Nicholas Kuhns’ appointment as general manager at Hilton Waikoloa Village brings veteran luxury leadership to the Big Island, signaling a focus on operational excellence within one of Hawaii’s most complex resort environments.
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Montage Out, St. Regis In… Same Old Condo Challenge at Kapalua Bay
The shift from Montage to St. Regis at Kapalua Bay highlights the persistent challenges of condo-hotel ownership, where fragmented inventory and inconsistent participation complicate efforts to deliver a true luxury resort experience.
Another Waikīkī Management Company Shuffle
Management changes may be underway at Holiday Inn Express Waikīkī, with Springboard Hospitality rumored to replace PM Hotel Group, highlighting ongoing operator shifts as owners seek stronger local performance.
Kona Lows, War, Fuel Spikes… What’s Next, Locusts?
A convergence of storms, rising fuel costs, and global instability is testing Hawaiʻi’s fragile tourism recovery, highlighting how stacked disruptions can suppress demand even as the destination’s safety appeal remains a potential offset.
RIMPAC Risk?
Uncertainty around RIMPAC demand is raising concerns for Hawaiʻi hotels, as a potential scale-back or disruption could remove a key source of compression just as broader travel demand faces mounting pressure.
Outrigger Names VP of Americas (AKA Hawaiʻi)
Outrigger has named Steve Nickerson VP of Operations for the Americas, overseeing a Hawaiʻi-centric portfolio as renovations and performance pressures raise questions about potential future expansion beyond the islands.
Castle Stacking Singles and Doubles
Castle Resorts & Hotels is quietly expanding its hotel footprint, adding new Oʻahu management contracts and soft-brand conversions as it builds momentum through steady deals rather than headline-grabbing trophy assets.
Intent vs. Execution
Maui’s Bill 9 aims to phase out more than 6,000 short-term rentals, but rejected zoning carve-outs and likely court challenges highlight the ongoing collision between housing policy and the island’s visitor lodging reality.
Right Pocket, Left Pocket, Slow Progress
Hawaiʻi’s Green Fee advisory council has proposed $126.4M in resilience and tourism projects, but a dispute over bond funding versus direct fee revenue, and new transparency demands, signals the program’s first political test.
Speed Lawmaking, Hawaiʻi Style
Hawaiʻi’s 60-day legislative sprint is underway, with bills targeting TAT marketing funds, comp room charges, vacation rental enforcement, tourism governance, and Michelin funding, all carrying real implications for hospitality.
