Hilton Announces Plans for First Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel in Hawai‘i; Appoints General Manager Ahead of Planned Fall 2026 Opening
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The 210‑room Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton will debut within the idyllic Hōkūala Resort community
Today, Hilton announced plans for Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the lifestyle brand’s first hotel in Hawai‘i, expected to open in fall 2026. Nestled within the Hōkūala Resort community on the island of Kauaʻi, the 210-room new-build hotel is owned by Silverwest Hotels and will be managed by Hilton. Additionally, Hilton announced the appointment of Jon Itoga as general manager to lead strategy and all operations planning leading up to the resort's official opening.
Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton Overview
Honoring Kauaʻi’s moniker as the “Garden Isle,” Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi is thoughtfully positioned along a scenic corridor and will offer expansive ocean views, dramatic mountain landscapes, and winding lagoon vistas, inviting guests to fully immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty. Located a short distance from Lihue Airport, the property will offer convenient access to island attractions stretching from Princeville and Poʻipū to Waimea Canyon and Wailua Falls.
“Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi is a natural addition to our growing Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio, embodying the individuality, sense of place, and authentic moments that define the brand,” said Brooke Thomas, brand leader, Curio Collection by Hilton. “Rooted in the culture and natural beauty of Kaua‘i, the hotel will offer a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the spirit of the island while delivering the elevated service and thoughtful design our guests expect from this remarkable brand. We’re also proud to call it Curio Collection’s first Hawaiian property, a testament to the brand’s continued growth into the world’s most sought-after destinations.”
Set on a bluff overlooking the ocean and Haʻupu Mountain, and designed by Hart Howerton in collaboration with Architects Hawai‘i, the hotel will embrace effortless sophistication rooted in a strong sense of place. Drawing inspiration from Kauaʻi’s environment and traditions, the design will create an atmosphere that feels both secluded and restorative. Property amenities will include a signature restaurant overlooking the tropical lagoon and the Ocean Course at Hōkūala, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course; an outdoor pool; fitness center; and approximately 2,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, complemented by 10,000 square feet of outdoor event venues ideal for destination weddings and intimate corporate gatherings set against the island’s striking scenery. The resort is also within walking distance to Kalapaki Beach, which is naturally protected, creating calm, swimmable waters ideal for all.
Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 26 world-class brands.
General Manager Jon Itoga
In preparation for the hotel’s opening, Jon Itoga - a hospitality executive with more than 15 years of experience across luxury and resort hotels in Hawai‘i - will lead the preopening team and oversee operations for Curio Collection by Hilton’s first hotel in the state. He joins the team from Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, where he served as hotel manager and oversaw operations at the third largest hotel in Hawai‘i.
Itoga has also held senior finance and operations leadership roles with Aqua-Aston Hospitality, Turtle Bay Resort, and SH Hotels & Resorts, where he managed major resort and capital initiatives.
Born and raised on the island of O‘ahu, Itoga holds a master’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in financial engineering from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where he currently serves as a lecturer.
“For more than six decades, Hawaiʻi has played a meaningful role in Hilton’s growth across the Pacific, and Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton will represent a powerful addition to our portfolio,” said Harold Rapoza, area vice president, operations, Hilton. “This property embodies the spirit, culture, and heritage of Kauaʻi, and Jon’s deep understanding of Hawaiʻi hospitality makes him uniquely suited to bring that vision to life. We are confident he will cultivate an authentic sense of place for guests while fostering a team that reflects the heart of the destination.”
“Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi reflects our vision to create a hotel that is deeply connected to its surroundings and community,” said Edward Mace, president & CEO, Silverwest Hotels. “We look forward to welcoming guests to a property that offers a meaningful sense of place while delivering an elevated and authentic Kauaʻi experience.”
Throughout Hawai‘i, Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 25 hotels welcoming travelers across the destination, and a development pipeline of nearly 10 hotels in various stages of design and construction... Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
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