Kohala Coast
Hilo
- The 135,000-square-foot Queens’ MarketPlace and Cultural Gardens at Waikoloa Beach Resort (808.593.0610; www.queensmarketplace.net) is scheduled to open this month. The MarketPlace will include an arts studio and museum, a coronation pavilion and high-end restaurants, while the Cultural Gardens will feature a 4,000-seat outdoor amphitheater.
- The Hilton Waikoloa Village (808.886.1234; www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com) recently completed a three-year, $90 million renovation that included the refurbishment of all 1,240 guest rooms and upgraded technological features in meeting areas, such as new sound and light systems and a T3 circuit for ultra-high-speed Internet connections.
- The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (808.886.6789; www.waikoloamarriott.com) recently finished a $30 million renovation that included the addition of a 12,000-square-foot ballroom and an infinity-edged swimming pool. All 545 guest rooms were redesigned and received new soft goods.
- The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii (808.885.2000; www.fairmont.com) recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation that included the refurbishment of all 540 guest rooms and the addition of a Fairmont Gold floor with a private lounge and personalized services.
- Kona Village Resort (808.325.5555; www.konavillage.com) was acquired in a joint venture by Rockpoint Group and affiliates of MSD Capital Group, the same investment firms that own the adjacent Hualalai Resort, which includes the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Plans to refurbish Kona Village, known for its distinctive thatched-roof bungalows, are under consideration.
Hilo
- The 325-room Hawaii Naniloa Resort (808.969.3333; www.naniloaresort.com) recently opened the Oceanfront Polynesian Room for special events. The facility, which offers views of Hilo Bay, accommodates up to 308 people.
- Hilo Ocean Adventures (808.756.4100; www.hilooceanadventures.com) is a new company offering excursions in inflatable vessels along the Hilo coast, where a 20-mile stretch of shoreline is lined with steep cliffs and waterfalls. The voyages also offer the chance to view humpback whales during the winter and other marine life, including dolphins and sea turtles, year-round.