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.

Best Things Nearby:
The property advertises that one may walk to town but it is probably too far for most people. Town is cute with some good restaurants.

Best Things About the Resort:
The one pool area wasn't too bad but we were so turned off by this place that we didn't even use it. And that is quite unusual for us.

Resort Experience:
NOT a resort but old apartment complex. Traded platinum week from Raintree Los Cabos Club Regina. Received dumpy one bedroom that was not entirely clean. Discovered that Raintree does not own the entire property, just 22 units. I would be surprised if Raintree owns even one beachfront unit. Yet, this is advertised as a Raintree "Resort."

No beachfront view as promised. No aloha spirit. Manager uttered an apology but her tone was so loud that I could not hear the words, if you know what I mean.

No way to wheel in luggage either. You must carry each piece down several steps. (Isn’t there a national law to provide for wheelchair access? WON’T HAPPEN HERE.)

Hallway carpet was old and stained. Elevator had no inspection sticker. The worst thing is that there seem to be people living here.

Nice island to drive with many $50 hotel rooms. Why pay more? Avoid this place. This island is big so do not try to stay at one place or you will be driving home at night. Go to the volcano, stay at the Volcano House Hotel (ancient but cool). When finished in this area, pack it up and drive on to Hilo.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Poor
• Amenities: Poor
• Unit Satisfaction: Poor
• Family Friendliness: Poor
• Service: Poor

Two bedrooms; one king, one queen, and two twin platform beds (move the cushions off the sofa) in the living room. The kitchen was large, with tremendous storage space, but I don't know for what you might use it. Two bathrooms, a beautiful view from the lanai. No access to the ocean from the resort.

This is a golf resort. You have to walk about a quarter of a mile or so to get to a public beach, and you have to walk through another resort to get to it. But once you are there, it is almost like a private beach, because the hotel behind the beach is closed, with broken windows, graffiti, and overgrowth of tropicals and shrubs.

The golf course is nice, well groomed. There are two pools, a large one by the activities center and a quiet pool (adult) with a whirlpool/hot tub nearer the entrance to the resort. You have to pay a surcharge for air conditioning daily if you have a key in your possession to use it. And you probably will. There was a TV in the living room, and in each bedroom. Tennis courts, restaurant on site. We used neither. This is for a golf vacation. Or shopping, maybe sightseeing, as it is centrally located on the west coast. This is not a resort for water sports or swimming, or beaching.

Best Things Nearby:
Incredible snorkeling, Kona town.

Best Things About the Resort:
Brand new, spacious, and well-appointed. Luxurious pools and hot tubs with waterfalls. Free snorkel gear for guest use! Right across from great snorkeling areas.

Resort Experience:
Vacationing in Kona can be fun for families, romantic for couples, adventurous for singles, and everything in between. The Kona Hawaiian Village is a brand new, Gold Crown resort, luxuriously appointed, spacious, and comfortable. Kona town offers great snorkeling, beautiful weather, history, and fun shopping. Be sure to rent a car and check out the rest of the island, though!

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

If you like to be within walking distance to the downtown area for shopping, restaurants and entertaiment, the Kona Reef represents a favorable option.

The walk to town was about a half mile. The week we visited was the week before the Ironman competition, so the streets were bustling, both night and day.

Our third floor one-bedroom unit had a dynamite view of the Pacific. Although the resort is set right on the water (you could leave your sliders to the deck open and hear the surf pound!), it's not swimmable. The shore is rough lava. However, we could watch the Ironman competitors from our balcony, practicing their ocean swims.

The unit was quite comfortable, with a small but serviceable kitchen with pantry, a combination living/dining room, a decent-size bedroom, washer/dryer and a single bathroom. The living area leads out to the balcony via glass sliders. The bedroom is on the opposite end of the unit. So those who like to go to sleep and awaken to the sound of pounding surf will have to sleep on the fold-out couch, unfortunately.

The decor was tropical and in good shape. The couch and dining room chairs were quite comfortable. There was a TV and VCR, although neither got much use.

The pool was sparkling and inviting, and the jacuzzi was appropriately warm. The gas grill area was well-designed, with lots of tiled counter space, a sink, and a roof for when it was raining.

Parking was covered, one level below the units. The management was helpful and checking in was easy.

Although the town was congested, excitement over the upcoming event was high. We found that because of that and the hospitable weather, October was an excellent time to stay here.