The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island was reborn as a DoubleTree by Hilton after completing a $30-million renovation.
The historic property, which is spread across 70 acres, holds the distinction of being the first DoubleTree property on the Big Island. The property was acquired by Tower Development of Honolulu last year when it was known as the Grand Naniloa. Though it has a new name, the property will continue to be managed by Aqua-Aston Hospitality.
The renovations consisted primarily of new construction and changes to the hotel’s interior design. The property’s 320 guestrooms were completely worked over, and $4 million in art by Kim Taylor Reece were added, as well as rotating exhibits to showcase Hilo’s history in the hotel lobby.
“Hilo Bay is filled with scenic destinations and is home to some of the most exciting, natural geology in the world,” Dianna Vaughan, SVP and global head of DoubleTree by Hilton, said in a statement. “As our first hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii, this stunning property is sure to deliver the ‘wow’ its guests are traveling 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.”
The property has 13,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including a wedding gazebo and a 24-hour business center.
“For years, our property has been a marquee destination for guests traveling to the volcanoes or for business, said Phyllis Branco, GM of The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo. “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.”