The Hospitality Newsletter
· 🏝️ Resort MarketsHawaii hospitality news covering Maui resorts, Waikiki hotels, Big Island developments, and Pacific island tourism trends.
2,409,972▲ 0.5% vs prior week
average daily US air travellers (7-day) · 9/27/2026
US-wide screening volume — a demand proxy, not a local figure.
Hawaii operators are driving property renovations, management transitions, and zoning protections to secure long-term revenue.
Asset Upgrades ·Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is investing $80 million to modernize 524 guestrooms, suites, and sustainability features.
↑Zoning Regulations ·Maui County Council voted 7-1 to refer resolutions transitioning over 2,000 apartment-zoned short-term rentals into hotel districts.
◉Management Expansion ·Hotel Equities assumed management of the 596-room Holiday Inn Express Waikiki, the largest in the Americas.
↑Software Upgrades ·Coconut Waikiki and Shoreline Hotel deployed Planet cloud-based PMS to upgrade yield management and reporting.
↑Outlook
Planning Commission reviews on Maui's 2,000-unit short-term rental rezoning will determine vacation rental operating legality.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach has launched a new Mālama Hawai‘i booking offer directing reservation proceeds and volunteer hours to local food bank The Pantry.
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.
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.
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 Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is undergoing an $80 million renovation focused on modernizing 524 guestrooms and suites while integrating Hawaiian cultural heritage and sustainability.
Coconut Waikiki and Shoreline Hotel moved to Planet’s cloud-based PMS to overcome the limitations of an outdated system that hindered rate management and reporting.
Maui County Council voted 7-1 to refer two resolutions to the Planning Commission to rezone more than 2,000 apartment-zoned short-term rentals into hotel districts. This transition permits designated properties to continue operating transient vacation rentals legally despite upcoming phase-outs.
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 throughout the property.
Hotel Equities manages the Holiday Inn Express Waikiki by IHG. The property features 596 rooms, which makes it the largest Holiday Inn Express hotel in the Americas.
Renovations at the 216-key Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay will begin in early 2027. Quorum Hospitality assumed management of the property in partnership with owner Continental Assets Management to execute the updates.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa introduced Isolana, an Italian-Hawaiian dinner venue, and ‘Upena, a dedicated breakfast concept. The multi-outlet overhaul also refreshed a fourth dining space and added an upgraded craft cocktail program at The Sandbar.
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