Hilton Grand Vacations’ new 32-story Ka Haku tower has topped off on the former King’s Village site, bringing 205 timeshare units to Waikīkī next summer, minus the Elvis statue, but likely not the clipboard-wielding ambassadors.
The Single Life is Over for Romer
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.
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.
Romer Math: I Was Off by One
A correction on Romer math: Waikīkī actually had two Romers, with Romer House still flying the lifestyle flag while The Ambassador shifts to Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
Development Deals: Big Bucks and Big Pork Chops
Blackstone seeks a $1B refi for the Grand Wailea as two Waikīkī hotels hit the market unencumbered—and Hilo’s iconic Manago Hotel returns for sale, pork chops and all.
Condotels To Get Renos
Two major Oʻahu condotels, Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī and Ala Moana Hotel, are proving large-scale renovations can work, with multimillion-dollar upgrades rolling out across units, lobbies, and towers.
Another “Soft Brand” Lands, This Time in Hilo
Hilo Hawaiian joins Wyndham’s Trademark Collection, giving the Castle-managed property a soft-brand boost as Wyndham slowly expands its small Hawaiʻi hotel footprint.
A $300 ADR at a Hampton Inn?
The new Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore opens in Kahului with 136 rooms—and summer rates topping $300 a night, a striking jump for a brand usually half that price.
Big Island, Big Refi
Mirae Asset lands a $136M refi for the Fairmont Orchid as the resort advances a $110M renovation aimed at boosting rates and performance along the Kohala Coast.
Brand Changes, Management Swaps, and the Loss of Local Control
Highgate loses Renaissance Honolulu to Crescent as Hawaiʻi’s management landscape shifts again, with soft brands rising and local operators increasingly replaced by mainland players.
