Updated October 2026
Step into a world of renewed luxury and natural splendor as Rosewood Kona Village has officially reopened on Hawaii’s Big Island. Nestled along the picturesque Kona Coast, this highly anticipated remodeled resort promises to redefine the art of hospitality, offering guests an exquisite blend of authentic Hawaiian culture, world-class amenities, and breathtaking surroundings. Originally opened in 1965, Kona Village was reimagined and reopened in July 2023 as Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, bringing the legendary barefoot-luxury retreat back to life after more than a decade away.
Rather than recreating the original resort as a museum piece, Rosewood has rebuilt Kona Village around the spirit that made it so beloved: standalone, thatched-roof hales, a deep connection to the land and sea, and an intentionally unhurried approach to island living. The result is one of the most distinctive luxury resorts on the Big Island and a property that feels fundamentally different from the large-scale resort experience found elsewhere along the Kohala Coast.
For travelers deciding between Kona Village and the larger resorts nearby, that distinction is important. Kona Village is about privacy, nature, culture, and the feeling of staying in your own Hawaiian hale. It doesn’t try to compete with a traditional mega-resort on the number of activities or amenities, and that is precisely the point.
A Hawaiian Legacy
Kona Village’s location is rooted in deep Hawaiian history dating back centuries. It was once a thriving fishing village. Then, in 1965, John Jackson and his wife Helen discovered the abandoned village and established the Kona Village Resort, which became renowned for its traditions and warm hospitality. However, in 2011, a tsunami devastated the resort, and it remained vacant for over a decade. Kennedy Wilson acquired the iconic resort in 2016 and led a substantial redevelopment process that prioritized sustainability, respect for local culture, state-of-the-art technology, and authentic design. Then, in 2023, Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, reopened, bringing back the magic of this enchanting retreat.
The original Kona Village was famous for its simple, intimate approach to luxury, and the new resort deliberately carries that spirit forward. The property still feels like a village rather than a conventional hotel, with accommodations spread across the landscape instead of concentrated in one large building. Rosewood describes the current experience as a respectful reimagining of the land, shaped by those who know and honor it.
A Grand Reopening in 2023
The resort’s restoration has been carefully designed to maintain the land’s integrity and honor the original Kona Village. The architecture blends seamlessly with its lush landscape with raised thatched hales and organic-inspired elements. Today, the resort spans 81 acres and centers on free-standing, thatch-roofed hales designed to sit lightly within the landscape. Rosewood’s current accommodation positioning emphasizes the connection between the hales, the natural surroundings, and the history of the original village.
One of the most appealing aspects of the redesign is that the resort does not feel overly polished or formal. The hales are elegant, but the experience remains intentionally relaxed and connected to the outdoors, with oversized lanais, outdoor showers in many accommodations, and views ranging from lush gardens and the lagoon to Kahuwai Bay and the Pacific.
The sustainability story is also central to the property’s rebirth, but we would hold the more specific solar-microgrid and zero-waste claims from the original article until we confirm them against Rosewood’s current sustainability or press materials.
The same philosophy extends beyond the accommodations. Kona Village now offers a cultural center, ancient petroglyphs, a working culinary garden, four outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball, and Kilo Kai ocean activities including sunrise paddles, snorkeling, and sailing.
Arrival Experience
The resort is a 15-minute drive from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) or approximately a 2-hour drive from Hilo International Airport (ITO). There are daily direct flights into Kona International Airport with major air carriers from the U.S. West Coast — Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Portland, Seattle — plus Denver and Phoenix, and seasonally from Vancouver and Anchorage.
We can arrange for a luxury resort vehicle to pick you up from the airport and transport you to the resort. KOA is about a 15-minute drive from the resort, and the concierge can arrange private luxury transfers.
An Assortment of Luxury Hales and Kauhale
Spanning over 81 acres, Kona Village features free-standing, thatched-roof hales and larger kauhale designed to blend into the surrounding landscape. The current collection of accommodations ranges from 850-square-foot guest hales to expansive multi-bedroom kauhale with private pools, outdoor living spaces, and butler service.
This is one of the property’s defining differences from a traditional Big Island resort. No central hotel tower or standard collection of rooms stacked into one building. Instead, guests have their own standalone hale, with indoor-outdoor living and a much stronger sense of privacy and place.
For families and larger groups, the one- and two-bedroom kauhale provide substantially more space, while the four-bedroom residences are designed specifically for multigenerational stays and larger gatherings. Rosewood also offers connecting accommodations for families and groups.
Each hale is a standalone bungalow with palm-thatched roofs, honoring the original structures of Kona Village. The current standard hales offer approximately 850 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space, with an oversized lanai, spacious bathroom, soaking bathtub, and outdoor rain shower. Guests can choose between one king or two queen beds, depending on the category and occupancy.
Current hale categories include Garden View, Mountain View, Lagoon View, Ocean View, Ocean Front, and Beach Front, giving travelers a meaningful range of views and locations to choose from.
Pro Tip: The most unique room choices in this category are the Ocean Front Legacy Hale or the Tree Top King Hale.
There are a select few hales that sit on the foundation of the original Kona Village that were grandfathered in due to their historical and cultural significance – these are the Ocean Front Legacy Hales. They are pretty special and perched on the lava rock that makes up their shoreline! Though they are smaller in square footage and do not have an outdoor shower, you will not find accommodations closer to the ocean than these!
The Ocean Front Legacy Hale remains one of Kona Village’s most distinctive accommodations. At 540 square feet, it is smaller than the newer hales, but its location on the original resort footprint and unobstructed proximity to Kahuwai Bay give it a sense of history that is impossible to replicate in a newly built accommodation.
The Tree Top King Hale (formerly known as Partial Ocean View Hale) is perched on a hillside and offers 850 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space. It features an oversized lanai with a unique hanging daybed, a spacious bathroom, a soaking tub, an outdoor rain shower, a king bed, and sprawling views overlooking the heart of the resort and Kahuwai Bay. Watch the video below for a full tour!
Choose from 37 suites (or kauhale). Each suite features outdoor showers, an oversized lanai, and oceanfront views. These one- and two-bedroom suites start at 1,000 square feet, feature one King and two Queen beds, and most sleep up to six guests. You can choose from the same stunning views: mountain, garden, lagoon, or ocean.
Today, Rosewood describes the kauhale collection as one- and two-bedroom suites offering significantly more space and privacy than the individual hales. Current categories include Mountain View, Garden View, Lagoon View, and Ocean View one- and two-bedroom kauhale, as well as more specialized Beach Front and Ocean Front options.
The two-bedroom kauhale are particularly compelling for families or two couples traveling together. Current accommodations offer approximately 2,420 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor lanai space in select two-bedroom categories, creating a true residential feel rather than simply adding a second bedroom to a hotel suite.
This collection of signature suites offers ultra-spacious accommodations for larger groups. With outdoor showers, private pools, hot tubs, and highly personalized butler service, these are the resort’s most inviting accommodations. Ranging from 3,110 to 6,265 square feet, each presidential-style residence sleeps 8 to 12 guests.
For the largest families and multigenerational groups, Kona Village’s four-bedroom kauhale stand out as the top accommodation category. Current options include the ‘Ohana Pool Four Bedroom Kauhale, Ocean Front Four Bedroom Maheawalu Kauhale and Ocean Front Four Bedroom Kumukea Kauhale. These residences feature private pools or plunge pools, generous entertaining areas, and bespoke butler service.
Pro Tip: Out of the three signature suite styles to choose from, we recommend staying in the ‘Ohana Pool Four-Bedroom Kauhale. This four-bedroom residence includes its own private pool, hot tub, outdoor fire pit, and personal butler, and sleeps up to 12 guests. Contact our team for pricing for your desired dates.
Accessible Accommodations
Choose from any of the room types listed above for accessible accommodations. No matter your party size or desired view, Kona Village aims to keep all guests comfortable.
Accessible accommodations are available across multiple categories, including two- and four-bedroom options. Rosewood’s current accessible accommodations include features such as accessible routes, roll-in showers, grab bars, and other thoughtfully designed accessibility features.
How We Would Choose a Hale
For couples, we would start with an Ocean View or Ocean Front Hale, depending on how important direct ocean proximity is to the stay. The Ocean Front Legacy Hale is the most atmospheric choice for travelers who value history over square footage.
For families, we would skip the entry-level hale if budget allows and look at a two-bedroom kauhale. The additional living space and separation between bedrooms make a meaningful difference, particularly for longer stays.
For multigenerational trips or larger groups, the four-bedroom kauhale are where Kona Village really becomes something special. These are essentially private residences within the resort and make the property particularly compelling for extended family vacations.
One final consideration: Kona Village is intentionally designed around indoor-outdoor living. If you are choosing between two categories, we would put more weight on the location, view, and lanai than we would on the difference in interior square footage.
Pacific Rim-To-Table Culinary Delights
The resort’s experienced culinary team expertly combines local and regional ingredients, including those grown in the resort’s own garden, Kahiko Mala’ai. Today, Kona Village offers a collection of dining experiences that range from polished Pacific Rim-to-table cuisine to casual paniolo-inspired cooking, beachfront sushi and classic cocktails.
Moana remains the resort’s signature restaurant, serving breakfast and dinner with a menu that celebrates ingredients from both land and sea. Breakfast includes a substantial Big Island buffet alongside à la carte favorites, while dinner leans into seafood, local produce, and Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
For something more casual, Kahuwai Cookhouse & Market celebrates Hawaiʻi Island’s paniolo, or cowboy, culture with Kiawe wood-fired cooking and traditional Hawaiian techniques. The adjoining Market offers locally sourced bites and coffee throughout the day, making this one of the easiest places to grab something before heading out for a morning activity or spending the day by the beach.
Shipwreck Bar & Sushi is one of the property’s most distinctive settings. The beloved schooner has been restored and now serves as a beachfront bar alongside Japanese cuisine, including maki and nigiri. It is open for drinks throughout the day, with sushi service in the evening on select days.
Talk Story Bar continues the tradition of being Kona Village’s gathering place for sunset cocktails. Located in the heart of the resort, it focuses on classic cocktails with a Hawaiian sense of place and is one of the spots we would make time for before dinner.
The newest addition to the lineup is Moana Cocktail Bar, where handcrafted cocktails and live music are paired with views over Kahuwai Bay. It gives the resort another option for an evening drink without leaving the property.
Kona Village also offers 24-hour in-room dining, which is especially useful for families, early arrivals, late flights, or guests who want the privacy of their hale.
For a special occasion, Rosewood also offers curated culinary experiences, including its Island Roots experience. Reservations are required for Island Roots, while the resort recommends booking other dining experiences in advance during holidays, peak travel periods, and around sunset. Shipwreck Bar & Sushi does not accept reservations.
Each dining experience at Kona Village reflects the resort’s commitment to culinary excellence.
Rejuvenating, Nature-Inspired Activities
The resort embodies the concept of “lōkahi”, fostering mental, physical, and spiritual harmony. Through enriching spa treatments, wellness experiences, fitness options, and a range of outdoor activities, guests can embark on a transformative journey that revitalizes the mind, body, and spirit.
Asaya Spa is at the heart of Kona Village’s wellness experience. Rosewood’s signature wellness concept combines spa treatments with movement, mindfulness, and Hawaiian-inspired healing practices, creating an experience that feels connected to the landscape rather than simply being a traditional hotel spa.
The spa offers a range of massages, facials, body treatments and wellness experiences, with treatments designed around the idea of restoring balance between mind, body and spirit. We particularly like the opportunity to combine a traditional treatment with one of the property’s outdoor wellness experiences rather than treating the spa as an isolated part of the stay.
Guests can bask in the warm Hawaiian sun and rejuvenate with refreshing swims in any of the four outdoor pools, each providing poolside service and breathtaking views of the natural surroundings. For couples or groups seeking active leisure, Kona Village provides fully equipped pickleball and tennis courts, perfect for engaging and enjoying quality time together. Explore a fusion of ultra-luxury and traditional wellness practices at Asaya Spa through guided wellness programs, healing body modalities, and relaxing spa treatments.
Beyond the spa, the resort makes it easy to stay active without creating a rigid itinerary. Guests have access to four outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce, a fitness center, and a range of non-motorized water sports.
The resort’s Kilo Kai ocean experiences are another highlight, with activities designed around the waters of Kahuwai Bay and the surrounding Kona coast. Depending on conditions and availability, guests can arrange experiences such as snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and guided ocean excursions.
For families, Rosewood Explorers Keiki Club gives younger guests their own way to experience the resort through cultural, environmental and outdoor programming. This is a particularly nice complement to Kona Village’s overall approach because the children’s programming centers on the destination rather than feeling like a conventional hotel kids’ club.
There is also plenty to do without formally scheduling anything. Guests can explore the resort’s cultural center, visit ancient petroglyphs, spend time in the garden, play bocce, or simply walk the property and discover different areas of the village.
Our favorite thing about the activity lineup is that Kona Village does not try to overwhelm guests with an endless list of resort activities. The experience is intentionally slower. You can spend the morning in the ocean, the afternoon at Asaya Spa, and the evening watching the sunset with a cocktail, and that can be the entire itinerary.
Adventurous Activities on the Big Island
The Big Island offers a wide array of adventurous and water-based activities native to Hawaii. Visitors to the Big Island can think BIG for their activities! See a live volcano with a hot lava flow, take a helicopter ride, ski and surf in the same day, spend the night snorkeling in the dark with Manta Rays, join the locals, and go cliff jumping… this island is everything except boring!
Kona Village is also an excellent base for exploring beyond the resort. The Big Island offers some of Hawaiʻi’s most varied landscapes and experiences, from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and volcanic landscapes to manta ray snorkeling, helicopter tours, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures.
We would recommend balancing these excursions with enough time at the resort itself. One of Kona Village’s biggest strengths is that you do not need to leave the property every day to feel like you are experiencing Hawaii.
Book Through a Rosewood Elite Travel Advisor
Booking Kona Village through Ourisman Travel as a Rosewood Elite agency gives our clients access to additional benefits and recognition not available when booking at the standard public rate.
By booking your stay at Kona Village through Ourisman Travel, we can offer:
- Complimentary one-category upgrade upon booking, subject to availability
- Daily full American breakfast at Moana for two people, per bedroom
- $150 USD resort credit, per room
- Welcome note and amenity
- Complimentary early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
The specific benefits can vary by rate, accommodation category, and current Rosewood Elite program terms, so we will confirm exactly what applies to your reservation at the time of booking.
Please note that booking through Rosewood Elite is better than booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts because upgrades are always prioritized through Rosewood’s own proprietary program.
For a resort like Kona Village, we think the value of advisor booking goes beyond the amenities themselves. We can help you choose the hale or kauhale that makes the most sense for your trip, advise on location and views, coordinate airport transportation and activities, and help you take advantage of applicable Rosewood offers and advisor benefits.
Complimentary Services for All Guests
- Signature welcome beverage
- Welcome amenity
- Wi-Fi Internet access throughout the resort
- Twice-daily housekeeping service
- Children’s activities including Rosewood Explorers Keiki Club
- Access to Asaya Spa and Fitness Center
- Cultural Center and ancient petroglyphs
- Outdoor tennis and pickleball courts, including the use of racquets and balls
- Bocce Ball court
- Non-motorized water sports equipment
Kona Village vs Four Seasons Hualalai
Kona Village is very close to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, one of our top-selling hotels in the world, and for good reason. If you’re planning a longer visit to Hawaii, we highly recommend splitting your time between Hualalai and Kona Village. Hualalai is a spacious resort whose guest rooms and suites are arranged in four oceanside crescents and a fifth group of rooms alongside the 18th green of the resort’s golf course… five resorts within the resort. If your vacation time allows for it, we recommend spending 4 nights at Four Seasons Hualalai and 4 nights at Kona Village to experience both properties’ full list of amenities and activities. If you’re looking to explore more than one island, you can view our destination spotlight for our top recommendations for where to stay and what to do in Hawaii.
Your Hawaiian Oasis Awaits
Whether it’s your first visit or a return to this cherished place, Kona Village welcomes guests with renewed energy and a vibrant future. More than three years after its reopening, the resort has successfully brought the spirit of the original Kona Village into a completely new chapter. The thatched hales, connection to Hawaiian culture, natural setting, and intentionally relaxed approach to luxury make this one of the Big Island’s most distinctive places to stay.
What we love most about Kona Village is that it does not feel like a traditional luxury resort transplanted to Hawaii. The entire experience centers on the landscape and the idea of slowing down. You can spend days swimming in Kahuwai Bay, exploring the property, enjoying a treatment at Asaya Spa, or simply sitting on your hale’s lanai and watching the light change over the coast.
At the same time, travelers should understand what Kona Village is not. This is not the Big Island resort to choose if you want an enormous collection of pools, constant entertainment, or an extensive lineup of conventional resort amenities. If that is what you are looking for, Four Seasons Hualalai next door may be the better fit. If you want a more intimate, culturally rooted and distinctly Hawaiian experience, Kona Village is difficult to beat.
For travelers with enough time, we continue to love the idea of splitting a Big Island stay between Kona Village and Four Seasons Hualalai. You get two very different interpretations of luxury on the same stretch of coast, without sacrificing the convenience of staying near Kona International Airport.
If you are planning a Hawaii trip that includes more than the Big Island, our Hawaii destination guide covers our favorite hotels, resorts, and experiences across the islands.
Ready to experience Kona Village for yourself? Send us a Travel Request, and our team can help you determine the right hale or kauhale, compare current rates and offers, and arrange the details of your stay.
