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Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, United States · Rosewood · Apex Luxury
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, began in 1965 as Johnno and Helen Jackson's off-grid hideaway on the old Kaʻūpūlehu fishing village. A 2011 tsunami shut it for twelve years. Rosewood and Kennedy Wilson reopened it in July 2023, the only Rosewood in Hawaii: 150 freestanding hales on 81 acres of lava at Kahuwai Bay, among petroglyph fields and anchialine ponds. Walker Warner Architects shaped the new hales. AAA named it Five Diamond in 2026, and Michelin gave it Three Keys the same year.
- 150 rooms
- Opened 2023
- Neighborhood: Kahuwai Bay
- Architect: Walker Warner Architects
- Interiors: NICOLEHOLLIS
About Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
- Johnno and Helen Jackson opened the hideaway in 1965. A 2011 tsunami closed it for twelve years before the July 2023 Rosewood reopening.
- Shipwreck Bar pours from a restored schooner, and the resort runs on solar power across the lava field.
History
Johnno and Helen Jackson opened Kona Village in 1965 as an off-grid Polynesian retreat on the site of the old Kaʻūpūlehu fishing village, a no-television house among lava and lagoons. The 2011 tsunami that followed Japan's earthquake closed it for twelve years. Rosewood and Kennedy Wilson reopened the resort in July 2023 after a restoration guided by cultural descendants: 150 standalone hales by Walker Warner Architects, solar power, the Asaya spa, and dining that stays with the island.
The setting
Kona Village sits on 81 acres at Kahuwai Bay in Kaʻūpūlehu, once a Hawaiian fishing village of aliʻi and makaʻāinana. Hualalai's 1801 lava flow and a 1946 tidal wave mixed the sand into a black-and-white beach. Petroglyph fields and anchialine ponds are part of the ground, and Kona's airport is the nearest gate.
Restaurants and bars
- Moana — Restaurant
- Kahuwai Cookhouse & Market — Café
- Shipwreck Bar & Sushi — Restaurant · Japanese
- Talk Story Bar — Bar
Experiences
- Asaya Spa healing journeys — Healing journeys that transcend the four walls of the spa, promoting alignment between mind, body and spirit, tied to nature.
- Ocean activities (Kilo Kai) — Guided watermen and women-led activities, from sunrise paddles to snorkeling and sailing excursions.
- Ka`uluola Cultural Center activities — Artifacts on display plus activities including hula, ukulele, petroglyph tours and more.
- Tennis and pickleball — Pristine, fully equipped pickleball and tennis courts.
- Kahiko Mala'ai on-site farm tours — On-site farm beside the restaurants where guests can see and even harvest produce during daily tours.
- Rosewood Explorers Keiki Club — Children's programme where young guests explore, play and learn.
Amenities
- Moana Pool with Kahuwai Bay views
- Shipwreck Adult Pool with infinity hot tub and lap lane
- Asaya Spa with lanai treatments, sauna, steam, cold plunges
- Kahiko Mālaʻai on-site organic farm
- Complimentary bicycles on 81 acres
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Kids club
- Butler service
Awards
- Condé Nast Traveler Gold List (2026)
- Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star (2026)
- MICHELIN Three Keys (2026)
- Hawaii's Leading Luxury Resort 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
- Three MICHELIN Keys (2025)
- AHEAD Americas Hotel of the Year (2024)
- AHEAD Americas Resort (2024)
- AHEAD Americas Spa & Wellness (2024)
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