Iconic West Hawaii Resort to Reopen in 2019

By Adriana Pop

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii—The Kona Village Resort on the Big island of Hawaii is set to reopen its doors to guests by the summer of 2019.

Kona Village Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii

A ground lease agreement between land owner Kamehameha Schools and international real estate investment firm Kennedy Wilson has paved the way for the property’s renovation.

Kona Village Resort closed shortly after the March, 2011 earthquake-generated tsunami, after having welcomed guests since its opening in 1965.

California-based Kennedy Wilson is now planning to retain the original vision of the 81.4-acre resort, as a low-density iconic destination. The renovation will include the property’s 125 vacation bungalows, infrastructure and other operational improvements.

“Kona Village will provide much-needed jobs for the West Hawaii region and will perpetuate Native Hawaiian identity through its rich cultural history. We are excited to have a project partner that maintains the vision,” stated Walter Thoemmes, commercial real estate managing director, Kamehameha Schools.

“Kennedy Wilson has been involved in Hawaii for over a quarter century and embraces and respects Hawaiian culture and the protection of Hawaii’s natural resources. We take great pride in the fact that returning the Kona Village Resort to full service will provide stable jobs for scores of Hawaii Island residents,” added Dave Eadie, senior vice president at Kennedy Wilson.

Image courtesy of Kamehameha Schools