This is absolutely the best location if you are looking for a) proximity to the ocean and b) view of the sunset. If you drop a pebble from a arm's length off of the lanai, it will hit the water. The lanai view is almost 160 degrees of ocean, so the (spectacular) sunset is just to the middle-right of your view.
In terms of proximity, Hale Kona Kai is a six minute walk to the main Kona strip, so very easy to get to all of the down-town attractions. But it is far enough away from downtown that the street isn't busy or noisy. It is a 10-minute drive to grocery shopping, gas and stores like Walmart and Target. About 20 minutes from Costco, and easy access to Highway 19 / 11, that circumnavigates the island.
The apartment and complex is very clean, but does show it age (built in 1972, with some obvious remodeling since). The salt-air has also been hard on it, causing some corosion and damage to surfaces. Items like the loose bathroom door, that were mentioned in previous reviews, were not fixed. As mentioned in the listing (July 2022) the central A/C is broken so the apartment has two portable air conditioners and two large fans. These work fine to keep the unit cool, but cause enough of a din to drown out even the sound of the waves right below.
So, our best advice is: if you are looking for a stunning ocean view and proximity, and can sacrifice the feeling of being at a modern property, this is a great find. Mahalo!