Aloha State Roundup: What’s New In Hawaii

Ideal for beach and adventure getaways alike, Hawaii is always a top choice for travelers. Luxury accommodations coupled with pristine beaches make for a perfect sun and sand vacation, while the island’s terrain of cliffs, waterfalls and volcanoes will keep every adventure seeker busy.

In 2016, the Hawaiian tourism industry saw a record 8.9 million arrivals, a 3% increase from the previous year, according to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority. Arrivals by air rose 3% as well, driven by growth from the U.S. market, a trend that’s expected to continue.

Here are some of the latest developments:

1. Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club multi-million dollar renovation
The Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club on Oahu is undergoing a $55 million redevelopment. Once it’s completed this spring, the property will reopen as Prince Waikki. The project includes renovated all 563 oceanfront guestrooms and suites will be renovated, all-new dining options, a modernized lobby with elevated personalized services, a new infinity pool and improved meeting spaces.

2. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
The festival will take place over three weekends (Oct. 20 to Nov. 5) and feature a roster of more than 100 internationally renowned master chefs, culinary personalities, and wine and spirit producers. Taking place on the island of Hawaii, Maui and Oahu, it will showcase wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, one-of-a-kind excursions and exclusive dining opportunities.

3. The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas
Opening this summer on the island of Maui, the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury villas, as well as Hawaiian-inspired cultural programs. At the heart of the resort’s the Puuhonua o Nanea Cultural Center, honoring local history, language, art, crafts, music and dance.

4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will offer free admission to all visitors on President’s Day (Feb. 20), National Park Week Weekends (April 15-16 & April 22-23), National Park Service Birthday (Aug. 25), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 30) and Veterans Day Weekend (Nov. 11-12). During typical days of operation, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has an entrance fee of $20 per vehicle and the pass is good for seven days.

5. Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
After undergoing $115 million renovations, the Pacific Beach Hotel will reopen as Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach in the fall of 2017. New additions include a 280,000-gallon lobby oceanarium, a pool deck with two swimming pools and two new restaurants created exclusively by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto.

6. Kona Tap Room by Kona Brewing Company
The tap room recently opened in the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The new Kona Tap Room serves up craft Kona Brewing Company beers on draught, including the brewery’s Longboard Island Lager, Fire Rock Pale Ale, Liquid Aloha and Nine Stings Ale. Kona Tap Room’s menu also features food-and-beer pairings showcasing its selection of craft brews, inspired by iconic Hawai‘i flavors.

6. Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club
Spread across 21 acres of lush tropical grounds, Marriott’s Waikoloa Ocean Club opens in May. The property, co-located with the 15-acre Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, will offer one- and two-bedroom suites overlooking Anaehoomalu Bay. Additional resort amenities will include three lagoon pools, swim-through waterfalls, a waterslide and a walk-through grotto.

7. 22nd annual Kona Brewers Festival
In Kailua-Kona on March 11, guests are invited sample craft beers and island-style cuisine from a variety of chefs and brewers, all while supporting Hawaiian charities.

8. Local art takes center stage
The Artists of Hawaii 2017 will be held at the Honolulu Museum of Art from Feb. 9 to May 28, featuring contemporary Hawaiian art. Additionally, there is the inaugural Honolulu Biennial, from March 8 to May 8, and Art Hawaii International, the island’s first international art fair, from Nov. 2 to 5.