On the Kona Coast, new life has been given to an old favorite. The long-closed Kona Village Resort has reopened as the Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, following reconstruction of the property. The 82-acre resort is the first Hawaii hotel for the Rosewood brand, which is known for its one-of-a-kind luxury hotels.
"Debuting Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort is a satisfying new chapter for this treasured place that carries significance and meaning for the community and for our team," said William McMorrow, chairman and CEO of real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson.
Garden view accommodations at the Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rosewood Hotels
The Kona Village Resort originally opened in the 1960s, but closed in 2011, when it sustained severe damage from a tsunami that was generated from the March 11 earthquake in Japan. Bungalows were lifted off foundations, and restaurants were affected. Kennedy Wilson renovated the property and used a "light-on-the-land approach."
Polynesian aesthetic
Kona Village's aesthetic derives from traditional Polynesian villages. It features 150 stand-alone, thatched-roof hale, or bungalows, situated in "village-like crescents." Guests can pick from one- to -four-bedroom accommodations, and amenities may include large patios, a soaking tub and outdoor rainfall showers.
"We are honored to join with Kennedy Wilson to serve as the caretakers of this land that holds such significance to so many," said Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. "We have focused on providing an elevated experience that allows for guests to immerse themselves in a culture of discovery."
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort opened on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rosewood Hotels
Nestled within the property are four restaurants and bars. Its signature restaurant, Moana, services Pacific Rim-to-table cuisine, while its casual eatery, Kahuwai Cookhouse & Market, offers light breakfasts, snacks, salads, burgers and sandwiches.
The resort features four outdoor pools, a state-of the-art fitness center and the Asaya Spa. Guests can also visit the on-site cultural center to learn more about the land's history or book ocean activities, such as sunrise canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.