Description: I'm convinced that people are either going to love this place (as we did) or hate it (as I've read in many reviews). Read my take and figure out which group you will be in…
Bali Kai is RIGHT on the ocean… well, the "true" oceanfront units are (the only ones I'd bother with). This means the wave noise is LOUD, and wonderful (for us) or annoying (to some). The master bedroom and living room open up to the Lanai and the view/water. We loved it and left the doors open to hear it better.
They have a pool, but it's in the middle of the complex, with no view of the ocean. They also have free wi-fi in the lobby, but we could get it in our unit as well, which was VERY nice to have.
Rooms vary in condition. We stayed in unit no. 315, and it was mediocre. The kitchen was horribly stocked (cooking/eating) and the dishwasher didn't work well. However, we didn't stay there for the kitchen; we stayed for the proximity to the water. That said, I'd pick a different unit next time. One note, too: due to palm trees, one can't see the sunset from this unit. That didn't bother us, but reading the guestbook, it bothered some. This unit had a washer and dryer, which was extremely convenient.
Another aspect of Bali Kai is the location. It's away from town proper, which we loved, but if you want to walk to town, it's a hike. It also means you don't have the noise from town. Then, too, it's located next to a popular local surfer's beach. We enjoyed seeing the locals and watching them surf. Some folks are turned off by them, a point I'll never understand, but nonetheless true. There is security always around and we never felt unsafe. We let the boys roam by themselves on the lava rocks in front of our unit, and they saw tons of turtles and all sorts of fish and eels. They loved it down there. You can't swim here though.
Let's see… they have barbecue grills outside, there's a Protestant church right next door if you'd like a Sunday Service (nice, friendly, and contemporary, though crowded, but in a great oceanfront location), there's a small shop for very basic food or supplies, and it was quiet when we were there. It's an easy drive to shopping or town, yet you get the feeling of being away from it all.
We really liked Kona Bali Kai and will probably stay there again, but you have to be the right "type" for it—love the location and ocean noise—and not need "luxury" condo appointments (though some units might vary on that). It also appears to be less expensive than other waterfront condos, so it can be a good "waterfront" budget buy.
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