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Condition of Kona Reef

The Kona Reef is a resort where each of the 136 condos are individually owned. The exterior and grounds including the pool, spa, grills and gardens are maintained by the owners association and are beautiful. Most of the units are updated and very nice, some are spectacular. But there are a couple units that have original interiors as when built. A timeshare company owns 22 units. Their units range from very nice to old and tired. The timeshare has changed hands over the years and there are three different interiors updated at different times. Some of their units are the least desirable locations at the resort. However the least desirable condo unit locations at the resort are better than some of the best at other resorts because every unit has some view of the ocean even if it is only from the lanai and looking sideways. Also the farthest any unit is from the ocean is about 300 feet. Most of the individually owned condos have had extensive updating because they are used by the owners themselves. They have paid $300K to $700K for their condos and want them to be nice. Just ask the owner to send photos of the unit you will be renting. The front desk (Castle Resorts) manages about 60 units for individual owners and usually does not know which unit you will be in until you arrive. The same is true of the timeshares. Websites like Vacation Rentals By Owner have photos of the actual unit will be renting. As of June 2011, I estimate that less than 10 of the 135 units have undesirable interiors. Do not accept one of those. Rent from an owner who will show you photos of the unit you will be renting and give you the phone number of the unit so you can call and ask whoever is in it what it is like. In any case the Kona Reef has the best location in Kona. It is only one of two resorts at a white sand beach. It is only a two walk block to the tourist activities of town, yet a peaceful retreat because it is separated from all the activities by the grounds of the Royal Kona Resort hotel. As long as you don’t get one of the few non-updated units, you will love the Kona Reef Condo Resort. Have a great time in Kona