Step into a world of renewed luxury and natural splendor as Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, unveils its grand opening this week. Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Kona Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii, this highly anticipated remodeled resort promises to redefine the art of hospitality, offering guests an exquisite blend of authentic Hawaiian culture, world-class amenities, and breathtaking surroundings. From a fishing village to a five-star bungalow retreat, we believe Rosewood is the perfect brand to revive a once-ruined landscape.
A Rich Cultural Legacy
The location of Kona Village is rooted in steep Hawaiian history dating back centuries. It was once a thriving fishing village. Then, in 1965, Johno Jackson and his wife Helen discovered the abandoned village and established the Kona Village Resort, which became renowned for its traditions and warm hospitality. However, in 2011, a tsunami devastated the resort, where it remained vacant for over a decade. Now, in 2023, Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, is reopening, bringing back the magic of this enchanting retreat.
Under Construction Since 2019
The resort’s restoration has been carefully designed to maintain the land’s integrity and honor the original Kona Village. The architecture blends seamlessly with its lush landscape with raised thatched hales and organic-inspired elements. Sustainability is at the forefront, with the resort relying solely on solar power and boasting a zero-waste commitment, paving the way for future Hawaiian resorts. As one of the largest privately owned microgrids in the state, Kona Village sets an example for green hospitality.
Arrival Experience
The resort is a 15-minute drive from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) or approximately a 2-hour drive from Hilo International Airport (ITO). There are daily direct flights into Kona International Airport with major air carriers from the U.S. West Coast — Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Portland, Seattle — plus Denver and Phoenix, and seasonally from Vancouver and Anchorage.
We can arrange for a luxury resort vehicle to pick you up from the airport and transport you to the resort.
An Assortment of Luxury Bungalows
Over the span of 81 acres, Kona Village guests can choose to stay in one of the 150 meticulously crafted standalone bungalows, seamlessly blending Hawaiian heritage with contemporary luxury. All accommodations include an oversized lanai and many include a private outdoor shower. The bungalows are broken down into rooms, suites, signature suites, and accessible accommodations. While it may seem overwhelming, we’ve carefully highlighted the best options that will live up to our client’s expectations.
Rooms (Hale)
Each hale is a standalone bungalow with palm-thatched roofs, paying homage to the original structures of Kona Village. The size of each room (hale) is around 600 square feet and accommodates up to three guests with the choice of one King or two Queen beds. Choose from a mountain, garden, lagoon, ocean, oceanfront, or beachfront view for these rooms.
Pro Tip: The most unique room choices in this category are the Ocean Front Legacy Hale or the Tree Top King Hale.
There are a select few hales that sit on the foundation of the original Kona Village that were grandfathered in due to their historical and cultural significance – these are the Ocean Front Legacy Hales. They are pretty special and are perched on top of the lava rock that makes up their shoreline! Though they are smaller in square footage and do not have an outdoor shower, you will not find accommodations closer to the ocean than these!
The Tree Top King Hale (formerly known as Partial Ocean View Hale) is perched on a hillside and offers 850 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space. It comes with an oversized lanai with a unique hanging daybed, spacious bathroom, soaking tub, outdoor rain shower, king bed, and sprawling views overlooking the heart of the resort and Kahuwai Bay. Watch the video below for a full tour!
Suites (Kauhale)
There are 37 suites (or kauhale) to choose from. Each suite features outdoor showers, an oversized lanai, and oceanfront views. These one and two-bedroom suites start at 1,000 square feet, feature one King and two Queen beds and most sleep up to six guests. You have the same stunning views to choose from: a mountain, garden, lagoon, or ocean view.
Signature Suites (Kauhale)
This collection of signature suites offers ultra-spacious accommodations for larger groups. With outdoor showers, private pools, hot tubs, and highly personalized butler service, these are the resort’s most inviting accommodations. Ranging from 3,110 square feet to 6,265 square feet, each presidential-style residence sleeps between 8 and 12 guests.
Pro Tip: Out of the three signature suite styles to choose from, we recommend staying in the ‘Ohana Pool Four-Bedroom Kauhale. This four-bedroom residence comes with its own private pool, hot tub, outdoor fire pit, and personal butler and sleeps up to 12 guests. Contact our team for specific pricing on your desired dates.
Accessible Accommodations
Choose from any of the room types listed above for accessible accommodation. No matter your party size or desired view, Kona Village aims to ensure the comfort of all guests.
Pacific Rim-To-Table Culinary Delights
The resort’s experienced culinary team expertly combines local and regional ingredients, including those grown in the resort’s own garden, Kahiko Mala’ai. Moana, one of four dining experiences to choose from, offers a delightful dining experience with Pacific Rim-to-table cuisine. From indulgent breakfasts to dinners highlighting sustainable land and sea ingredients, Moana pays homage to the area’s historic fishing village.
Experience breathtaking sunsets and enjoy pre-dinner drinks at Talk Story Bar, a renowned gathering spot situated in the center of Kona Village. Inspired by classic cocktails with their own unique stories, the bar offers a menu of enticing beverages while providing the perfect vantage point for whale watching. Shipwreck Bar, located poolside and creatively crafted from a salvaged sailboat, offers stunning ocean views and a playful cocktail selection.
For a casual and communal atmosphere, visit Kahuwai Cookhouse & Market. With an open kitchen, this vibrant eatery offers a variety of grab-and-go options throughout the day. From light breakfasts to satisfying meals accompanied by Kombucha, craft beer, and wine on tap, every bite at Kuhawai Cookhouse & Market nourishes the soul. Each dining experience at Kona Village is a testament to the resort’s commitment to culinary excellence.
Experience breathtaking sunsets and enjoy pre-dinner drinks at Talk Story Bar, a renowned gathering spot situated in the center of Kona Village. Inspired by classic cocktails with their own unique stories, the bar offers a menu of enticing beverages while providing the perfect vantage point for whale watching. Shipwreck Bar, located poolside and creatively crafted from a salvaged sailboat, offers stunning ocean views and a playful cocktail selection.
For a casual and communal atmosphere, visit Kahuwai Cookhouse & Market. With an open kitchen, this vibrant eatery offers a variety of grab-and-go options throughout the day. From light breakfasts to satisfying meals accompanied by Kombucha, craft beer, and wine on tap, every bite at Kuhawai Cookhouse & Market nourishes the soul. Each dining experience at Kona Village is a testament to the resort’s commitment to culinary excellence.
Rejuvenating, Nature-Inspired Activities
The resort embodies the concept of “lōkahi”, fostering mental, physical, and spiritual harmony. Through enriching spa treatments, wellness experiences, fitness options, and a range of outdoor activities, guests can embark on a transformative journey that revitalizes the mind, body, and spirit.
Guests can bask in the warm Hawaiian sun and rejuvenate with refreshing swims in any of the four outdoor pools, each providing poolside service and breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. For couples or groups seeking active leisure, Kona Village provides fully equipped pickleball and tennis courts, perfect for engaging and enjoying quality time together. Explore a fusion of ultra-luxury and traditional wellness practices at Asaya Spa through guided wellness programs, healing body modalities, and relaxing spa treatments.
Adventurous Activities on the Big Island
The Big Island offers a wide array of adventurous and water-based activities native to Hawaii. Visitors to the Big Island can think BIG for their activities! See a live volcano with a hot lava flow, take a helicopter ride for skiing and surfing on the same day, spend the night snorkeling in the dark with Manta Rays, join the locals, and go cliff jumping… this island is everything except boring!
Let’s Talk About Price
Since 2020, travel to Hawaii is up by 29% and Kona Village’s prices reflect such popularity. However, Rosewood makes it easy to view rates in a monthly calendar view to select the best price for your stay. For example, for two adults and one child, room prices start at $1,725 per night for selected dates in August 2023.
Book Through a Rosewood Elite Travel Advisor
By booking your stay at Kona Village through Ourisman Travel, we can offer:
- Complimentary one-category upgrade upon booking (STA)
- Daily full American breakfast at Moana for two people, per bedroom
- 150 USD resort credit, per room
- Welcome note and amenity
- Complimentary early check-in / late check-out (STA)
Please note that booking through Rosewood Elite is better than booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts because upgrades are always prioritized through Rosewood’s own proprietary program.
Complimentary Services for All Guests
- Signature welcome beverage
- Welcome amenity
- Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the resort
- Twice a day housekeeping service
- Children’s activities including Rosewood Explorers Keiki Club
- Access to Asaya Spa and Fitness Center
- Cultural Center and ancient petroglyphs
- Outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, including the use of racquets and balls
- Bocce Ball court
- Non-motorized water sports equipment
How to Optimize Your Stay
Kona Village is very close to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, one of our top-selling hotels in the world, and for good reason. If you’re planning a longer visit to Hawaii, we highly recommend splitting your time between Hualalai and Kona Village. Hualalai is a spacious resort whose guest rooms and suites are arranged in four oceanside crescents and a fifth group of rooms alongside the 18th green of the resort’s golf course… five resorts within the resort. If your vacation time allows for it, we recommend spending 4 nights at Four Seasons Hualalai and 4 nights at Kona Village to experience both properties’ full list of amenities and activities. If you’re looking to explore more than one island, you can view our destination spotlight for our top recommendations for where to stay and what to do in Hawaii.
Your Hawaiian Oasis Awaits
Whether it’s your first visit or a return to this cherished place, Kona Village welcomes guests with renewed energy and a vibrant future. The resort promises an extraordinary and unique experience, filled with esteemed traditions, and a deep connection to the land. Kona Village’s next chapter is set to be written with the same spirit of aloha and reverence that has defined its past, offering guests an opportunity to create new, everlasting memories.
For more information on Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, and how we can elevate your stay, please send us an email at [email protected] or submit a Travel Request Form!
