Konrad Gstrein returns to Four Seasons Resort Maui as regional VP and GM, rejoining the property where he began in 2001, minus the White Lotus–level drama, but with plenty of real-world RevPAR to drive.
Pakalōlō Panic: Will Japan Ghost Us Over Ganja?
Hawaiʻi’s push for legal cannabis has some worried Japan will stay away, but despite loud concerns from retailers and tour operators, past examples like California and Colorado suggest Japanese visitors aren’t likely to “ghost” the Islands over ganja.
The Crowded Field of Hotel Management Companies
PM Hotel Group is expanding in Hawaiʻi, appointing Rodahl Leong-Lyons as Area DOSM and growing its portfolio with Queen Kapiʻolani, HIE Waikīkī, Hyatt Place, and new Oʻahu projects on the way.
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.
Historic Kauaʻi Hotel Lists for $26M
Kauaʻi’s oldest hotel, the 48-room Kauaʻi Inn, has hit the market for $26M, offering rare condo-mapped units, redevelopment potential, and a prime 2.75-acre Niumalu location.
Notes from The HTA Conference
Takeaways from the HTA Annual Conference: Hawaiʻi added just 60 hotel rooms since 2006 while legal vacation rentals surged 839%. Convention Center repairs hit $162M with a hopeful, but questionable, 2028 reopening.
Outrigger Owner KSL Refis, But Still No Exit
KSL Capital Partners refinanced Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Sheraton Kauaʻi Coconut Beach Resort for $480M, pulling out $148M in equity while keeping full ownership, signaling continued hold, not an exit, even eight years into the Outrigger acquisition.
Trading Places
Outrigger has hired former Springboard marketing lead Jason Pirock as its new VP of Global Brand Marketing, with Pirock joining on September 1 to help elevate the brand and make the move to Hawaiʻi.
Castle Joins the Circle
Castle Resorts & Hotels is taking over the Waikīkī Circle Hotel on Nov. 1, its first new operator in 30+ years, with CEO Matt Bailey promising to elevate the iconic 1960s landmark while keeping it locally run.
Billionaires Land Club
Michael Dell just paid $400M for the land under Four Seasons Hualālai, marking one of Hawaiʻi’s biggest land plays and a rare sale by Kamehameha Schools.
