Since billionaire Larry Ellison purchased 98% of the island of Lanai, the island has been in a constant state of change. Much of the initial changes were to public facilities for residents. But in 2015, Mr. Ellison turned his attention to his resort properties on the island. And now, big changes are coming to Lanai. Back in 2015, Larry Ellison closed both the Four … [Read more...] about Big Changes are Coming to Lanai
Hotels
Hawaii Room Rates Surge in Early 2017
Hawaii isn't a cheap place to visit or live. It is the most isolated island chain in the world, being over 2,000 miles away from the nearest landmass. And with little land available, much of what we consume must be shipped in. Oh, and land prices are naturally high too. Add to that the fact that Hawaii is a highly desirable destination, and you get some of the highest room … [Read more...] about Hawaii Room Rates Surge in Early 2017
Kahala Hotel Renovation Plans
The Kahala Hotel & Resort, also known as the Kahala Hilton or the Kahala Mandarin, has changed hands a few times in recent years. Two years ago, however, the fabled property was acquired by Resorttrust Hawaii LLC, the Hawaii subsidiary of Japan-based Resorttrust. The previous owner was Kahala Hotel Investors LLC, a subsidiary of Honolulu-based Trinity Investments LLC. … [Read more...] about Kahala Hotel Renovation Plans
Hawaii Hotel News December 2016
This year has been an eventful year for Hawaii's hospitality industry. There's been a number of renovations, ownership shakeups, and new property openings. As we near the end of the year, however, things continue to show no sign of slowing down. So here's the Hawaii hotel news December 2016 edition. Wailea Beach Marriott One of the oldest resorts in Maui's … [Read more...] about Hawaii Hotel News December 2016
Bora Bora Montage [Video]
In August 2015, we stopped in French Polynesia. On this stop we visited Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. … [Read more...] about Bora Bora Montage [Video]
Marriott Reveals More About the Merger
Yesterday Bloomberg posted an article from an interview with Marriott's global brand officer, Tina Edmundson. In the article, Marriott reveals more about the merger with Starwood. While the article answers some questions about the future of the two hospitality giants, some important questions remain. In the article, Marriott's Tina Edmundson states that Marriott will … [Read more...] about Marriott Reveals More About the Merger
New Waikiki Hotel Rooms on the Cheap!
Hotel rates in Hawaii are pretty high at the moment. Rooms are largely full, and unfortunately, the number of available rooms have been in decline. But, there is an opportunity right now to take advantage of some good deals. Currently you can get some new Waikiki hotel rooms on the cheap. The resort fee is even waived under this deal! Incredible right? When was the last … [Read more...] about New Waikiki Hotel Rooms on the Cheap!
Doubletree Grand Naniloa Now Open
Great news! The much anticipated Doubletree Grand Naniloa is now open in Hilo, on the Big Island. It's the first Doubletree on the Big Island, and is the only name brand hotel on the Hilo side of the island. The Naniloa will undoubtedly be the best hotel in Hilo, too. That being said, the Naniloa is not a new hotel. The Grand Naniloa Hotel was formerly known simply as … [Read more...] about Doubletree Grand Naniloa Now Open
The Modern Honolulu and Morimoto
As I reported a couple of weeks ago, the Morimoto Waikiki is closing on December 8, 2016. The reasons for the closure was, and continues to remain unknown to the public. But some additional details have recently come to light, and it's interesting. Especially when you consider the relationship of the overall Modern Honolulu and Morimoto Waikiki. According to the … [Read more...] about The Modern Honolulu and Morimoto
My Thoughts on World of Hyatt
The big news in the world of travel this week was undoubtedly Hyatt's loyalty program change. The change, though, comes at an interesting time, in my opinion. So let's talk about the World of Hyatt a little. For those not already familiar with the situation, Gold Passport is going away. Hyatt's new program, the World of Hyatt, will be replacing Gold Passport come … [Read more...] about My Thoughts on World of Hyatt