Christine Hitt
Hilton, which has 25 properties across the Islands, is adding three more hotels to its collection: two on Maui and one on the Big Island of Hawaii.
On Maui, located near the Kahului Airport, the low-rise, 183-room Maui Seaside Hotel is being converted to the Hilton brand as the Maui Seaside Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. It's expected to open as a Hilton in summer 2026, according to a Hilton spokesperson. It overlooks Kahului Harbor and features a lobby bar, outdoor pool and pet-friendly rooms.
A Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore is currently being built at the former location of the Maui Palms Hotel and is expected to open in April. The 136-room Kahului hotel will feature oceanview rooms, an oceanfront pool, a fitness center and pet-friendly rooms. It is not accepting reservations yet, according to its website.
The pool area at Maui Seaside Hotel during my last visit in 2023. Photo Credit: Photo by Christine Hitt
On the Big Island of Hawaii, the former Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel, which has sat empty for years, is being renovated into the new Hampton Inn Kona Bay. It is expected to open this summer, according to the spokesperson, and will feature 123 rooms, a pool, fitness center and a pavilion for entertainment and cultural activities. The spokesperson added that it will retain much of its 1960s Hawaiian vibe while updating the structure.
The growth continues the momentum from last year. In 2024, Hilton also added the 462-room Ka Lai Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts to its portfolio, making it the first LXR property in Hawaii. It also opened the new Kilolani Spa at the Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.
"Hilton remains committed to strategic and responsible growth in the state and currently has a healthy pipeline that ensures Hilton continues to meet the needs of travelers in destinations where they choose to be," the Hilton spokesperson said.
"Pipeline destination highlights include new hotels on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and The Big Island, across focused service, all-suites and lifestyle brands, including Hampton Inn by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton among others," the spokesperson continued.