Let's get one things clear right off the bat: Those looking for lots of palm tree-inspired decor and grass skirts will want to look elsewhere. There is little to no "Hawaiian" style here, but the tradeoff is a hotel that's fresh and modern, which is no small feat in a part of the Big Island where dated budget digs aren't uncommon. The heart of the hotel is the breezy lobby, which has the look of an upmarket home, with wooden ceilings, handsome wooden furniture with bright upholstery, and even a fireplace to up the cozy factor. It's a frequently bustling place, with guests coming and going. Otherwise -- as is typical for the brand -- there aren't a ton of spots for guests to mingle and hang out; this isn't that kind of hotel, after all. Instead, it's a reliable home base for exploring downtown Kailua-Kona. Frequent guests include those from the neighboring islands on business and visiting families along the Kona Coast. Expect to see plenty of triathletes in town as well during the summer Ironman festivities.

The hotel's Sarona Road location is far enough from the busier thoroughfares in town to help keep everything relatively quiet here. It's also within a five-minute walk of Kailua-Kona’s popular attractions such as the seawall along Ali'i Drive, historic Hulihe'e Palace, and Mokuaikaua Church. For a more activity-based Kailua-Kona trip, glass-bottom boat rides, paddleboard rentals, and other water sports are all within a five- to 10-minute walk. The city's popular pier, where locals can be found throughout the day, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel as well. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants just outside the hotel's front door. Kona International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic. 

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kailua-Kona is composed of a single three-story building, with rooms positioned along two wings -- the majority are mauka, or situated toward the mountains. However, the wraparound parking lot makes the views difficult to appreciate. Inside of the rooms, though, it's a pleasantly contemporary affair. The sober palette used in all rooms consists of gray, brown, and deep blue, which is a sharp departure from the lime green and cerulean we've seen in so many properties owned by Holiday Inn Express. Sharp patterned carpets, padded leather headboards, and dark wood-veneer furniture gives everything a modern-business finish, and there are a few pieces of abstract art hanging on the walls.

All rooms include a sitting area of some type, which are larger in Suites and include sofa beds. Other standard features include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers with free tea and coffee. Rooms also have pillow menus and extendable work desks with ergonomic chairs. Bathrooms are attractive as well, with roomy granite vanities plus shower/tub combos. It's worth noting that some guests have reported poor soundproofing between rooms.

Features here will be familiar to anyone who knows the Holiday Inn Express brand, and include small outdoor pool with a whirlpool area. There isn't much seating on the tiny terrace that surrounds it, but it's a nice option for cooling off after a day touring the sights. There's also a modern fitness center that's fine for a simple workout, though it's also compact. The hotel's all-day coffee area has local options, and breakfast is free every day. The buffet includes cereals, eggs, breads, muffins, and meats, and many guests choose to eat poolside. The coin-operated laundry room is a convenient feature for budget-conscious travelers, and there's a computer station for anyone who needs it. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free.