BlackSand Capital, a locally owned and managed Hawaii specialist real estate investment firm, has selected real estate investment and hospitality management company Highgate to operate the Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui when BlackSand completes the purchase of the resort from Pleasant Travel Service. The purchase is expected to wrap in December.
“We are pleased to work with Highgate to operate the Royal Lahaina Resort,” said B.J. Kobayashi, BlackSand’s chairman and CEO. “Highgate’s local management team truly understands the culture of our Islands, and with their expanding portfolio of properties in Hawaii, they continue to demonstrate a commitment to supporting our local communities, creating job opportunities for local residents and offering innovative experiences for visitors and kama‘aina, [or locals].”
Highgate's portfolio currently includes seven hotels in Hawaii. The Royal Lahaina Resort will be the first Highgate-managed property on Maui, and the company's eighth Hawaiian hotel overall.
“Highgate is excited and honored to be part of the next chapter of the iconic Royal Lahaina Resort,” said Kelly Sanders, SVP of operations for Highgate Hawaii. “We look forward to bringing Highgate’s reputation for innovation and best-in-class services to the resort and assembling a team on Maui that will help carry on the Royal Lahaina Resort’s tradition of excellence.”
The 500-room Royal Lahaina Resort includes beachside cottages, the 12-story Lahaina Kai Tower and luau grounds.