The Kona Billfisher

It’s with mixed feelings I write this review. We’ve been going to the Billfisher for years and love it. However in chatting with a family who are renting a second floor unit, I’m wondering how ‘family friendly’ the place is. The buildings are from mid 1970’s and the floors creak etc This family had checked in from a late flight with two excited girls (ages 8 & 10) on first trip to hawaii. They had to unfold sofa bed for the girls, haul a large suitcase up a flight of stairs. The next morning the occupants downstairs came up and rang the doorbell and complained about the noise. Upon checkin later the couple found he’d complained to the office as well. We have had families with children staying near us before and experienced noise but never complained because duh kids do make noise. The buildings are old and creaky. It certainly left a bad impression on the family making their first trip to Hawaii. And I’ve noticed the past couple years that there is a ‘clubby’ component to some folks (‘owners’)who come back year after year. Like the Billfisher is a retirement community and ‘no fun aloud’. It’s a shame.

Given the resort does not have a Gold or Silver Crown RCI rating, I was happy to get an timeshare exchange at all, but hesitant on what we would get. Happy surprise! We had a One Bedroom, One bath unit. The buildings are 3 stories and no elevators. I did call ahead and asked not to be above the second floor. While the view may have been better, the climb for those ＞60 may be a bit much. We were on the second floor. very, teeny, peekaboo of the ocean but that is okay, right down the driveway is the main street in Kona, Ali'i drive, and the ocean. We were gong to be a late arrival and were sent the code to our unit ahead of time by text. You use the code all the time, which means no hunting for keys. Great location. walk to restaurants, shops. After we loaded the car up at check out, we had time before the airport, we walked to town for coffee break at Lava Java. There is no beach right at Kona. You will need a car. First, the unit had air conditioning! Those not familiar with Hawaii may not realize not everywhere does, depending on trade winds and fans to cool the units. The unit had a large bedroom with a king bed and tons of hangers. It was separated from the living room with sliding pocket doors. Since just the two of us, during the day we left them open and gave more space. Decent living room too with small table at kitchen counter/wall for eating. Bathroom standard, Kitchen small but included microwave, stovetop, dishwasher and plenty of dishes/appliances. AND, the unit included 2 beach chairs and a boogie board....BONUS. The balcony was small but fine for two, but not much breeze at the one we had. The pool was great. Large with a deep end. The resort provided pool noodles, great for floating, with lots of loungers and tables around. The temperature was perfect. Laundry is onsite not in the unit. It requires quarters. $2 to wash, $2 to dry but our clothes did not get totally dry. Unfortunately the office is only open 9a-noon, and 130p-4p so were hunting up change everywhere we went. We were very happy with our trade and would choose it again if headed to Kona. While it does not have the splash of the newer Waikoloa area, Kona is laid back, 'old style" Hawaii which we preferred.

Great Condo! Close to town so you can walk. The staff is very helpful and friendly. When we go back to Kona I think that we might just take a cab from and back to the airport and stay local. Taking a food tour is a walkable option and will let you find some wonderful, unusual places to eat nearby. If you really want to stay in, Stop and get some groceries and cook in your condo. They even have a community potluck by the pool once a week on Wednesday if I remember correctly.

My original review timed out and I lost everything.... We had a studio with a pocket door divider, king size bed which was not too hard or soft, and a sleeper sofa. The windows had bamboo sliding blinds that blocked a lot of light, so it was great for the morning sun, and the living room and bedroom had ceiling fans. The unit was at the highest point on the property, so you could see down to the water. It had a full kitchen including blender, toaster, microwave and coffee maker (ground coffee only). There is a coin operated laundry facility and three office has changed, a pool, and BBQ areas, but we didn't use any of these. It is an older property, so the furniture and appliances are aging, but they are working on upgrading the appliances. The staff is very friendly and honest. The office hours are 9am-4pm, but you can leave a voicemail or text after hours. They are very responsive via text. It was within walking distance from downtown Kona with restaurants with ocean views, and a couple farmer's markets where you can get local produce(try the apple bananas), coffee(whole bean but some will grind it for you), clothes and souvenirs.

This resort is very dated but the staff is doing a superb job with what they have to work with. There are obvious signs of disrepair but the unit we stayed in was as comfortable as expected….bed, kitchen,air conditioning etc all functioning well. Balcony sliding doors had tendency to stick. There could be many cosmetic changes to the exterior to make it more appealing. The unit owners have to pull up their socks and start doing some major upgrades and preventative maintenance. Paint would be a good idea…and replacing rotting boards would be another !

Best location on Big Island on Alii Drive. Lots of restaurants in walking distance. It’s not a ‘resort’ per se, there’s a salt water pool, a gazebo with tables & chairs for visiting. Laundry facilities $2 to wash & same to dry. Plenty of parking, disabled spots too. It’s very budget friendly when rented directly from owners. On the less positive side the units need sprucing up and deep cleans in bathrooms. They’re units are clean but some dining chairs are stained & couch upholstery worn. The units with tiled floors in the kitchen/dining/living area are the best. However one main floor unit we visited friends at had a terribly dirty carpet that was stained. The occupants take off their shoes indoors & said the carpet had been cleaned but it was gross. Not sure why they’d even have carpets in main floor units. Kitchens have sufficient plates, cutlery, pots & pans to prepare & eat meals in. Standard fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher & coffee maker. Dish soap, dishwasher tabs, coffee filters & paper towels are provided. Overall this is a very good deal & the staff very friendly & accommodating.

the resort is in a great location, the staff was extremely helpful and friendly and the units and grounds were very nice, clean, and well maintained. there was really no down side at all. we would stay there again in a minute and recommend to anyone

The Kona Billfisher is a great place to stay. It’s location makes it easy to walk to town, to great restaurants, to church and shopping. The management and staff are very attentive. If we needed anything they were happy to help.

We enjoyed our stay here. Nice, easy, friendly vibe. Older buildings not unlike most on the Big Island. No elevators. Lovely saltwater pool. We were on the 3rd floor, did the work, and enjoyed the cathedral ceilings, ocean and garden views, and clean surroundings. Bed was good, cookware had all been updated except for cutlery. Manageable. Furniture was dated. Great location and walking distance to the waterfront and downtown. Trolley service in both directions right in front. Trolley and bus service all over the island is free until Dec. 31st. Free parking, coin laundry, and we only paid one tax - no resort fees. That was refreshing!