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Kona Kai is a magical hideaway, teeming with the natural beauty of old Key Largo and hand-polished into one of the most exclusive resorts known to the Florida Keys. Our resort is private, very intimate, and adult-only (14 or older). The thirteen (13) charming guest rooms and suites are as refreshing, unique, and fanciful as their tropical fruit namesakes. Washed with natural light, 100% cotton fabrics, and original art, the overall feeling is one of elegant simplicity and perfection. You instantly feel at home, carefree and comfortable.
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Kona Kai Resort is celebrated for its comprehensive amenities that ensure a relaxing stay, with guests frequently praising the range of offerings and their easy access. Nestled in a tranquil waterfront location, the resort is lauded for its serene environment away from the usual resort noise. Reviewers consistently highlight the resort's immaculate cleanliness and well-kept grounds. The atmosphere is described as both tranquil and picturesque, with lush gardens and thematically decorated rooms creating a peaceful retreat.
While the value is generally appreciated, with clean, spacious rooms at reasonable prices, an occasional critique does surface. The resort's service, characterized by warm hospitality, attentive staff, and helpful local recommendations, garners frequent commendations. Rooms at Kona Kai Resort are particularly noted for their cleanliness, tropical theming, and comfort, adding to the overall experience of a cozy tropical getaway.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Cozy
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Well-appointed
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Kona Kai is lovely! We stayed in the Breadfruit suite and had a magical view of the bay. The grounds are kept pristine daily and the beach and dock area are perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset. Even though most rooms were occupied we never felt it was at all crowded and appreciated the adults only atmosphere. I have to say it is a bit pricey considering there is currently no breakfast or housekeeping provided, but everything in the Keys is pricey. We were very comfortable and highly recommend Kona Kai!
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It feels very tropical and cozy the room I had was called the passion fruit it had its own kitchen living and small dining area . The grounds were so tranquil the office staff were amazing and accommodating. The property is located directly on the water with all little small islands off in the distance . Property had so many little additional details scattered through the small property. Free kayaks and paddle boards. Everything was so organized from start to finish. I absolutely love this place! The room had absolutely everything that you can need and was spotless . Feels so cozy here . I only took videos so I can’t upload a photo but it’s beautiful and the water was a beautiful shade of green and you could actually see your feet . I live 3 hours away in Florida and our water isn’t anything as nice is this . This is a must if you are staying in Key Largo do not look any further book the room here today !
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kona Kai Resort Resort, Owner at Kona Kai Resort
Responded 10 Nov 2024
Thank you so much for your ALL your beautiful comments. We can only hope that you will return soon and tell ALL the friends you love about Kona Kai Resort 💫💗💫
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What a place! This is my second year in a row staying here and it just gets better and better. This is a really great spot if you’re looking for a place with a ton of character that has everything you need in your literal backyard. I’ve stayed at a “major chain” resort down the street and Kona Kai has them beat. No matter the room you get, you won’t disappointed. The team takes true care of everything from the grounds to the customer service at the property. Oh, and did I mention the sunsets? Some of the best in all of Florida. Plus, you don’t have to do any sea life tours, because you can take the complimentary rentals (paddle board or kayak) out to venture out into the bay. Dolphins, manatees, and yes, there is a Miss Crocodile, too, and you can typically see them all if you watch golden hour out ON the water (mostly the dolphins and manatees). And Kathryn, she is by far one of the best you’ll meet in all of the keys.
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Date of stay: February 2025
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Location
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Service
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kona Kai Resort Resort, Owner at Kona Kai Resort
Responded 1 week ago
Wow! Thank you Sharon for seeing and sharing all the character Kona Kai has to offer... We look forward to seeing you soon. Sunny regards, Kona Kai Family 🌞
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Kona Kai Resort, Gallery & Botanic Garden 97802 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, FL 33037
3 Stars
After my recent visit to the Gardens Hotel in Key West, it is going to be difficult to match them as the present BBDO Hotel/Resort Zenith. But, as previously mentioned, I had a new goal, so we drove down to Key Largo. Thankfully, it is a rather short drive from our section of the Space Coast as opposed to the mind-numbing trip to Key West, which, after a night of jactation, was for the best.
My hostess, Kathryn, was as charming, kind and wonderful as you could hope for as your first contact with Kona Kai. Kudos to whoever hired her! This is where you give her a well-earned raise. After Kathryn, I noticed the grounds upon which the Resort was constructed. They are tropical and fun, with a gorgeous pool, a serene dock protruding into the languorous Gulf, and an authentic, honest-to-Ma Bell phone booth complete with (gasp) an original phone book! However, as it was missing the actual phone, it was more a museum piece than a tool of the past.
There is also an overabundance of Iguanas scurrying about the place, which, quite frankly, I find tres cool. I found the Art Gallery to be as quaint as Kathryn was charming. It is filled with nautically themed art; we are in the Keys. So, if you like that stuff, you will enjoy lounging through their Gallery. I would surmise by now you are asking yourself, “So, why the 3 Stars, Big Boy?” In a word: accommodations. No matter how much cool ya got on the premises, if the rooms aren't top-notch, you can't be fantastic.
This room is like a tropical-themed Hampton Inn. It's flat, unflattering, and has NO A/C, except for a mini-split unit creating more humidity than cold air. The coffee cups for the in-room Keurig are so small that I had to leave the premises to get my morning cup of Joe. Short of Kathryn, the King of Cool Lizards and the fantastic piscina, this place would be lower rated.
The Big Boy says, “The room is below average and not worth two bits let alone the rate they charge.”
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was a perfect place to stay on the Keys. The staff made us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. Our suite was cute and perfect for our drive down the Keys, it contained a kitchen, and everything needed to make a meal but the food.
The pool looked spotless and wish we had gotten in earlier and had more energy to take a dip in it, but instead, we enjoyed watching the ocean from our beach chairs and relaxing in the hammock.
We watched a beautiful bird walk out on the peir at night and got up the next morning and used the provided kayak gear to go out on the water before heading down the keys.
This staff was also very gracious to reschedule us from November to December due to hurricane Nicole and we are grateful that we were able to finally stay here, you should stop and stay here if you are looking for a place to stay you will remember the stay.
As well one last thing, we were extremely impressed with how well the property is maintained. Staff were constantly taking care of the property, such as raking the beach area.
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Date of stay: December 2022
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Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Starfruit was nice
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clean, comfortable, quiet small resort. Very friendly and helpful staff. all amenities in good working order. beautiful views of sunsets. Nice touch with the botanical gardens on site as well as the small art gallery. Gives it an upscale touch without the cookie cutter trappings of chains... location far from resorts also means it's calm (no jetskis buzzing around, no loud radios playing music you did not choose...) Located close to many other activities Will definitely return
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kona Kai Resort Kona Kai Resort, Owner at Kona Kai Resort
Responded 18 Aug 2024
Thank you for sharing...we only hope you will return to see us again soon! Cheers!
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First time to Kona Kai Key Largo and we loved it!! It was the perfect resort for couples. The resort was exactly as their website advertised. When you walk onto the property it was like stepping into another world. Beautiful grounds, wonderful accommodations, perfect private beach where you could watch the beautiful sunsets each night. The pool and hot tub were perfect overlooking the grounds and you could actually gaze out at the bay while enjoying both. In fact, there was not a bad view from anywhere on the property. If you want R&R this is the place to be. The only thing better than the resort itself was the staff. The ground keepers each day raked the sand on the beach, wiped off all the outdoor furniture, swept the entrance to each cottage and much more. I might add they did all this very quietly never disturbing a quest. The only thing better than the resort were Kathryn, Zee and Deidre. The customer service, all three, provided was friendly, welcoming and very informative. They went above and beyond. We are looking forward to our next stay at Kona Kai.
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Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Just go, you will not be disappointed.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piece of paradise in an island full of such. Quiet. Intimate. Friendly. Best views of the bay. One can’t ask for more. Suites are decorated in a Bahamian style and have all necessities to cook a steak on the grill at nigjt and eggs and champagne in the morning. The best short-weekend or long-week if you’re lucky place to stay in the Keys.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beautiful place with very laid back and helpful staff. Nice to have a pool as most beaches in the keys are not great so bring water shoes as they are rocky. Manatees are often swimming past this resort. Having on site kayaks is also nice. Great sunset photos!
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kona Kai Resort Resort, Owner at Kona Kai Resort
Responded 26 Oct 2024
Are you ready for another Birthday Girls weekend!? Keep in touch and hurry back. Cheers!
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Our stay at Kona Kai was truly spectacular. We rented the Pineapple Suite for 4 nights and wish we could've stayed twice as long. We arrived well after dark, so the surprise the next morning of opening the 12 ft of shutters to a gorgeous view just knocked our socks off! The suite was large with a very comfortable bed, full pullout comfy sofa bed, plush towels, and a fully-stocked kitchen including breakfast and snack items in the fridge (coffee included). The AC and ceiling fans worked very well, and the water pressure was perfect. We spent most of our time outside in the many idyllic spots at Kona Kai including the tiki hut tables on the dock, the many hammocks and chaise lounges in the beach area, and the pool. There were always shade options throughout the day. The outdoor furniture is top-quality Tropitone loungers and chairs which are so much nicer and more comfortable than what we saw at neighboring properties. This was one of the many touches that set Kona Kai well above other resorts. Another is the very handy filtered water and crushed ice dispenser that we used frequently. They also have kayaks, paddle boards, and a pedal boat for guest use. We paddled with a family of manatees in front of the dock on two mornings and saw dolphins one evening. One of our favorite experiences was watching the sunset each night from the Kona Kai dock. You will not find a better spot in all of the Keys for this gorgeous nightly event, so just bring your camera, cocktails, or dinner and enjoy the bliss without dealing with crowds or driving.
All the staff treated us like family from our initial booking conversation to offering recommendations and inquiring about our daily adventures. Some of the staff has even worked at Kona Kai for over 20 years. They take the utmost care of the property which is a lush tropical oasis. Pictures just don't do justice to the natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. You must experience them for yourself, and rest assured, you will start planning your return before you even leave!
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Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:The Pineapple Suite has a direct and gorgeous view of the bay and is very spacious...perfect if...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I saw a guest in a kayak fishing, but not sure of the exact rules or pets...didn't see any. I suggest you reach out to Kathryn, one of the managers, and ask her. She is fantastic! If you need a pet friendly place, Casa Morada is also an amazing place. They have several cats who live there and I saw many guests who brought their dogs.
There are more places to choose from in the Key Largo area.
PRICE RANGE
RM 1,551 - RM 1,999 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
kona kai resort & gallery hotel key largo, kona kai resort and gallery
LOCATION
United StatesFloridaFlorida KeysKey Largo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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