Returning to Kona Village feels a little like stepping into a dream you’ve heard retold your whole life. And for stylist and consultant Ben Perreira, the storied Rosewood retreat – reborn after a decade of rebuilding – holds layers of personal history, local nostalgia, and a reverence for the land that’s impossible to miss.

Now thoughtfully restored, the resort’s thatched hale, lava-rock pathways and ocean-soaked rhythms summon both the spirit of old Hawai‘i and the promise of something new. In RUSSH’s November issue, Perreira revisits the Kona of his memories – and the one that continues to shape them.

Place:
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort

Address:
72-300 Maheawalu Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Contact:

+ 1 (808) 865-0100

Designed and curated by ...

Kona Village originally opened in 1965, founded by Johnno Jackson and his wife Helen and soon after garnered a cult following. It was open for nearly five decades until 2011, when a tsunami swept the resort away, forcing its closure. But a couple years ago, the resort reopened with development in partnership with Kennedy Wilson, and led by Hawai'i-raised architect Greg Warner of Walker Warner Architects, and designed by San Francisco-based interior design firm, NICOLEHOLLIS.

I stay here because ...

Besides its being stunning, they have done an incredible job at respecting and celebrating the natural landscape and deep cultural history the land holds. Kona Village has an almost mythic quality about it. Everyone seems to have a story or some connection to it.

My last visit was …

Last year, for a swim and lunch with my friend Nani who was staying on the property. The time before that was nearly 19 years ago for my Uncle and Aunt's wedding!

What I love about the room ...

The rooms are so generously sized, but the best part is the bathroom and soaking tub. To be honest though, I spent most of my time outside of the room enjoying the rest of the property, in the pool or in the ocean.

Amenities worth a mention ...

The spa is to die for – it's absolutely stunning, perfectly nestled into a lava field. It feels otherworldly. I’ve spent a lot of time there between the cold plunge, sauna and steam room. There are also a lot of activities to do at the resort. The sunrise canoe paddling or snorkel is such a wonderful way to start the day. The reef is so healthy and full of life.

It’s the details that count ...

The most attractive detail for me is their commitment to celebrating the history of the land, the rich cultural heritage, and the legacy of the original resort. It's integrated so well that some of it is easy to miss but, luckily, they offer a cultural tour to highlight some of these efforts – and have signage and dedicated restricted areas throughout the property as well.

Room service order ...

Honestly, I ate at their restaurants for every meal, but trying the room service is a good excuse for me to come back.

What to expect in the mini bar ...

Oops – I didn't look.

Places nearby worth frequenting ...

So near that it's actually in the resort, the petroglyph walk is definitely worth spending time at. Luckily for me, I was born and raised in Kona, so I have quite a few spots I like to visit, but when visiting home, I'll always make time to go to Volcano National Park or on a hike at Pololū Valley.

The one thing I always return home with is ...

Memories, and another story about the Kona Village. My last proper visit was in 2006, so to come back after all these years and experience the new resort and create all these new memories was really special.

Dinner …

Shipwreck Bar and Sushi is full of nostalgia and great food. The Hamachi crudo, Aki – a gorgeous platter of sashimi – and the farm salad, with fresh greens grown on the property, were standouts.