A Kona Village wedding is the epitome of understated luxury in Hawaii. Nestled on the rugged Kona Coast of the Big Island, this reimagined property offers a deeply immersive experience that honors Hawaiian culture while delivering world-class hospitality. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels effortlessly elegant, surrounded by black lava rock, palm trees, and the sound of waves just steps away, this guide will take you through everything you need to know.
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Where Is Kona Village?
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, is located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, about 15 minutes north of Kailua-Kona and roughly 10 minutes from Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA). The property sits on 81 acres of untouched coastline, nestled between lava fields and turquoise waters. It’s isolated in the best way—perfect for couples seeking privacy, luxury, and a genuine sense of place.
Getting to the Big Island
Traveling to the Big Island is straightforward for guests flying from the mainland U.S., especially from West Coast cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. Most guests will fly directly into KOA, which is serviced by major carriers including Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United.
From the airport, guests can rent a car or arrange for private transportation to Kona Village. For a touch of luxury, many couples opt for transportation through the resort or private shuttles for their wedding party. Consider organizing a group welcome shuttle or offering lei greetings to set the tone for the weekend.
Why Choose a Kona Village Wedding?
Kona Village combines old Hawaii with the sophistication of the Rosewood brand. The resort is built with cultural preservation in mind, weaving native materials and traditional craftsmanship throughout its design. With no televisions in the rooms, you and your guests are encouraged to slow down and connect with the natural beauty around you.
It’s also a fully self-contained resort, offering a seamless experience for destination weddings. From the accommodations to the activities, food, spa, and event coordination, everything is curated for a top-tier experience. The privacy of the property also means you’ll enjoy a tranquil atmosphere that feels like your own private oasis.
Kona Village Wedding Pricing
Pricing for a Kona Village wedding is fully custom and reflects the luxury caliber of the resort. While rates vary depending on guest count, space, and specific requests, here are some general price points to help with budgeting:
- Venue Rental Fee: Starting at $10,000 and up, depending on event space and date.
- Catering Minimum: Often starts at $250 per person, with custom menu options.
- Room Rates: Vary seasonally, generally between $1,800–$3,000 per night.
- Buyouts: Full resort buyouts are available and priced individually.
- Event Coordination: You’ll typically work with a local planner who has experience with the property, such as Sunshower Weddings or Fred and Kate Events.
To give you a more tangible sense of cost, here’s a sample breakdown by guest count:
Elopement or Micro-Wedding (up to 10 guests):
- Venue site fee: $10,000–$15,000
- Catering: $2,500–$3,500 total
- Photographer, officiant, florals, and minimal rentals: $10,000–$15,000
- 2–3 nights accommodations: $4,000–$9,000
- Estimated total: $30,000–$45,000
Mid-Sized Wedding (40–60 guests):
- Venue fee: $15,000–$20,000
- Catering: $12,000–$18,000 ($250–$300 per person)
- Rentals, floral design, lighting, entertainment: $30,000–$50,000
- Planner: $7,000–$12,000
- Photography and video: $10,000–$20,000
- 3–4 nights accommodations for couple: $6,000–$12,000
- Estimated total: $80,000–$130,000
Large Wedding (75+ guests):
- Venue buyout and multi-day events: $25,000–$40,000+
- Catering: $18,000–$30,000
- Full-service design, decor, rentals: $50,000–$100,000+
- Planner: $10,000–$18,000
- Photo and video: $15,000–$25,000
- Multi-room bookings for guests (optional): $25,000–$100,000+
- Estimated total: $150,000–$300,000+
These estimates are for guidance only and can vary depending on your design vision, travel season, vendor team, and customization level. Working with an experienced planner familiar with the property can help you build a package that reflects your priorities while making the most of the venue’s offerings.
Wedding Ceremony & Reception Spaces at Kona Village
Kona Village offers several unique event spaces that blend traditional Hawaiian architecture with the raw beauty of the island. Each space supports creative styling while staying true to the surrounding environment. Your planner and design team can work closely with you to tailor the layout, lighting design, and floral aesthetic to your vision, ensuring every moment feels personal and unforgettable.
The Hale Halawai
An open-air pavilion ideal for receptions or cocktail-style celebrations. With vaulted ceilings and carved wood details, it’s well-suited for dramatic lighting installations, floral chandeliers, or layered textures like woven rugs and soft drapery.
Oceanfront Lawn
Often used for ceremonies or cocktail hour, this lawn features cinematic sunset views and can accommodate grounded floral arches, woven aisle runners, or semi-circle guest seating for an immersive experience.
Private Beach Cove
This minimalist beachfront setting is ideal for barefoot vows or an intimate dinner. Driftwood accents, hurricane lanterns, or a simple bamboo arch create a relaxed, natural ambiance.
Ku’u Home Lawn
With views of the lagoon, this space is perfect for a welcome dinner, farewell brunch, or outdoor reception. Curved or king’s tables, rattan lounges, and custom cocktail stations elevate the guest experience.
Guest Experience at Kona Village
Kona Village isn’t just a venue—it’s a full guest experience. Here’s what you and your guests can expect:
- Stand-Alone Hale-Style Guest Rooms: Each room is a freestanding thatched-roof structure with luxury linens, soaking tubs, and outdoor showers. Some are oceanfront, others are lagoon-facing, but all provide a sense of peaceful seclusion.
- Asaya Spa: A holistic wellness space offering Hawaiian-inspired treatments, a sauna, and outdoor relaxation areas. The spa also provides pre-wedding treatments and couple’s rituals.
- Onsite Dining: Five-star culinary offerings at Moana, Kahuwai Cookhouse, and casual fare at the Talk Story Bar. Custom menus for wedding events can include local seafood, Hawaiian cuisine, and fine wine pairings.
- Cultural Programming: Daily activities such as lei making, ukulele lessons, Hawaiian storytelling, and guided walks through historic sites on the property.
- Water Activities: Snorkeling, paddleboarding, outrigger canoeing, and guided marine tours are all available, and group excursions can be coordinated through the resort.
- Sustainability: The resort is committed to preserving the land and Hawaiian culture, from solar power systems to native planting practices. There’s also an on-site cultural team that shares stories and practices rooted in the land.
Many couples also prioritize sustainability when planning their Kona Village Wedding, opting for local vendors. Make sure you check for seasonal offerings that could elevate your Kona Village Wedding experience.
Activities for Guests Nearby
When your guests aren’t celebrating with you, there’s no shortage of things to do on the Big Island. Here are some experiences to recommend, along with local operators who can help plan them:
- Snorkel at Kahuwai Bay (just steps from the resort)
- Explore Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a sacred place of refuge
- Hike the Pololū Valley Lookout for panoramic views of the cliffs and ocean
- Visit Kona Coffee Farms such as Greenwell Farms or Hula Daddy for tastings and tours
- Take a night manta ray snorkel or dive tour with trusted operators like Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
- Volcano tour to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park with guides like Hawaii Forest & Trail
- Shop in Kailua-Kona for local art, fashion, and island gifts
- Book a helicopter tour over the coast or volcanoes with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
Including a printed itinerary or QR code with links in your welcome bags is a thoughtful way to help guests make the most of their time in Hawaii.
Real Wedding Inspiration: Grumehr & Matt’s Celebration
Grumehr and Matt’s wedding at Kona Village brought together the elegance of fashion-forward design with the deep meaning of cultural tradition. Their weekend began with a Sikh ceremony held outdoors at the stables, where a floral mandap framed views of the ocean and lava rock shoreline. Guests wore vibrant Indian formalwear, and traditional music filled the air, creating a ceremony that was both sacred and visually stunning.
The following day was the Western ceremony at Kona Village and was a seamless continuation of their modern aesthetic. Guests were seated at a uniquely designed caterpillar table, created by Sunshower Weddings, that wove organically through the lawn—surrounded by palms and candlelight. The table was layered with neutral-toned florals, rattan details, and linen textures that reflected the surrounding landscape. It felt curated but never overdone.
Grumehr wore an iridescent Danielle Frankel gown for the western celebration—a look that captured the light with every movement and felt both contemporary and timeless. Every element, from the fashion and florals to the lighting and layout, felt intentional and elevated without sacrificing intimacy. The night ended with music, laughter, and a joyful sense of place that could only happen at Kona Village.
Vendor Team
Planning & Coordination | Sunshower Weddings
Photography | Masha Sakhno Photo
Venue | Kona Village Rosewood
Florals | Daisy Dukes Flower Farm
Content Creation | The BTS Dulhan
Hair and Makeup | Kassi Bissman Beauty
Dress Designer | Danielle Frankel
About the Photographer
I’m Masha, the photographer behind Masha Sakhno Photo. I specialize in editorial and documentary-style wedding photography for couples who value emotion, fashion, and immersive storytelling. With a background in photographing destination weddings across Hawaii, California, and Europe, my approach is about capturing the celebration as it unfolds—with all its texture, color, and feeling.
My experience photographing at high-end venues like Kona Village means I’m familiar with the lighting, layout, and logistics of this location. I collaborate closely with planners and vendors to ensure your imagery reflects the beauty and emotion of your day without ever feeling posed or contrived.
If you’re planning a wedding at Kona Village or elsewhere in Hawaii, I’d love to hear your story and help you document it in a way that’s both artful and deeply personal.
FAQ: Kona Village Weddings
1. How far in advance should we book Kona Village for a wedding?
Ideally, 12–18 months in advance, especially if you’re considering peak season or a weekend date.
2. Is Kona Village available for elopements or micro-weddings?
Yes, the resort is ideal for intimate celebrations and can help tailor a package for smaller guest counts.
3. Do we have to work with a specific planner?
You are free to choose your own planner, but the resort recommends those familiar with the property such as Sunshower Weddings.
4. Can we host pre-wedding events onsite?
Yes, welcome dinners, beach bonfires, and farewell brunches are all possible with coordination.
5. Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Most weddings require at least a 2–3 night minimum stay for couples and guests.
6. Is outside catering allowed?
No. All food and beverage services must go through the resort’s culinary team.
7. Can we bring our own alcohol?
The resort provides bar service and does not permit outside alcohol.
8. Are there any cultural restrictions we should be aware of?
As the resort honors Hawaiian cultural practices, they ask that you treat the land with respect. Your planner can help navigate these considerations.
9. What is the best time of year to get married at Kona Village?
Spring and fall tend to offer the best weather and slightly fewer tourists, but Hawaii is beautiful year-round.
10. Is Kona Village family-friendly?
Yes. There are family-style hales and a wide variety of kid-friendly activities on the property.
Ready to plan your Kona Village wedding? Let’s connect and create something unforgettable together.
Masha Sakhno Photo – Inquire Now
