You’re standing on a cliff of jagged, black volcanic rock. The Pacific is crashing below you, spraying salt into the humid air, and about twenty feet away, a massive manta ray is gliding through the illuminated water like a silent, underwater spaceship. This is the nightly reality at the property formerly known as the Big Island Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay.
Honestly, the name change trips people up. In 2021, this iconic property transitioned from the Sheraton brand to become the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. If you’re searching for the Sheraton, you’re looking for a ghost—or rather, a legacy that has been refreshed.
It’s a weirdly specific location. Keauhou Bay isn't the white-sand tourist trap of Waikoloa. It’s historical. It’s rugged. It’s built on an ancient lava flow where King Kamehameha III was born. That history carries a weight you don't find at the cookie-cutter resorts further north.
The Manta Ray Factor: Why This Spot Is Different
Most people book a room here for one reason: the mantas.
The resort sits right on the edge of a feeding ground. At night, the hotel turns on massive floodlights that point into the surf. This isn't just for "ambience." The light attracts plankton. The plankton attracts the manta rays. You can literally stand on the viewing deck with a Mai Tai and watch 1,000-pound creatures do backflips in the water.
It's surreal.
Most hotels would charge $100 just to look at something that cool. Here, it’s just the backdrop for your evening walk. If you actually want to get in the water, the tour boats leave right from the pier adjacent to the property. You don't have to drive forty minutes to a harbor. You just walk down the path, hop on a boat, and you're snorkeling with giants five minutes later.
Rooms, Renovations, and the "Sheraton" Hangover
Let's be real for a second. For a few years, the old Sheraton was starting to look a little tired. The salt air is brutal on buildings. When Outrigger took over, they dumped millions into a massive renovation that wrapped up recently.
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The vibe now? It’s "Hawaii Modern." Think less "grandma’s floral curtains" and more sleek woods, blues, and open spaces. They stripped away the dated carpets and replaced them with flooring that actually feels clean under your feet.
The layout is still a bit of a maze, though. The resort is huge. It spreads out across several wings, and if you end up in the far reaches of the property, you’re going to get your steps in. If you have mobility issues, you absolutely need to request a room near the elevators or the main lobby. Don't say I didn't warn you.
The view is what you’re paying for. If you book a "Mountain View," you’re looking at the Hualalai volcano, which is cool, but the "Oceanfront" rooms are the heavy hitters. You aren't just looking at the ocean; you are positioned directly over the crashing waves. The sound is constant. For some, it’s a lullaby. For others, it’s a roar.
Eating at Keauhou: Managing Your Expectations
Dining on-property is always a point of contention. Wailele Café and Holua Poolside Bar & Lounge are the mainstays.
The food is... good. It’s resort food. You’re going to pay $25 for a burger. That’s just Hawaii in 2026. However, the breakfast buffet is surprisingly solid, especially the local fruits and the custom omelet station.
Pro tip: Don't eat every meal at the resort. You’re five minutes away from a shopping center with a KTA Superstore (get the poke there, seriously) and a few local spots like Peppe’s Pizza or Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai. Sam Choy’s is just up the hill and offers a view of the sunset that rivals anything at the hotel.
The Big Island Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay—now Outrigger—actually shines most during its luau. The "Feast and Fire" luau is often cited by locals as one of the better ones on the island because the backdrop is the actual ocean, not a parking lot or a fake lagoon.
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The Pool vs. The Ocean
If you’re a "white sand beach" person, this might not be your spot.
There is no sandy beach directly in front of the hotel. It’s all volcanic rock. If you want to dig your toes in the sand, you have to walk about ten minutes to Kahalu’u Beach Park.
The trade-off? The pool.
It’s one of the best on the Kona coast. It has a 200-foot water slide that isn't just for kids. I’ve seen grown men in business suits (off-duty, obviously) go down that thing four times in a row. There’s an inner-tube pool, a sandy-bottomed area for toddlers, and plenty of lounge chairs.
Because the resort is built on a point, the trade winds blow right through the pool deck. It keeps you cool even when the Kona sun is trying to melt your flip-flops.
The Cultural Connection
Outrigger as a brand leans much harder into Hawaiian culture than Sheraton did. They have a "Cultural Center" on-site.
This isn't just a rack of brochures. They do lei-making, ukulele lessons, and historical tours of the Keauhou area. You learn about the Lekeleke Burial Grounds and the importance of the bay to Hawaiian royalty.
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It adds a layer of depth to the stay. You aren't just a tourist in a box; you’re a guest in a place that has mattered to people for a thousand years. It sounds cheesy until you’re sitting there listening to a local kupuna (elder) talk about the way the stars look over the bay.
Is it Worth the Price Tag?
The Big Island is expensive. Kona is expensive.
Currently, rooms here typically hover between $350 and $600 a night depending on the season and the view. Compare that to the Four Seasons Hualalai where you’re looking at $1,200+ and the Outrigger starts to look like a bargain.
But you have to be okay with the quirks.
- The parking is a bit of a hike.
- The resort fee is annoying (but standard).
- The "resort" footprint is massive.
If you want a boutique, intimate experience, go somewhere else. If you want a basecamp that feels like "Old Hawaii" but has a brand-new interior and giant rays in the backyard, this is it.
Logistics and Moving Forward
When you fly into Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), it’s a straightforward 25-to-30-minute drive south. Rent a car. Do not rely on rideshares here; they are sparse and overpriced.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay:
- Check the Manta Report: Before you book a snorkel tour, ask the front desk or the dive shop on-site about recent sightings. Nature is unpredictable, but the "Manta Talk" held at the resort most evenings will give you the best data.
- Request the South Wing: If you want the most direct views of the waves and the manta viewing area, the South Wing is generally the sweet spot.
- Book the Luau Early: The "Feast and Fire" sells out weeks in advance, especially during the summer and around the Ironman World Championship (October).
- Explore Keauhou Bay: Walk past the pool to the public pier. You’ll see local fishermen, kids jumping off the pier, and a much more authentic side of Kona than you’ll find in the heart of Ali’i Drive.
- Download the Outrigger App: They’ve moved most of their service requests to the app. It’s actually faster to get extra towels via the app than it is to call the front desk.
The transition from the Big Island Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay to the Outrigger has been more than just a name change. It’s a shift toward a more localized, authentic experience that respects the unique geography of the Keauhou coastline. It’s not perfect, but it’s undeniably Hawaiian.