Hilton Waikoloa Village Completes First Phase of Major Renovation
When the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa first opened its doors in 1988 as part of the Waikoloa Beach Resort, the sprawling 1,240-room resort was the most expensive hotel ever built in the islands. Envisioned by Christopher B. Hemmeter — one of the Aloha State’s most recognized hotel developers in the 1970s and 1980s — opening day dignitaries included “Hawai`i” author James Michener, celebrities, and business and social elites from around the state.
The “fantasy resort,” as it was dubbed, was sometimes referred to as “the Disneyland of Hawai`i,” because of its futuristic trams and mahogany river boats gliding amongst lush tropical foliage and Asian artworks, ferrying guests to their rooms. Hemmeter himself loved the Disneyland moniker, saying, “What’s not to like about being compared to one of the most popular and successful enterprises in the world?”
Acquired by Hilton Hotels in 1993, the iconic hotel is known today as the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
On the expansive property, the guest rooms and suites are divided among the Makai and Palace Towers, as well as the Ocean Tower which is owned and operated by Hilton Grand Vacations. To enhance the resort and meet ever-growing demand, this past December the first phase of a $68 million renovation of the Palace Tower was completed, including 206 newly updated rooms and suites under a new category — Palace Tower Grand.
“The resort gathered feedback from guests and customers on improvements they would like to see at the resort, and a top request was to provide new, modern accommodations in Palace Tower,” says David Givens, Hilton Waikoloa Village’s general manager.
The newest resort accommodations feature bright, island-inspired interiors with a palette of tropical colors and brand-new furnishings with a focus on comfort and the latest convenience amenities. To set the mood for an island stay, the fresh design is imbued with touches of sun, sand and the beauty of the Kohala Coast’s natural surroundings. Custom furnishings have a residential feel, and the spaces cater to both work and play, with high-speed Wi-Fi, multiple charging ports and 55-inch TVs.
For couples and families looking for a larger space, “several suites have been redesigned to increase their benefit. For example, the previous Family Suite has been upgraded with a new entryway and locked doors to the different bedrooms which adds flexibility in how the rooms can be used, particularly as each locked room may now be booked separately,” Givens explains. “The previous Royal Suites have added a new door and sofa bed to a room in the suite creating new sleeping areas. In that same suite, a previous half bath has added a new walk-in shower. Many of these changes benefit multi-generational families, which have been expressing more interest traveling together in recent years.”
SHOWCASING LOCAL ARTISTS
Vibrant artwork in the guestrooms are by local artists Tamara Brink and Haunani Hess and truly capture the spirit of the island.
“The value of “I ka aina” or “the earth around” is central to the Hawaiian culture and it resonates deeply with my own experiences,” Brink says. “My artistic journey is ever evolving. While some core aspects of my style — characterized by abstract forms and a focus on shape and color — remain constant, other elements have developed over time. As a mother with children exploring the ocean and climbing rocks, I hope they too find a connection with nature’s beauty that inspires me.”
Haunani Hess, a multi-ethnic Native Hawaiian based in Honolulu, is a self-taught visual artist dedicated to discovering and expressing beauty in all things. Her work embraces simplicity, focusing on the nuanced, visceral qualities of her subjects rather than on technique. With a preference for the understated and unspoken, her elegant creations offer a fresh perspective and invite viewers to explore what lies beneath the surface.
“Palace Tower Grand rooms offer a special experience, where thoughtful design combines with Hawai`i’s beautiful surroundings, and Hilton’s legendary hospitality,” Givens says.
The second phase will cover the south wing of the tower, and is scheduled for the latter part 2025, with renovations of the remaining 203 rooms and the addition of five additional guestrooms.