TravelAge West
Intel and Insights for Today's Travel Advisor

Explore TravelAge West

Destinations

Back
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Asia & South Pacific
  • Caribbean
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Mexico
  • USA & Canada

Travel Types

Back
  • Family
  • Adventure
  • Cruise
  • River Cruise
  • Tour Operators
  • Luxury
  • Hotels
  • Culinary
  • Romance
  • Wellness
  • Sustainability

Directories

Back
  • Hotels
  • Cruise

Interactive

Back
  • Click & Win
  • Geo Quiz
  • Slideshows & Video
  • Wave Winner Videos

Professional Development

Back

Industry Insight

  • Business Features
  • Interviews
  • Events
  • Opinion
  • Tech
  • Podcasts
  • Coronavirus and Travel
  • Need to Know Research

Education

  • Certifications
  • Digital Guides
  • Fams
  • Thought Leadership
  • Advertiser Spotlight
  • Webinars
  • Quick Q's

Events

  • Global Travel Marketplace
  • GTM West
  • WAVE Awards
  • GTM by Northstar

Sign Up for Our Monthly Hawaii Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Search TravelAge West

Clear Field
Dawna RobertsonContributing Writer

Share

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Hotels

Royal Kona Undergoing Enhancement(1)

Jun 01, 2005

Things are busy at the 11-acre oceanfront Royal Kona Resort this summer, thanks to a multi-million dollar “guest enhancement program.” The big buzz with this Big Island property is that it will house a new Don the Beachcomber’s Tiki Grill and Bar, bringing the popular venue back to Hawaii after a lengthy absence.

“We are very excited about our plans for the future of this great property,” said Bob Froio, vice president of sales and marketing for Hawaiian Hotels and Resorts, the management company for Royal Kona Resort. “This is an amazing landmark resort, rich in history and tradition in Hawaiian hospitality. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring her into the future with this major restoration.”

With its distinctive architectural design, the 451-room property is considered a historical icon in Kailua-Kona. It was built in 1967 by Fritz B. Burns and Conrad Hilton, who were also partners in the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort. Ed and Lynn Hogan, founders of Pleasant Holidays, have owned the resort since 1984.

Slated for a late 2006 completion, the program will encompass fully renovated guest rooms, installation of a key card system, integrated safes, new air conditioning systems, artwork and upgraded bathrooms. Guest rooms and lanais will be outfitted with new carpet, furniture and soft goods.

Sign Up for Our Monthly Hawaii Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Amenity-wise, existing poolside furniture will also be upgraded with new chairs and thatched umbrellas. And the highly anticipated Don the Beachcomber’s is scheduled to open in July, replacing the former Tropics restaurant. Plans also include a new system expediting the guest check-in/check-out process, in addition to maintaining frequent guest history and lodging preferences.

The resort has remained open during renovations.

“We are not anticipating any inconvenience to our valued guests, and will address all concerns immediately should they arise,” remarked Lalo Fernandez, General Manager for the resort. “As always, our customers come first, and we want to assure everyone that their Royal Kona experience will not be compromised in anyway by our exciting new renovations.”

Through Dec. 20, special renovation rates are from $87 per night for an ocean view room, based on availability.

800-222-5642
www.hawaiianhotels.com

Tell Us What You Think! forum

  • Most Read
  • Most Shared
  1. Top Summer Travel Trends for 2026
  2. The 10 Best Luxury Golf Resorts in California
  3. Carnival Glory and Carnival Magic Return to Service After Upgrades
  4. Why Advisors Are Booking More Air
  5. 5 Southern Italian Beach Towns Beyond the Amalfi Coast

From Our Partners

More From TravelAge West

Reimagined guestrooms are slated to debut at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort this fall.

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Begins $100 Million Renovation

South Bank Turks and Caicos is centered around the island's tranquil lagoon.

Review: South Bank in Turks and Caicos

The Lodge at Pico Bonito will debut in Honduras under WorldHotels' new collection.

The Latest Updates From Hilton, WorldHotels and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts

InterContinental Halong Bay Resort offers front-row views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Review: InterContinental Halong Bay Resort

Families looking for an elevated beach house stay will enjoy Shore House, the newest offering at Hotel del Coronado, which has officially completed its six-year, $550-million-dollar refresh.

Review: Shore House at the Newly Renovated Hotel del Coronado

The projected 50-story tower will sit at the intersection of Miami's Edgewater, Design District and Wynwood neighborhoods.

Anantara Makes U.S. Debut With Miami Resort & Residences

Hawaiʻi Loves Travel Advisors

Hawaiʻi Loves Travel Advisors

Webinar | Watch Now

Crystal Grace will feature a collection of new dining experiences.

Preview: Crystal’s Crystal Grace

Villa Saba is perfect for upscale travelers looking for privacy and space.

New and Notable Luxury Accommodations in the Caribbean

More Stories Like This

Hawaii tourism stakeholders are hopeful that fresh imaging of Oahu’s stunning North Shore will boost bookings this summer.

Hawaii Rolls Out New Marketing Campaign to Combat Slumping Demand

Read The Story
Tourism stakeholders say the Islands of Hawaii are ready to welcome visitors.

Here's What Hawaii Bookings Look Like Right Now, According to Tourism Stakeholders

Read The Story
Reimagined guestrooms are slated to debut at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort this fall.

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Begins $100 Million Renovation

Read The Story
Travelers to this destination can witness the Erupting Mount Kilauea.

Review: Wonders of Volcanoes National Park Tour from Nomad Tours

Read The Story
Lynette Eastman, general manager of the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, and Jack, the hotel's real-life mascot

A Local's Guide to Waikiki, Oahu

Read The Story
Hawaii Tourism Authority encourages respectful travel, supporting local businesses and participation in volunteer opportunities.

3 Things We Learned From the Hawaii Tourism Authority 2026 Spring Tourism Update

Read The Story
The newbuild hotel will be located within Kauai's Hokuala Resort.

Hilton’s New Hale Hokuala Kauai Will Be the First Curio Collection Hotel in Hawaii

Read The Story
Hawaii’s night skies often offer vacationers a new perspective on the stars.

Review: Stargazers Anonymous Tour in Maui

Read The Story
The production is led by a Native Hawaiian team and features live music, hula, chanting and more.

Kaula Luau Premieres at Oahu's Ko Olina Resort

Read The Story
The beachfront resort offers 213 rooms on the Southeastern coast of Lanai.

Review: Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Read The Story
TravelAge West

About TravelAge West

  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Sales Team
  • Contact Us
  • My Profile
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Data

Advertise

  • Advertise With Us
  • Write For US
  • Media Kit
  • Upload Ad Material
  • Digital Ad Specifications
  • Reprints
  • Subscribe to Print

Stay Connected to TravelAge West

Get Us in Your Inbox

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.


Northstar Travel Group

Northstar Travel Group

  • Travel Weekly
  • Travel Weekly Asia
  • TravelPulse
  • TravelPulse Canada
  • TravelPulse Quebec
  • Meetings & Incentives
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • AGENTatHOME

Copyright © 2026 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000

Load Carousel Here
Load Video Here