Built on the ruins of the old Kona Village resort and completely updated (with mostly new construction), this 5 star resort has a lot of things going for it. Affordability is not one of them. However, much of it is stunning and we had a good time here. (It would have been better but there were quite a few hiccups during our stay… it hadn’t been open too long at that point… and I’m assuming they’ve been resolved in the last few months. That said, the staff and management was highly decent about remedying all the issues that popped up in a timely fashion).
Located right next door on the beach to the Four Seasons on the Big Island, it feels like you’re on a completely different island when you’ve arrived, somewhere in the distant South Seas. I liked that part of it. The driveway to the hotel is long and winding and takes you through some arid hills before you arrive to the… dirt road! It’s very authentic feeling if a little… dirty. Some may be put off by the ruggedness but it’s always been part of the charm. I only walked by the original Kona Resort a few years before a hurricane knocked it down and it was basically falling apart even then… this is nothing like that.
Check-in was friendly and luxe… we sat on a couch while they did the paperwork. The vibe here is looser than a lot of pricey resorts and more laid back. Not a problem. Alas, we originally booked a 2 bedded room… which as far as I can tell means you get the spare room of a larger suite. You feel like the poor relative visiting someone fancier, which is a bit ironic at this price point. This did not work for us. At all. I did not come all this way to share a wall and the descriptions online are rather deceptive. The appeal of this place is (most) every room is its own unit… or hale. Except when you ask for 2 beds. So we went back to the desk and asked for a one bed individual hale. Which we got. Alas, it took a few hours of a spectacular sunset to get.
All the hales are beautiful and many have ocean views… albeit through trees. One section of the hotel is more arid and on a lava field and not on the beach. I’m sure when the landscaping grows in it’ll look better and less dried out. A final section of hales are on a lagoon facing the mountains.
There’s a lot of charm to this place… the original Shipwreck bar remains (only spiffed up)… but the dining options are a bit limited. Breakfast was good and is served in the main restaurant… and for the most part, the servers were very nice, as were the hosts. But there was one female server (a bit larger than the others) who had the most on/off personality I’ve ever seen and a hair trigger temper. You wanted to stay on her good side. Which I didn’t want to have to do at these prices. I think everyone knows who she is.
Lunches are tricky. You’re limited to these grilled cheese sandwiches from a little coffee stand off the lobby, room service or a full (aka high) priced lunch in the restaurant. We ended up walking to the Four Seasons… a bit of a schlep… to get normal sandwiches (say, tuna or ham) to go from their shop in the parking lot. Dinners are also rather pricey but you can get more grilled cheesy things relatively late into the evening, which is what we usually ended up doing. They weren’t bad… there just wasn’t a lot of variety. I appreciated that option, anyway.
Parking is a long way away from most hales… you can self-park, which we did. And there are free bikes you can ride around on the property. There are two pools… one more for families and kids near the lobby… and the adult pool by the Shipwreck bar. They do try to steer guests to the most appropriate pool when you check in, which I appreciated, too.
When we left, we were treated very well by the staff who made a fuss (as I said, we had a few hiccups and got to know everyone a little better than on a more typical stay). That very thoughtful farewell made a great, lasting impression. I give them high marks for it. A few individuals on the staff I’d like to mention who made our stay nicer in various ways: Jesa, Rami, Shannon, Kristi and Jason. I wish I got a few more names, but hey, I was on island time and didn’t have my phone with me all the time.
If you want to go back in time yet stay with all the modern luxe appointments in a slightly and intentionally dusty, rustic environment… I would give this place a try. I hope to return one day soon and enjoy it when it’s a smooth-running operation… which it probably already is.

We just returned from a trip to Kona Village. From the moment you drive onto the property with white sand driveways, green lawns and palm trees you know you are somewhere special. We've stayed at many beautiful resorts on the Big Island including the Four Seasons Hualalai, as well as the Four Seasons Beach Resort and Sensei on Lanai, and several others on Oahu, but Kona Village is now our very favorite.

Upon arrival we were greeted by Daniel Scott (Regional Manager), Maria Jose Rodriguez (Resort Manager), and a delicious tropical cocktail. Check In was quick and the staff was so friendly and welcoming. We were driven to our hale by golf cart and shown where the gym, spa, restaurants and a secluded beach (with the most amazing sealife) are located. The decor inside our hale was beautiful and had everything we needed. There are no TVs but you can use your laptop or ask the front desk if they have a one to use. WiFi is excellent. The welcome refreshments in our room were a nice touch to enjoy on the huge lanai before lunch.

We enjoyed several meals at the Kahuwai, Moana (where the french toast with vanilla cream is a must) and at the beach. By far the most enjoyable meal was the Island Roots dinner. It takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, located in a secluded area near the gardens surrounded by kiawe trees. The food is all locally sourced. Cocktails and appetizers were served upon arrival, followed by dinner which was explained by Chefs Kai and David. The menu included salad and vegetables from the garden, locally caught fish and lobster, kalua pig with cabbage, and other items. Dessert was presented by the pastry chef who described her fabulous creations. Cocktails and several white and red wines were served with dinner. Seating is communal, giving us the opportunity to meet other guests who were first timers like us, as well as those who have been coming to the resort for over 40 years.

With the beach, pools and restaurants we never left the property. We used the bikes to get around, it was so much fun. Bikes are parked everywhere, you just take one to ride around the resort or to/from your hale. The resort is easily walkable but you can always call to have someone in a golf cart pick you up. We played pickleball and tennis. Rackets, paddles and balls are available anytime, along with water and fruit. The gym is great and has cardio equipment outside to enjoy the views.. The spa is beautiful. There is an activity shack to get snorkel gear, paddleboards, kayaks, etc. Everything is included along with other planned activities like canoe rides, snorkeling adventures, and cultural classes. There are also cooking and fitness classes with nominal fees. Check the schedule in your room and book as soon as possible. The big beach in front is a great snorkeling spot, you'll see so many fish and sea turtles, but for me the little beach/cove has the best snorkeling, it’s like being in an aquarium.

We had a wonderful time at Kona Village and look forward to our next visit. Thanks to the entire staff, especially Maria, for making our stay so memorable.

Stunning accommodations and spa - Abyssmal service and dining at Moana. Dirty glasses and unbussed tables, and waits exceeding 15 minutes after being seated for meals are just the beginning at this seriously under staffed resort. The dinner menu at Moana was uninspiring and overpriced, yet we loved the meals by Chef Jose at the cookout restaurant. The spa is fresh and beautiful - but the server falsifying a tip for my drink order at Shipwreck Bar and tipping herself a generous amount left me with a bad taste in my mouth.