HTA’s CEO search is open, Google wants to own your guests, and a vacant Hilo eyesore is finally coming down.
Hyatt Doubles Up in West Oʻahu
The opening of a dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House in West Oʻahu creates shared operational efficiencies, highlighting the strategic pivot toward capturing non-traditional hospitality demand in growing residential areas.
Mufi Exits to Polite Applause… and Quiet Sighs of Relief
Mufi Hannemann’s retirement from the Hawaiʻi Lodging and Tourism Association caps a divisive decade of leadership, raising existential questions about the organization’s future purpose and its role in industry advocacy.
Speed Lawmaking, Hawaiʻi Style: Final Scorecard
The conclusion of Hawaiʻi’s legislative session brings mixed outcomes for tourism bills, with HTA surviving under a weakened mandate, underscoring the industry’s ongoing vulnerability to political budget fights and shifting priorities.
And our final fun at the legislature, Green Fee Sleight of Hand
Hawaiʻi lawmakers are heavily modifying the Green Fee’s initial project recommendations during budget negotiations, reinforcing industry concerns that the dedicated environmental tax is morphing into a general state spending pool.
Leadership Shuffle at Waikīkī’s Biggest Hotels?
The sudden dual General Manager vacancy at the Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani sparks rumors of high-profile executive transitions, signaling a major upcoming reshuffle across Waikīkī’s top hospitality leadership.
Fairmont Orchid Names Todd Temperly as General Manager
Fairmont Orchid’s appointment of Todd Temperly as General Manager returns experienced leadership to the Kohala Coast, signaling a strategic push to elevate operations at the luxury resort.
Uber + Expedia: The Super App Chase Continues
Uber’s integration of Expedia hotel bookings into its app signals a renewed push for a Western super app, raising questions about consumer adoption and the future of consolidated travel distribution.
Airbnb Continues Its March Into the Hotel Business
Airbnb is expanding its hotel inventory and utilizing AI-driven personalization to blend search results, signaling a direct challenge to established OTAs and raising questions about the future of commission structures.
Google Now Knows Which Bed You Want
Google’s new AI travel planning and price-tracking tools solidify its position as an unavoidable infrastructure layer, raising critical questions about how hotels will maintain visibility and navigate expanding gatekeeper costs.
