There was a time when the Kona Village Resort was one of the most popular vacation spots in Hawaii. The resort, which was located on the Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, was known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities. However, in 2011, disaster struck when a devastating tsunami hit the island and caused extensive damage to the resort.
Despite efforts to repair and rebuild, the Kona Village Resort never reopened its doors. Today, many people are left wondering what happened to this once-thriving vacation destination.
The History of Kona Village Resort
Kona Village Resort first opened in 1965 as a small collection of thatched-roof huts on the beach. Over the years, it grew into a sprawling resort with over 125 bungalows and villas spread across 82 acres of lush tropical gardens. The resort was known for its rustic charm and luxury amenities such as private beaches, swimming pools, restaurants, and spas.
The resort’s popularity continued to grow over the years, attracting visitors from all over the world. It became a favorite among Hollywood celebrities and other high-profile guests who were drawn to its secluded location and unparalleled beauty.
The Tsunami that Changed Everything
In March 2011, a massive earthquake off the coast of Japan triggered a powerful tsunami that swept across the Pacific Ocean. The tsunami caused extensive damage throughout Hawaii’s Big Island, including at Kona Village Resort.
The resort sustained significant damage from the waves that crashed onto its shores. Bungalows were destroyed or damaged beyond repair; trees were uprooted; and debris littered the grounds. In total, it was estimated that the damage would cost around $100 million to repair.
The Aftermath
After assessing the damage caused by the tsunami, Kona Village Resort’s owners decided not to reopen the property. Instead, the resort was put up for sale, and there were hopes that a new owner would come in and restore it to its former glory.
However, finding a buyer proved to be difficult. The high cost of repairs coupled with the remote location of the resort made it a challenging proposition for potential investors. As a result, Kona Village Resort remained closed, and its future remained uncertain.
In 2014, there was some hope that the resort might be saved when it was announced that a group of investors had purchased Kona Village Resort with plans to rebuild and reopen it. However, those plans never came to fruition, and the property remained dormant.
The Future of Kona Village Resort
Today, Kona Village Resort remains closed. The property is still owned by the same group of investors who purchased it in 2014, but there has been no word on when or if the resort will ever reopen.
Many people who loved vacationing at Kona Village Resort are still holding out hope that someone will come in and restore the property to its former glory. However, with each passing year, that hope fades a little more.
In conclusion, the story of what happened to Kona Village Resort is one of tragedy and uncertainty. Once a beloved vacation destination known for its beauty and luxury amenities, it now sits abandoned and forgotten. While many people still hold out hope that it will one day be restored to its former glory, only time will tell if that ever happens.