Romer Waikīkī has ended its adults-only policy, opening doors to all ages to boost demand, while keeping its stylish, “good neighbor” vibe and popular Lei Stand bar intact.
Alaska Promised Aloha. Seattle Says Mahalo
Alaska’s Hawaiian Airlines takeover is already shifting jobs and planes to Seattle, echoing the Virgin America merger and raising concerns that Hawaiian’s aloha identity may fade.
Rob’s Got the Wheel
Rob Robinson is stepping up, named President of Springboard Hospitality after years helping shape the brand. He’ll now lead operations, growth, and culture across the combined Springboard/Hotel Equities portfolio.
Hotel Molokaʻi Changes Hands
Hotel Molokaʻi has been sold to Molokaʻi Hotel Group, giving the new owner 51 keys and all common areas. Visitor demand remains modest, with 2024 averaging 468 visitors per day and June 2025 posting a $178 ADR and 48.5% occupancy.
Roof Work Kicks Off Jan 1 (Hopefully), Done by 2028 (Fingers Crossed)
Hawaiʻi Convention Center’s $64M roof repair is set to begin Jan. 1, 2026, with completion expected in 2028. Eighteen major events have already been rescheduled as DAGS takes over project management.
Hold the Presses!!!
Hawaiʻi’s new HTA advisory board is finally appointed, six weeks after the mass resignations, 12 members representing tourism, labor, culture, and community, with the urgent task of recommending a permanent CEO.
![[Aggregator] Downloaded image for imported item #824](https://hawaiihotelhui.com/wp-content/uploads/HHHI_July_V2-503x282.png)
Forced Resignations, Panic Setting in, and Legendary Pork Chops
HTA board quits, panic sets in, and Hilo gets soft-branded. Resorts renovate, rates drop, Romer rebounds, and AI now books your vacation.
LLMs Are the New Influencers
As GenAI becomes a top source for consumer recommendations, hotels face a new challenge: optimizing for AI discoverability, not just search, as LLMs increasingly shape travel decisions.
Hospitality Geek Week
A packed week at HITEC, HSMAI, and industry side meetings highlighted three themes: AI everywhere, commercial teams needing real alignment, and hotels still struggling with outdated, disconnected tech.
Marketing the Unwanted?
As Congress slashes Brand USA funding by 80%, international visitors continue to flee the U.S., leaving destinations like Hawaiʻi exposed just when global marketing matters most.
