Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

Take a seat and listen closely enough, and you can overhear guests reminiscing about stays here as long ago as the ’60s. It’s proof that even with modern upgrades, the place can still transport you to the Hawaii of another era.

Many places on the island are ultimately big buildings from big brands that have Hawaiian touches here and there. Hawaii-themed, if you will. But Kona Village is the kind of place where ancient sites and trails and ponds are preserved and feel incorporated into this land’s legacy in a more intrinsic way.

The luxury factor has definitely skyrocketed—butlers, private pools, a gorgeous fitness center—but the vibe is still exquisitely rustic, the kind of place you go to be pampered, but more importantly, untethered.

One of the most storied Hawaiian resorts has reopened on a pristine stretch of Big Island shoreline with just the right amount of old and new.