King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island, HI - News Article Locations on Waymarking.com

Abstract of the article:

"The lobby still smells like fresh paint and some cosmetic finishing touches still have to be made, but King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel has its sparkle back.

Employees, managers and community guests got a look at the new meeting rooms, restaurant and guest rooms Wednesday after a traditional blessing ceremony.

The renovations took $35 million and two years – and marked the most significant upgrades since the hotel overlooking Kailua Bay in the heart of Kona opened in 1976.

Matt Marquis, president of hotel owners Pacifica Hotel Company, untied the mail lei and relaunched the hotel. Pacifica is known for purchasing and restoring hotel properties, while retaining the local feel and style.

“This has really been a labor of love. The hotel was in tough shape.” he said. “It’s a fine balance because the grounds here are so sacred. For us to really do it justice, we had to keep the old Hawaii feel but modernize it while still capturing the true sense of the Big Island.”

Guests will be treated to upgraded and newly outfitted rooms and public areas, but improvements also have been made to back-of-the-house facilities including fire systems, safety features, energy-efficiency, plumbing and employee areas.

Marquis said the hotel will continue to be a gathering place for the local community, as well as visitors.

A new infinity-edged pool with Billfish Bar, lava-rock whirlpool with very cool underwater red lights, a renovated dining room also greet guests. More than a dozen retail shops are expect to fill out the gallery, including an expanded ABC Store.

General Manager Jak Hu already is looking to the future. He has a two-year plan to turn the hotel’s fortunes around, after more than a decade of losing money.

Human Resources Manager Beverly Young is one of a handful of staff who have been aboard since the hotel opened its doors in 1976. Young said she is impressed with the new look and eager to show it off to the community.

Although much of Wednesday’s focus was on the new, the renovation project also paid respect to Hawaii’s rich history.

Just outside the dining room window on the edge of Kamakahonu Bay is Ahuena Heiau (see our picture), Kamehameha I personal and final residence, and the center of political power in the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Several original portrait paintings of Hawaiian royalty that have graced the lobby of the hotel for decades, a treasured feather cape ahuula, feathered helmet mahiole, feather lei, war weapons, and lei niho palaoa (whale or walrus tooth necklace, usually made with human hair and worn only by royalty) are being restored as well.

Mahoe, Kai Opua Canoe Club's 40-foot koa canoe, is displayed off the lobby. (See our picture) The canoe was retired, mostly because it was so dominant nobody could beat it, Hu said.

And, an original oil by renowned historian/artist Herb Kawainui Kane that depicts Kamehameha I, his family, and advisors at Kamakahonu, is being restored by the artist himself."

Type of publication: Internet Only When was the article reported?: 04/28/2010 Publication: Hawaii 24/7 Article Url: [Web Link] Is Registration Required?: no How widespread was the article reported?: international News Category: Business/Finance

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