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About
Located on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is the latest incarnation of its iconic namesake. Spanning 81 acres of stunning geologic landscape, the reimagined resort draws inspiration from the history of the site, local culture, and natural surroundings to deliver a distinctively Hawaiian experience. Developed in partnership with Kennedy Wilson, the innovative real estate investment company renowned for its commitment to responsible and sustainable development on Hawai’i, the project has brought together some of the greatest minds in design. Spearheaded by Hawai’i-raised architect, Greg Warner of Walker Warner Architects, and designed by San Francisco-based interior design firm, NICOLEHOLLIS, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is comprised of 150 guest hale (a traditional Hawaiian structure, much like a refined beach bungalow); five restaurants and bars, including the original resort’s beloved Shipwreck Bar and Talk Story Bar; a full-service Asaya® Spa, Rosewood’s integrative wellness concept, complete with a state-of-the-art fitness center; and an array of event spaces and outdoor activities. A commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the entire property, which is powered 100% by solar energy and features several spaces that have achieved LEED Gold Certification. An on-site cultural center provides both visitors and locals with perspective into the deep natural and cultural significance of their surroundings.
Opening Date
July 1, 2023
Address
72-300 Maheawalu Drive
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Managing Director
Daniel Scott
History & Heritage
This sacred land surrounding Kahuwai Bay has lived many lives spanning centuries, from the very first Polynesian settlers to reach Hawai`i to the second wave of Polynesian settlers who established Ka`ūpūlehu as a thriving ahupua`a (land division). Living lightly on the land, they traded fish and salt for goods from upland villagers, creating foundational, sustainable practices to mindfully pass down through generations. By 1939, Ka’ūpūlehu was no longer a lively fishing village, but a quiet enclave filled with memories of the past—until The New Moon discovered its deserted shores.
In 1965, Johnno Jackson and his wife, Helen, arrived at the abandoned village after sailing much of the South Pacific on their schooner. With a lofty dream and unwavering spirit, they established the Kona Village Resort, creating traditions that are still remembered and revered to this day. For the next five decades, Kona Village welcomed guests from all over the world, never losing its beating heart. Families would return year after year, eager to rejoin in beloved traditions and reconnect with the staff, who now felt like ‘ohana (family).
Then, in March of 2011, an earthquake off the coast of Japan sent a tsunami across the Pacific Ocean, and Kona Village was swept away. For over a decade, the land sat in a deep stillness, not unlike the century before, waiting for another chance to share its bountiful source with people from all over the world. In 2023, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, awakened the subliminal magic that stirs deep within the salted sands and illuminated waters, giving us all the chance to embrace its richly restorative properties once again.
Archietecture & Design
Kona Village has brought together some of the greatest talents in development, architecture, design, and horticulture. Kennedy Wilson, known for their commitment to responsible and sustainable development, created the layout to work in harmony with its surroundings. With structures crafted by Hawai’i-raised architect, Greg Warner of Walker Warner Architects, designed by San Francisco-based interior design firm, NICOLEHOLLIS, and lush grounds groomed by VITA Landscape & Planning Architecture, the aesthetic was inspired by the concept of ‘ohana and Hawai’i’s cultural heritage. The design includes nods to the destination’s nautical history and the resort's layout celebrates the familial nature of the original Kona Village. All elements come together to form a true ambiance of barefoot luxury that is firmly rooted in Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place® philosophy, with prioritization placed on sourcing local and sustainable materials and accessories.
Sustainability
In a passionate effort to maintain the integrity of the land, the resort has been sustainably renovated from the ground up, with a thoughtful architectural approach that honors the original Kona Village. New structures remain light on the land, with raised, thatched hales, complimenting the lush landscape. From exterior siding inspired by coconut tree husks to basalt rock furnishings, each element feels organic and rooted in the natural environment.
As one of the largest privately owned microgrids in the state, the resort is solely reliant on solar power with a zero-waste commitment, cementing Kona Village as a leader in green hospitality.
Guest Accommodations
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort offers 150 thoughtfully designed hale and kauhale that blend heritage and modern luxury.
Featuring oversized lanai and many with outdoor showers, the hale feature an homage to the resort’s legacy by weaving in modern luxury with Hawaiian artisan touches.
Kona Village's 37 suites (or kauhale) offer privacy and spaciousness, and each is elegantly appointed with a blend of custom furnishings, offering the best of Hawaiian oceanfront relaxation.
This collection of signature suites (or kauhale) offers an array of locations including oceanfront, beachfront and secluded gardens. With outdoor showers, private pools, hot tubs, and highly personalized butler service, they are our most inviting accommodations.
Restaurants & Bar
The diverse culinary program at Kona Village deftly blends Pacific Rim flavors with the natural bounty of Hawai’i Island, paying homage to the storied and abundant ahupua`a of Ka`upulehu. Comfortably gracious dining experiences are elevated through our tenured culinary team’s expertise and intuition, sourcing ingredients from locations as close as the resort’s garden, Kahiko Mala'ai.
Wellness
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, cultivates a rhythm intentionally in harmony with nature. Releasing their anchor to the outside world, guests can surrender their cares and blissfully disconnect. With enlightening spa treatments, wellness experiences, fitness opportunities, and a variety of outdoor and ocean activities, guests will experience an escape that awakens their soul and gently steers them to a regenerative state of lōkahi – a concept from traditional Hawaiian healing that means harmony mentally, physically, and spiritually. Asaya Spa’s integrative wellness concept offers a holistic approach to well-being based on your personal journey and individualized needs. Discover the intersection of ultra-luxury and time-honored wellness practices with an array of guided wellness programs, healing body modalities, and rejuvenating spa services.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, our state-of-the-art fitness center is a comfortable and naturally energized space. TechnoGym equipment, including cardiovascular and weight training machines, provides everything you need for a great workout while relaxing saunas aid in rest and recovery. Couples or groups seeking active time together will enjoy our pristine and fully equipped pickleball and tennis courts.
Recreation
Guided by foundational Hawaiian values, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort welcomes guests to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the Big Island through a selection of recreational activities, ranging from art classes to island adventures.
As the heart of Kona Village, Kahuwai Bay is the launchpad for the resort’s Kilo Kai, or ocean pursuits program. Designed in harmony with the resort’s other wellness offerings, Kilo Kai educates guests on the concurrent delicacy and power of the wai. Trained on the nuances of the Bay by the legacy team of the original Kona Village Resort, dedicated “watermen and women” bear vast knowledge and experience of ocean life and how to enjoy it through sport while protecting its priceless resources.
For offsite excursions, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort has partnered with Hawai’i Forest and Trail, a Kailua-Kona-based adventure company dedicated to sharing the splendor of Hawai’i and inspiring a deep connection with the natural world.
Guests can enjoy a rejuvenating 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. Delight in exclusive poolside service, lite fare, and refreshments while soaking in the atmosphere of an unforgettable tropical oasis.
Rosewood Explorers Keiki Club
Kona Village’s Rosewood Explorers Keiki Club, the local interpretation of Rosewood’s forward-thinking kids’ club concept, Rosewood Explorers, has been designed to foster cultural appreciation and social responsibility in younger guests. Rosewood Explorers Keiki Club activities stimulate the next generation of conscious travelers. All experiences are overseen by a dedicated cultural leader who has been appointed to continue the invaluable work of the cultural committee, with its ongoing guidance, as guests arrive, and operations evolve.
Cultural Center
A dedicated cultural center will pay tribute to Kona Village’s sacred archeological sites and anchialine pools and provides valuable insights on how best to preserve and support them, along with the rest of Hawai’i’s precious resources. Within the center, artifacts collected over hundreds of years are respectfully displayed to help tell these stories. Coupled with immersive programming and activities such as guided archeological tours, wildlife walks, coral reef restoration projects, beach and pond clean-ups, and more, the center launches guests on a meaningful journey through the destination’s past, present, and future.
For more information: rosewoodhotels.com/kona-village
