Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort brings the spirit of 'ohana to the festive season

Visits to the original Kona Village Resort have left a mark on the hearts of many. Now, reborn as Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, this beloved haven for families set on the picturesque shores of Kahuwai Bay is poised to continue its legacy with a host of vibrant programming and events for the holiday season. With the goal of honoring the resort’s return guests, while also extending a welcoming invitation to newcomers, the property will provide activities that pay homage to its breathtaking surroundings and foster a sense of togetherness. With festivities commencing in November, Kona Village encourages guests to embrace the spirit of 'ohana (family) through an enticing menu of experiences tailored for visitors of all ages.

At Kona Village, the team’s abundant warmth of local ho'okipa (the hospitality of complete giving) makes arriving guests feel like they are already part of the resort’s 'ohana. With 150 guest hale the property can accommodate intimate groups of three to larger groups of twelve. Kona Village’s very layout is set up to foster connection, with certain sections of hales set in crescent formations for families and friends to have a special enclave for gathering. With such a diverse array of offerings, the property is the perfect setting for families and friends to come together on the Big Island this holiday season.

A Thanksgiving rooted in togetherness

Over the Thanksgiving holiday week, mornings at the property will start with a canoe paddle on the peaceful waters of Kahuwai Bay. As the resort’s programming unfolds, guests will be delighted with a wide variety of activities ranging from wellness pursuits to immersive cultural experiences. The property will host a series of experiences that are reimagined interpretations of offerings from the original resort, providing families opportunities to embark on a learning adventure of Hawaiian culture, including classes dedicated to teaching the Hawaiian language, hula, ukulele, hū (Hawaiian top) making, and lei-making.

Fitness enthusiasts will find a wealth of options, including a bocce ball tournament, tennis tournament, cornhole tournament, powerwalk fitness class, Kona Beach Fit class, and yoga on the lawn. Culinary aficionados can indulge their palates in a variety of experiences, from beer tastings at the Talk Story Bar to hands-on cooking classes at Moana. For those with a penchant for spirits, there will be a rum-tasting and mixology class that promises to elevate the art of cocktail crafting. Additionally, guests can savor the daily delights of coconuts and shave ice.

The week will lead up to two Thanksgiving Day feasts at Kahuwai Cookhouse and Moana, the resort’s signature Pacific Rim-to-table restaurant. These feasts will bring guests together for a celebratory night centered around family and community, where they can “talk story” and reminisce over memories both new and old. At Kahuwai Cookhouse, guests will be served family-style dishes such as Pumpkin Hummus and Crudités, Kona Shrimp Cocktail, and Roast Beet and Goat Cheese Salad. The journey continues with three carving stations—each a culinary spectacle. The first showcases savory options like Roasted Leg of Lamb, the second pays homage to Thanksgiving traditions with Imu Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Sauce prepared in the property's Imu pit, and the third indulges in the ocean's bounty with delights such as Kona Lobster and Local Grilled Ocean Gems. For dessert, guests can enjoy classics like Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Tart. Meanwhile, Moana offers a curated fixed menu featuring inspired fare such as Kabocha Pumpkin Soup with Spice, Oven Roasted Turkey Roulade paired with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Honey Glazed Root Vegetables, and a sweet finale of Apple Banana Bread Pudding.

Hawaiian holiday magic

The holiday festivities continue at Kona Village from December 21 – January 1 with a daily menu of enriching and immersive activities that span the categories of wellness, culinary, and cultural experiences. An array of unique celebrations will encapsulate the resort’s rich history and commitment to the community. Events include a Paniolo Night on December 21, which pays homage to the unique Hawaiian cowboy heritage and barbeque cuisine of the Big Island, as well as a traditional Hawaiian Lūʻau that will enchant guests with music, dancing, and storytelling. For the entire 12 days, guests have access to daily experiences, beginning each morning where guests can start their day by honoring traditional Hawaiian practices with a canoe paddle or a traditional Hawaiian Sunrise Chant. Cultural enthusiasts can delve into guided tours and beginner’s ukulele classes that both educate and celebrate the vibrant Hawaiian spirit. For those seeking a dash of competition, on-property tennis tournaments promise excitement. The week's culinary offerings extend to a Sip and Sailing Canoe Sunset experience on the stunning Kahuwai Bay, a champagne workshop, a mixology class at Moana Pool Bar, and a burgundy masterclass.

Over at the resort’s Keiki (children) Club, holiday magic comes alive through daily Christmas carols, storytelling hours, and a spirited gingerbread house contest, creating unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. Additionally, Kona Village will organize two canoe regattas open to all guests on December 26 and January 2, where families and individuals can paddle and race against each other fostering a sense of camaraderie and spirited competition.

Christmas Eve celebrations will feature storytelling for the resort’s youngest guests and special dinners at Moana and Kahuwai Cookhouse. The week’s festive events will culminate in a Christmas Day celebration when the property’s inaugural Christmas Market will open for guests to explore handcrafted treasures from local vendors, adding a touch of artisanal charm to the season. For the Keiki, an extra dose of magic awaits as Santa himself sails onto the beach on Christmas Day. And for the finale of the season, New Year's Eve at Kona Village will usher in a spectacular welcome to 2024.

The night will be ablaze with fireworks, traditional Hawaiian fire knife dances, and a melodic backdrop of music. Guests are in for a culinary treat with an expansive array of food stations offering sushi, poke, huli huli chicken, seafood, and more. Serving as the perfect haven to celebrate the essence of this special time of the year, Kona Village, radiates the true holiday spirit.

About Kennedy Wilson

Kennedy Wilson (NYSE:KW) is a leading global real estate investment company. The company owns, operates, and invests in real estate through the balance sheet and through an investment management platform across the Western United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Kennedy Wilson primarily focuses on multifamily and office properties as well as industrial and debt investments in the investment management business. For more information on Kennedy Wilson, please visit: www.kennedywilson.com.