The Hospitality Newsletter
Today Sunday, August 9, 2026

The Hospitality Newsletter

· 🏝️ Resort Markets

Hawaii Hospitality News

Hawaii hospitality news covering Maui resorts, Waikiki hotels, Big Island developments, and Pacific island tourism trends.

The data

Source: TSA ↗

2,706,184▼ 0.1% vs prior week

average daily US air travellers (7-day) · 7/28/2026

US-wide screening volume — a demand proxy, not a local figure.

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Hawaii — Market Analysis

5 stories

Hawaii hospitality operators drive portfolio expansion, capital renovations, and cloud technology upgrades across major island markets.

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Zoning Shifts ·Maui County Council voted 7-1 to transition over 2,000 apartment-zoned short-term rentals into designated hotel districts.

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Management Expansion ·Hotel Equities added the 596-room Holiday Inn Express Waikiki, the largest in the Americas, to its management portfolio.

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Capital Expenditure ·Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is executing an $80 million renovation modernizing 524 guestrooms, suites, and cultural amenities.

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Software Upgrades ·Coconut Waikiki and Shoreline Hotel deployed Planet's cloud-based PMS to optimize yield management and reporting workflows.

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Outlook

Rakuten Travel launches West Coast and Hawaii expansion strategies to capture outbound Asian travel demand.

Hawaii Stories

5 stories
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa exterior and pool area
operationsLodging Magazine··1 min·For: GM, Owner, Ops, Marketing

Waikiki Beach Marriott Expands Amenities and Programming

The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has unveiled a new high-tech game room and increased cultural programming at its Ho‘okani Kula center to enhance the guest experience.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Introduce multi-generational amenities like the new game room featuring classic arcade games and digital terminals to increase guest dwell time.
  2. 2Expand cultural programming at the Ho‘okani Kula center to offer authentic experiences like lei making and hula lessons, enhancing local brand identity.
  3. 3Leverage modernized common spaces to appeal to both family travelers and tech-savvy guests looking for social interaction.
Read summary → Original ↗
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marketingSkift··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Revenue, Marketing, Investor

Rakuten Travel Announces Strategic U.S. Expansion Plans

Japanese travel giant Rakuten Travel is launching a U.S. expansion strategy, targeting West Coast and Hawaiian markets to bridge American travelers with Asian destinations.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Leverage Rakuten’s existing U.S. consumer base from its cashback site (formerly Ebates) to drive hotel bookings.
  2. 2Focus initial expansion on the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii due to strong cultural and business ties to the Asia-Pacific region.
  3. 3Capitalize on Japan's popularity as a destination by positioning Rakuten Travel as the primary booking gateway for American travelers visiting Asia.
Read summary → Original ↗
Holiday Inn Express Waikiki exterior view
operationsLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Ops, Investor

Hotel Equities to Manage Holiday Inn Express Waikiki

Hotel Equities has officially added the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki by IHG to its management portfolio, marking a significant expansion in the Hawaii market. The 596-room hotel is the largest Holiday Inn Express in the Americas.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Leverage Hotel Equities' operational platform to optimize performance at the 44nd-floor Waikiki property.
  2. 2Capitalize on the property's prime location near Waikiki Beach and the Hawaii Convention Center to capture diverse guest segments.
  3. 3Utilize the hotel's existing high-capacity amenities, including a 5th-floor sky deck and extensive recreational facilities, to drive guest satisfaction.
Read summary → Original ↗
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort guestroom overlooking the ocean
operationsLodging Magazine··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Ops, Marketing, Investor

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Announces $80M Renovation

The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is undergoing an $80 million renovation focused on modernizing 524 guestrooms and suites while integrating Hawaiian cultural heritage and sustainability.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Review the $80 million investment scope, which covers 524 guestrooms, suites, and the exclusive Voyager 47 Club Lounge.
  2. 2Utilize the 'Caring for Coral' design theme to align guestroom aesthetics with local environmental conservation efforts.
  3. 3Anticipate the completion of the Koa deck on the second floor, designed to enhance communal guest spaces with authentic Hawaiian materials.
Read summary → Original ↗
Scenic view of a hotel poolside under palm trees
operationsHotel Tech Report··1 min·For: Owner, GM, Revenue, Ops, IT

Hawaiian Hotels Boost Revenue With Planet PMS Upgrade

Coconut Waikiki and Shoreline Hotel moved to Planet’s cloud-based PMS to overcome the limitations of an outdated system that hindered rate management and reporting. The transition improved yield management and operational workflows, allowing staff to focus more on guest experiences.

Key Takeaways

  1. 1Replace legacy on-premise solutions with cloud-based PMS to enable professional yield management and advanced digital reporting.
  2. 2Prioritize systems with reliable two-way integrations to eliminate manual administrative tasks and streamline communication workflows.
  3. 3Utilize modern analytics and reporting tools to make data-driven decisions that directly impact revenue growth and operational efficiency.
Read summary → Original ↗

Frequently asked

+How is Maui handling short-term rentals in apartment zones?

Maui County Council voted 7-1 to refer two resolutions to the Planning Commission to transition over 2,000 apartment-zoned short-term rentals into new hotel districts. This rezoning allows designated properties to continue transient vacation rental operations despite upcoming phase-outs in apartment zones.

+Who manages the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki?

Hotel Equities manages the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki by IHG. The 596-room property represents the largest Holiday Inn Express location in the Americas.

+How much is Outrigger spending on its Waikiki Beach Resort renovation?

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is undergoing an $80 million renovation. The project modernizes 524 guestrooms and suites while integrating Hawaiian cultural heritage and sustainability features.

+Which property management system did Coconut Waikiki and Shoreline Hotel adopt?

Coconut Waikiki and Shoreline Hotel upgraded to Planet's cloud-based PMS. The transition replaced an outdated system to improve yield management, rate management, reporting, and operational workflows.