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Latest & Greatest: Hawaii (August 2015)

Hawaii Island

  • Under a new franchise agreement, the former Hilo Naniloa Hotel and Golf Club is being converted to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hilo-Naniloa. The 388-room hotel is undergoing a major renovation that will include the addition of a 7,213-square-foot ballroom, more than doubling its overall function space. Work is set for completion in December.
  • Mauna Kea Beach Hotel announced a new marketing agreement with Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, which allows the hotel to participate in the Marriott Rewards loyalty program.

Kauai

  • The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa completed a major renovation that included new furnishings for the guest rooms, updates to the spa and fitness center, and the installation of fire pits on a grassy rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean.
  • The Kauai Museum is 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.

Lanai

  • Lanai’s two resort properties, the Four Seasons Resort, The Lodge at Koele and The Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, are currently closed for renovation, with completion dates yet to be announced.

Maui

  • The Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort wrapped up a $30 million renovation that included new furnishings and artwork for the guest rooms as well as new LED lighting and carpeting made from recycled materials.
  • The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui completed a $70 million renovation that included a $5.1 million rebuild of the Ko Restaurant, which features plantation-era-inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The project also features a new spa, poolside restaurant and the refurbishment of all suites and villas.
  • The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea completed a renovation of its two top three-bedroom suites, the Maile and the new Lokelani presidential suite. Both are available for small group functions, which can include the services of a private chef who prepares a customized dinner in the suite.
  • The Kaanapali Beach Hotel unveiled several property enhancements, including a new food outlet, a renovation of the Tiki Courtyard, solar roof panels and electric charging stations.

Oahu

  • The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort 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 in April unveiled the rebranded and renovated Mailani Beach Tower, formerly called the Royal Beach Tower. The project included the refurbishment of its 179 guest rooms, all of which 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 Resort completed a $7 million renovation of its 16,536-square-foot Tapa Ballroom, including the installation of new artwork.
  • An $18 million enhancement was recently completed at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. It features a redesigned main lobby with new artwork, lighting and registration area.
  • The Courtyard by Marriott Laie opened adjacent to the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu’s North Shore. The 144-room hotel features a pool, bistro and meeting space.
  • A 175-room Hampton 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 Lines will 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 225-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.