The Aloha State usually likes to lay low when it comes to hotel developments, but 2013 has been full of hotel announcements from the unveiling of Andaz Maui at Wailea to news that Montage Hotels & Resorts will be also be setting up shop in Maui.
Here’s a quick recap of Hawaii’s biggest hotel news in 2013.
Montage's New Maui Resort
Montage Hotels & Resorts has announced an expansion of its luxury hotel collection with the addition of Montage Kapalua Bay.
The resort, presently operated as The Residences at Kapalua Bay, will undergo a multimillion-dollar improvement plan beginning this fall, with plans including 56 Montage branded residences offered for sale and the introduction of a 50-room all-suite Montage hotel.
Located on the island of Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay will join the collection’s current hotels and residences: Montage Laguna Beach, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2013, Montage Beverly Hills and Montage Deer Valley.
Like its fellow Montage hotels, Montage Kapalua Bay will celebrate art and artisanship in many forms, including visually, and through culinary and spa offerings. Clients will experience a blend of relaxation, rejuvenation and activation, with every detail celebrating the richness of the Hawaiian culture.
Montage Hotels & Resorts will assume management of the property immediately. While the improvement program is being completed, the property will continue to operate as The Residences at Kapalua Bay on an interim basis. Visit www.montagehotels.com/kapaluabay.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Officially Opens
Andaz Maui at Wailea resort, a five-star resort, officially opened its doors in July in the Wailea section of Maui
Andaz, which means "personal style" in Hindi, is the high-end, lifestyle branch of Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and features roughly 300 rooms and suites, ranging from 456 to 2,321 square-feet and including seven, three-to-five-bedroom villas. We were told 70 percent of all rooms face the ocean. Among the suites will be two Premiere Suites, which are one-bedroom rooms that can connect and form a two-bedroom suite. Each Premiere Suite comes with a soaking tub located in the center of the room, offering clients' an impressive ocean view while they soak. There will also be butler service available.
There is two restaurants here, including Morimoto Maui, named after executive chef and former "Iron Chef," Masaharu Morimoto, perhaps one of the most well-known celebrity chefs out there.
There is a 15,000 square-foot spa, gym, lobby lounge and meeting space. The spa will have 10 treatment rooms, including one couples room. Andaz will house a 4,650-square-foot ballroom that can accommodate up to 200 people. Visit www.andaz.com.
Hawaii Island's Historic Volcano House Reopens After $7 Million Upgrade
In July, the historic Volcano House hotel on Hawaii Island officially reopened following a closure that included $4 million in retrofitting and safety upgrades by the National Park Service and an additional $3 million in renovations and refurbishments by concessioners/owners, Ortega Family Enterprises.
The newly unveiled property is the only hotel located withinHawaii Volcanoes National Park within view of the spectacular glow of Kilauea's Halemaumau Crater.
The restored Volcano House is Hawaii's oldest hotel dating back to 1846. The current building was built in 1941 and today features 33 historic guest rooms, The Rim restaurant, Uncle George's Lounge and two gift shops.
The newly refurbished guest rooms are tastefully appointed with vintage-inspired Hawaiian fabric and furnishings, and offer a host of modern amenities including complimentary WiFi access. Many guest rooms feature views of the Kilauea volcano. Rates start at $285 per night.
For a more rustic, outdoor experience, visitors can opt to stay at the property's Namakanipaio Campgrounds. Located three miles from the hotel, the unique campsite is nestled amidst a eucalyptus grove 4,000 feet above sea level and includes ten refurbished one-room wooden camper cabins.
Ideal for travelers seeking a camping experience without setting up a tent, the cabins sleep up to four people and feature a full bed and twin bunk beds, bed linens and towels and an electric light (no electric outlets). Each cabin has an outside fire pit and barbecue grill. Nearby is a newly refurbished community bathroom with hot showers and toilets. Camper cabins are $80 per night. Visit www.hawaiivolcanohouse.com.
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