My wife and I have stayed at Kona Village 26 times. I am sad to say that it is merely a shell of what it once was. It is VERY true that the entire resort is in need of major upgrading. The Dinners are a complete rip off and lack creativity. It has definately become a family resort overrun with kids except in May and September. The employees have and have for the last several years complained daily about the place. We stayed at the four seasons Maui in 2006 in an oceanview room for $450.00/nite plus food. BUT we got the legendary four seasons service and amenities too voluminous to list, AND ate at Ruths Chris', Longhi's, Roy's, Sansei, etc. and saved over $400.00/day compared to a "superior" category room at Kona Village. In KVR's day it was great, but no more, as I do not think that TY Warner has a clue what he is doing with such a unique resort as this. (Kona is not Cabo TY!)

My husband and I were honeymooners at the Kona Village Resort this past August 2005. Upon arrival we were greeted and the woman knew just who we were and had our scheduled itinerary. We were very pleased with the service from the start. The grounds were well kept.

Our hale was clean and quite nice. The food was average to slightly above average. All of the fruits, vegetables, and fish we found to be very fresh. Each day we were allotted 8 beverages in the room. We felt as though we got worth out of the price we paid for food - the Macadamia Nut ice cream is hard to stay away from : ) The only problem with the dining was the forced "herd" mentality of the guests due to the strict scheduling of the buffet at breakfast and lunch. The biggest complaint is that there are no alternatives to the three meals provided for....no room service (i.e. everything shuts down after dinner 9:30).

We loved the glass bottom boat. The Spinner Dolphin Sighting was fabulous. I would highly recommend taking a trip outside the resort to see/snorkel in the open ocean with the wild dolphins. All the watersports on the resort were included in the cost. One of my most favorite parts about the beach was gazing upon the sea turtles floating along the shore pecking at algae on rocks and then slowly making their way up the sand to bask in the sun for a couple of hours. The beach staff were more than helpful and friendly. Bubba at the beach stand even made a real authentic palm leaf hat for me to take home. We participated in some of the crafts they had and they were very low key and relaxing!

Lots of children so not an ideal atmosphere for a romantic honeymoon trip. We were tipped off once we were there that August was a very popular month for children. We were told that in some of the months they don't even offer children's activities, thus making them more desirable months for honeymooners --- too bad we were not tipped off before the trip!

The concierge was very little help on offering any suggestions on different activities. We had to guess and go with our gut feeling on the outside activities we did.

We did an off resort helicoptor tour as well as rented a car to drive around the island on two seperate occassions. The resort is right at the airport....perfect location!!! If you do want to venture to more "glitz" places you can quickly stroll down to the Four Seasons Hotel--beware of of the cell phones and Gucci and Chanel attire. Kona Village seems more relaxed and comfortable and not into vegging with techie gadgets. We loved the no cell phones, t.v.'s or computers.

It's nice and quiet at night but it's best to be an early riser....since there is no a/c and you have to keep the windows/doors open for venalation so it gets rather bright and light early in the morning in August.

Overall, it is difficult honeymooning in August at Kona Village due to the families roaming around. In our opinion you will have to pay up to find quiet tranquility .... but you can find it in the Royal or Deluxe hales. We would not recommend the pond area hales to anyone because it looked a little "buggy", stale, and to far from the fresh ocean breeze. We would go back, just the two of us during a more "romantic" month and when we have children down the road during August!

We fully enjoyed the Kona village. It is a very laid back place, turn the clock back to Hawaii in an earlier time. Food excellent, lovely cottages called Hale's. No phone, or tv and perfect for anyone who can afford a wonderful holiday without glitz. If you want to keep up with the next one and have new money you would not enjoy Kona Village. It is a place where people know who they are and do not feel the necessity to show it. Everything is included as your meals and water activities. The daily glass bottom boat and children's and adult activites are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the quality of life.

Let me start off by saying that my stay was the best I had yet since being here. If you want to enjoy a nice quiet relaxing place this is where you gotta be. I enjoyed the sunsets and the beaches were most exquisite. The Hale (room) were in the traditional grass shack style, there was just an undescribable feeling. To the couple from San Francisco, You have just stayed home. "HIGH MAINTENANCE".
It's all about exploring and having fun. Let me add kids will be kids.