Global real estate investment company Kennedy Wilson (NYSE: KW) has appointed ultra-luxury hotel group Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to manage Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, which is set to open in 2022 after a complete renovation of the property.
Located on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, the iconic Hawaiian retreat has laid dormant since 2011.
Conceptualised and developed by explorer Johnno Jackson in the early 1960s, the original Kona Village Resort was best known for its free-standing, palm thatch roof ‘hales’ and tranquil location.
Spearheaded by Hawai'i-raised architect Greg Warner of Walker Warner Architects, each of the 150 renovated standalone guest ‘hales’ will offer a private lānai, outdoor shower and locally inspired decor.
Guests will have access to new leisure facilities including Sense, A Rosewood Spa, a fitness centre, as well as multiple pools and tennis courts.
Spanning 81 acres of geologic landscape and richness, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, will draw inspiration from the history of the site, local culture and natural elements to create a guest experience that complements the distinctive Hawaiian setting.
Inhabited nearly 1,000 years ago, the site was once home to migrating settlers from Polynesia. The village became a place of trade and commerce due to easy access by the coast. Memories of the destination's renowned deep-sea fisherman are immortalised in the petroglyphs that can be found in and around the boundaries of Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort today.
"We have a long history of investing in Hawai'i and we are humbled to be the next steward of Kona Village. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts shares our vision for creating a resort that honours the history of the region," said Bill McMorrow, chair and CEO of Kennedy Wilson. "In coordination with our talented team of designers, architects, and now with Rosewood onboard, we are on track to deliver a world-class experience in a tremendously special location."
"We are honoured to bring Rosewood's A Sense of Place philosophy to such a hallowed resort in the most stunning of destinations," said Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group. "Kona Village's illustrious history and vibrant culture provide the perfect backdrop for Rosewood's first property in the Hawaiian Islands. This is a defining development, not only for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, but also for Hawai'i, and we are grateful to Kennedy Wilson for allowing us to be a part of it."
Devoted to preserving the heritage of the destination, the resort will feature a cultural centre that will grant both locals and visitors access to extensive Hawaiian lineage, providing a link between the resort and its surroundings.
Walker Warner Architects, together with VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture, will incorporate sustainable practices and indigenous materials throughout the design of the resort.
In keeping with Kona Village's commitment to preserve its surrounding environment, the development team has engaged Re-use Hawai'i, a local non-profit, to deconstruct deteriorated buildings by hand and salvage up to 80 per cent of the materials for reuse and recycling, minimising the volume of landfill waste and the need to grow, harvest, produce and transport new material on island.
