More than three out of every four Hawaii visitors have previously traveled to the Islands, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, which means Aloha State properties are motivated to refresh and update their offerings on a regular basis.
There is a constant cycle of renovations, and the final quarter of 2019 and first half of 2020 include a full slate of projects across the Islands that are adding amenities, modernized rooms and several revamped pools to the market. Construction has been deemed an "essential service" during the Hawaii shelter-in-place order addressing Covid-19, and for now the work should continue.
Here's a look at a collection of Hawaii properties across the state that either recently wrapped construction or have plans to finish major projects in 2020:
Kaanapali Beach Hotel on Maui has embarked on a $65 million upgrade named the "Kealaula" project. The work includes an update to the Kauai wing, a new signature restaurant and a renovated parking structure. Each room in the renovated wing will have a Makamae shadow box with a traditional Hawaiian craft, such as a fishhook, lei or traditional Hawaiian weapons. The new restaurant, HuiHui, will replace the Tiki Terrace as the property's signature eatery and offer open-air, oceanfront dining.
The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Kaanapali is in the last phase of a $100 million revamp including updates to the pool area, new food and beverage options and enhanced amenities. The 87,000-square-foot pool facility was upgraded with new features and amenities, including an expanded deck area, and offers a half-dozen areas catering to different age groups, including kids, adults and family pools built around a 270-foot water slide. The work is due to be completed this summer, and also includes refreshed dining options, such as a 200-seat oceanfront pool bar. The lobby has also been updated with new lobby furniture and two green living walls. A new market with takeout and dine-in options and a Starbucks Cafe is forthcoming, as well as a new signature restaurant.
Following a branding refresh and revamp of its website, Hotel Molokai is undergoing several physical upgrades in 2020. In the last few years the property has introduced a new restaurant concept while also adding an oceanfront deluxe suite with a wrap-around balcony and kitchenette, and another oceanview room with a full kitchen. This year, the hotel is renovating its common areas, the exterior and lobby, and the remainder of the rooms. The plans include removing some structures and landscaping to open up the property for better views of the ocean, and the pool will also be refurbished.
Honolulu's White Sands Hotel is building on a 2019 property-wide redesign invoking the 1960s era in Waikiki by partnering with the Fete Restaurant Group on new food and beverage offerings. The hotel's new open-air restaurant, Hey Day, is helmed by chef Robynne Maii, who has created a farm-to-table, Asian-centric menu with Hawaiian twists. A hidden bar, The Green Lady, will serve up retro-style cocktails from skilled mixologists.
The Hilton Hawaii Village Waikiki Beach Resort is in the midst of a renovation of its Tapa Tower. The guestrooms, suites and corridors of the tower originally opened in 1982 are all being redone featuring patterns found in Hawaii's traditional tapa cloth. The renovations are scheduled to be completed in phases, with some of the new guestrooms already complete. Tapa Collection rooms offer furnished balconies and include oceanview rooms, junior suites, one-bedroom suites, and Tapa Family Rooms with two queen beds and a king bed.
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel completed a couple of large projects entering 2020, including a $1.6 million lobby renovation incorporating natural wood floors, coral stone and dark wood accents. In addition to the design updates, the renovation included the installation of touch-screen directories, monitors and charging ports throughout the lobby. At the same time, the Hawaiian culture program at the property was enhanced, now including arts and crafts workshops, a collection of pillow cards, a kupuna (elders) cultural program, and an Olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language) program, all free for hotel guests.
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort also recently cut the ribbon on a full, $28 million renovation. Formerly the Courtyard by Marriott Kauai at Coconut Beach, the 314 guestrooms have been redesigned and modernized. The pool area was entirely redone and expanded, and now features a separate children's area with splash pads, an adults pool and a lap pool. Multiple new restaurants were introduced, including Daybreak and First Flight Coffee for breakfast and quick morning fare, the Crooked Surf poolside bar and restaurant open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the signature restaurant Moamoa Hawaiian Fish House.