I am not sure if you heard but the tsunami caused a great deal of damage to the island of Hawaii. The Four Season is closed. They announced today that they will be closed until April 30, 2011. The FS had damage to its restaurant, pool areas and about 12 rooms.
Kona Village Resort, a resort near and dear to me, sustained substantial damage. Twenty hale were damaged and about 10 of those were destroyed. Basically the wave move them off their foundation. Also the outdoor seating areas for both restaurants were destroyed. The beachshack will be torn down because of safety reasons. The waves were reportedly 7-8 feet that entered KVR’s bay. No official opening date has been set, but unofficial estimates are the end of April.
Good luck to the employees and resorts and I hope you are up and running soon.
We just returned from the Marriott Waikoloa a few days before the tsunami. I saw some video from Kailua along Ali’i Drive. damn
I was wondering about the Marriott with the Bay it sits on.
Bob the beach (A-bay) was closed after the wave and still closed as of yesterday because of down trees . There is some damage to the historical sites around the Marriot but most of the damage is superficial. Kona Village’s bay seem to magnified the wave sending it into the heart of the Village.
Glad to hear that Honaunau is closed but didn’t get heavily damaged. Even all the Kii survived, and they said the water went a couple of hundred feet inland there.
Randy, I usually just go to the show now and skip the food. It is funny though, of all the events at the Village, the Paniolo dinner is usually the one that I skip.
I have the very sad duty to inform you the Kona Village is closed for an extended period and maybe forever.
Aloha All,
It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of the decision to close Kona Village for an extended period of time as a direct result of the recent tsunami. Kona Village is a very special place that has touched the hearts of many – from our guests to our amazing employees. We have listed below the press release which we have available for media use. We embrace you all with our aloha and many fond memories that you have made the resort so very special. The Village will remain a very special place in the hearts and lives of all the Kona Village Ohana. Mahalo, The entire Kona Village Resort team.
Big Island of Hawaii – March 18, 2011 – Kona Village Resort, one of the iconic vacation destinations and resorts of Hawaii, today announced that it will close for an extended period of time due to the significant structural and property damage it sustained during last week’s earthquake-generated tsunami.
“We are very sad to close Kona Village Resort for an extended period of time, but the damage to the property from this natural disaster is severe enough to render it inoperable,” said Patrick Fitzgerald, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hualalai Resort/Kona Village Resort. “We are fortunate that our guests and employees were evacuated safely. Our hearts are heavy with this decision’s impact on employees and loyal guests who have visited us over the years. Our thoughts also are with the people of Japan during this difficult time.”
The 45-year old resort sustained significant structural damage from the storm surge, including more than 20 Hale, the resort’s bungalow-style, thatched roof accommodations, some of which were completely removed from their foundations based upon the force of the water. Other damaged buildings or attractions at the 82-acre resort include the Hale Moana and Hale Samoa restaurants, Hale Ho’omau, the Shipwreck and Talk Story bars, reception and main office as well as the Ocean Activity Center on property.
The Resort will employ its employees through April 3, 2011. It is also covering their health care insurance through the end of April. Kona Village has contacted neighboring resorts and the state Workforce Development Division for assistance with transition and job placement.”
All guests with current reservations on hold are being contacted by Kona Village’s reservations teams, and will receive a full refund of any deposits made. The reservation contact phone number is 800-367-5290.