Aloha, here with your monthly Hawaii travel updates. This October, we have a bunch of news, from hotel renovations, ongoing construction, Maui updates, the upcoming Hawaii Food and Wine Festival and much more.
If you are looking for the best things to do on Oahu in October there is quite a bit but first, let’s dive into the latest statistics.
Visitor Statistics Overview
The aftermath of the devastating fires on Maui has significantly impacted tourism. Here’s a breakdown:
Hawaii Visitor Statistics: August 2023
Total Visitors:
August 2023: 769,163 visitors
Change from August 2022: ↓7.3%
Recovery from August 2019 (pre-pandemic): 83.0%
Total Visitor Spending:
August 2023: $1.58 billion
Change from August 2022: ↓9.2% (from $1.74 billion)
Change from August 2019: ↑5.4% (from $1.50 billion)
Source: Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
Hotel Updates
Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador Hotel
Last month, the Ambassador Hotel Waikiki was still under construction. Now, they’re accepting reservations starting October 1st. The revamped exterior, with its natural wood tones and landscaping, adds charm to the Waikiki end.
Dining: Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador offers dining options that celebrate the fresh and familiar flavors of Oʻahu. The Waikīkī Swim and Social Club provides poolside drinks and snacks. Additionally, a courtyard restaurant is slated to open in Spring 2024, which will offer a relaxed Hawaiian ambiance through an indoor-outdoor space located at the intersection of Kūhiō and Nāmāhana.
Offers:
Aloha Kamaʻāina: Hawai’i residents can get up to 25% discount on room rates, along with 50% off on resort fees and parking.
Introductory Experience at Romer Waikīkī: Guests can enjoy up to 15% off on their stay, a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), early check-in at 1 pm, and late check-out at 2 pm.
Extended Stay: For those looking to immerse themselves in Waikīkī for a longer duration, the hotel offers up to 25% off for an extended stay of 14 or more days.
Contact & Address:
Phone: 808.941.7777
Address: 2040 Kūhiō Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Rates and Availability: Romer Waikīkī at the Ambassador
Marriott’s New Additions
Two new Marriott hotels are in the works:
Renaissance Hotel: Located near Ala Moana, it’s set to open in March 2024.
The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa promises to be a remarkable addition to the Honolulu hospitality scene. With its stylish guest rooms, unique Japanese-style spa, and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, it’s evident that the hotel is designed with a blend of luxury and local flair. Its prime location near the city’s vibrant epicenter and proximity to the renowned Ala Moana shopping center make it an ideal spot for both leisure and business travelers.
The inclusion of modern amenities, from the exclusive Club Lounge to the electric car charging station, showcases the hotel’s commitment to catering to the needs of the contemporary traveler. I’m genuinely excited and looking forward to the opening of this new hotel in the heart of Honolulu. It’s bound to elevate the city’s hotel offerings and provide guests with an authentic and luxurious Hawaiian experience.
AC Hotel: Situated downtown, its opening is slated for February 2024.
The AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu is set to redefine urban luxury in the heart of the city. Its contemporary design, coupled with 112 boutique rooms, showcases a blend of elegance and functionality tailored for the modern traveler. The hotel’s emphasis on open spaces, especially the inviting lobby and the unique speakeasy bar, speaks volumes about its commitment to providing guests with spaces to relax and socialize. Its strategic location on Bishop Street, a stone’s throw away from Hawaii’s vibrant Chinatown, ensures guests have easy access to a mix of cultural experiences and nightlife.
The European-inspired dining and Spanish tapas-style menu further enhance the international flair of the hotel. With amenities like a fitness center, meeting space, and a pet-friendly policy, the AC Hotel seems to have thought of everything. I’m eagerly anticipating its launch in Honolulu, especially given its proximity to the bustling business district. It’s bound to be a game-changer in the city’s hospitality landscape
Other Noteworthy Updates
Wailana Coffee House: ABC Store is taking over this space, with renovations underway.
Todai Seafood Spot: A variety of new restaurants are opening here, including Chicken University, Kayak Cafe, and Pizza Pie.
Dining Highlights
New Eateries to Explore
Allegrini Waikiki: A hidden gem in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, offering authentic Italian dishes.
Capital Grille: Opening in June 2024, this place is renowned for its hand-carved, dry-aged steaks.
Grand Lanai Restaurant Week: From October 2nd to 8th, enjoy special menus and pricing at various restaurants in the International Marketplace.
Upcoming Events
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
One of Hawaii’s premier events, this festival will take place on the Big Island and Oahu. Maui’s events have been postponed to spring 2024. More details here.
Kauai’s Culinary Delights
If you’re in Kauai this October, don’t miss:
Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival on October 15th.
Poipu Food and Wine Festival: A multi-day event featuring local chefs and celebrities.
Wrapping Up
November promises even more excitement, and while I might’ve missed a few events, I’ll keep you updated. If our paths don’t cross at a restaurant or event, I’ll catch you in the lobby. Until next time!
