Not long after its inception in 1966 by Johnno and Helen Jackson, the Kona Village Resort on the Big Island swiftly garnered attention from Hollywood A-listers, families, and intrepid travelers. Despite lacking luxury amenities like air conditioning, televisions, and featuring polyester sheets, the allure of its oceanfront location along Kahuwai Bay, coupled with standalone hales for privacy, made it a sought-after vacation destination for five decades. However, in 2011, a devastating tsunami caused substantial damage, leading to the closure of the resort.
On July 1, following extensive renovations, the iconic property was resurrected through the collaborative efforts of California real estate developer Kennedy Wilson and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. The rejuvenated Kona Village, now a Rosewood Resort, not only preserves cherished memories for returning guests but also establishes a profound connection with Hawaii’s history and culture. Introducing the Rosewood version of barefoot luxury, the resort justifies its $1,800 starting rate for a standard bungalow.
Spanning 81 acres of striking lava landscapes along a palm-fringed coastline, the resort features 150 bungalows, including five “heritage” hales with direct shore access from the original Kona Village. These accommodations are interconnected through a network of winding paths, navigable by complimentary bikes, weaving amidst archaeological sites, lava fields, and native plants. Renowned design firm Nicole Hollis and her San Francisco-based team have impeccably blended a sense of place with chic furnishings, paying homage to Hawaiian culture and history.
Respecting the land and culture was paramount in the reimagining of Kona Village, with dark woods, natural materials, and locally crafted furnishings inspired by traditional Hawaiian tools dominating the design. The resort’s public spaces and hales showcase art commissioned from over three dozen native Hawaiian and Hawaii-residing artists, ensuring an authentic representation of the region’s cultural heritage.
In-room amenities include lava-hued soaking bathtubs, outdoor showers, and spacious private lanais. The Maheawalu Kauhale, the resort’s crown jewel, stands as the top-priced suite in Hawaii at $40,000 per night. This oceanfront compound comprises four standalone one-bedroom bungalows and a central living space opening to a vast sundeck with an infinity pool, fire pit, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen.
The resort introduces Rosewood’s Asaya Spa to the U.S., seamlessly integrated into the lava flow with panoramic views of Hualālai volcano. This unique facility offers holistic treatments based on traditional Hawaiian wellness practices, along with hot and cold plunge dips, a sauna, and a steam room.
Kona Village’s culinary offerings include the original Talk Story and Shipwreck Bars, with the latter ingeniously crafted from the Jacksons’ sunken sailboat. Moana, the main restaurant, led by Chef Chad Yamamoto, serves Pacific Rim flavors inspired by Kahuwai Bay’s history. The Kahuwai Cookhouse and Market, a nearby casual eatery helmed by Chef Victor Palma, spotlights traditional Hawaiian cooking techniques and reinterprets dishes from Mexico.
Guests can enjoy their days by the waterfront pools, partake in water sports, tennis, or paddleboarding, and enroll in classes at the newly constructed cultural center. The resort’s beach offers a variety of water activities, including guided sunrise paddles for early risers.
Sandra Estornell, the property’s general manager, emphasizes that in Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, luxury travelers feel connected to the environment, community, and a purpose, underscoring the resort’s commitment to offering a meaningful and immersive experience.
