The Magic of Mana

As originally published in CURATED Magazine.

It’s 6:45 a.m. off the Big Island’s famous Kona coast. I watch a candy-orange sunrise from an outrigger canoe while our captain chants in traditional Hawaii language. Other than his commanding voice, the only sound is the kiss of the Pacific on the hull of our boat. Emphasizing the phrase “E ala e” (awaken/arise), he explains how Polynesians greet each day: with gratitude, respect, and renewal. While sunrise canoe adventures are hardly a new thing in Hawaii (yet well worth an early alarm), Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is new to the state. And in a word, it’s stunning.

Walking the property’s magnificent shores, you too will quickly feel the rhythm of laid-back life on the Big Island, celebrated for its two active volcanoes and varying climates — you can experience snow, sand, and rainforest all in a day’s drive. And like its neighboring islands, there’s no shortage of epic waterfalls, including Waipi’o Valley’s Hi’ilawe Falls. But the main allure of the Island of Hawaii might just be its close-knit community, and the tangible mana, or spiritual energy, that’s felt in the strong connection between land, sea, and people. Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort celebrates this mana in many forms.

Hawaiian Hideaway 

Gracing 81 acres along Kahuwai Bay, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is set along one of the most coveted coastlines in all of Hawaii. Ten years in the making, the resort bridges past and present — paying homage to treasured Hawaiian traditions while inviting a new generation of travelers to its storied shores. Thatched-roof hales (traditional Hawaiian bungalows) dot the magnificent land, where hardened lava has made way for vibrant flora and fauna. When driving from the main highway to the resort entrance, you’ll wind through stunning lava fields — a dramatic preview for what’s to come. Upon entering the open-air lobby, it’s quickly apparent that no detail has been spared, most evident in the art, nearly all of which is by native Hawaiians and residents. The private villas are set back from the main public spaces — restaurants, modern pools, a watersports center, and an organic market and juice bar all hug the swimmable coastline. The two-bedroom kauhale residences, each with ocean views and private lanais, offer 2,450 square feet of combined indoor-outdoor living space. Accommodating up to six guests, the villas are the vision of renowned interior designer Nicole Hollis, who sourced natural island materials and custom-made furnishings.  

Make a Splash  

Moana (the ocean) is the pulse of Hawaii, and any stay at Kona Village calls for both leisurely seaside afternoons and active ocean adventures. Scuba divers flock to the Kona coast for night dives with manta rays — shallow and safe explorations in the warm sea. Adventurers of all ages can make the most of the wai (water) without ever leaving the property, as snorkeling, paddleboarding, sailing lessons, and kayaking are easily accessed from the water sports headquarters. An afternoon (or several) spent at Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort Asaya Spa should also top your itinerary. The Lokahi Ceremony celebrates traditional Hawaiian culture via a gentle enzymatic body scrub and a lomi-lomi full-body massage.

Aloha Uncovered 

Venture inland to Waimea Village, where the island’s ranching heritage is found at the Parker Ranch Rodeo. Kids will enjoy the horseback tours, and the working ranch not only provides Hawaii with its noteworthy beef, but is also home to historic homes and gardens. Refuel at the flagship Merriman’s Big Island restaurant (the mai tai with Honey-Lilikoi foam is a must), and then shop at the hip Uila Records for vinyl and rare books. Be sure to take in the stunning island terrain by helicopter tour, and if you find yourself in Waimea on a Saturday, the weekly farmer’s market showcases fresh produce to the sound of local musicians. When you return to the resort, enjoy Cinema Under the Stars, which projects family-friendly films onto a large sail.

Taste & Toast

The dining alone is reason enough to visit the Island of Hawaii, which is experiencing a culinary resurgence. At Kona Village, the Moana restaurant honors the former historic fishing village with sustainably sourced dishes from land and sea, while Paniolo Night at Kahuwai Cookhouse celebrates the Big Island’s cowboy culture with Kiawe wood-fired cuisine and traditional Hawaiian techniques such as pickling and salting. At day’s end, toast island bliss with an El Diablo tequila cocktail at Kona Village’s Shipwreck Bar, a refurbished sunken sailboat that frames endless Pacific blues. Here, toes in the sand are de rigueur, the views are endless, and you’ll most likely be daydreaming of a return trip.  

Island Hop Between The Club's Hawaiian Homes

Kaua’i, Hawaii 

• Timbers Kaua’i | Three-bedroom villas celebrate the “Garden Island,” famous for ethereal beauty and outdoor adventure. 

Kohala Coast, Hawaii 

• Pauoa Beach Club | Four-bedroom villas access tranquil beaches, lava fields, and snow-capped Mauna Kea.
• The Residences of Laule’a | Four-bedroom villas within a gated community lead to a beach club, golf courses, restaurants, and shops. 

Kona, Hawaii 

• Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort | This paradise of modern Hawaiian luxury is set on 81 acres along the shores of Kahuwai Bay. 

Maui, Hawaii 

• Ho’olei Villas at Grand Wailea | Grand Wailea is considered Maui’s most kid-friendly luxury resort.  
• Montage Kapalua Bay | The beach is just a five-minute walk from three-bedroom villas.  

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