Differences between the Four Seasons Hualalai & Kona Village Rosewood
If you're heading to the Big Island and looking for the most luxurious hotels to unwind, these two extraordinary oceanfront resorts consistently rise to the top: The Four Seasons Hualalai and Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort.
One of the questions weβre asked most often is how these iconic properties compare and after returning from our recent babymoon, where we experienced both firsthand, we finally understand why choosing between them feels nearly impossible. Each offers its own distinct interpretation of barefoot luxury, Hawaiian culture, and elevated island living.
At Four Seasons Resort HualΔlai, timeless sophistication defines the experience. Originally opened in 1996, and was thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of ancient Hawaiian villages, blending understated elegance with an exceptional sense of place. The atmosphere feels polished yet deeply serene, the kind of resort where every detail is effortlessly refined.
Meanwhile, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort reimagines one of Hawaiβiβs most beloved properties through a modern luxury lens. Reopened in 2023 on the storied site of the original 1965 retreat, the resort embraces sustainability, privacy, and authentic Hawaiian design through its collection of stunning standalone hales (bungalows). The result is an experience that feels intimate, soulful, and incredibly exclusive.
So which resort is the perfect fit for your Big Island escape? Whether youβre drawn to the legendary service and classic luxury of HualΔlai or the secluded, contemporary elegance of Kona Village, weβre breaking down everything you need to know below.
Vibe and atmosphere
This is the most important factor when choosing between them.
Four Seasons Hualalai: Has a lively and social atmosphere that brings members-only country club meets 5-star hotel energy.
Kona Village Rosewood: Offers an intimate and romantic feel. Weβd recommend this one if youβre looking for something at a slower pace and more privacy.
Room Options
The Four Seasons Hualalai: Several room categories available to best suit your needs, from guest rooms and suites to multi-bedroom villas also they spread across multiple parts of the resort where some are by the grounds of the family pool and others adult-only pool giving lots of options. Connecting rooms are available.
Kona Village Rosewood: Rooms are standalone hale (bungalow)- style, ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms. No connecting rooms but they do have 2 bedroom family suites that are great for families.
Dining Options
Four Seasons: For our foodies, there are 6 on-site restaurants to choose from. Each menu features fresh, local ingredients that deliver the taste of Hawaii in every bite.
Home of Miller & Lux Hualalai, winner of the β2025 Best Hawaiβi Island Restaurant Hale βAina Awards.β
Equipped with a general store, smoothie bar, and ice cream shop. My favorite is the Pina Colada Protein shake.
P.S. Don't skip the omelet breakfast station (especially since breakfast is included when you book with us)!
Kona Village has 3 restaurants and unique programming:
Twice a week, they host Island Roots Dinners where you can mingle with guests and try foods sourced entirely from Hawaiβi Island.
Daily coffee tastings with locally sourced beans
Coconut O'clock: enjoy fresh coconuts delivered poolside. Tip: ask for their local rum and lime for a coconut cocktail!
Families & Kids
Traveling with little ones? Four Seasons Hualalai is the clear winner. They offer a more elevated kids' club, strong family programming, and multi-bedroom or connecting-room options. Kona Village Rosewood isn't as family-focused, though they do have a family pool and a kids club and a good amount of families were there during our stay.
Experiences
Four Seasons:
On-site snorkeling in Kings Pond with a resident manta ray that lives there year-round.
An 18-hole golf course that takes you through lush greenery, black lava, and the oceanside.
Kona Village:
Start your day right with a guided sunrise canoe trip along the Ka`Ε«pΕ«lehu Coast.
Ka`uluola Cultural Center with a petroglyph field to explore
Activities like ukulele and hula to connect with local traditions.
Beaches & Pools
Four Seasons: Multiple pool options spread across the property, meaning there's something for everyone.
Beach Tree Pool
Palm Grove Pool (adults-only!)
Kingβs Pond: swim above the aquarium!
Lap Pool with 4 lanes at the Spa & Fitness Center
Ocean Pool
Keiki Childrenβs Pool
Cabanas available for rent at $500-$600 per day
Kona Village: Two main pools, each with great poolside service
Shipwreck Adult Pool with three tiers, an infinity hot tub, and a 25-meter lap pool
Moana Family Pool with two hot tubs and a sand-bottomed keiki pool
Kahuwai Beach
Complimentary cabanas
Watersports
Four Seasons: Motorized watersports right on the property, and non-motorized options are only a quick golf cart ride away
Kona Village: Non-motorized watersports (SUP, kayaks, snorkel gear, sailing canoe) right on the beach. There are no motorized options available.
Wellness & Spa
Four Seasons: While not a wellness resort, it offers incredible indoor and outdoor amenities. Choose from their daily classes (Pilates, boot camp, strength, reformer Pilates). Lots of service options as well!
Kona Village Rosewood: A more up-to-date spa that invites total relaxation
Both: Access to basketball and tennis courts, cold plunges, and sauna
Heading to the Island of Lanai? Read all about my stay at the Four Seasons Lanai Beach Hotel
Benefits of Staying at the Four Seasons Hualalai and Kona Village Rosewood When You Book with Jetset and Travel
As you can see, both offer luxury travel experiences that you wonβt find anywhere else on the Big Island. Whichever one you choose, youβll receive personalized care and attention and we are always here to make it special!
Jetset and Travel Perks at the Four Seasons Hualalai
Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom, served in a hotel restaurant or through In-Room Dining.
$100 Hotel/Resort Credit, $200 for suites and residences
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in
Jetset and Travel Perks at Kona Village Rosewood
Upgrade at the time of arrival, subject to availability.
Daily breakfast at Moana for two
150 USD one-time resort credit per bedroom, up to 600 USD resort credit for four-bedroom suites (excluding retail)
Early check-in / late check-out is subject to availability on the day of arrival/departure.
Ready to experience one of these properties for yourself? Get in touch below...weβd love to help you plan the perfect trip and add the VIP Perks!
