, movie theater, shops and restaurants.

Perhaps the only buyer objection I have heard over the years is that the monthly dues are higher at Kanaloa at Kona than at many other properties – a function of the attended security gate as well as the low density.

2 Bedroom Ocean View Condo With Short Term Vacation Rental Permit for Sale

Quartz countertops and new appliances compliment the vintage Koa cabinets in this renovated kitchen

My clients decided to offer on a condo on the Kohala Coast, which means the unit that was a close second at Kanaloa at Kona is still available. Their first comment was that the ocean view from Kanaloa at Kona #1206 is much better in person than in the photos (this is the bane of our existence as listing agents – photos rarely do justice to the views). They also appreciated the many recent upgrades and almost-new appliances. A big plus for them was the multiple locked owner closets, so if you plan to use frequently yourself but rent when you are not occupying, you can simply leave clothing and beach toys for your personal use.

The condo comes turnkey furnished with future vacation rental bookings in place

Kanaloa at Kona 1206 has a solid vacation rental history with year-to-date occupancy at almost 80%. Let me know if you want to see a video of this property, or discuss how it compares with other options in the Keauhou area.