On this post, discovering the newly reopened Kona Village resort in the Big Island – the history and amazing revamp of this beloved property in the Big Island.
Welcome to the weekend meander with Juliet, Elizabeth and I share what’s new and on our minds!
Life Changes
My boys are all moving farther away, but it is for good things…..
Last month Jackson’s fiancee Kristin got matched to UCLA for pediatric residency! We are so excited for her, as it could have been anywhere in the country, and she has worked so hard the past four years. Jackson was luckily able to transfer to a position in his company in Venice Beach, so they will be moving in a matter of weeks. Since Jack and Kristin have been together over ten years they will finally get a place of their own. We are excited for them, and also sad they will be farther, but hopefully we can visit a lot, as it’s just a short plane ride and drive (about 5 hours) away.
Griffin finally got a job teaching flying in order to gain his 1500 hours to apply to be a commercial pilot. He was getting stressed about it, since he finished commercial pilot school back in October. He was offered a job as part of the flying faculty at Utah Valley University! He is training now and will start more work in August, so he is moving back to Utah where he went to the U, but it’s a great opportunity. Sigh.
Thank goodness we have our furry sons with us. They are cracking us up daily. Rico and Alfie were well cared for by Kristin, cat sitter and spoiler while we were gone!
The Rosewood Kona Village
Every other year Max and I try and take a short getaway to a nicer resort with just the two of us. This time we were celebrating an early 30 year anniversary and Max’s retirement. We decided to try the Rosewood Kona Village thanks to my friend April who has been multiple times and raved about it. May and June are also slow times in Hawaii, with the fourth night for free- and rates much lower than two years ago when I first looked, so we booked.
We loved every minute and I am excited to share more about this amazing spot on the planet. This is such a unique kind of resort that today I’m just covering the history and the resort. Next week, what we did and what I packed.
The history of Kona Village
If you know the Big Island, you know Kona Village was one of the historic landmark properties that had been in the island and not your usual resort. It was a village of huts spread along a fantastic spot of Hawaiian land and picturesque bay that was once home to an historic fishing village. It was abandoned in 1939, and a Texan and his wife sailed in and leased the 80 + acres of land that had no water, electricity or roads. They had a vision of building a Polynesian style resort and the story of how they did it is fascinating. If you know Hawaii, the volcanic landscape can be extreme. The Kona Village Resort opened in 1965 and had no television, radio or phones, so people could live like native islanders. It was a hit and families came for generations. More on the resorts history here and even farther back here. Pic of the old resort below, via Big Island News.
In 2011, a tsunami from a Japanese earthquake devastated the resort, and the decision was made to close it. It sat for 12 years while groups of loyal fans, discussed how it would ever be rebuilt with the same magical vibe and remote nirvana it held. Fortunately, Hawaiian based architects, Walker Warner did a dream of a job re-envisioning it all, and making it sustainable too. The entire resort is run on its own solar, and it has its own water filtration system. So many smart and cool things and great photos on the architect site.
Arriving and going off the grid
It’s a fast 20 minute drive from Kona airport to the resort. There is a long road out over the lava fields and then you arrive at a setting where there is no asphalt or cement. Everything is paths and roads of crushed coral and lush topical plants. It makes an impression that you are in an actual and metaphorical way, going off the grid. Cars stop at the carpark back before the desk, and from the checkpoint it’s only bikes and the occasional service cart. (Though much service is done here via bikes.)
The rooms
The resort is composed of 150 rooms and villas. Nicole Hollis did the beautiful interiors that feel like they are hand picked for each space. The art, the books and the little sculptures make it feel like someone’s home. These are smartly designed with a long desk and wardrobe area with built in closets and shelves. I love the space for spreading out your things and closing things in closets. There is a shelf and a space for a hat and bag to grab before you leave. The bed is another space and then a sitting space and a patio that takes in the view. We had a huge patio with a table and a large daybed lounger and a view of the ocean beyond. (Sorry I snapped before we checked out and so the bed is unmade. The beds were so good!)
The bathrooms have a lava tub, expansive vanities, and both an indoor shower and an outdoor one, so you have choices. The materials all look to be lava stone or other natural materials. I loved the art, the wall hangings and the soft lighting options. There is AC, but each hale is positioned to take in the tradewinds and you can open a slider both on back and front of the residences to take advantage of this. The nice thing is you really feel away from others as the rooms are spaced not to look onto others or hear them!
There are many different types of rooms, and there are hales with 2 – 4 bedrooms and their own pools as well.
Biking it
When you check in you’re given a tour of the property and shown to your room. From then on you can walk to things, call for a cart ride- or grab a bike as most people did.
There are bike racks everywhere and you are free to take a bike and leave it where you go. These are easy kid type bikes with back pedal breaks and are equipped with baskets. I was unsure how it would be riding on the coral paths, but they feel safer than hard asphalt and I quickly adapted to them and felt like a kid again! It made getting around pretty fast too.
Mostly we biked to get coffee at the coffee bar in the mornings and to the beach and pool. Since the resort is so spread out, there are many small black sand beaches that dot the property with chairs and loungers. You can choose one of those and feel like you are on the edge of the world away from everyone..
Or you can go to the main beach with cabanas, drink and food service.
Next week – the pools, restaurants, bars, and activities of the resort, where else we went -plus what I packed!
On My Radar
Everybody and their brother has a sale this week, so it’s safe to say if there is something you’ve had an eye on, this might be the time to buy. I have these loafers, and these shorts in my cart.
Serena & Lily has 25-40% off on things site wide. It’s a good time to get a set of their sheets and I have these sateen sheets on my list, these linen pjs are a great investment ( LOVE), and I still have this lantern on my wishlist for the backyard table.
Nate Berkus and Husband Jeremiah Brent are sharing their farmhouse in Portugal in Ad and it is lovely as expected….
More photos of this beautiful family and their home here in AD.
SNL comedian Chloe Fineman and her artist mom Eileen have a cute collab with Frank & Eileen. If you love a stripe, go check it out.
Speaking of stripes….
If you missed it, Thursday Cindy and I shared our Summer Wish Lists for May’s Signature Style. Mine is all about the classic styles of the 90’s summer and J.Crew catalog. Cindy’s sharing fresh independent labels– a great idea.
The California Governor Race
Well isn’t this a conundrum? The guerilla primary California has seemed like a good idea at the time. With the Dem frontrunner gone, (we dodged that bullet)- who from the Dems can pull forward? It sickens me that this Steve Hilton (awful man) may be at the top. How is that even possible? Do we want another ignorant and arrogant man in charge?
Becerra seems to bring a lot of experience, but will he go after Trump and others who try and change up our environmental protections? I worry he’s not strong in that way. I love Katie Porter and her experience confronting execs and demanding accountability from corporations and the billionaires- and her work under Elizabeth Warren at the Consumer Protection Agency. Now Robert Reich has endorsed Tom Steyer who wants to go after those billionaires for their fair share of taxes. Can we count on a billionaire though? I am disillusioned and truly concerned with this race just a couple weeks away. What about the rest of you Californians? Tell me what you think.
If you missed last week’s post , I shared easy ways to start your own tomato garden and how it can actually improve your health too.
Wishing you a happy holiday weekend,
Kim
Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs for more good things…
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
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Thank you for sharing the Nate Berkus home and farm. Nate did a surprise visit to the Interior Design class I was teaching. It was the last year Oprah had her talk show. Nate is as beautiful inside and out as he seems. I taught lessons on Nate’s design so my students were excited to meet him. Greer
Greer so wonderful Nate did a class visit! How amazing. You did a class? I need to hear more.
We got to meet him at a blogging conference in SF in 2020 and he was as kind as you say!
Loved this house too. x
Wow, that village in Hawaii looks very, very tempting and so beautiful. We go to Hua Him in Thailand if looking for a relaxing, resort type holiday. You must be so proud of your sons and how well they are doing. At least there is a huge demand for commercial pilots, so your son should stand a good change landing a job. Am surprised about Steve Hilton doing so well, as he is known as the ‘pint sized Rasputin’. As for his name, his father Anglicized it when the family went to the UK as refugees. This was very common years ago and immigrants either want ed to fit in, or couldn’t be bothered spelling their sometimes tricky surnames to strangers. Probably the least sinister aspect about him.
Susan I would love to get to Thailand too. I hear how gorgeous it is too.
Thank you. I hope you are right about commercial pilots. It goes in waves, so fingers crossed.
Steve Hilton is awful.. True about his name, though I keep hearing people say he’s a ‘Hilton’ and I say not those Hiltons.
Least sinister is right. x
Kim Kona Village sounds wonderful! I didn’t realize it had been restored. It looks like Nicole hollis did an amazing job. Glad you had fun.
Nicole Hollis was new to me and she’s a great designer!
Kim, that’s exciting news for your family regarding the moves/jobs/medical residency— congratulations on all of that! But, yeah, a little bittersweet to have your boys away again. You’ll have to try Porto’s Bakery when you’re in the LA area. They are fantastic (we usually go to the one in Burbank if we fly in there but there are a few other locations too). The Big Island trip sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to read more next week.
Thanks so much Michelle. Right? It’s happy/sad!
Oh thank you about Porto… You know I love a bakery!
Putting it on my list now. xo
Congratulations on your anniversary and your children’s successes, bittersweet although it is to have them move further away. I am thrilled to read your report on Kona Village. I used to go there annually since the 80’s but have not returned after the rebuild. I have so many happy memories from those trips. It now seems a bit slick compared to its former incarnation, but I trust your appraisal and may consider a visit.
As for our California primary, I am holding out to vote for the front runner when it’s down to the wire, but am tending towards Steyer too. I will miss Governor Newsom, who although not perfect, has been a strong and effective leader. I guess we will see him on the national scene but in the current state of affairs, I do not see a path for success for him.
Penelope, As a fellow Big Island lover, I hear you. I was also hesitant to go to KV until I heard how much others loved it- and the prices came down. I do think it’s lovely and it feels very hands off- at the beach and the pools. They kind of leave you alone, and so I would say for those really wanting to be pampered, this isn’t that so much. I did like the nature and the quiet. I wish I had seen it before the change. I think you will love it and I hope you go!
Thanks the primary is such a conundrum.I also don’t want to throw my vote away and am waiting too. Appreciate your thoughts. I really loved Newsom and sad he’ll be gone. Hopefully, the mess in this country will fall like a house of cards, and he will find a spot. xo
I Remember walking around the resort property about 12 years ago on our 25th, and a landscaper let my husband into one of the small villas. We loved how it was surrounded by nature. We said we would go back there one day and stay there, maybe for our 32nd in November. Happy Anniversary to you both.
I decided just yesterday I will vote for the Democratic front runner. I dint like Beccera I dont think he is strong enough but I dont want to delute the vote. I am more concerned about the Insurance Commissioner Race being from So. Cal. I dont like Ben Allen although they say he is s front runner. I want a for the people commissioner and do you trust the three who are in the industry or work with someone who knows the system that can make changes. Scary.
Marla we walked through here too years ago and wondered how it would come out. I hope you guys get to go back for your 32nd! Keep checking for deals. Seems like the process do fluctuate a lot. Happy Anniversary to you too!
Ugh this race. I am with you, I want to make sure our vote is not washed out too. I keep hearing Steyer is paying influencers.. I hate that. Is it necessary? I did not hear about the commissioner race and I need to get on studying that. Good to know about Allen…I want no one in the industry!
Oooo, can’t wait to hear more about this resort. We wrangled the SW Air free companion fare for 2026-27, so Hawaii is high on our list. Heading to Maui in Sept, but maybe we’ll hit this resort in 2027.
That J Crew Montauk bag with the stripes: SWOON
Kim Becerra sued Trump many times; he is a quiet guy and we are used to Big Action with the current governor. However, he is a solid person and doesn’t want to get into petty fights and mud slinging which is coming at him hard and heavy. We cannot let Hilton in!!! Becerra knows California. Steyer is worth billions but I would like to see where exactly all his money comes from.. I am leery of him and was before this race. Everyone else should drop out. I do love the Big Island but haven’t been there in ages. At the time I visited it was fairly primitive and we loved seeing school children in shorts and tee shirts out on a playground with no shoes. This was very different to us. Also with our camping ‘road trip’ there we were given a map of where to buy groceries and where restaurants were. It was suggested we might not be into Asian and local food so might find selection limited. This was certainly not true as we love these cuisines. I would love to return. Appreciated the old J Crew catalog pics..classics never go out of style.
Thank you for this. I need to know that. I do feel like he’s a good person. I feel unsure about Steyer too.
I hope this week people drop out and endorse others!
Wow what a story about the island! The Big Island was much later to develop tourism I think than other places. A lot has changed on the Kona side.
I love the Kona coast side and also the small upcountry towns like Hawi and Waimea which still have an old Hawaiian feel. The Hilo side is still mainly native Hawaiians and less tourism, but worth driving over and going to the volcano, the falls, and a small town called Honomu with great coconut cookies, and a botanical garden that is awesome. I hope you get to go back! x
Hi Kim,
That looks like a heavenly resort. Enjoy every second.
I have no idea who I am going to go for in California definately Democrat but like you not sure about all the billionaires. I need to do more research. Congratulations on the wonderul news concerning “your two” that is so wonderful. Take care xo
Thank you so much Francesca. Ugh this primary. I really wanted Katie Porter.
Thanks about the boys. x
Hi Kim, looks like you had a wonderful time at the Kona Village and happy to hear you got home before the earthquake hit! Thank goodness there was no tsunami.
I’m sure you are sad to see Kristina and Jackson move but as you said they won’t be too far. An exciting time for them I’m sure.
I waited until this last week to vote and decided to go with Becerra partly because he was polling as the highest Democrat but also because of his experience. He has a history of having California’s back, especially when it comes to standing up to Trump. Some people are voting for Steyer because they want change, but that is the reason some voters gave for voting for Trump. Look where that got us. It may end up being between Hilton and Becerra in November but as long as Bianco is out, I will feel a little less stressed about the election. He seems so shady. Swalwell was originally my first choice and how disappointing was that to find out about the accusations! I will miss Newsom but from what he has said he is seriously considering a run for President. Time will tell!
Linda
Hi Linda! Crazy about the earthquake. I know… those tsunami’s are no joke.
I agree with you about Becerra. Yes I can see what you are thinking about Steyer too.
I’m so going to miss Newsom. He would make a good president. x
Kim, Kona Village looks like an amazing place!
Such exciting developments in your sons’ lives! It’s hard to let them go, but you clearly have a loving relationship that will withstand geographical distance.
Like you, I’m very concerned about the CA gubernatorial primary. My husband and I decided we need to be realistic and go with the Democratic front runner, Becerra. There’s no way we want to have to end up with two GOP candidates going forward.
Hi Sarah! It’s a beautiful spot!
Aw thanks about the boys. I hope so.
Becerra seems to be the one most people I know are going with.
Fingers crossed we get one person in the top 2!
Kim! Welcome home, wow, Kona Village looks so beautiful and relaxing. I can’t wait for part two. So glad your boys are forging ahead on new paths … although sad they’re moving away from NoCa. As you say, they’ll be short plane rides away and what a great excuse for you to spend more time in two such lovely places. As for our governor candidates, I don’t know. I’ve been sitting on my ballot waiting to see if anyone else drops out. I can’t believe the Democratic candidates are such idiots and have not coalesced around one or two who can win. Instead they’re are weakening each other via attack ads to boost their own personal status and power. Oof. Anyway, back to a happy note … stripes forever! xo
Hi Juliet thanks!
I am actually looking forward to getting to know more of Los Angeles and see my dear friends who live down there.
The Dems are failing us, and by this week, a few should have dropped out and said vote for this person. What a mess! If we get a Republican, we almost deserve it.
I love stripes!! xo
Good evening Kim,
Welcome home! Your trip to Hawaii looks like a wonderful, relaxing adventure! I love the resort, and the bikes and the rooms.
A five hour drive is not far at all to see your kids! As for Utah, one of my favorites! I think I told you in the past, my husband was a commercial pilot and he too earned some of his flight hours teaching, in fact he taught aerobatics in addition to the basics. Now that Max is retired you will have much more time to visit the boys, thankfully you have your fur kids to keep you company.
Great minds think alike, I shared Nates house too! I love it! It was funny to hear that their children do not like their design work.
I hope that you are having a restful, relaxing weekend.
xo
Thanks Elizabeth! I know we a see them a lot I hope. I didn’t know your husband was a pilot! Wow that is so neat. He sounds like such a cool person – aerobics too.
Wasn’t Nates’s house great? Love those guys.
I hope you had a great week too. x
Hi Kim, congratulations to Kristin on her residency and to Griffin on his new job – it’s great that he found something to help him on his way to becoming a commercial pilot, gotta get those hours in! Our older son and his wife just celebrated 10 years together, and in July they’ll have been married for 6 years. They live in Ottawa, but our younger son is in Alberta, so I understand how you feel about them all moving away.
Congrats to you and Max on your upcoming 30th anniversary! We will celebrate 35 years next year – we are going on a cruise around Japan, and beforehand we will spend some time in Kyoto, including a short stay in a ryokan – we’re so looking forward to that. This will be our third visit to the country, it’s delightful!
I read your post about the J Crew catalogue – I never saw it back then, but I do love the asthetic. Too bad they decided to pull out of Canada.
Kona Village sounds so lovely – maybe one day we’ll get to Hawaii. Good to know that May and June are quieter months there.
Thank you so much Patricia! I know I am excited for everyone..Lots of pressure, but in a good way I hope. How nice your son and his wife celebrated 10 years! So you have sons in different cites too!
Japan sounds like the perfect spot for an anniversary trip! I have Japan on my list. Hoping to go someday soon. How cool doing a cruise combined with Kyoto.
I did not know J. Crew pulled out of Canada. What a dumb move as it would have appealed to all those with lake homes there..It’s that vibe.
I do hope you get to Hawaii! The Big Island on the Kona side is amazing. xo
Kim, so many congratulations are in order! To Jackson and Kristin and their move to LA! That’s great news that Jackson can transfer to the Venice Beach office. And to Griffin for his new job on his way to becoming a commercial pilot! And to you and Max! Retirement and 30 years married!
Kona looks amazing! It has been years since we’ve been anywhere in Hawaii! So cool and not at all surprising that you write postcards!
Love the outfit looks you featured too!
xx
Thanks so much Annie. I know so crazy. I hope things work out for everyone..
You guys need to get to the Big Island. It’s my favorite spot! I should have sent you a postcard. x
Kona Village looks wonderful. We went to the big island years ago and loved our stay. We stayed at a huge resort with canals and little boats to get from place to place. It was really cool. I think it has changed hands several times. Lately we’ve been going to Maui.
Glad your boys are doing so well!
Gray you stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa. I stayed there once when my kids were small. It’s a huge place. If you and Chip get back to Hawaii, you should try this spot or the Mauna Kea or Mauna Lani. All a bit smaller with beautiful beaches. xo
Love the report from Hawaii! Will definitely look into this resort as my kids (16 & 20) have been nudging us towards Hawaii for too long now.
I join with you and other readers in being worried about the CA race, and am feeling less like I have a choice and more like I need to wait until the last minute and vote for whichever Dem is polling at the top. Hugs to us all.
Jenny I think you guys would have fun- especially the kids with the bikes and the huge resort!
I know I am hugely conflicted and we all voted already here! We need the hugs. So worrying.
Your kids may have a few stops in their professional lives before settling, so hopefully when it’s that time, their longterm residence will be closer to you! And meantime, enjoy the travel to see them. Our neighbor’s son here in the upper Midwest also went to college to become a pilot, got his flight hours teaching, and is now working for United out of Chicago doing regional flights. “M” chose United for its extensive international routes! I think he is just 2 years ahead of Griffin. From what I understand, it is super competitive and aspiring pilots really work hard to get a professional position! Thanks for telling us about the Big Island and Kona Village: we’ve only visited Kauai, and were thinking Maui next, but perhaps I should look further…
Joan I sure hope so. I know it gives me a chance to get to know LA better.
Wow love to hear about M! I hope Griffin can end up on that sort of path. The internationals routes seem neat! Always good to hear what other young pilots are doing on their path.
I hope you check out the Big Island. Just make sure you look on the Kona Kailua side, where it is sunnier. Kauai is wonderful too! xo