In 2011, an earthquake off the coast of Japan sent a tsunami across the Pacific Ocean, sweeping away Kona Village, a sacred land surrounding Kahuwai Bay on the big island of Hawaii. For over a decade, the land sat in deep stillness, not unlike the century before, waiting for a rebirth.
In 2023, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, awakened the subliminal magic that stirs deep within the salted sands and illuminated waters, giving guests the chance to embrace its richly restorative properties once again.
Built into the black lava flow with views toward the Hualālai volcano, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, honors the elements that make the island hideaway so beloved, particularly the Hawaiian tradition of hoʻokipa: hospitality of complete giving.
Spanning 81 acres of stunning geologic landscape, the resort is guided by Rosewood’s A Sense of Place® philosophy drawing inspiration from heritage, culture, and natural surroundings while embracing island time via a luxurious retreat. In addition to the highest-density Hawaiian petroglyph field in the world, the land is also home to 22 anchialine pools, which house some of Hawaiʻi's rarest endemic species.
Stay, Play and Dine
Indulge in a freestanding hale, where you can choose among a collection of one-to-four bedrooms, each offering unique views of gardens, lagoon, mountains, lava rock or ocean. Interiors blur the line between indoors and out with carefully selected natural materials, custom-made furnishings, expansive private lanais, soaking tubs and outdoor showers. These traditional Hawaiian structures offer the private comfort of a refined beach bungalow ideal for romancers or families.
Venture the property via complimentary cruiser bikes, and along with two view-worthy pools, additional recreational facilities include tennis, paddle, and bocce ball courts as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center.
At the heart of Kona Village lies Kilo Kai, the property's Ocean Pursuits program. As the resort sits on Kahuwai Bay, guests can connect with knowledgeable watermen and women who lead guided activities spanning sunrise paddles, canoe surfing, snorkeling and boating excursions.
Mindful programming is extended through Kona Village’s Rosewood Explorers Keiki Club, the local interpretation of Rosewood’s forward-thinking kids’ club concept. Designed to foster cultural appreciation and social responsibility in younger guests, the club’s activities stimulate the next generation of conscious travelers.
Rooted in a focus on fresh, local ingredients, international influences, and indigenous practices, Kona Village’s array of restaurants and bars serves to both elucidate and enhance Hawaiʻi's unique culinary landscape.
Moana, the resort’s signature restaurant, features an elevated, Pacific Rim-to-table experience, while Kahuwai Cookhouse and Market flaunts traditional Hawaiian cooking techniques. Sip and snack on sushi at The Shipwreck Bar, along with enjoying beverages at the beach bar, Talk Story.
Food for thought, here are some must have meals spanning the property's vast menus:
- A5 grade Japanese Wagyu New York Steak with edamame, chard, black garlic tosazu
- Hawaiian Snapper with mushroom dashi, sweet corn, sea sapphire
- Kiawe Wood Grilled Short Ribs with slow roasted, ember charred cabbage, corn tortillas, kalbi glaze, salsa tatemada
- Grilled Island Ahi with coconut chili green beans, Thai green curry hash
- Huli-Huli Chicken with steamed rice, furikake, pineapple relish
rosewoodhotels.com/en/kona-village