While Japan suffered devastating damages from last winter’s tsunami, Hawaii seemed to survive relatively unscathed, especially the tourist industry. But some island tourism infrastructure is still being affected.
An early update at the time from the Hawaii Convention and Visitors Bureau said the event passed “with no major impact to Hawaii’s six major islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii Island – and with the exception of a section of Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island, it is business as usual across the state.”
While this didn’t turn out to be true, and even most hotels and resorts that suffered damage were up and running within a few weeks, except Kona Village. The iconic resort comprised of individual huts or “bures” was announced to be closed indefinitely.
Personally, I didn’t have clients arriving until after their wedding in September, so I figured, no problem; even if it took a few months things should be fine. The company that owns Kona Village also owns the Four Seasons next door, so it didn’t seem like a question of money. Instead, several Hawaii contacts said, “Make backup plans.” My honeymooners ended up on Kauai.
At this point the rumors began to circulate that the resort would never open. Although another hotel general manager told me in August that the problem was insurance.
And this past weekend, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser confirmed that story, saying the resort will open again, but probably not for another two years, probably in late 2013.
The Big Island traditionally has a lower occupancy rate than other Hawaiian islands. (Personally it’s my favorite, but much of the island is covered in black lava, making it less lush and tropical than the others, and its size does mean that sightseeing can take longer.) So Kona Village’s closure doesn’t mean a lack of room availability, but it did mean a loss of jobs and a loss of a very unique experience.
While the resort wasn’t for everyone — no televisions, radios or clocks- and rather rustic facilities, it appealed strongly to anyone with a “get-away-from-it-all” mentality. Even with the advent of the internet, the resort asked guests to use their computers in their rooms and refrain from cellphones in public.
There was definitely still a market for such a place in our day and age — one of the last guests before the March 2011 tsunami was Steve Jobs.
Once insurance companies (and lawyers) get involved, estimated times are always just that. So, families who have spent Christmas at the resort for years will have to wait at least two more holiday seasons. On the brighter side for Kona Village fans, there is hope. Stay tuned.
For the rest of us, this is a lesson in how long the ravages of nature can disrupt tourism. Make sure to followup carefully when traveling to regions devastated by natural disasters. There may be more damage than seen in newspapers and on TV.
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
