The Island of Hawaii now has its first DoubleTree By Hilton property. After a US$30 million renovation, The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton, opened its doors earlier last month. The property is located on 70 acres of lush oceanfront property, with views of Hilo Bay and the Mauna Kea Volcano.
The hotel’s 320 fully-refurbished guest rooms and suites provide upscale, contemporary lodging for travellers exploring Hilo and nearby attractions – such as waterfalls, the lava flows of Kalapana and snorkelling or surfing off bay and ocean coasts.
Just two miles from Hilo International Airport, The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton blends traditional Hawaiian culture with modern conveniences. Its extensive, property-wide renovations have added a local design experience centered around respecting the cultural tradition of hula, and the spirit of Hilo’s famed Merrie Monarch Festival. Kim Taylor Reece, one of the most famous hula photographers in the world, is the artistic curator for the hotel and has provided $4 million worth of his own hula art which is displayed in the guest rooms and common areas. The hotel lobby also features curated, rotating exhibits that highlight aspects of Hilo’s history and Hawaiian culture.
“Hilo Bay is filled with scenic destinations and is home to some of the most exciting, natural geology in the world,” said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “As our first hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii, this stunning property is sure to deliver the ‘wow’ its guests are travelling to find, while also providing the warm Chocolate Chip Cookie welcome and award-winning service that our guests expect when staying at any DoubleTree by Hilton around the world.”
Beginning with that DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie welcome, The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton offers an array of comforts, whether guests seek adventure or relaxation. Golfers can enjoy Hilo’s only nine-hole golf course, while swimmers and sunbathers bask in an outdoor swimming pool and its surrounding decks. While some of Hawaii’s finest landmarks are close by, guests need not leave the grounds to take a brisk run along Banyan Drive under the shade of towering banyan trees or to exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Each inviting guest room comes with complimentary WiFi, a generously-sized work desk, a microwave, refrigerator, in-room safe and DoubleTree Sweet Dreams Sleep Experience beds. Guests who upgrade to a spacious suite may also relax in a separate living area and enjoy ocean views from the balcony.
In the Lobby Lounge guests can admire sweeping vistas of Hilo Bay while sipping cocktails, wine and locally brewed beer from the large outdoor deck. Those who are eager for entertainment may visit the hotel’s vast showroom, a stylish venue providing nightlife and a space to showcase talented local musicians.
The longtime host to activities surrounding the annual Merrie Monarch international hula competition, The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton is also an ideal venue for meetings, conferences and weddings. Its 13,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a wedding gazebo, can accommodate gatherings of up to 400 people. An updated sound system and A/V equipment are also available, as is a 24-hour complimentary business centre. Plus, the hotel provides the most extensive catering facility on the east side of the Island of Hawaii.
“For years our property has been a marquee destination for guests traveling to the volcanoes or for business,” said Phyllis Branco, general manager, The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo – a DoubleTree by Hilton. “Now, thanks to our extensive renovations and inclusion under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand banner, we are undoubtedly the finest upscale hotel option anywhere on this side of the Island of Hawaii.”
To celebrate the hotel joining the DoubleTree by Hilton portfolio, Hilton HHonors members will earn an additional 5,000 Points for a three-night minimum stay from now until March 15, when booking directly with Hilton. Gold and Diamond members will also enjoy free premium WiFi and space-available upgrades to the hotel’s exclusive Hilton HHonors floor and complimentary Wake Up DoubleTree Breakfast.
