First post on this forum, so firstly hello!
Haven't read the full replies but I had the Kona Kilauea 1997 model (UK). I will try and find some photos of it, I had it until about 2 years ago... Raced it all over the UK, took it to the Worlds in Switzerland 1997 (viewing, not competing!).
Certainly the version I purchased came with rigid forks, the grey Kona Project Forks. I added Marzocchi XC Suspension which at the time were fairly rare as everyone was on the Rockshox Judy.
The brakes weren't V Brakes originally, they (like the cranks, handlebars, seatpost, etc) were made by Curve Components. They were almost a hybrid of Cantilever and V Brakes due to the shape of them and were very good brakes. In fact, these were really just before V Brakes became the standard brakes on new bikes.
Originally it was Gripshift shifters rather than Shimano shifters that were supplied, I much preferred these anyway. In terms of derailleurs, etc I'm pretty sure they were XT (possibly LX but I'm sure XT as standard), the chanrings were Curve Components along with the Cranks.
My bike was a dark green in colour, macaw tyres, blue brake pads. Oohhhh the memories!