New hotel ‘Pacific 19 Kona’ now taking reservations

A portion 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 occupies one of the two buildings that comprised Kona Seaside Hotel. Investment and development firm Nine Brains acquired the building in 2020 for an undisclosed sum, according to an article in the Pacific Business News. The other 30-room building of the Kona Seaside Hotel is still in operation.

With the idea of attracting the modern explorer, Nine Brains is working with a network of local content creators, and designing the hotel to have a rotating art program, website, and social media to serve as an insider’s guide to Hawai’i 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 modern hotel, guests will have access to custom-tailored island itineraries to explore the 4,000 square miles of Hawaii Island with the best experiences of Kona 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 inaugural project for Nine Brains.

The co-founder and managing partner of Nine Brains, Thibert Lussiaa, grew up in Kona.

According to the company bio, they are “devoted to elevating the experience of hotel, resort, and private club real estate with an emphasis in Hawaii.” The building structure for Pacific 19 remains the same as when it was the Kona Seaside Hotel. Evans told PBN the renovation focused on what he called a “reimagined” interior, common area, and design elements.

The property closed for renovations in October 2022. Honolulu-based design team the Vanguard Theory is leading the redesign and “creating intentional spaces meant to bring the outside in.”

According a press release from Nine Brains, a giant monkeypod tree and lush flora will anchor the open-air lobby entrance. Steps outside of the lobby, guests can relax on a daybed, swim laps in the pool, or lounge around one of two fire pits. Additionally, a lobby retail shop will equip guests with essentials to explore the Big Island. Items in include coolers, snorkel gear, beach blankets, and more.

All guestrooms include a private lanai and a macro bar featuring snacks and purchasable adventure gear.

Guestrooms start at $299 per night. For more information Pacific 19 Kona, visit www.pacific19.com/kona.