Hilton's Plans for Hawaii Expansion in 2016

In 2016, Hawaii will welcome four new members of the Hilton family, including brands that are new to the destination.

Two existing hotels are being renovated and rebranded as Hawaii’s first Hilton Garden Inns, while another property is assuming the DoubleTree by Hilton brand. The fourth, a new Oahu hotel, marks Hampton Inn and Suites’ entry into the islands.

“Our expansion in Hawaii is indicative of the need for more variety in the product and price point in the market,” said Tim Powell, vice president and managing director of development for Hawaii for Hilton Worldwide.

Here’s a look at the four hotels in the works.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hilo-Naniloa
By spring 2016, Hilo Naniloa Hotel and Golf Club will be transformed into Hawaii’s second DoubleTree property, joining Alana Waikiki. Promising a contemporary ambience, the renovated resort will feature extensive group facilities, an entertainment venue, a restaurant, a health club, an outdoor pool and DoubleTree’s signature chocolate-chip cookie welcome. Aqua-Aston Hospitality will serve as manager.

“DoubleTree by Hilton is a conversion leader and is well-suited for Hawaii’s limited real estate,” Powell said. “As the closest full-service hotel to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, DoubleTree by Hilton Hilo-Naniloa’s upcoming opening is advantageous to both the brand and travelers.”

Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton
Under construction in west Oahu, Hawaii’s first Hampton Inn and Suites will be part of Ka Makana Alii, a new regional, family-friendly shopping center. With its 2016 opening, the Kapolei-based hotel will provide guests with the brand’s trademarks, such as free hot breakfast, signature beds and in-room power cubes that charge multiple devices at once.

“As a midprice product, Hampton by Hilton caters to value-conscious and quality-driven travelers,” Powell said. “Its first location in Hawaii brings the brand to all 50 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.”

Hilton Garden Inn Kauai/Wailua Bay
Reopening in early 2016 under Aqua-Aston Hospitality management, the former Aston Aloha Beach Hotel on Kauai’s east side is going through a significant renovation of its lobby, meeting space, exteriors, fitness center, indoor pool and business center. New guestrooms will tout amenities such as Garden Sleep System beds, ergonomic desk chairs, flat-screen televisions, work desks, mini-refrigerators and Keurig coffeemakers.

“Hilton Garden Inn defines itself as an upscale yet affordable brand that enables business and leisure travelers to discover and connect in their travels,” Powell said.

Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach
Two blocks from Waikiki Beach, Ohana Waikiki West hotel is transitioning to a contemporary Hawaiian accommodation. In its new incarnation as Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach, it will offer a restaurant, a grab-and-go market, a fitness center and an enhanced pool deck with a bar, a grill and cabanas. As Hilton Garden Inn updates the guestrooms to brand standards, it’s also adding new poolside family suites. Evolution Hospitality is managing the property, which opens in early 2016.

“The two Hilton Garden Inns slated to open on Kauai and Oahu represent a milestone, marking the brand’s presence in all 50 U.S. states,” Powell said.

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