Kauai
Tasting Kauaiintroduced two new food tours showcasing some of the best bites on the island. The North Shore Kauai Food Tour features off-the-beaten path establishments, while the South Shore Tour is a celebration of street food inspired by Hawaii’s diverse cultures. On the South Shore Tour, participants taste sensational street tacos, sample tropical gelato while it’s being made and learn about Hawaiian staple foods. Both of the four-hour guided tours allow for interaction with Kauai farmers, chefs and artisans and feature six stops along the way. Tasting Kauai also offers customized tours for groups. A portion of the proceeds from all tours benefits the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Branch.
New dining options at theGrand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spainclude a contemporary poolside restaurant called Hale Nalu, which features a vintage surf shack vibe with a facade reminiscent of island plantation towns of old but with a stylish modern approach. The hotel also added a sushi bar, a chef’s table for VIP dining, expanded seating and a live performance area to Stevenson’s Library.
TheKauai Museumis undergoing its largest renovation, set for completion in 2017, since opening nearly 50 years ago. The renovated museum will provide easier access to its upper levels and additional space for educational and research components. The museum will also incorporate indigenous plants into the surrounding landscape and complete a total redesign of the permanent exhibits.
Oahu
The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort has closed and will reopen following an extensive renovation as the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina in early 2016.
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort unveiled the rebranded and renovated Mailani Beach Tower, formerly called the Royal Beach Tower, April 1. The project included refurbishment of the 179 guest rooms, which all feature private lanais with ocean or pool views. In addition, there is a new Mailani-only reception area for check-in and dedicated areas for guests, including a newly constructed Mailani Lounge.
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resortcompleted a five-month, $21 million renovation of its 17-story Diamond Head Tower. It includes the refurbishment of all 380 guest rooms and suites, corridors and a refreshed lobby.
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa is wrapping up a $100 million renovation of each of the beachfront resort’s 1,230 guest rooms. The rooms are being redone in lighter colors and will feature new touches such as surfboard-shaped desks and koa wood clocks.
An $18 million enhancement is scheduled for completion at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa by the end of June. It will feature a redesigned main lobby with new artwork, lighting and registration area.
The Courtyard by Marriott Laie is currently being under construction adjacent to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu’s North Shore. Scheduled to open mid-2015, the 144-room hotel will feature a pool, bistro and meeting space.
A 175-roomHampton Inn & Suites, the first Hampton property in Hawaii, is set to open next year in West Oahu in a new retail, entertainment and dining complex called Ka Makana Alii.
Delta Air Lineswill launch daily seasonal nonstop service from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to Honolulu International Airport this fall. The flight will operate beginning Oct. 25, 2015 through March 26, 2016 using a 225-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.