Kona Village Resort is a very special place. Yes, it is dated and Yes it is expensive. No, we are not one of the many returning visitors to this resort. But - part of me wants to be because there is something truly special about this place and the fact that it isn't your standard resort with synthetically manicured lawns and towering suites. We started our Hawaiian trip in one of these and I have no complaints. That said, Kona created a memory that is unique and I would say well worth the trip.
RESORT - The village is meandering with different hale neighborhoods and paths along the ocean and through the lagoon. The beach is rocky though there is a small sandy area for swimming. There is a GREAT white sand beach nearby for fabulous body surfing (just south by 5 min). Snorkeling at Kona Village is good even if the water is a bit rough and swimming out a way offered a great view of sea turtles at the "cleaning station". We treated ourselves to a boat ride (extra) and saw dolphins. The pools are small but adequate and since most of our time was a the beach, they were fine. The tennis courts were out of the way but they were in good shape. We brought our rackets but there were balls and rackets supplied by the resort.
STAFF - The staff was helpful and the worked to make our stay a pleasant one. We had numerous questions about the area and what to do and everyone tried to assist. The programs for the children were fun for our kids and they really enjoyed eating at with other children at the childrens dinner. My only issue here was that the kids menu didn't change from night to night. We chose to add our tip as we checked in and this did make things easy.
FOOD - The food at this all inclusive was really quite good. The Luau was great fun - particularly since the children are invited to dance on stage at the beginning. Our daughter joined the dance and she is still talking about it. One day we made a road trip and were able to request box breakfast and lunch.
ROOM (HALE) - We stayed in ST-3 which was a bit out of the way and which made for a long walk to and from the main areas. I would ask to be closer but then again, the room was a good size for my family of 2 small children. The bathrooms are older but reasonably sized. The Hale was clean and pleasant.
MINOR ISSUES - The birds are annoying at 4 AM - we don't have a solution to this. Be reminded that because it is all inclusive, you don't necessarily know how much dinner cost and therefore what the tip will be when it shows up on the bill.

Just returned from our fifth stay and each stay has been fantastic. The service is amazing, I guess it helps when you work at a place that constantly takes your breath away. The location is really indescribable, just beautiful. The food is wonderful and abundant. And you just can't put a price on being unplugged and away from it all for as long as you're there. I live on the island and had never even heard of Kona Village until I met my Wife and her family, now we look forward to annual stays and I can't thank them enough for introducing me to Kona Village!

Just got back from Hawaii. Kona Village was absolutely perfect! I admit I was little worried about the lack of air conditioning since the temp was 87 (and I am definately a city girl who requires AC), but the bellman brought us extra fans and we were fine with the ocean breeze. We swam, we snorkled, we lounged in hammocks, we ate fabulous food, and enjoyed entertainment including a great luau. We forgot what day it was, and what time it was. We really relaxed. The staff was very attentive, especially Rodney at breakfast. The concierge helped us arrange a reasonably priced helicopter tour of the volcanoe. There were celebrities there when we were there, but everyone received the same outstanding personal service. Yes Kona Village s expensive, but once you pay upfront, everything but tips and drinks was included and it was nice to not be constantly pulling out your credit card or standing in lines. Even the snorkle gear and sunscreen was included so the kids (ages 11 and 14) could snorkle whenever they wanted. And yes, there is computer service available if you really need it--but you won't. Kona Village is very secluded but has plenty to do. We also loved seeing the turtles and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean at night. Kona does require an attitude adjustment--you need to slow down, relax, and go with the flow of nature. But in return it delivers such a relaxing and satisfying experience. We can't wait to go back.

My husband and I stayed here the first week of May and I know we will never have a better vacation than this one. The experience was a once in a lifetime trip and I don't think it could ever be topped. We had never snorkeled before and we did it everyday! The feeling of serenity throughout the entire resort was something we have never experienced. The staff was extremely accommodating and there were so many things to do. I wish we would have attended more of the classes they offered. We did basket weaving and ukele lessons. As cheesy as it sounds, we extremely enjoyed it. The luau was as great as everyone says and the show was incredible. The beds were so wonderful and comfortable. The food was fantastic. The view was unbelievable. We did stroll along the beach over to the Four Seasons and we definitely thought we had the better deal. Four seasons looked extremely posh and exclusive but when you walk back to Kona you can really feel and see a difference. We did a ziplining excursion one day that was also mindblowing! I totally recommend that as well. Very reasonably priced and it was a 4 hour trip into the jungle. I could go on and on about Kona Village. If you can afford it, this is the place to go!!!!!!!!!