Family Fun at Kona Kai Resort

Kona Kai Resort
The Kona Kai Resort & Marina, owned by Noble House Hotels & Resorts, is located on Shelter Island in San Diego, CA and offers guests a true maritime experience with a private beach and views of a marina. The 129-room, dog-friendly resort is book-ended by water and has views of its own marina, where guests can charter private fishing or sailboats, on one side and ocean inlet views on the other, where Shoreline Park is also situated.

Rooms at the Kona Kai Resort & Marina

The newly renovated guest rooms and suites are decorated with neutral colors and turquoise accents, giving them a fresh island feel. All guest rooms are ADA compliant.

Most rooms are 360 square feet  with private patio and offer the following complimentary amenities:

  • One king or two queen beds
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Premium coffee offerings
  • Mini Refrigerators
  • 42 inch television
  • Wi-Fi access

On-Property Dining at the Kona Kai Resort & Marina

In addition to in-room dining, the resort offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the newly remodeled Vessel restaurant. Situated with views of the Kona Kai Marina and decor that reflects the casual, yet chic aquatic venue, Vessel is the perfect place to grab a bite and enjoy the views. In the center, there is a 360-degree bar with golden onyx counters where customers can sit to indulge in the coastal cuisine menu that offers things like the Lobster Slider with brioche, green onions, and friend Jalapeno ($7) or the Garden Lasagna with local organic seasonal vegetables and ricotta marinara ($22). Adults might enjoy a “The Local” Punch Bowl made with Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain, pressed lemon and cucumber soda that serves four to six people ($34). Dockside and poolside food and beverages are also available.

Family-Friendly Activities at the Kona Kai Resort & Marina

Families will enjoy the kid-friendly activities the property provides like lounging by the newly renovated pool with views of the marina, renting bikes, SUPS, pedal boats,  jet skis, or kayaks on property, taking a Segway tour of Shelter Island, playing badminton or making s’mores on the private beach, or attending movie nights at the pool. Kids might enjoy walking the few hundred yards to the nearby Friendship Bell. There are no sunset sails or boating activities organized through the resort, but the concierge is happy to provide information for guest to charter a boat privately. Docked at the marina is the former America’s Cup yacht, Stars and Stripes. The booking office is located at the resort and guests, even with no sailing skills, can climb aboard for a three-hour interactive sailing experience sure to be a thrilling for all.

Nearby Activities in San Diego


With more that 90 museums in San Diego County, there are plenty of family-friendly excursions that both kids and parents with enjoy. A popular attraction is the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier with a 4.02-acre flight deck and multiple levels to explore.

Here is just a short list of area attractions:

  • San Diego Zoo
  • Children’s Museum
  • San Diego Natural History Museum
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum
  • SeaWorld
  • Japanese Friendship Museum
  • Legoland

Fall Renovation at the Kona Kai Resort & Marina

By November of 2014, the resort hopes to have finished upgrading the spa and fitness center (currently closed), as well as the main entrance to the hotel.

Contact Information

Kona Kai Resort & Marina

1551 Shelter Island Drive

San Diego, CA 92106

619-221-8000

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