Hilton has announced plans for the Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the lifestyle brand’s first hotel in Hawaii, expected to open in fall. Located within the Hōkūala Resort community on the island of Kauai, the 210-room new-build hotel is owned by Silverwest Hotels and will be managed by Hilton.
Hilton also announced the appointment of Jon Itoga as general manager to lead strategy and all operations planning leading up to the resort's official opening.
“Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi is a natural addition to our growing Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio, embodying the individuality, sense of place and authentic moments that define the brand,” Brooke Thomas, brand leader, Curio Collection by Hilton, said in a statement. “Rooted in the culture and natural beauty of Kaua‘i, the hotel will offer a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the spirit of the island while delivering the elevated service and thoughtful design our guests expect from this remarkable brand. We’re also proud to call it Curio Collection’s first Hawaiian property, a testament to the brand’s continued growth into the world’s most sought-after destinations.”
Designed by Hart Howerton in collaboration with AHL, the hotel’s aesthetic is inspired by Kauaʻi’s environment and traditions. Property amenities will include a signature restaurant overlooking the tropical lagoon and the Ocean Course at Hōkūala, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course; an outdoor pool; fitness center; and approximately 2,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, complemented by 10,000 square feet of outdoor event space. The resort is also within walking distance to Kalapaki Beach, which is naturally protected, creating calm, swimmable waters ideal for all.
General Manager Jon Itoga
In preparation for the hotel’s opening, Jon Itoga will lead the preopening team and oversee operations. He joins the team from Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, where he served as hotel manager and oversaw operations at the third largest hotel in Hawai‘i. Itoga has also held senior finance and operations leadership roles with Aqua-Aston Hospitality, Turtle Bay Resort, and SH Hotels & Resorts, where he managed major resort and capital initiatives.
Born and raised on the island of O‘ahu, Itoga holds a master’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in financial engineering from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where he currently serves as a lecturer.
“For more than six decades, Hawaiʻi has played a meaningful role in Hilton’s growth across the Pacific, and Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton will represent a powerful addition to our portfolio,” said Harold Rapoza, area vice president, operations, Hilton. “This property embodies the spirit, culture and heritage of Kauaʻi, and Jon’s deep understanding of Hawaiʻi hospitality makes him uniquely suited to bring that vision to life. We are confident he will cultivate an authentic sense of place for guests while fostering a team that reflects the heart of the destination.”
“Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi reflects our vision to create a hotel that is deeply connected to its surroundings and community,” said Edward Mace, president & CEO, Silverwest Hotels. “We look forward to welcoming guests to a property that offers a meaningful sense of place while delivering an elevated and authentic Kauaʻi experience.”
Throughout Hawai‘i, Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 25 hotels and a development pipeline of nearly 10 hotels in various stages of design and construction.