A note about Kona Village: I booked 8 nights in Oct. We had loved this resort for 3 decades. Our recent visit in Oct, 2009 was so bad that we left 4 days early and bailed to the Mauna Kea, which turned out to be a great decision.(Returned to Mauna Kea 4 months later).
Kona Village is a magnificent property. It has historical significance (eg. petroglyphs), sweeping views, a lovely beach with calm water. The resort is now, nearly a disaster. The hales are run down, service is minimal (at best), reception is bizarre, housekeeping is nearly non-existent and food is only acceptable. Kona Village prides itself on no TV's, no AC and no cellphones or internet access (except for 2 computers in an office). Oh, did I note that as we were paying $900.00 a day there was no beach service; no employees around...EXCEPT, on day 3 I was so disgusted, I walked to the lawn area near the beach, whipped out my Iphone and called Mauna Kea to see if we could get in the next day. While I was on the phone..A BEACHBOY appeared (for the first time). He was there to drop a note at my feet that cellphones were not permitted on the property.
In my dreams, I wish that M. Dell would somehow manage to integrate the 2 properties. (4S and KVR). That would be one fantastic property. I always loved the concept of KVR as a great and very Hawaiian property. If Dell can upgrade the hales and revamp the service to 4S service, this would be one of the premier Polynesian resorts in the world. So much natural beauty at KVR and 4S offers the magnificent golf course. What a great fit!