The tourism industry in the state of Hawaii generates over $11 billion in revenue for the state. In fact, the tourism industry is one of the biggest contributors to Hawaii’s economy, without which the state’s economics would assuredly suffer. Because of this, the many companies with hotels, resorts, condos and other vacation-oriented investments in Hawaii continually put money and finances into their Hawaii operations to keep attracting tourists.
In the past few months, numerous new hotel projects have been opening on the major islands of Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the Big Island (The Island of Hawaii). Meanwhile, already open locations are undergoing major renovations in an effort to raise their appeal to Hawaii vacationers.
The Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, on the island of Maui, just closed this month for an extensive $100 million renovation. It will remain closed through July for approximately six months, but will be re-opening in December right before Christmas.
The renovation includes a redesigning of their guest rooms, which will be updated and upgraded for the modern traveler’s needs. Other Hawaii hotels are undergoing renovations, or have just completed theirs. The following is a list of major projects in Hawaii.
Kauai – The “Garden Island” and oldest Hawaiian island.
The Kauai Beach Hotel & Resort went through an $18 million renovation and was rebranded as the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort.
The Princeville Resort on the Garden Island’s north shore is being renovated and rebranded as the state’s one and only St. Regis hotel. According to the resort, the renovation is costing approximately $60 million.
Oahu – Home of Hawaii’s capitol, Honolulu, as well as world-famous Waikiki Beach.
The Ala Moana Hotel, adjacent to Hawaii’s biggest shopping mall (LINK!!!), went under a renovation and is now a “condotel.”
The Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s secluded north shore underwent a $70 million renovation.
Aqua Aloha Surf hotel, at the gateway to Waikiki, spent over $9 million on renovating its hotel tower.
The Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio on famous Waikiki Beach spent $65 million on renovating its 601 guest rooms.
In one of the biggest renovations of all, the Outrigger Enterprises Group is investing more than $500 million to renovate an entire area in Waikiki. This renovation includes building new restaurant and shopping centers and renovating several hotels.
The Starwood company is renovating the 790 guest rooms at its Moana Surfrider hotel in Waikiki, as well as adding a new spa to the hotel.
Maui & Lanai – Once the center of pineapple agriculture in the state of Hawaii.
The two Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts on Lanai went under a $100 million renovation that includes new room designs, new restaurant menus, and more.
The Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua is closing from July through December for a renovation that will cost the hotel almost $100 million.
The Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa spent $60 million on redesigning its rooms, adding a spa and fitness center, and other general building renovations.
The Royal Lahaina Resort, in rural Lahaina, underwent a $30 million renovation.
The Big Island – The “newest” Hawaiian island, known for its two active volcanoes that are constantly adding to the island’s real estate.
The Hilton Waikoloa Village spent almost $100 million on renovating its hotel rooms and upgrading its services.
The Marriott Resort & Spa in Waikoloa, a Mormon-owned hotel, underwent a $50 million renovation that, like the Marriott renovations on the other Hawaiian islands, included upgrading its rooms and adding a new spa.
The Kona Surf Hotel was bought by the Shertaon hotel company and underwent a $70 million rebranding as the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa.
SOURCE: Hawaii resort press releases
