Located on the Island of Hawaii, the 81-acre Kona Village Resort draws on centuries of culture and tradition. Designed by Walker Warner with Delawie as architect of record, the reimagined property references the history of the Kaʻūpūlehu region, reconnecting the architecture to its geological landscape, cultural narratives, and coastal ecology.
The redevelopment follows the spatial and environmental logic of the original 1965 resort, emphasising low-rise structures dispersed across volcanic terrain and shoreline ecosystems. The layout recalls a village of guest hales, pathways, and communal spaces, reinforcing the relationship between architecture, climate, and culture. Balancing preservation with contemporary environmental standards, the project combines heritage, resilience, and resource management.
Environmental targets
Operational energy reductions are achieved through passive design strategies, high-performance glazing, and solar energy generation. The resort’s operator, Rosewood Hotel Group, has established portfolio-wide decarbonisation targets, aiming for 50 percent carbon neutrality by 2035 and full carbon neutrality by 2050. Kona Village contributes through on-site renewable infrastructure, reduced cooling loads, and closed-loop water systems.
Renewable energy and low-carbon infrastructure
The resort operates on an energy microgrid powered by more than 8,000 photovoltaic panels. The system generates approximately 2.3–2.5 megawatts of solar power at peak output, supplying nearly 100 percent of operational energy demand. Energy storage is provided by four on-site battery systems supplied by Tesla, Inc., enabling load balancing and resilience during outages.
A car-free site layout reduces operational emissions and supports engagement with the landscape. Internal circulation prioritises walking and cycling routes, limiting vehicular infrastructure.
Water management infrastructure captures stormwater, treats wastewater, and reuses well water and lagoon sources for irrigation, lowering potable water consumption and associated treatment energy.
Material innovation
Material selection prioritises durability, waste reduction, and ecological protection. Guest structures are clad in synthetic thatch roofing manufactured from recycled plastic rather than traditional pili grass. This approach avoids harvesting native vegetation, diverts plastic waste from landfill, and extends roof lifespan, reducing replacement cycles and associated emissions.
Following tsunami damage to the original resort, the design team implemented a meticulous deconstruction process rather than conventional demolition. Salvaged materials were redistributed to local construction and community projects, reducing waste and supporting regional economic activity. Lightweight construction systems and locally sourced materials lowered embodied carbon by minimising structural mass and transportation impacts.
Climatic responsiveness
Architectural form and orientation are key to reducing operational energy demand. Buildings are positioned to harness prevailing trade winds, enabling cross-ventilation and limiting reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Deep roof overhangs and shaded circulation paths minimise solar heat gain while creating transitional outdoor spaces that reference vernacular Hawaiian building traditions.
The resort incorporates passive survivability measures that allow buildings to remain habitable during power interruptions. Thermal massing, natural ventilation, and shading strategies maintain indoor comfort without mechanical systems, supporting resilience in a region vulnerable to extreme weather events and energy disruptions.
Landscape integration
The site plan emphasises restoration and protection of native ecosystems. The dispersed building layout preserves natural lava formations, shoreline vegetation, and coastal microhabitats. Pathways weave through restored landscape zones, encouraging interaction with ecological systems while minimising site disturbance.
Landscape planning contributes to thermal comfort by increasing shaded outdoor environments and reducing heat island effects. Native planting strategies reduce irrigation demand and support biodiversity, aligning the project’s environmental performance with its cultural and geographic context.
