So, here’s the thing about the Sheraton Kona Resort Big Island Hawaii. If you’re searching for it right now to book a room for next summer, you might feel a little lost. You’ll see photos of that iconic, sprawling concrete structure perched right on the edge of the lava cliffs at Keauhou Bay, but the name on the building doesn't say Sheraton anymore.
It’s now the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa.
I get why people still search for the Sheraton name. It was a staple of the Kona Coast for years. It had that specific Marriott-brand reliability, but it always felt a bit more rugged because of where it sits. It’s built on ancient ground. Literally. The resort is situated on the birthplace of King Kamehameha III. When you walk the grounds, you aren't just at a hotel; you're standing on a site of massive historical significance to the Hawaiian people. That’s probably why the vibe there has always been a little different than the manicured, artificial feel of the mega-resorts further north in Waikoloa.
The Transition from Sheraton to Outrigger
Why the change? Well, hospitality is a game of shifting portfolios. In late 2021, Outrigger Hospitality Group officially took over the property. They didn't just swap the signs on the door, though. They poured about $60 million into a massive renovation. Honestly, it was needed. The old Sheraton was starting to look a little tired around the edges—salty air is brutal on buildings—and the "Sheraton-ness" of it sometimes felt a bit corporate for such a wild, volcanic landscape.
The new look is way more "Hawaii." They ditched the generic carpet for designs that mimic the local flora and the flows of the nearby volcanoes. If you stayed there back when it was a Sheraton, the first thing you’ll notice now is the lobby. It’s open, airy, and focuses your eyes exactly where they should be: on the Pacific Ocean crashing against the black basalt rocks.
Why People Obsess Over Keauhou Bay
The location of the former Sheraton Kona Resort Big Island Hawaii is its biggest selling point, but also its biggest quirk. It’s not on a white sandy beach. If you want that, you’ve got to drive 30 minutes north to Hapuna. Instead, this resort is built on a solidified lava flow.
The waves hit the cliffs with a violence that is honestly mesmerizing.
The real draw, however, happens at night. This specific spot is the world capital of Manta Ray viewing. Because the hotel shines giant floodlights into the water at night, it attracts plankton. The plankton attracts the Mantas. These things are huge—some have a wingspan of 15 feet. From the hotel’s viewing deck (or if you’re brave enough to go on a night snorkel tour leaving right from the bay), you see these prehistoric-looking giants doing somersaults in the water. It’s one of those rare "bucket list" things that actually lives up to the hype.
The Manta Ray Learning Center
The hotel kept the Manta Ray Learning Center, which was a highlight even during the Sheraton days. It’s run by Eka Canoe Adventures and professional naturalists. They don't just show you the fish; they explain the biology. Did you know you can identify individual Mantas by the spots on their bellies? It’s like a fingerprint. Most tourists just want a selfie, but taking twenty minutes to talk to the staff there changes how you look at the ocean.
What the Rooms are Actually Like Now
Let's talk about the rooms. When it was the Sheraton, the rooms were... fine. They were standard. Now, under the Outrigger flag, they feel much more premium. They used a lot of dark wood and "Kapa" (traditional Hawaiian bark cloth) patterns.
One thing that hasn't changed? The views from the oceanfront rooms.
If you book an oceanfront room, you are essentially hanging over the water. You will hear the ocean. All. Night. Long. For some people, that’s the dream. For light sleepers, it can actually be a bit loud because the water crashes into the sea caves beneath the resort and makes a booming sound. Sort of like a natural bass drum. Personally, I think it’s the best sleep you’ll ever get, but it’s worth noting if you’re used to the silence of a city hotel.
The resort is split into different wings. The Mauna Loa wing is generally quieter, while the rooms near the pool area get all the noise from the slide and the kids during the day.
The Pool and the "Manta Ray" Slide
The pool remains one of the best on the Big Island. It’s a multi-level fantasy pool with a 200-foot lava tube water slide. When it was the Sheraton Kona Resort Big Island Hawaii, this slide was the reason families booked here. It’s still there, and it’s still awesome.
One thing to watch out for: the pool deck can get hot. Like, "searing your soles" hot. Because the resort is built on black lava rock, the ambient temperature on the deck can feel 10 degrees warmer than the actual air temperature. Wear your flip-flops until the very second you hit the water.
Eating at the Resort: Better than it used to be?
Hotel food in Hawaii is notoriously expensive. That hasn't changed. But the quality at the main restaurant, Wailele (formerly Rays on the Bay), has shifted. They focus heavily on the "catch of the day." If the menu says Monchong or Onaga, order it. That’s stuff you usually can’t get on the mainland, and they source it from the Honokohau Harbor nearby.
For breakfast, you've got the standard buffet, but honestly, you're better off driving five minutes up the hill to a local spot in Holualoa for some actual Kona coffee and a plate lunch. The hotel coffee is okay, but you're in the heart of coffee country. It’s almost a sin not to go to the source.
The Realities of Staying in Keauhou
You need to know that this resort is tucked away. It’s not in the middle of Kailua-Kona town. To get to the main drag where the shops and bars are (Ali'i Drive), you’re looking at a 15-minute drive.
- Pros: It’s quiet, peaceful, and feels like a retreat.
- Cons: You aren't walking anywhere. You need a rental car.
- Parking: It’s pricey. Expect to pay a daily resort fee and a parking fee. It’s the standard Hawaii "tax" on tourists, but it still stings when you see the final bill.
The Historical Layer Most People Miss
The Sheraton—and now the Outrigger—is built on the site of the ancient Keauhou Bay battlefields and near the Lekeleke Burial Grounds. There is a "mana" (spiritual power) to this place that the resort works hard to respect. They offer cultural tours that aren't just fluff. They talk about the history of the heiau (temples) in the area.
I’ve talked to travelers who felt "creeped out" by the location at night, but most people find it incredibly grounding. It’s a reminder that Hawaii isn't just a theme park for tourists; it’s a living, breathing place with a complex history.
Practical Insights for Your Trip
If you’re planning a stay at what was once the Sheraton Kona Resort Big Island Hawaii, here is the "non-brochure" advice:
1. Don't book a "Standard View" room.
You’ll likely end up looking at the parking lot or the side of a mountain. In a place like this, the extra $50–$100 for a partial ocean view or better is actually worth it. The architecture of the building is such that some rooms have really weird angles.
2. Use the Trolley.
There is a Kona Trolley that runs from the Keauhou Shopping Center (just up the street) into town. It’s a fun, cheap way to get around if you don't want to deal with parking your rental car in the crowded downtown area.
3. Check the Event Calendar.
Because of its size, this resort hosts a lot of conventions. If you happen to be there during a massive corporate retreat, the pool area can get crowded and the bar service might slow down. It’s worth a quick call to the front desk before you lock in your dates to ask if there’s a "full buyout" or a large group during your stay.
4. The Keauhou Shopping Center is your friend.
There is a KTA Superstore (grocery) right up the hill. Go there. Stock up on water, local snacks, and maybe some poke from the deli. It will save you a fortune compared to buying everything at the resort’s poolside bar.
The transition from the Sheraton Kona Resort Big Island Hawaii to the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa has been a net positive. It kept the best parts—the location, the mantas, the slide—and stripped away the corporate "beige" feel. It’s a place that finally feels like it belongs to the Big Island.
Next Steps for Travelers
If you're ready to book, check the Outrigger’s official site first; they often have "kama'aina" (local) rates or loyalty discounts that Expedia won't show you. Also, make sure to book your Manta Ray snorkel tour at least two weeks in advance. The boats leave right from the harbor next to the hotel and they fill up fast, especially during the summer and winter holidays. If you're staying here, you absolutely have to see the Mantas; otherwise, you're missing the soul of the property.