It’s rare that you will find any write-ups in this column involving a specific Hawaiian hotel.  However, there seems to be an exception to any rule and here is one that bears examination. 

King Kam Hotel, both wings with swimming pool in the middle

I refer to the culturally rich resort site on which the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel sits.  This Big Island of Hawaii property encompasses the land where King Kamehameha peacefully resided and governed after uniting all the Hawaiian Islands.  He ruled and dictated benignly until his death in 1819.  He was fair but he strictly upheld traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian rules and laws some of which would be frowned upon as being cruel by today’s free world standards. 

Also on the property is the temple that Kamehameha restored, Ahu’ena Heiau, dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian god of peace, agriculture and prosperity.  But today’s visitor is more interested in the fact that the property sits on 13 beachfront acres adjacent to the Kailua Kona Pier.  The seaside area of the hotel, features the only white sandy hotel beach in Kailua-Kona.  The beach is ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, swimming and is safe for both kids and older folks.  Also, stand-up paddle surfing is among the many water activities guests can enjoy.  All these activities are  possible because the sea is in a calm location in one of the rare protected beach areas on the island. 

Newly renovated room at King Kam Hotel .... note the vivid colour in the bed spread

I was very fortunate to have had the pleasure of staying for two days and nights at the original King Kamehameha hotel back in 1965.  It was a state of the art magnificent hotel then but unfortunately the building was completely destroyed by fire shortly after my exceptionally pleasant visit.  A new version was built from the ashes and opened in 1975.  I again stayed at the hotel in 1983 and found the new version to be a great establishment complete with, of course, the latest amenities. 

It was decided a couple of years ago that parts of the hotel should be closed as many aspects of the building needed to be upgraded.  The result is that this landmark resort owned by Pacifica Hotel Company has now completed an extensive renovation of all 230 rooms in its West Tower, thereby making one-half of the property virtually brand new.  Rooms in the East Tower are closed for the next phase of renovation, so at time of writing, every available room is brand new.  Rates are reasonable, with special grand re-opening discounts available.  Full details on rates and more information are available on the hotel’s web site:  www.konabeachhotel.com.  Or call 1-800-720-0223 and press local 8.  You will then be connected directly to the hotel’s reservation department located in beautiful, downtown Kailua-Kona. 

The new rooms bring the Big Island’s definitive identity indoors.  Plush carpeting seems to flow in whorls of lava, reflecting the very foundation of the island.  New wood chairs are upholstered in a Kona coffee bean print with a carved coffee leaf pattern.  Colours throughout the hotel are rich browns with splashes of fiery orange magma. 

I refer affectionately to the hotel as the “King Kam,” and I have always been aware of the fact that it has long served as the gathering place of the West Hawaii community.  It is the proud sponsor of the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, many winners of which have been Canadians from northern British Columbia.  There are many other signature events sponsored by the King Kam.  “That spirit of community will continue,”  said General Manager Jak Hu.