OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa

This resort offers a memorable experience, particularly highlighted by its unique manta ray viewing opportunities directly from the property, making it a standout feature for many guests. The extensive pool complex, including a popular waterslide, also contributes significantly to its appeal. It is an ideal destination for families seeking engaging activities and a vibrant atmosphere, as well as for couples looking for beautiful ocean views and relaxing spaces. Sightseers and adventure seekers will also find it convenient due to its proximity to various tours and local attractions. To enhance your stay, consider opting for the club lounge access, which consistently receives high praise, and be prepared for the resort's location, which often necessitates a car for exploring beyond the immediate vicinity.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort boasts a highly praised pool complex, featuring both a lively area with a waterslide popular with children and a quieter adults-only pool for relaxation. Guests appreciate the well-equipped fitness center, described as clean and modern, and the convenience of free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The Voyager 47 lounge is a significant highlight for many, offering complimentary food and beverages that greatly enhance the stay. While a spa is mentioned in the resort's name, guests frequently note it is currently closed for renovations, which can be a disappointment. Availability of paddleboards for guest use is sometimes limited, leading to frustration for those hoping to utilize this amenity. On-site shops provide convenience for souvenirs and essentials.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms spacious and appreciate the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, often noting recent renovations have given them a fresh, modern look. Many rooms offer beautiful views, especially those with ocean-facing balconies. However, some guests report issues such as cockroaches in rooms, sandy sheets upon arrival, or stains on bedding. Hot water availability and pressure can be inconsistent, taking several minutes to warm up in some instances. Noise from neighboring rooms, hallways, or even local wildlife like frogs is occasionally mentioned. While rooms typically include a Keurig coffee maker and refrigerator, microwaves are generally not available.

Dining & Food Quality
Dining experiences at the resort receive mixed feedback, with the Voyager 47 lounge consistently praised for its breakfast buffet and evening happy hour offerings, often described as substantial enough to serve as meals. The main restaurant, Piko, is noted for its good food quality, though some find the menu limited and prices high. The poolside bar and restaurant are popular for their convenient location and often receive positive comments for their food and drink quality, including specific items like avocado fries and fish tacos. However, service at the pool bar can be slow due to understaffing. The luau is generally considered an enjoyable and authentic experience, especially for families, though some find the food standard.

Location & Accessibility
The resort's location is highly valued for its beautiful ocean views and proximity to the marina, making it convenient for booking manta ray snorkeling tours and other water excursions. Guests also appreciate the on-site farmers market for local produce and crafts. However, the resort is situated about 15 minutes from downtown Kona, meaning a rental car is often necessary for exploring the wider area, including grocery stores and additional dining options. Parking is available, but guests frequently mention the significant daily parking fees, whether for self-parking or valet service, as a notable additional cost.

Staff & Service
The staff at the resort consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, with many guests highlighting individual team members across various departments. From valet service to housekeeping and cultural ambassadors, the majority of interactions are described as positive and welcoming. The check-in process is generally smooth, though some guests report initial issues with room assignments or front desk demeanor. While staff are largely attentive, some areas, particularly the bars and restaurants, can experience slow service due to understaffing, leading to longer wait times for food and drinks.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the mandatory resort fees and parking fees, which are added daily and can significantly increase the overall cost of the stay. The resort is undergoing ongoing renovations, which have impacted the availability of certain amenities like the spa and parts of the manta ray viewing deck, and can occasionally lead to construction noise. Some guests have experienced issues with late checkout requests not being accommodated, even when willing to pay. The presence of a feral cat colony on the grounds is noted by some guests as a unique and charming aspect of the property.