Rediscover Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort – Paradise In Hawaii

Kona Village initially opened in 1965 and since it has been renowned for its connection to Hawaiian culture. It was one of the island’s prominent hotels, in fact, even Steve Jobs was known to frequent Kona Village in its heyday. Sadly, however, the Hawaiian hideaway was wiped down by the 2011 tsunami, but since it has undergone an extensive 7-year renovation and is now back and officially open as part of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.

Located along the sacred shores of Kahuwai Bay, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is an iconic Big Island hideaway rooted in the legacy and moʻolelo (stories) of the native Hawaiians who came before. Today, it offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the profound warmth of local hoʻokipa (hospitality of complete giving) in the former ancient fishing village, now sustainably renewed and elevated with the tastes of the 21st century.

Developed in partnership with global investment company Kennedy Wilson, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Greg Warner of Walker Warner Architects, and design company NICOLEHOLLIS. Kona Village pulls inspiration from Kaʻūpūlehu’s heritage, culture, and natural surroundings. Set amidst 81 acres along the shores of Kahuwai Bay, pristinely preserved and sustainably renewed, classic, thatched-roof hale live lightly on the sacred land, where hardened lava has graciously parted for vibrant flora and native, bountiful greenery.

Embodying Hawai’i’s cultural heritage through craftsmanship, the concept of ‘ohana is channelled through the property’s layout, which centres the 150 guest hale (rooms), themselves spread across several village-like crescents, around the resort. Choose among a collection of one-to-four bedrooms, each offering unique views of the gardens, lagoon, mountains, or the ocean.

From standard rooms (hale), suites (kauhale) to signature suites, all feature an homage to its legacy by weaving in modern luxury with Hawaiian artisan touches. The collection of signature suites offers an array of locations including oceanfront, beachfront and secluded gardens. With outdoor showers, private pools, hot tubs and highly personalized butler service. Interiors by award-winning designer Nicole Hollis blur the line between indoors and out with carefully selected natural materials, custom-made furnishings, and expansive private lanais. These traditional Hawaiian structures offer the private comfort of a refined beach bungalow and are yet another nod to the former days of Kona Village.

Swim under the warm Hawaiian sun in one of Kona Village’s four outdoor pools, each with sweeping views of the resort’s striking natural beauty and poolside service. To draw the most benefit from the healing power of saltwater, a dip into the spectacular blue of the ocean is highly recommended.

Kona Village’s array of restaurants and bars add to Hawai’i’s unique culinary landscape. From Moana, the resort’s signature restaurant featuring an elevated, Pacific Rim-to-table experience; to Kahuwai Cookhouse and Market, where traditional Hawaiian cooking techniques are on display, the dining program has been crafted as an extension of the destination experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, international influences, and indigenous practices.

The Shipwreck Bar gives new life to a sunken sailboat, it was pulled lovingly from the bottom of Kahuwai Bay years ago. Beautifully refurbished and conveniently located poolside, Shipwreck Bar features spectacular ocean views and a playful cocktail menu. Tthe Talk Story Bar is the centremost location of Kona Village, head there for unforgettable sunsets or pre-dinner drinks.

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At the heart of Kona Village, Kahuwai Bay is the launchpad for the resort’s Kilo Kai, or Ocean Pursuits program, which educates guests on the power of the wai. This appreciation of the ocean is woven through all water activities, with highlights including a guided paddle using the traditional Hawaiian canoe. Additional recreational facilities include tennis, paddle, and bocce ball courts as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre, while the Hoʻokipa lawn and stage hosts Kona Village’s lū’au – traditional Hawaiian feasts that are now a way to celebrate life and its milestone moments.

Just beyond, built into the black lava flow with views toward the Hualālai volcano, Asaya Spa offers a unique interpretation of Rosewood’s integrative wellness concept. With a menu of therapies inspired by the spiritual quality and natural landscape of Kaʻūpūlehu, Asaya Spa aims to connect guests with the resort’s location. Sustainability is also woven into every practice, because to care for the land is their kuleana: both our responsibility and our great privilege.