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Welcome Agents

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:05:32 +0100

Welcome Travel Professionals!

Kona Village truly values the relationship that we have with the travel agent community and we appreciate your efforts in promoting our resort. From time to time we will be posting information on this page that is only relevant to travel professionals and we invite you to visit this special section of our website on a regular basis.

Commissions We appreciate the time you spend educating travelers about Kona Village and make every effort to pay commissions in a timely manner. If you ever have a question about your commission, please call us at 808-325-5555 and ask for our accounting department.

Also note that Kona Village pays commission on food and beverage in addition as the room portion. This means higher commissions for you!

Visit Us There is no better way to really learn about our resort than a personal visit. Our travel agent rate is $245 for single occupancy and $385 for double occupancy. This rate includes:

Accommodations in a private thatched roof bungalow
3 island inspired meals per day
Select non-motorized ocean activities
Unlimited tennis
Complimentary parking

This is based on availability and you must have a valid IATA, ARC or CLIA number.

Group Bookings While we are not a traditional resort with meeting rooms, we do appeal to small groups for incentives, family reunions, team building events and corporate retreats. We do offer special pricing for groups and some group packages so if you have a group that might enjoy Kona Village please give us a call and we can provide additional details.

Under The Village

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:34:08 +0100

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Watch our Under The Village video

Kona Village Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii offers one of the most comprehensive ocean activity programs on the island. Alaka'i Nalu which in Hawaiian means Ambassadors of the Waves, offers guests an opportunity to not only learn how to enjoy the activities but also how many of the activities were a part of daily Hawaiian life. Activities include snorkeling, paddle boarding, outrigger canoes, SCUBA diving (night dives with the Manta Rays is amazing!) and whale watching.

If you aren't seeing the video, view it on YouTube.

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Resort Overview

Tue, 18 May 2010 20:50:01 +0100

At Kona Village, guests appreciate unplugged experiential vacations on 82 oceanfront acres at Kahuwai Bay on Hawaii’s Big Island. Unpretentious individual thatched-roof bungalows are nestled around lush lagoons and pristine white and black sand beaches. Numerous complimentary activities are coupled with opportunities to immerse in Hawaiian culture with a professional yet affable staff that exudes the warmth of Aloha and makes every visitor feel like family.

At a location that was once home to a Hawaiian fishing village, 125 individual thatched-roof bungalows, locally called na hale (ha-lay), are architecturally inspired by the cultures of Polynesia. Included in room rates are three island-inspired meals served oceanfront, historical and cultural resort tours, an abundance of ocean sports activities, a daily children’s program (except portions of May and September), and more. Twice weekly, the resort is home to the island’s longest running and most authentic ‘aha‘aina (lu‘au) dinner and show as they celebrate the traditions of Hawai‘i and Polynesian in food, music, dance and chants.

Guests bask in an unplugged, pampered Hawaiian vacation at this dramatic oceanfront setting with no in-room televisions, radios or telephones. Lushly landscaped with more than 2,000 coconut trees and tropical flora, hale choices range from oceanfront to those nestled around ancient fishing lagoons dotted with small islands, to those located on dramatic black lava rock cliffs. Regardless of room location, the walk to your private hale along sandy pathways bordered by naupaka, noni, and hibiscus bushes is like a stroll in a park. This eco-conscious resort has employed green-practices for more than forty years, even recycling coconut fronds for authentic roof thatching and dried coconuts for Do Not Disturb notification.

With the azure waters of the Pacific within steps, world-class SCUBA diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and wind surfing are center pieces of Alaka’I Nalu ocean adventures. The Ribcraft (rigid inflatable boat) expands adventure well beyond the bay for seasonal whale watching, snorkeling and viewing nighttime manta rays swimming from the shoreline who are attracted to the night lights as they have been for 45 years.

Guests enjoy complimentary tennis and fitness center use. Soothing island-inspired spa treatments, private tennis instruction, SCUBA certification (PADI), even private dinners on the beach can all be arranged as you discover day-by-day that Kona Village is the perfect place to do as much, or, as little-as you choose.

Guests of Kona Village can also enjoy golfing at the The Hualalai Golf Club which neighbors the village. The Hualalai Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is a par-72 layout which weaves through the Big Island’s challenging lavascape, taking full advantage of spectacular ocean views and dramatic shoreline vistas. The course also features a 9-acre driving range which includes a chipping and short game practice area, two sand bunkers and a putting green. The Hualalai Gof Club has been host to the Mitsubishi Electric Championship since 1997.

For romantics celebrating new lives together with a Hawaii destination wedding or a Hawaiian honeymoon, for families recharging and reconnecting with one another, for reunions, corporate retreats, girlfriend getaways, and for everyone in between, Kona Village has welcomed and shared their hospitality since 1965 in a resort that is unlike any ever experienced.

As island tradewinds and ceiling fans cool each hale you awaken each day to the rhythmic sounds of the ocean and calls from the variety of birds that make Kona Village home. Brew a morning cup of 100% Kona Coffee and gaze toward the horizon. You’ll find yourself already planning a return to this piece of paradise that is indescribable yet exactly what you imagined Hawaii would be. This is Kona Village; unplugged, unpretentious, unmatched.

History of Kona Village Resort

Tue, 18 May 2010 20:38:21 +0100

Kona Village Resort
Resort History

Kona Village Resort opened in 1965 and occupies 82 private acres along the Big Island of Hawai‘i’s Kohala Coast. Once the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village, the resort is now home to 125 thatched-roof bungalows called hale (pronounced ha-lay), nestled around lush tropical lagoons and pristine white and black sand beaches. Fronting the marine preserve of Kahuwai Bay, guests enjoy snorkeling and diving with spectacular viewing of Hawai‘i’s dazzling marine life. The nestled jewel on the Big Island, is in large part, an inclusive resort which includes oceanfront dining with island-inspired meals along with numerous activities and water sports. A centuries-old petroglyph field of ancient markings reflects the area’s history.

Kona Village Resort has been rated among Hawai‘i’s top 25 hotels by Travel+Leisure Magazine, was on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List of world’s best places to stay and has been listed by Forbes.com among the top ten luxury family resorts in the U. S.

Born of one man’s dream to reconstruct an old time Hawaiian village, Kona Village Resort stands alone as a unique and exclusive Hawaiian resort, blending the traditions of many Polynesian cultures.

Ka’upulehu, the current site of Kona Village Resort, was at one time called Manuahi. It was home to between 10,000 and 12,000 residents. The nobility, called Ali’i-nui and the workers, called maka-ainana, lived by fishing and trading with the mauka (mountain) people who lived on the slopes of Hualalai. Pa’akai, or Hawaiian sea salt, was a known commodity from this region. In 1801, many of the residents of Ka’upulehu moved north to Puuanahulu or south to Kona because of the Hualalai lava flow that covered much of the area. In 1939, the last resident, Mahiko, died and was buried at Ka’upulehu with his ancestors.

A tidal wave in 1946 closed the ponds from the sea and mixed the white sands of Kahuwai Bay with the black sands of Maheawalu, thus creating the “salt and pepper” beach now fronting Kona Village. In 1961, Johnno Jackson and his wife Helen arrived at what was left of the long-abandoned village.

They had sailed much of the South Pacific in their schooner, the “New Moon”, and quickly saw the possibilities of fulfilling their dream of building a truly Polynesian resort.

Materials were brought in by barge; air dropped by plane on the beach and later, driven over a very rough six-mile road from the main highway. The rugged terrain at Ka’upulehu required Johnno to build an airstrip to transport guests, staff and supplies. For many years, guests arrived, either by a private plane piloted by Johnno himself or Royal Hawaiian Air service, which took over the flights in 1967. Housekeepers, cooks, and other staff were flown in to the Village each morning and out again in the evening. Planes loaded with groceries, bar supplies and ice, were a common site on the landing strip.

To link the Village and its approximately 40 hale with civilization, a radiotelephone link and power plant were installed and a new well for freshwater was drilled. To this day, Kona Village Resort still generates its own electricity and pumps water from the deep well while also now utilizing water supplied from nearby Hualalai Resort Development.

Jackson relinquished ownership in 1966, selling Kona Village to Signal Oil Company. A swimming pool was added and a bar was constructed using the hull of the “New Moon,” which had sunk in the bay. In 1979, the resort was sold to Cambridge Pacific, a consortium of Canadian investors. In 1984, AIRCOA (Associated Inns and Restaurants Company of America) purchased the resort. Kona Village Associates purchased the resort, which now totaled 125 hale, in 1989. Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts, LLC purchased the resort in the summer of 2004. In March 2007, the resort was purchased by Kona Village Investors, LLC, a joint venture between affiliates of MSD Capital, L.P., the private investment firm for Michael Dell and his family, and Rockpoint Group, LLC, a global investment management firm.

Ulrich Krauer serves as general manager bringing a background of luxury boutique resort management to the position since 2004.

The original construction of Kona Village Resort, painstakingly maintained to this day, serves to continually return Ka’upulehu to its past – a place of secluded beauty and peace in a hurried world.

Water Activities at Kona Village Resort

Tue, 18 May 2010 20:30:00 +0100

Alaka‘i Nalu Ocean Activities

In a nod to its oceanfront setting at the site of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village, Kona Village Resort and the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort have developed a comprehensive program of resort activities called Alaka‘i Nalu with all-things-water at the program’s core.

Alaka‘i Nalu means “ambassadors of the waves” in the Hawaiian language. Kona Village is proud to have a team of 20 ‘Ambassadors of the Waves’, headed up by Trent Fischer, Director of Alaka’I Nalu and Ocean Adventures. Alaka‘i Nalu staff promote and teach ancient and modern activities on the water while helping guests develop a deeper respect for the ocean.

While learning a new water activity, the Alaka‘i Nalu share their lifelong knowledge about the special connection Hawai‘i’s people have with the ocean. Each Alaka‘i Nalu knows that the ocean has important things to teach us all. After spending time with the team, guests quickly learn why they are indeed ambassadors of the ocean.

Alaka‘i Nalu offerings at Kahuwai Bay include an Outrigger Canoe Program. Guests learn to paddle a canoe, Hawaiian-style. Alaka‘i Nalu crew share the historical significance of canoes in context to the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. After an orientation on a 2-person outrigger, canoe guests are able to use one-man canoe for the remainder of their stay.

Other activities include Wiwo‘ole Ribcraft Adventures for seasonal whale watching or cruises to hidden snorkeling sites as well as having a large quantity of dive propulsion Scooters. One of the most popular ocean activities that has become iconic with the Hawaiian landscape, is the Standup Paddleboards. A great workout that all individuals can master, working your core while being with the ocean within the Kahuwai Bay of calm waters. This ocean activity is one of the most popular at Kona Village. Additionally, Trent and his team offer exciting Scuba dives, as well as the ability to get scuba certified during your stay, as Kona Village is a PADI certified resort.

The Junior Alaka‘i Nalu program is a three day program that abides by the values of Alaka‘i Nalu. Daily activities may include standup paddleboards, windsurfing, free diving, zodiac boat captain, outrigger canoe paddling, sailing, scooter snorkeling, scuba diving and shoreline fishing. The program is exclusively tailored for ages 12-17 and includes six, two-hour sessions.

There is also spear fishing, deep sea fishing, windsurfing and sailing.

Among the many complimentary beach activities offered at Kona Village, snorkeling in the pristine waters of Kahuwai Bay is certainly among the most popular. But there are also boogie boards, keiki (children) surfboards, kayaks and keiki fishing poles for catch-and-release fun on the edge of the resort’s ancient Hawaiian fishponds.

When introductory safety and technique lesson is required, a one-time fee applies. Equipment is then complimentary for remainder of guest’s stay.

Big Island of Hawaii

Tue, 18 May 2010 14:34:25 +0100

Aha’aina -- Kona Village’s Legendary Hawaiian Luau

It’s a feast. It’s a cultural experience. It’s tradition. It’s authentic. The Kona Village Aha’aina Luau Dinner & Show provides locals and visitors to Kona and the Big Island, the opportunity to experience a unique piece of Hawaii and of Polynesia via the food, music, dance, and chants of its people. Under the stars at Kaupulehu nestled alongside ancient fishponds, journey with us as we share Aloha, Kona Village style, in one of the most beautiful settings in Hawaii.

At the longest running luau on the Big Island, an ancient chant welcomes all to the imu, the underground fire pit, as the evening’s main course, a whole pig, is unveiled. Along with kalua pork, Chef Mark of Kona Village adds turkey, ulu (breadfruit), taro, and sweet potatoes to the imu to roast along with the tender smoked pork.

On Fridays, an umu, or Polynesian-style earthen oven, is unveiled with its bounty of fresh island fish. As the buffet table is laden with traditional Hawaiian dishes and contemporary favorites such as tropical fruits, island fresh salads, teriyaki chicken, steak, and tempting desserts, visitors enjoy live music and demonstrations such as taro (poi) pounding each Wednesday and coconut husking and splitting for coconut milk each Friday.

Soon the show begins in dramatic fashion. Wednesday evening’s Hula Mana focuses on the music, dance and chants of Hawai’i’ from ancient kahiko dance to present day Hawai’i’. Friday evening’s Savai’i journeys through the songs and dances of Polynesia with pulsating drums as the background for Tahitian, Maori, Tongan and Samoan dance. A highlight of every show is the spellbinding Samoan fire dance.

Kona Village Luau Includes:

Traditional Imu ceremony
Live dinner music
Hawaiian demonstrations
Luau buffet dinner
Welcome Mai Tai or fruit punch
Complimentary flower lei po’o greating from the ladies
Polynesian revue
Gratuity
Free Parking

Duration: Approximately 2 ½ hours
Start time: Doors open 5:15 p.m.
Imu ceremony 6:15 p.m.
Show begins at 7: 30 p.m.

Available: Wednesday and Friday evenings

Adults and Children 13 years & older: $98
Children ages 6-12: $67
Children ages 3-5: $40

Location: Kona Village at Hualalai Resort in Kona, Hawaii

Reservations confirmation is required.

For reservations, please call (808) 325-5555

Complimentary & Inclusive Resort Amenities

Tue, 18 May 2010 14:19:00 +0100

Complimentary & Inclusive Activities for Kona Village Resort Guests

Resort Amenities:

Arrival welcome with fresh flower lei and tropical drink
In-room 100-percent Kona Coffee
Selection of refrigerated beverages in room
Tropical bath amenities
Beach (lounge) chairs and beach towels
Use of snorkeling gear
Use of Paddle Boards, Surf Boards and Boogie Boards & Kayaks
Use of bamboo poles for ‘catch & release’ fishing in resort ponds
Use of Fitness Center
Use of Tennis Court facilities and evening tennis
Daily Tennis Clinics and Round Robins
Na Keiki in Paradise daily children’s program (except portion of May & September time frames)
Cocktail Receptions every Wednesday evenings for all guests
Oceanfront Dining at Hale Moana (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Hale Samoa dining available most evenings, inclusion dependent upon Hale category.
Tuesday evening Hawaiian Cowboy‘Paniolo’ BBQ Night
Kona Village’s legendary Lu’au dinner and show Aha’aina on Wednesday and Friday evenings
Evening entertainment (music and dancing) at Bora Bora bar
New York Times & USA Today news brief distributed at breakfast
Daily housekeeping service twice daily
Self-service laundry facilities available
Kona Village Historical Tours (Monday – Friday)
Concierge service for island activity information

Also Available at Kona Village Resort
(Fees apply)

Alaka’i Nalu Ocean Adventures:

Windsurfing lessons
Scuba diving instruction, certification and scuba dives
Guided snorkel adventure trips
Fishing Charters
Boat Charters
Scooter (DPV) snorkel and scuba diving adventures

Concierge Services & Additional Fees:

Private Tennis Instruction
Car rental
Massage services and body treatments from Kona Village Spa
Babysitting service
Wine, beer, and other alcoholic and/or specialty beverages delivered in-room or available a la carte from restaurants and lounges
Shopping at Hale Ho`omau (Kona Village Resort Boutique)
Taxes and Gratuities are not included in room rates, at dining rooms, beverage outlets or for privately arranged lessons (i.e. tennis, Scuba, etc.).
Service charge may apply for lu‘au.

Speed RFP for Kona Village Resort

Tue, 11 May 2010 19:40:10 +0100

Editorial Coverage of Kona Village Resort

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:10:52 +0100

Hideaway Report
April 2010

Alaska Airlines
March 2010

Parenting
February 2010

Islands.com
December 2009

Food & Travel
December 2009

Angeleno
October 2009

Luxury Magazine
LE LUXE A UN PASSE

Lexus Magazine
First Resorts

Destinations
Kiwi Collection