A Return to Kona Village, Hawaii: Celebrating 17 Years of Marriage

Seventeen years ago, my husband and I traveled to Kona Village in Hawaii for our honeymoon. We fell in love with the resort and always hoped we’d have the opportunity to return. This summer, we finally did, but this time we brought our two boys, Grant and Everett, along for the experience.

We celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary by revisiting a place that holds so many wonderful memories for us. Getting to show our boys the places we explored on our honeymoon made this trip even more special!

Kona Village has always been one of my favorite destinations, and after spending another week there, I was reminded exactly why.

Returning to Kona Village Hawaii, 17 Years Later

Returning to Kona Village was something we’d talked about for years. Our honeymoon in 2009 was such a special experience, and we were excited to see the property again, especially now that we could share it with our children.

We spent time showing Grant and Everett some of the places we’d visited as newlyweds. We also celebrated our anniversary with a special dinner and dessert, making new memories in a place that was already so special to us.

There was something wonderful about experiencing Kona Village as a family. The resort has a way of making you forget about your usual schedule and enjoy the day in front of you. With so much to explore and everything we needed right on the property, we could spend our time together without worrying about what came next.

The Hospitality at Kona Village

One of the things I appreciate most about Kona Village is the exceptional hospitality. From the moment we arrived until the day we left, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome and cared for.

We were greeted with fresh leis, and cocktails and snacks were waiting in our rooms. Grant and Everett each had an activity bag and a stuffed animal waiting on their beds, which was such a thoughtful way to welcome them.

The attention to detail continued throughout our stay. Each evening, we looked forward to turndown service because the staff would leave special treats on our pillows and find creative ways to arrange the boys’ toys. Those little surprises became something our entire family enjoyed.

Even our boys commented on how friendly everyone was and how well we were treated.

As a wedding planner, I pay attention to the way people experience a place. Beautiful surroundings are wonderful, but thoughtful service is what makes a visit truly memorable. Kona Village does an exceptional job of anticipating what guests might need while making everything feel personal.

The resort never felt crowded or rushed, and the dining and service were outstanding. We had everything we could possibly want without needing to leave the property.

Slowing Down and Enjoying Hawaii Together

One of my favorite things about our time at Kona Village was how naturally we settled into a slower pace.

We started our mornings with the incredible breakfast spread, which quickly became one of the highlights of our days. Fresh fruit smoothies were another favorite, and we spent plenty of time enjoying the beach, swimming, and exploring the resort.

Kona Village has bicycles available for guests to ride around the property, and our daily bike rides became one of the boys’ favorite activities.

We also spent time snorkeling and looking for sea turtles, kayaking, and even spotting dolphins out on the water. The boys loved discovering an eel living beneath the rocks near the ocean and chasing the little black crabs along the shore.

One detail that makes Kona Village especially unique is that there are no televisions in the rooms. Without screens competing for their attention, the boys spent their time playing, exploring, and using their imaginations. It was so much fun watching them enjoy the property and find new things to do each day.

Our evenings were just as enjoyable. We looked forward to leisurely dinners together and the opportunity to talk about everything we’d experienced throughout the day.

We did venture off the property for a day trip to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which was another memorable part of our time in Hawaii. There are plenty of nearby activities and places to explore, but one of the things I love about Kona Village is that you don’t have to leave to have an incredible vacation.

The resort offers so much to do, yet it’s equally wonderful if you’d rather spend an afternoon relaxing by the water.

Kona Village for Destination Weddings and Celebrations

Of course, I couldn’t visit a property like Kona Village without thinking about how beautiful it would be for a destination wedding.

The resort has so many incredible settings for ceremonies and receptions, with options for both intimate celebrations and larger gatherings. There are beautiful spaces tucked throughout the property, offering couples the opportunity to create an experience that feels personal to them.

Another wonderful feature is that wedding guests can stay right on the property. Having everyone together in one destination creates opportunities for more time with family and friends throughout the celebration.

Depending on the size and vision for the event, couples can explore reserving portions of the resort or even the entire property. With the beautiful surroundings, exceptional hospitality, and variety of experiences available, I can only imagine how much wedding guests would enjoy their time there.

It’s also an incredible destination for a honeymoon or anniversary trip. Whether you’re celebrating the beginning of your marriage or returning years later, Kona Village Hawaii offers the opportunity to spend meaningful time together in a beautiful setting.

A Special Anniversary in Hawaii

I think what I’ll remember most about this trip is how much we enjoyed being together as a family.

Kona Village gave us the opportunity to slow down, enjoy our surroundings, and spend time together without the distractions of everyday life. We felt taken care of in every way, which allowed us to focus on enjoying our vacation and each other.

Nearly two decades after our honeymoon, it was wonderful to return to a place we’ve always loved and share it with Grant and Everett.

Kona Village truly is a hidden gem on the island of Hawaii. It’s peaceful and relaxing, yet there’s so much to see and experience. For our family, it was the perfect place to celebrate 17 years of marriage.

And I already hope we’ll have another opportunity to return!

Planning a Destination Wedding?

At Chelsea Kennedy Weddings, we love creating celebrations that reflect each couple and the experiences they want to share with their guests. Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Hawaii or a beautiful celebration closer to home, we’d love to hear what you’re envisioning.

Contact us to begin planning your celebration.