Kona Village officially opened its doors to guests this summer in Hawaii. The opening marks a milestone in the revival of the Rosewood Resort property nestled in the sacred land of Kaʻūpūlehu. This momentous occasion sees the return of the familiar silhouette that once graced the island’s horizon. Now, the resort emerges as an inspired reimagination of the original Kona Village Resort. The original resort operated from the 1960s until its closure in 2011 due to a devastating tsunami.
Its revival is the result of a collaboration between Kennedy Wilson, a real estate investment company, and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Together, they have created a property that pays homage to the elements that made the original resort beloved. The resort aims to deepen its connection to cultural legacy while embodying the Hawaiian tradition of hoʻokipa, meaning hospitality.
“Debuting Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is a satisfying new chapter for this treasured place that carries significance and meaning for the community and for our team,” said William McMorrow, Kennedy Wilson Chairman and CEO.
Set across 81 acres of geologic landscape, Kona Village takes its inspiration from Kaʻūpūlehu’s heritage, culture, and natural surroundings. This approach ensures that the resort harmonizes with its surroundings and contributes to the preservation and restoration of the local environment.
Collaboration with the Local Community in Hawaii
The revitalization process involved close collaboration between Kennedy Wilson, landowner Kamehameha Schools, and members of the local cultural community. According to McMorrow, this partnership was instrumental in shaping the resort’s renovation plans. It allowed for the creation of a destination that respects and shares the history and moʻolelo (stories) of Native Hawaiians who have profoundly influenced the land.
At Kona Village, guests can discover nature’s teachings through organic experiences and learn about the land’s importance. The resort also embraces Hawaiian culture, encouraging shared conversations at Talk Story Bar—where the past and present merge.
“We have focused on providing an elevated experience that allows for guests to immerse themselves in a culture of discovery. At Rosewood, we have always held a deep reverence for the legacy properties around the globe that we have been chosen to steward,” said Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
The new Kona Village evaluated the positive impact of sustainability in every aspect of the guest experience. The resort strives to be a model for responsible tourism, embracing eco-friendly practices and fostering a deep appreciation for the environment.