Kailua-Kona Hawaii Island, Hawaii
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Design ResortOutside the door
The house
RosewoodVolcanic bay hideaway
Cruiser bikes navigate crushed lava paths between standalone thatched hales, centuries-old petroglyphs, and the calm shores of Kahuwai Bay.
“Despite its modern revamp, Kona Village is inspired by its history and sense of place, from the thatched-roof hale…”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Arrival flower leis and responsive text concierge service across freestanding oceanfront kauhale.
Remarkable
Recycled plastic thatched roofing and dark basalt tubs shape oceanfront standalone wooden hales.
Remarkable
Oceanfront swimming pools, outrigger canoe excursions, and lawn cinema across eighty-one coastal acres.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Gold List
Condé Nast Traveler
2026
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Its 150 bungalows were designed by the San Francisco–based Nicole Hollis, and they’re a masterful mix of familiar Hawaiian elements and modern, kitsch-free tropical chic.
“The accommodations include 150 hale – bungalow-esque traditional Hawaiian buildings – which are free-standing and feature oversized lanai and outdoor showers.”
“The iconic Kona Village, which was destroyed by a tsunami in 2011, was completely reimagined by Rosewood Hotels in 2023...”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set along Kahuwai Bay amid rugged black lava flows, the secluded 81-acre coastal property sits just fifteen minutes north of Kona International Airport.
The rooms
Standalone hales feature Douglas fir shiplap, dark basalt soaking tubs, open-air lava rock showers, and expansive private lanais with oceanfront daybeds.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Oceanfront infinity pools and hot tubs look out across coconut palms to the waters of Kahuwai Bay.
The spa
Treatment hales and plunge pools sit among cooled black lava rock looking toward Hualālai volcano.
The gym
Technogym equipment fills a timber-beamed studio lined with floor-to-ceiling glass opening onto outdoor workout lawns.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Moana serves Pacific Rim dishes beneath vaulted timber, and drinks are poured from a restored schooner at Shipwreck Bar.
The design is stellar and channels the location beautifully, the service is warm and professional, the beach and the natural setting cannot be beat.
How it began
Founded in 1965 after sailor Johnno Jackson came ashore, this storied retreat was rebuilt following a tsunami and now runs entirely on solar power.
“The result is a celebration of the ethos that sacred land must be duly protected alongside its people and its history.”
Good to know
Stay here
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.