Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is located on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai’i, and this resort is the next major resort up the coast from the unique and highly rated Hualalai, a Four Seasons resort. The Rosewood has plenty of facilities to attract the luxury traveler beyond the black lava rocky outcrops and golden sand beaches. The resort extends across an enormous 81 acres of stunning geologic landscape.
Location
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is one of the best Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in the world. Located less than 10 miles north of the Kona International Airport, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, has 150 unique, standalone guest hales with locally-inspired décor, spectacular views, and a privileged sense of seclusion.
This iconic Hawaiian retreat offers an alternative luxury option for guests who love the location of the Four Seasons Hualalai. The Rosewood Resort is only a mile up the coast from the Four Seasons and a 5-minute car drive away. When comparing the two resorts, Rosewood Vs. Four Seasons, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort has a more romantic and peaceful feel. Only at this unique resort can you walk through 900-year-old petroglyphs (rock carvings).
Style & Character
From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed with warm smiles, the traditional gift of sweet-smelling lei necklaces, and a refreshing rum punch, setting the tone for the unforgettable experience that awaits.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, offers a truly unique experience, unlike most hotels in Hawai‘i. Rather than towering concrete structures from the 1970s, this intimate and secluded resort features charming Polynesian-style bungalows nestled between swaying palms along a pristine beach. Far removed from bustling resort areas like Waikīkī, Kona Village stands out for its serene atmosphere, stunning beachfront, and incredible snorkeling just steps from the shore, all complemented by the warmth and hospitality of its genuinely caring staff.
The resort draws its essence from the area’s rich history, local culture, and natural beauty, creating an authentic Hawaiian experience. Originally conceived by adventurous explorer Johnno Jackson in the early 1960s, the former Kona Village Resort was famous for its palm-thatched hales (bungalows) and peaceful, remote setting.
But the history of the Kona Coast goes back much further. Over 1,000 years ago, the land was inhabited by Polynesian settlers, who used the village’s coastal access for trade and commerce. Today, the legacy of those ancient deep-sea fishermen lives on, with petroglyphs still visible around the property, preserving the stories of those early inhabitants.
The resort has been masterfully designed with lush landscaping, featuring native plants and fragrant flowers like plumeria, ensuring sweet scents always greet you as you explore the grounds.
While the dramatic black lava formations that jut into the ocean are visually stunning, they are challenging to navigate. To remedy this, Rosewood has thoughtfully constructed raised wooden pathways that wind through the lava fields, allowing guests to enjoy walks or even yoga sessions in spots where the ocean’s sea spray will tickle your skin.
Rooms
The rooms at Rosewood Kona Village are little luxury wooden shacks. These rooms have wooden walls, floors, and ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a deck, providing direct access to your own outdoor space, perfect for relaxing in privacy.
The ceiling features an inverted V-shape, with wooden beams slanting upwards from either side to meet at a sharp central peak, resembling the inside of a gable roof. The natural wood finish enhances the space’s warmth, while the angled structure’s clean lines draw the eye upwards, giving the room an open and airy feel. A spinning fan in the center of the ceiling whirls the air around the room, creating a fresh breeze that partially negates the need for air conditioning.
There are seats and a table on the lanai, and behind the bed is another useful seat and desk. In front of the bed is a comfy sofa seat with a coffee table, which is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the tropical vista.
Each accommodation also features an outdoor shower, offering a seamless connection to nature. The spacious bathroom inside the room also has a large walk-in shower, a standalone bathtub, and double sinks, all complemented by Wild Orchard amenities, which exude a refreshing blend of herbal scents with hints of rosemary and mint.
Service & Facilities
For those looking to unwind by the water, there are numerous beaches, pools, and even a lagoon perfect for relaxation. The stunning infinity pools, with their sweeping ocean views, are a highlight. You’ll also find jacuzzis and children’s pools, some with sandy bottoms for an extra touch of luxury.
For the more adventurous, there’s no shortage of activities. You can canoe, sail, paddleboard, hike, snorkel (with complimentary equipment), and dive. The diving deserves special mention, as one of Hawaii’s Big Island’s premier dive spots is just off the shore. Simply wade in with your snorkel and be greeted by an abundance of colorful fish.
If staying active is a priority, the Rosewood gym offers everything you need. Its cardio machines, including a stair climber, are set outdoors, allowing you to exercise beneath the blue sky while enjoying fresh breezes and views of the Kohala mountains. For weight training, the air-conditioned section of the gym is equipped with the latest fitness machines. Tennis and pickleball courts are also nearby.
The Asaya Spa is nestled among the lava landscape and features multiple serene structures for ultimate relaxation. Guests can enjoy private outdoor showers, spacious jacuzzis, and cold plunge pools in both the men’s and women’s locker rooms, available for all visitors seeking a rejuvenating escape.
The Keiki Kids Club is led by an enthusiastic and creative team who keep children engaged with fun Hawaiian games while weaving in elements of Hawaiian culture. There’s also a charming pond where both kids and adults can fish or feed the ducks, adding to the family-friendly experience.
For those seeking a deeper cultural connection, few places offer the chance to live among history, like Kona Village. Imagine walking through 900-year-old petroglyphs or visiting the sacred spots where Hawaiian queens once bathed. And just steps from your room, you can explore one of the island’s premier diving sites, immersing yourself in Hawaii’s vibrant underwater world.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is deeply committed to sustainability and works closely with the local community to honor and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Kona and Hawai‘i. Dedicated to protecting this unique history, the resort will feature a cultural center that provides both locals and visitors with access to the island’s extensive Hawaiian lineage, creating a meaningful link between the resort and its surroundings.
Food & Drink
Breakfast at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is exceptional, with delicious a la carte dishes. You get this superb breakfast for free if you book your stay via our luxury travel concierge.
The culinary offerings throughout the day are exceptional, featuring a tempting variety of dishes such as succulent steaks, fresh sushi, and Hawaiian favorites like “loco moco.” Most ingredients appear to be locally sourced, with an abundance of fresh greens complementing fish caught by local fishermen. For kids, the menu includes favorites like pizza, chicken tenders, and burgers, ensuring something for everyone.
In the evenings, the resort’s popular Shipwreck Bar and Talk Story Bar serve up fantastic cocktails crafted from fresh fruit. Grilled specialties sizzle over open flames, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of barbecue as dusk settles in. Cozy sofas encircle glowing fire pits along the beach, offering the perfect spot to watch the sunset beneath gently swaying palm trees.
Conclusion
The deep blue ocean and bleached coral paths contrast beautifully with the black lava rock and lurid green lawns, making this slice of paradise feel almost unreal.
Big Island has a more scorched earth feel than some of the other more lush and tropical Hawaiian islands, but I think it’s the stark contrast of the black volcanic rock against the stunning blue sea and vivid greenery that make this resort so uniquely stunning. Mix in the warm Hawaiian heart of the Rosewood and you have an exceptional resort.
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