Boarding our flight in Austin, we shared the thrill of anticipation — the kind that only comes when you’re headed somewhere uniquely remarkable to celebrate a special occasion. In this case, a milestone birthday felt like the perfect excuse to book a trip to paradise — Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort. With a direct 8.5-hour flight to Honolulu, Hawaiian Airlines made the transition easy and endurable. After taking a long nap, watching a movie and accomplishing some work thanks to complimentary WiFi, we changed planes and hopped aboard a quick 45-minute flight that took us to Kailua-Kona, where we were instantly swept up by the island’s enchantment.
From Hill Country to Hawaiian Shores
With a short 15-minute drive from the airport to Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, we were immediately filled with wonder as we viewed distinctly Hawaiian sights from the road — a landscape of hardened lava flow and volcanoes in the distance. We made our way to the hotel hideaway tucked along the shores of Kahuwai Bay, where we were greeted by a friendly chorus of “Aloha,” adorned with gorgeous leis of fragrant plumeria and handed a refreshing local cocktail. The staff’s warm hospitality set the tone for the entire stay — personal, genuine and rooted in the island’s cultural practices. Unwinding in a setting that blends lush beachfront with dramatic black volcanic rock, we felt as though we were being welcomed into a secret sanctuary.
Kona Village’s Storied History and Re-imagined Luxury
Nestled on the northern edge of the Big Island, the resort’s location holds many interesting stories dating back to the very first Polynesian settlers to reach Hawaii, followed by settlers who established a fishing village that thrived for centuries.
By the 1960s, the area was long abandoned, but caught the eye of a couple who had been sailing the South Pacific and became enamored by this spot. Here, they decided to establish the Kona Village Resort, which became a lively vacation destination for the next five decades. However, in March of 2011 an earthquake off the coast of Japan sent a tsunami across the Pacific Ocean, sweeping away the original Kona Village Resort.
In 2023, the property embarked on its new chapter as a Rosewood resort — reimagined and renovated from the ground-up with an architectural approach designed to honor the original, while embracing improved sustainability practices. In fact, the energy-efficient resort relies solely on solar power with a zero-waste commitment.
Blissful Bungalows
We escaped to our own private, freestanding hale, or bungalow, where the gentle rustling of the thatched roof and soothing sound of waves and ocean winds offered a sense of calm. The resort, which is a winner of three Michelin Keys, offers a range of one to four-bedroom retreats, with a choice between distinct views of lush gardens, a serene lagoon or the vast ocean.
Designed by San Francisco-based NICOLEHOLLIS, the hales are open and airy with interiors that feature handpicked natural materials, bespoke furnishings and textiles in neutral tones. We loved the oversized bathroom that featured both indoor and outdoor showers, along with a fabulous soaking tub. Our hale’s spacious lanai offered a fabulous lookout to gardens and waters beyond. As an exceptional touch, a “happy birthday” banner was hung in our room, along with a bottle of champagne and birthday cake.
Cocktails and Cuisine
Exploring the on-site culinary offerings was a delight, and much like the rest of the resort, the emphasis on sustainability was evident across the restaurants. There are a variety of dining options, which include the freshest seafood and produce sourced from their on-site garden, as well as from local farmers and fishermen. Moana, a refined oceanfront restaurant, was ideal for bountiful breakfasts and upscale dinners as it features the best of Pacific Rim flavors. Kahuwai Cookhouse & Market spotlights Hawaii’s cowboy culture with a focus on wood-fired dishes, but was also a great option to order lunch straight to our beach-side lounge chairs.
One of the most magical dinners we enjoyed was at the resort’s Island Roots communal experience. Tucked away in a secluded area surrounded by rock and kiawe trees, we gathered with other resort guests at a long table for a festive feast of fresh vegetables, seafood and meats to celebrate the bounty of the island. Wine and conversation were flowing as we had the chance to talk with visitors from all over the world.
Our favorite of all the resort’s culinary spots was Shipwreck Bar. We loved taking a seat at the bar of this beautiful schooner that once belonged to the original resort’s founder. It has been elegantly restored as a landmark that now sits in the sand. Here, we enjoyed a menu focused on Japanese delicacies.
Each of the bars serves a unique recipe for Hawaii’s beloved Mai Tai. In fact, the resort staff suggested accomplishing the “mai tai mile” — trying each of these cocktails from the resort bars — which we decided to do over the course of several days. For those curious, after sampling all, our favorite was Conrad’s Mai Tai at the Shipwreck.
Kona Village Activities: Adventure Meets Tranquility
Though Kona Village’s tranquil setting beckons relaxation, the resort also offers a wealth of activities. We joined a morning outrigger canoe paddle, marveling at the sight of humpback whales and endangered monk seals. Spending time in the water here is made simple as SUPs, kayaks and snorkeling gear are all provided, and there are many additional water activities to choose from, like sailing or renting an underwater SEABOB.
Then there are the quiet moments offered, too — taking a bike ride around the property, swimming in one of the resort’s four pools or lounging the sun in the sand. Viewing the gorgeous evening sunset was the highlight of each day, as unrushed and unhurried moments felt like the essence of vacation at Kona Village.
For the resort’s most relaxing amenities, we found the Asaya Spa to be almost otherworldly. Situated in black lava fields with views of the Mauna Kea volcano, it offers a dramatic and breathtaking atmosphere. We indulged in massages and then enjoyed a dip in the hot tub and cold plunge pool, along with unwinding in the sauna and steam room.
Aloha Spirit as a Souvenir
Our time at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort was quite magical — the ultimate escape where luxury and aloha spirit intertwine. We treasured Hawaii’s sense of calm and warm vibes and fondly brought them back home with us – at least as a temporary, mindful reset.
Exploring Kailua-Kona
While the resort has everything you need to enjoy your vacation without leaving the property, if you do wish to go explore the local area, here are a few of our suggestions:
- Pololū Valley Lookout: A beautiful overlook and hike off the northeastern coast.
- Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation: Free guided educational tours explore how coffee is grown, plus it’s a great spot to pick up bags of beans to bring home.
- Kuleana Rum Shack: Tastings of award-winning local rum.
- Snorkeling and Whale Watching Excursions: There are many options to choose from to enjoy the marine life in the area.
- Kona Brewing Company: Casual microbrewery with island beers, informal tours, pizza and live music.
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