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KILO KAI ORIENTATION

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KILO KAI ORIENTATION

To enjoy the waters of Kahuwai Bay is to blissfully surrender to its unique magic; one that gives gentle permission to disconnect from the outside world. To leave cares at the shore, and float in a newfound freedom.

Tioni Judd, a former Kona Village associate, shares his view of the resort’s enduring connection to the water, as well as the knowledge he has passed down to Kilo Kai – the next generation of Kona Village watermen and women.

When were you part of this resort and what was your job?

I was a beach boy, or beach service as it was called then, beginning in 1995. I was a charter captain for about 30 years, and they were looking for a person with a skipper’s license to take the glass-bottom boat out. We were in charge of the ocean activities, safety in the water, and keeping people comfortable on the beach.

What do you remember most about the original Kona Village Resort?

It was all about a feeling of ‘ohana here. It was so much fun to greet a person and be able to tear them down, shall we say, and get them to not worry about their corporate problems and just enjoy what we offered here. After a while, we were on a first-name basis. They wanted to become part of our family, and that they did. It’s a unique resort. Some are similar, but nothing like it.

What was important to tell the new Kilo Kai (watermen and women)?

They have to know the history of this place. Like the freshwater springs that are at this beach that will bubble up, especially after a heavy rain; the heritage of this land and also the importance of the aloha spirit in everything we do. You have to be able to reach out and talk story with guests. Make them feel comfortable, but also help them disconnect. There was a no-cellphone policy here. It wasn't easy to manage, but it was about quietness and being part of the special nature of this place.

“IT WAS ALL ABOUT A FEELING OF ‘OHANA HERE.”

—Tioni Judd, Former Associate

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KILO KAI ORIENTATION

The watermen of Kona Village are vital to the care and preservation of the sacred bay. Learn about the cultural significance of freshwater springs, and witness the passing down of knowledge from old guard to new.

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