Kona Village
Hotel Information: Kona Village Resort is where celebrities come to relax and be treated like everyone else, which is to say warmly. Legions of guests return annually. Begun in 1965 when access was by private plane on the resort's landing strip, Kona Village Resort has since tripled in size.
The resort achieves a serene atmosphere by restricting vehicles to the sand parking lot. Paths are of natural earth, not pavement. The hotel offers complimentary Internet access at guest services, which is also the only air-conditioned space at the resort. Peace is maintained by the lack of televisions, radios, CD players, and clocks. Nothing interferes with the natural rhythms and sounds of oceanside life regulated by sunrises and sunsets.
In addition to the room rate, the resort charges a $135 fee per person for a mandatory food and beverage package. Scroll down to the Rooms section below for details.
Amenity highlights: The resort naturally divides itself into two sides—light-sand side (south) and lava-and-black-sand side (north). Each has its own hot tub and pool surrounded by a sundeck with padded lounge chairs and thatched sun shelters. The lava side also has a children's pool. Hammocks, wood benches, and lounge chairs are scattered throughout the resort, making it easy to find restful privacy. The sand side includes a long, deep, crescent beach on Kahuwai Bay, which usually is calm and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Insider tip: Kona Village Resort occupies the site of a fishing village that was home to 10,000 ancient Hawaiians. When they abandoned the site they left behind burial and ceremonial caves, petroglyphs, and a few lava-rock house foundations —all of which can still be seen. Guided tours explain the history and culture.
This Polynesian-style resort comprises 125 thatched-roof hales (cottages) spread among 82 oceanfront acres. The cottages feature porches with lounge chairs and cushioned furnishings.
Inside are contemporary furnishings and colorful bedspreads. Ceiling fans (two or three per suite), louvered windows, and high ceilings combine with ocean and mountain breezes for natural cooling. Twice-daily housekeeping, refrigerators, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries are included. For a peaceful, romantic atmosphere, the cottages have no telephones, clocks, radios, or TVs.
When booking, a fee of $135 per person will be added to the room rate. The surcharge covers a mandatory food and beverage plan, which includes:
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served oceanfront
- Aha'aina (luau feast) on Wednesdays and Fridays
- Box lunches for guests exploring the island
- Lunch voucher for selected island restaurants
- Coffee and pastries at the Bora Bora Bar
- Manager's cocktail reception on Tuesdays
- Coffee, soft drinks, mixers, juices, and bottled water in refrigerator
Not included: food and beverage gratuities.
