At The Hospitality Show Hawaiʻi, state and county leaders weighed in on taxes, union wages, enforcement gaps, and a convention center shutdown—offering hoteliers a candid legislative snapshot.
Entombed in Hawai‘i?
Waikiki’s first capsule hotel opens with 90 tiny “luxury” cabins on the 14th floor, raising eyebrows over who’ll book a 27-square-foot space in paradise.
A New Chapter for Lights On Digital: Congratulations to Will Song & Patrick Ahler
Lights On Digital is acquired as founders Will Song and Patrick Ahler exit after building one of Hawaiʻi’s top hotel marketing and revenue agencies, with new owners set to carry the legacy forward.
Even More HTA Drama
HTA’s $5M request for Maui recovery funds is denied, with officials saying the crisis is no longer an “emergency,” even as Maui hotels sit at a troubling 60% occupancy.
HNL – One Step Closer to The 21st Century?
Hawaiian Airlines plans a major 2027 premium lounge five times larger than today’s space, even as it shuts down its current premium servicing and closes Apt. 1929 next March.
New Properties
New year, new hotels: from Waikoloa’s $113M dual-IHG project to Hilton’s major expansions on Oahu and Maui, Hawaiʻi’s development pipeline heats up with budget brands in pricey markets.
More HTA Drama
HTA faces more turbulence as its CEO seat sits vacant since 2023, staffing remains depleted, and lawmakers float cutting the top salary, raising fresh concerns about stability in Hawaiʻi’s tourism engine.
Will flying to Hawaiʻi be a Breeze?
Breeze Airways eyes Hawaiʻi service by fall 2025 as founder David Neeleman pursues ETOPS approval and considers secondary West Coast routes for the low-cost expansion.
What’s Happening with Hawaiʻi’s Green Fee and Tourist Taxes?
Hawaiʻi eyes a $25 green fee in 2025 as Gov. Josh Green pushes a tourist tax expected to raise $68M, but questions over collection and rising visitor costs fuel debate.
The Lost City of Ko Olina
Ko Olina’s long-stalled Atlantis project resurfaces as a new buyer pays $216M for two oceanfront parcels, reviving big promises, and big skepticism, around the resort’s future.
