HOTEL: Kona Village Reimagined- Heritage-Rich Luxury on Hawai‘i’s Coast

Summary: Luxury travel writer and Hawai‘i specialist Jody Holman explores the rebirth of Kona Village Resort, where modern design meets heritage-rich hospitality on the Big Island’s rugged coast.

Kona Village and the bay

Kona Village Resort is a luxurious beachfront resort located on the western coast of Hawaii's Big Island. The resort spans across 82 acres of lush tropical gardens and is nestled between the volcanic mountains and the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. It features 125 individual thatched-roof bungalows, or "hales," that are spread out throughout the property, offering guests privacy and seclusion. Each hale is decorated with authentic Hawaiian decor and includes modern amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, soaking tubs, and mini-fridges. Some hales also feature private outdoor showers and hot tubs. 

In 2011, the resort was devastated by a tsunami that struck the Hawaiian coast, causing extensive damage and forcing the resort to close. Since then, the resort has undergone a massive renovation and recently reopened with a modern and updated design, while still honoring the resort's rich history and cultural heritage. The new Kona Village Resort aims to offer guests the same authentic Hawaiian experience that has made it a beloved destination for generations.

I was thrilled to get the first hard hat tour of what is now a Rosewood resort (though I was not allowed to take pictures). As someone who grew up visiting KVR annually with my family, with sweet and deep memories of the place (see History below), I was a bit weary of the modernizations and changes. I am happy to say that much of it feels the same.  The crushed shell sand remains on the walkways, the Talk Story bar has been revitalized, as has the Ship Wreck boat bar (Johno’s original boat was rescued from the tsunami and restored).  Marine biologist, David Chai, has made sure the fish ponds still feel lush and healthy.  The hales are still free standing bungalows, only now with natural colors and textures, full window fronts and lanais. I was drawn to the tree top hales on stilts (4 of them) overlooking the large lawn common area.  They kept four legacy hales, two of which are their presidential hales on the point sleeping 8.  The luau, too, will be back in 2024. Most importantly, to me, is the care they have taken to preserve the historical sites: the Queen’s pool, the petroglyphs, the old Hawaiian kitchen around which they have built a viewing deck, and more than 20 more. 

A suite at Kona Village Resort

Kona Village Lagoon

Walking through the ponds at Kona Village

A kona village hale, serene travel destination in hawaii

The changes are (as one might expect from what is the most expensive place to stay on the islands) luxury appointments and materials, a new adult lap pool, and a kids' pool and lower-temp hot tub.  The restaurant offers high end eats, and a smaller grab and go provides ever changing menu of snacks and small bites.  Lastly, one of the standout features of Kona Village Resort is its commitment to sustainability and preserving the natural environment. The resort uses renewable energy sources, recycles and composts waste, and has implemented various conservation efforts to protect the local ecosystem.

My general take was that it is still a unique retreat (as it always was). The general difference between the Four Seasons, which is just next door, will be the size- only 300 people max, and thus a more intimate feel. While KVR has a small but lovely beach, tennis and a gym, there is no golf (the Four Seasons has a Niklaus course). Food may also be limited, but guests can always mosey down the beach to one of the Four Seasons’s four restaurants. 

Beach and water activities at Kona Village- a family-friendly resort

KVR books well in advance.  Note that the single rooms are pretty small- the sofa beds would fit little kids, but there is not a full pull out. There are options for suites with connecting rooms, private, accessible pools, and concierge services, sleeping 12- perfect for an intimate wedding group or family Thanksgiving. 

Totem at the beach entrance of Kona Village

KVR History:

Kona Village Resort has a rich history dating back to the 1960s, when it was founded by Johnno Jackson, a visionary developer who wanted to create a unique and authentic Hawaiian experience for visitors. Jackson worked with local craftsmen and artisans to build the hale using traditional materials and techniques, and he hired native Hawaiians to staff the resort, ensuring that guests could experience the culture and traditions of Hawaii.  Over the years, Kona Village Resort became known as a haven for celebrities, including John Wayne, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra, who appreciated the privacy and seclusion the resort offered.

FAQs:

·       What makes Kona Village historically significant? → It was once a beloved family destination and home to Hawaiian royalty; the original resort was destroyed by a tsunami in 2011.

·       How has the resort changed since reopening? → It’s been modernized with natural textures, full window fronts, and updated hales, but retains its soul — including restored elements like the Talk Story bar and Shipwreck boat.

·       What kind of accommodations are offered? → 125 individual thatched-roof bungalows (“hales”), including treetop hales on stilts and beachfront options.

·       What sustainability efforts are in place? → Marine biologist David Chai has helped restore the fish ponds and preserve the natural ecosystem.

·       What emotional connection does the author have to the property? → Jody grew up visiting annually with her family and was invited for a hard hat tour before reopening.

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About the Author Jody Holman is a boutique travel advisor, luxury travel writer, and photographer specializing in customized journeys through France, Hawai‘i, and Europe. She curates immersive group experiences, teaches wine classes, and shares sensory-rich stories through Viewfinder Travel. Her work blends editorial precision with a love of communal rituals, cultural depth, and off-the-path discovery.

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Photos Copyright 2025 Holman Photography

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