I spent a wonderful 30 days in Kailua Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Malama Iki provided everything I needed and was just what I hoped it would be. Comfortable, safe, and close to everything (car not necessary). It’s not shiny but it’s well-maintained, particularly the landscaping and public areas. Aloha abounds.
The studio condo is great for two people (maybe three if you really like each other), especially since you can be outside in Kona just about any time day or night. I spent most of my time on the perfect lanai (porch) which overlooked lush gardens. The open-air lobby and the pool area are also great places to hang out. I never felt crowded, even when I had someone else staying with me (about half the time). I felt totally safe, day and night, when I was there on my own.
This was my 4th trip to the Big Island and I chose to be centrally located in Kailua Kona so that I didn’t need to drive every (or any!) day. There are tons of restaurants, bars, and stores as close as next door and within half a mile. A major grocery and drug store are within a mile. The pier, where you can catch a boat for many activities, plus swim, paddle board, canoe in calm water, or hang out on a sandy beach, is a half mile away.
But if you haven’t explored the Big Island, there is soooo much to see. It’s worth renting a car even if only for a couple of days. There is parking at the Kona Islander Inn with overflow parking very nearby. I always found a parking space in one of those two areas.
Richey and Merita, the owners, are responsive and definitely want their guests to enjoy themselves.
Everything is pretty much as described in the listing but it’s worth noting that the “kitchen” is a short hallway to the bathroom. I only used it for heating up leftovers, cutting up lots of fresh fruit, and making a fresh cup of Kona coffee every morning. There is a small dorm fridge that does not have a freezer (not a problem for me). The Farmers Market and an ABC (large convenience store that carries a wide variety of goods including food, alcohol, treats, sunscreen, clothes) are right around the corner.
Malama Iki is perfectly located within the Kona Islander Inn “compound”. It’s probably one of the more private units and it’s very quiet. You can see a bit of the ocean from the front porch and it’s a very short distance to get onto Ali’i Drive where everything is happening. There’s a small beach right across the street which is great for sunset viewing.
If I can pull it off, I’ll be there next year!