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Part of the former Kona Seaside Hotel on Palani Road is reopening as Pacific 19 Kona and is now accepting reservations for April 1, 2023.
The 122-room property is located in one of the two buildings that made up the Kona Seaside Hotel. Investment and development company Nine Brains bought the building in 2020 for an undisclosed sum, according to an article in Pacific Business News. The second 30-room building of the Kona Seaside Hotel is still in operation.
With the idea of ​​attracting the modern explorer, Nine Brains works with a network of local content creators, designing the hotel to have a rotating art program, website and social media to serve as an insider’s guide to Hawaii Island.
“Pacific 19 Kona is focused on providing adventure travelers with the tools needed to experience the best of Kona and Hawaii Island,” said James Evans, Managing Partner, Nine Brains. “With the debut of this state-of-the-art hotel, guests will have access to tailored island itineraries to explore the 4,000 square miles of Hawaii Island with the best Kona experiences at their fingertips.”
Pacific Kona 19 sits on the 19th parallel, which draws a line across the Pacific Ocean connecting east to west, hence the name. This Kona hotel marks the first project for Nine Brains.
Co-founder and managing partner of Nine Brains, Thibert Lussiaa, grew up in Kona.
According to the company bio, they are “dedicated to elevating the experience of hotel, resort and private club properties with an emphasis on Hawaii.” The building structure for Pacific 19 remains the same as when it was the Kona Seaside Hotel. Evans told PBN that the renovation focused on what he called a “reclaimed” interior, common space and design elements.
The property closed for renovations in October 2022. Honolulu-based design team Vanguard Theory is leading the redesign, “creating intentional spaces meant to bring the outside in.”
According to a press release from Nine Brains, a giant monkeypod tree and lush flora will anchor the entrance to the open-air lobby. Steps outside the lobby, guests can relax on a chaise longue, swim laps in the pool or relax around one of two fire pits. In addition, a lobby shop will equip guests with essentials for exploring the Big Island. Items in include coolers, snorkel gear, beach blankets and more.
All guest rooms have a private lanai and a macro bar with snacks and adventure gear available for purchase.
Guest rooms start at $299 per night. For more information Pacific 19 Kona, visit www.pacific19.com/kona.
