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.
He’s Baaaack (and not surfin in Bali)
Patrick Ahler is back, joining Castle Resorts & Hotels as SVP of Growth just months after selling Lights On. He aims to bring a tech-forward, hyper-growth mindset to the organization.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And Then There Were None
All 12 HTA board members stepped down at the Governor’s request, stalling the CEO search and leaving the tourism agency operating without leadership amid mounting political uncertainty.
