How Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort Is Protecting Native Hawaiian Species

Forbes

31-03-2025

Located more than 3,800 kilometers west of North America, the Hawaiian Islands are renowned worldwide for their high concentration of endemic flora and fauna, with native species spanning from the ʻanianiau to the ʻiʻiwi to the Hawaiian hoary bat—but this treasure trove of biodiversity isn't free from existential threats. Over the centuries, introduced species have wreaked havoc across the region, competing for resources and preying on vulnerable species that have evolved to live without natural predators. However, in the wake of these issues, there's a wealth of organizations and businesses that are working hard to ensure that Hawaiʻi's native wildlife can flourish well into the future.
On the western shore of Hawaiʻi Island, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort acts as a crucial haven for a wide array of native species, with more than 30 hectares of carefully-preserved habitat found throughout the property. While vibrant flower gardens and towering palms can be found in abundance during a visit, the resort is best known for its high concentration of anchialine pools, a type of brackish water feature that forms in lava fields close to the ocean. This natural phenomenon forms the perfect conditions for the native ʻōpaeʻula shrimp to thrive, with the property's groundskeeping staff ensuring that the pools are kept free from any debris or hazards that might interfere with their natural habitat.
Beyond these tiny crustaceans, Kona Village also plays a role in supporting a much larger native species: the Hawaiian monk seal, to be precise. While this endemic pinniped once thrived across the surrounding islands, threats today range from feral cat-induced Toxoplasmosis exposure to entanglement in discarded fishing nets, prompting the formation of conservation organizations like the nearby Ke Kai Ola, a coastal care facility that's dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned Hawaiian monk seals. In an effort to support the organization, Kona Village encourages guests to fish for invasive tilapia in their on-property ponds and offer them as a donation to the facility, ultimately clearing out pest organisms while supporting an indigenous species all in one fell swoop.
Alongside monk seals, the property also offers shelter for a wealth of native avifauna, with the official state bird of Hawaiʻi making frequent appearances for guests. Known as the nēnē, this eye-catching goose is believed to be a close relative of the Canada goose, evolving roughly half a million years ago from an isolated population that somehow made its way to the islands. During an early morning birdwatching session, visitors can spot the waterfowl as well as other species like the Pacific golden plover, ruddy turnstone and ʻapapane—and to sweeten the deal, the property also has a steadfast commitment to sourcing local produce and protein, ensuring that each meal you enjoy across property is packed full of fresh ingredients from nearby farms.
While Hawaiʻi has long been renowned for its spectacular landscapes, each individual island comes equipped with its own unique array of flora and fauna, providing an added appeal for birdwatchers, scuba divers and all other naturalists that visit the region. Though the biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands hangs in a delicate balance, there's no shortage of protected havens in place to allow wildlife to flourish, with Kona Village being a prime example. From shrimp to seals to nēnē geese, this luxurious resort provides guests with the perfect opportunity to marvel at the endemic creatures that have called Hawaiʻi home for eons.