Kona Village Resort on Saturday will welcome their first visitors since the 2011 tsunami — generated by a 9.0 earthquake in Japan — devastated the iconic landmark.
Dignitaries gathered at the property Wednesday to hear about how the journey developer, Kennedy Wilson, and operator, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, kept the place’s spirit alive.
Deconstruction of the remnants of the old resort began in 2017 — with 80% of demolished materials diverted from the landfill through a partnership with Re-Use Hawaii. Vertical construction commenced in 2020 with all of the thatched roofs made from recycled plastic bottles.
“I think we did a good job keeping the vibe of what it was,” said Micke Eadie, Managing Director, U.S. Development and Construction at Kennedy Wilson. “The rooms have no TV’s, but we have added air conditioning through a central chilled water system and high speed internet, but we kept the tech away.”
Bill McMorrow, CEO Kennedy Wilson, said the day was very emotional for him.
“Thousands of people brought Kona Village back to life,” he said. “This property goes back to the 1700’s fishing village, and I am grateful for the people that came before me.”
He also thanked lineal descendants of the land who provided guidance along the way.
“The cultural committee is our North Star,” he said. “We have to respect the land, the ocean, and remember the history and spirituality of place. We are stewards of the property.”
Frederic Vidal, Vice President Operations Americas for Rosewood Hotels, said he was inspired by the care taken rebuilding Kona Village.
“This is more than running another luxury resort. It is about the land. We are intertwined with the land. We are deeply honored to reopen this iconic property.”
Mayor Mitch Roth touted the good jobs created in the construction and opening of the resort.
“We saw this was a great place to keep people working,” said Roth of the 700 construction jobs and 350 hotel employees. “I don’t see it as building a resort — it’s restoring the land. “
Roth said the resort is a sustainable project and should be instructive for the rest of the world.
Following speeches, lineal descendants of the land, Ku’ulei Keakealani and Ana Bertlemen, led guests in a ceremonial passing of the pohaku and ‘Aha Lei Piko Ceremony, reaffirming the sense of place the property holds.
In 1965, Johnno Jackson and his wife, Helen, arrived at the abandoned fishing village after sailing much of the South Pacific on their schooner. With a lofty dream and unwavering spirit, they established the Kona Village Resort. Originally consisting of 125 hale without the trappings of “modern day luxuries” such as televisions and phones.
The new resort has stayed true to the spirit of place, adding 25 hales to the 81 acre site — which include updated furnishings.
The property boasts a net zero solar electric system with battery backup and reclaimed water for irrigation.
The resort also includes Hale Moana, their signature restaurant, a marketplace, gift shop, two bars, two pools and the Hookipa luau grounds. Guests can also enjoy the Asaya spa, a fitness center and keiki club where children can learn about culture and sustainability.
Anchialine ponds on the property have been restored and the lagoon is stocked with tilapia.
Room rates start at $2,000 per night, with the presidential suites commanding nightly rates in the low $40,000’s. The two presidential suites are four bedroom ocean front accommodations with a 8,500 square feet indoor and outdoor space, private swimming pool, chef’s kitchen, butler service and other luxury amenities.
“We look forward to welcoming new guests as well as the multi-generational guests who have come before,” said Eadie. “It will be fun to bring them back and hear the old stories.”
