Paradise Cove Lū‘au is closing after 40+ years in Ko Olina as the site makes way for Waianiani at the Cove, with a full auction of tiki statues, canoes, and memorabilia marking the end of an era.
New Life for an Old Eyesore in Kona
A long-vacant lot in Kailua-Kona is getting new life as Baywood Hotels plans a $45M, 100-room Residence Inn on the former Hilton Grand Vacations site, marking another major investment in Kona’s long-overdue revitalization.
Whatever Happened to the Mandarin Oriental Honolulu?
Mandarin Oriental Honolulu has gone silent since 2023, no updates, little visible progress, and plenty of questions. If anyone knows what’s happening with the long-promised project, we’re all ears.
World Class Golf Course, Waterpark, Is a Hotel Next?
A rare 5.5-acre, fee-simple, resort-zoned parcel at Wai Kai in Hoakalei just hit the market for $25M—lagoon-front, fully entitled, and shovel-ready for a 225–250 key hotel.
From Orange Chicken to Extended Stay (sorry, I couldn’t help myself)
The former PBN building on Kalākaua is slated to become a Residence Inn by Marriott, backed by Panda Express founders, with a $53.5M renovation planned, but no construction underway yet.
Kings Village and Elvis Statue Just a Memory
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.
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.
Is It Time to Panic Yet?
With soft summer numbers, slipping demand, and mounting mixed messages about tourism, Hawaiʻi faces a real slowdown, one fueled as much by policy whiplash as by market forces.
Convention Center Construction Delays? Shocking!
Convention Center roof repairs face yet another likely delay as DAGS takes over, raising fresh concerns for future group business and the long-term trust of meeting planners.
Aloha Tokyo, Aloha Hope
Aloha Tokyo drew huge crowds and strong Outrigger support, offering a hopeful sign for Japan’s slow tourism rebound and reminding Hawaiʻi that demand is still there, just waiting to return.
