Photo credit: Douglas Friedman

Kona Village, A Rosewood Retreat is a Sustainable Travel Destination Honoring Hawaiian Heritage

Hawaii is an ideal vacation destination, that for many years has been one of the world’s most popular places to visit. The land of an exceptional landscape, magnificent nature, a mesmerizing ocean for swimming and surfing, and rich native culture and traditions—Hawaii has something to offer for each and every single visitor.

When choosing where to spend your Hawaiian vacation, it’s important to consider not only your comfort but sustainability. As the state of Hawaii recently updated the Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan aimed to incorporate climate resilience and sustainable development in the residents’ everyday lives, it also means that tourists need to be more conscious when visiting islands.

Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman

That is why Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is an ideal retreat to not only have a lavish vacation but to honor these historic lands. Nestled on the shores of the sacred Kahuwai Bai, the resort incorporates the legacy and moʻolelo (stories) of the native Hawaiians. Using a sustainable approach, this former ancient fishing village was transformed into the Big Island hideaway, where today you will be immersed in the local hospitality hoʻokipa (hospitality of complete giving).

Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is a leader in green hospitality. Among the sustainable developments that they opted for are 100% solar power provided by 8,000 solar panels, as well as a zero-waste initiative with reverse osmosis and wastewater treatment plants on its territory.

Sustainability is of utmost importance to Hawaiians, as they view it as an expression of kuleana (responsibility) to the land. The promise to “live lightly on the land” was made to the lineal descendants of Kaʻūpūlehu, and is another example of the conscious and sustainable approaches practiced by the retreat.

Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman

Kona Village has been welcoming guests since 1965, with many of them turning into loyal and returning visitors who are now considered ohana (family). Redesigned after a catastrophic tsunami in 2011, Kona Village today consists of open-air Public Spaces, 150 Suites & Hales, restaurants, bars, and a fitness center among other facilities. The main restaurant Hale Moana‘s design includes furniture made by local craftsmen and commissioned art installations.

Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman

Among the activities that the retreat has to offer you can taste local cuisine at the Kahuwai Cookhouse & Market, or explore the wonders of the bay at Ocean Pursuits.

If you want to have more of a unique experience head to Shipwreck Bar, where you can order a drink at a restored sailing ship with a view of the ocean. The spa & fitness center is no less striking, located amidst volcanic landscapes it offers views of Hualalai & Mauna Kea.

Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman

Hales & Suites’ interior embraces simplicity and echoes the colors of the island. Immersing guests in the island’s diverse microenvironments, Kona Village showcases Hawaiian artistry created from fine materials and textures.

Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman

Kona Village is not just a luxury retreat with breathtaking views and high-end rooms and suites, it is a hideaway that honors the history of the land, Hawaiian traditions, and its ecosystem.

“We are driven by a sense of purpose to inspire, enrich, and positively impact both people and the planet. We are committed to empowering people across our entire ecosystem and to embracing a sustainability approach that puts circular hospitality at the core of our business. We measure our success by the meaningful contribution we can make to the world through Rosewood Empowers and Rosewood Sustains.”

– Kona VILLAGE, A ROSEWOOD RESORTS
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman