Aloha Bruce is talking about some new and renovated Hotels available in Hawaii for 2021, as well from the vacation rental property debate underway throughout Hawaii’s counties on this Sunday, November 14, 2021 episode of the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast. “It feels like we’re coming out of the pandemic and you have to relearn everything about traveling!” Bruce observes.

The $100 million renovations done at the Four Seasons on the Big Island is discussed, the largest they’ve done in 25 years. Bruce mentions several new amenities, including the Kumukai Marine Center, a million-gallon swimmable aquarium, and the addition of golf training facilities at Hualalai.

Bruce moves on to the Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Waikiki, including a new 5-story Diamond Head Tower with various luxury suites, including a massive new private lanai, and renovations at the Kanikapila Grill, Monkeypod, and Merriman’s restaurants. “The whole design is pretty amazing,” says Bruce.

Also on Oahu, the Turtle Bay Resort has completed renovations as well, the second major renovation in about 10 years. Bruce says the design has a lot of Native Hawaiian themes and notes other upgraded amenities.

The Hilton Hawaiian Village has announced plans to build another skyscraper hotel on its Waikiki property for timeshares. Bruce also mentions a new Hilton property on Maui, as well as AC by Marriott in Wailea which is a great alternative to higher-end properties. Bruce notes that Hana Hotel by Hyatt is the only major property in the remote town.

Renovations at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel are wrapping up, and Bruce mentions the Highgate renovation of the Royal Lahaina Hotel. On Kauai, The Timbers is noted, and The Lodge at Kukui Ula has opened on the site of a former sugar plantation in historic Koloa that offers unlimited amenities, including the opportunity to pick your own produce, which ties into the concept of “Malama Hawaii” or mindful tourism. The Princeville Resort on Kauai’s North Shore has been completely renovated, and Bruce notes that Hawaii Aloha Travel can offer the best deals on rates that are sometimes prohibitively expensive.

Bruce moves on to discuss vacation rentals on Oahu, and an effort to restrict permitting on the island. The City Council recently passed restrictions through a key committee due to concerns of overcrowding in residential neighbors and the lack of affordable housing for residents. Bruce gives a quick rundown of recent measures at the City Council, including a proposal to increase the minimum stay of six months on residential properties and levying a $10,000 per day fine for violators.

Bruce mentions HAT’s legal vacation rentals in Waikiki, and notes proposed expansions of resort areas to allow for more vacation rental inventory on Oahu.