High-tech amenities are adding a certain “wow” factor to Hawaii hotels. With the push of a button or swipe of a finger, guests are maximizing their vacation hours thanks to automated extras.
The following Hawaii hotels now feature technological innovations that make the guest experience more efficient, educational and entertaining. They are easy to use and hard to resist.
Audio Tour, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii Island
Called “Huakai” (Hawaiian for journey), this narrated, one-hour audio tour leads clients to 31 historical, cultural and sustainable points of interest around the resort. Downloaded through an iTunes app, the tour features GPS, a map and more than 100 images.
www.fourseasons.com/hualalai
Guest Texting, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Through a 24/7 texting service called Kipsu, guests can communicate directly with resort staff for everything from room service to driving directions. Kipsu also lets them rate their experience during their stay, giving the resort team real-time feedback.
www.maui.hyatt.com
Guidepost Experience Center, Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu
At The Guidepost – The Turtle Bay Experience Center, guests consult iPads and touch-screen panels to learn about and book activities. Savvy employees stand by at the interactive lobby hub to assist if necessary. The resort also offers speedy iPad check-in/out and text alerts for up-to-the-minute guest news.
www.turtlebayresort.com
Tech-Savvy Scavenger Hunt, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Oahu
Using hands-on tablets that play videos and display clues, young guests can follow the Menehune Adventure Trail, supposedly set by Hawaii’s legendary and magical little people. During this free treasure hunt, kids solve riddles and discover surprises.
http://resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort
ID Wristbands, Four Seasons Resorts Lanai at Manele Bay
Four Seasons’ radio-frequency identification wristbands serve as wearable room keys that clients can’t lose. In the future, guests will also use the bands for food, drink, retail and spa room charges. Traditional card keys are also given to incoming guests.
www.fourseasons.com/manelebay
Mobile Concierge, Hotel Renew, Oahu
During check-in, guests scan the access code to Hotel Renew’s mobile concierge and download it to their phone. Then, throughout their stay, they have a hands-on way to request housekeeping, maintenance, dinner reservations and any other needs
www.hotelrenew.com
PressReader App, Halekulani, Oahu
Catering to well-read clients who want to keep current while in Hawaii, the Halekulani hotel provides free access to the PressReader app. Guests use their laptops or iPads to download any of thousands of newspapers via this high-tech Hawaii hotel amenity.
www.halekulani.com
