Standing on the serene lanai of PACIFIC 19 Kona’s recently remodeled suite, you’d never know you were in the annex of the former Kona Seaside Hotel, let alone in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Built in 1970, the hotel has undergone several renovations over the past two years, thanks to the vision of its new owners.
In 2020, investment and development firm Nine Brains purchased the building and hired The Vanguard Theory’s design team for the redesign. The transformation was unveiled in April 2023, when one of Seaside’s buildings was reopened as the 122-room PACIFIC 19 Kona. The hotel has since expanded its luxurious but laid-back style to the second, 30-room building.
As for its namesake, PACIFIC 19 sits on a circle of latitude that is 19 degrees north of the Earth's equator and connects Africa, Asia, and North America. Running from east to west is an integral part of Nine Brains’ vision for the hotel, as is linking Hawai’i’s past to the present.
For years, the hotel was just a building that many passed by on their way to or from the pier and Kamakahonu Bay, the last residence of Kamehameha the Great and capital of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. With a budget motel vibe, the sterile white walls, old tile floors, and low, popcorn ceilings were a dismal contrast to the natural beauty of the Big Island.
The reimagined boutique hotel is a nod to the island’s vibrant landscape. A monkey pod tree planted by the PACIFIC 19 ‘ohana ushers you into the open-air lobby, where deep green walls, wood floors, a lava rock wall and pillars, and a raised ceiling of exposed concrete elevate the hotel’s aesthetic from basic to island-urban. From the natural wood furniture to the color palette of calming neutrals, guest rooms are meant to inspire visitors to get out and connect with Hawai’i’s nature and culture.
“The Big Island is the star. PACIFIC 19 is just the launchpad. It’s an anti-resort. The idea is to leave the hotel,” says General Manager Amanda Thevenot. From the monumental redesign to daily operations, Amanda, along with Nine Brains’ co-founders and Managing Partners James Evans and Thibert Lussiaa, and a staff of nearly 30, help guests connect authentically with Hawai’i’s culture.
“The former Seaside always felt disconnected from the community, so one of PACIFIC 19’s goals is to create a space for our community,” says Thibert, who grew up in Kona.
PACIFIC 19 supports the community through vendor partnerships. Tours and excursions with hand-picked local outfitters can be booked directly from PACIFIC 19’s website, supporting local and family-run farms and businesses in the process.
“We want our vendors to be part of this movement. That’s why we partner with businesses like Waimea Coffee Company,” says Amanda, referring to the yellow coffee truck parked near the monkey pod tree.
PACIFIC 19 also showcases some of Hawaiʻi Island’s most talented artists and designers. The lobby’s custom wallpaper featuring native koa and ʻōhiʻa trees was designed by local artist Lauren Trangmar, and the reception table was crafted from reclaimed monkey pod by local woodworker Ryan Donnelly. PACIFIC 19’s community-forward approach also includes daily poolside yoga classes for visitors and residents alike.
Gone are the days of passing by the hotel on the way to swim or paddle. Today, PACIFIC 19 is where local athletes choose to start and end their training. The Kona Run Club can often be found enjoying coffee after their Saturday morning workout. And before the Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race, the hotel hosted a pasta dinner for the paddlers.
More than an adventure-chic base camp for independent travelers, PACIFIC 19 is an example of stewardship. “We’re grateful that the Greenwell Family is trusting us as the steward of a property they have owned for over 100 years,” says Thibert. “There’s a spiritual aspect to being a steward of the land. The ʻāina chooses you.”
For more info, visit PACIFIC19.com.
The Big Island is the star. PACIFIC 19 is just the launchpad. It’s an anti-resort — Amanda Thevenot, General Manager.