News
Downtown Honolulu's Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra wrapped up its first comprehensive room refresh in more than two decades.
1+ day, 10+ hour ago (138+ words) Downtown Honolulu's Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra wrapped up its first comprehensive room refresh in more than two decades. The revamp touched 1,176 units across both its Waikiki and Kona towers, with each now featuring custom furnishings, modern lighting and lei-inspired…...
A federal appeals court blocked Hawaii's cruise tax the day before it was set to take effect, a win for the cruise lines. CLIA, the cruise lines' trade group, had sued the state of Hawaii in August over the new legislation.
3+ day, 1+ hour ago (221+ words) A federal appeals court blocked Hawaii's cruise tax the day before it was set to take effect, a win for the cruise lines. CLIA, the cruise lines' trade group, had sued the state of Hawaii in August over the new…...
DOJ supports the cruise industry in its lawsuit against Hawaii
1+ mon, 2+ week ago (159+ words) The U.S. Department of Justice seeks to enter the Cruise Lines International Association's lawsuit that challenges Hawaii's 11% cruise tax. The federal government filed a motion to intervene in the litigation on Nov. 13. The motion is under review." Hawaii's cruise tax is…...
Honolulu Skyline railway expands with airport station
2+ mon, 1+ week ago (200+ words) Honolulu Skyline opened the second segment of its rail system, extending 5.2 miles from Aloha Stadium to West Honolulu with a stop at the airport. The third segment is set for completion in 2031. The Honolulu Skyline rail system this month opened…...
The cruise lines sue Hawaii over new tax
4+ mon, 1+ week ago (302+ words) The cruise lines' trade group, the Cruise Lines International Association, has sued the state of Hawaii, claiming a new 11% tax on cruise ships violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law. CLIA's lawsuit alleges that the tax will cost cruise lines hundreds…...
Hawaii Tourism Authority's work continues as state seeks new board members
5+ mon, 2+ week ago (255+ words) Roughly a month later, Green asked that the entire HTA board to resign, and now, the state Office of Boards and Commissions is seeking new board members. "Given the board's new advisory role, the governor's previously stated goal is to…...
Cruise lines are signaling a fight against Hawaii's tourism tax
7+ mon, 2+ week ago (851+ words) Hawaii's new 11% tax on cruise lines, aimed at funding environmental initiatives, is facing potential legal challenges. A battle may be brewing over a new 11% tax on cruise lines in Hawaii after the cruise industry warned state officials that it considers…...
Hawaiian Airlines unveils plans for new lounge at Honolulu airport
9+ mon, 2+ week ago (159+ words) Hawaiian Airlines unveiled design plans for a new lounge at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye Airport. The premium lounge, which will be five times larger than its current one, is set to open in 2027. Hawaiian Airlines unveiled design plans for a new…...
Hawaii is getting its first capsule hotel
10+ mon, 2+ day ago (214+ words) In Honolulu, the 14th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza on Kalakaua Avenue has been transformed into a capsule-style hotel, the first one for Hawaii. First Cabin, a compact hotel brand in Japan known for innovative approaches to hospitality, is scheduled…...
Hawaii hopeful marketing funds will help reverse Maui slump
10+ mon, 1+ week ago (745+ words) A little more than 18 months after Maui's devastating 2023 wildfires, Hawaii is hoping a multimillion-dollar injection of marketing funds will help jump-start the island's struggling tourism economy. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said the state has committed $6.3 million to help boost tourism…...