Kona Village Resort, Hawaii
More photosKona Village, A Rosewood Resort is a legendary escape on Hawaii’s Big Island, originally founded in 1965 by Johnno and Helen Jackson. After being closed for years following a 2011 tsunami, the resort was beautifully reimagined and reopened under the Rosewood brand. Architect Greg Warner and interior designer Nicole Hollis led the project, ensuring the design honored the land’s heritage while achieving modern sustainability, including powering the entire property with solar energy.
The resort is famous for its 150 standalone *hale*—traditional Hawaiian-style bungalows with thatched roofs made from recycled materials. Guests can enjoy a unique, barefoot-luxury atmosphere where private lanais and outdoor showers encourage a seamless connection to the surrounding volcanic landscape. The resort even functions as a cultural steward, preserving over 400 ancient petroglyphs and local archaeological sites right on the property.
A highlight of the grounds is the iconic Shipwreck Bar, housed in a restored schooner that pays homage to the founder’s original sailing vessel. With a commitment to the Hawaiian concept of *’ohana*, the resort offers everything from private butler service to guided cultural tours at the on-site Ka’uluola Cultural Center.
Beyond the resort, visitors can easily explore the island’s dramatic natural wonders. The breathtaking Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) and the diverse landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park are accessible for day trips, while the nearby Waimea area offers a glimpse into Hawaii’s rich *paniolo* (cowboy) ranching history.
Expert reviews
“This property is set on a stunning beach, but the design is fusty; that one has nailed the decor, but the beach is an absolute zoo; another might have the most marvelous staff, but no sense of place.”
“On the resort’s 81 acres are only 150 hale, or houses, decorated with art commissioned from mostly native Hawaiian artists. There are four bars and restaurants, including one made from a sailboat the owners sank nearby.”
“Years after being destroyed by a tsunami, one of Kona’s most beloved resorts has reopened, completely remodeled, yet retaining much of what made the original so special. The Standard 600-square-foot rooms (called hales, or homes) are all freestanding and feature thatched roofs and luxurious interiors.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Beach
- Swimming pool
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar (additional charge)
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Kid-friendly buffet
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service (additional charge)
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Car hire
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shuttle service (free)
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Minimarket on site
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Tennis court
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Fishing
- - Games room
- - Spa and wellness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Canoeing
- - Hiking (additional charge)
- - Cycling
- - Snorkelling
- - Water sport facilities on site (additional charge)
- - Kids' club
- - Beachfront
- - Evening entertainment
- - Open-air bath
- - Public bath
- - Tennis equipment
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Haircut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Couples massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Beach
- - Movie nights
- - Walking tours
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Happy hour
- - Tour or class about local culture
- - Cooking class (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance
- - Aerobics
- - Bicycle rental
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Outdoor fireplace
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
- - Kids' outdoor play equipment
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Transport
- - Public transport tickets (additional charge)
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Raised toilet
- - Lower bathroom sink
- - Emergency cord in bathroom
- - Visual aids: Braille
- - Visual aids: Tactile signs
- - Auditory guidance
Pool and wellness
- - Infinity pool
- - Pool with view
- - Heated pool
- - Salt-water pool
- - Pool bar
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Sun umbrellas
- - Kids' pool
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
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