Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, December,2010 - Aqua Hotels & Resorts (www.aquaresorts.com), a full-service Hawaii hotel management company, announced the addition of the 312-room Queen Kapiolani Hotel to its Waikiki portfolio.
 
“Aqua’s Hawaii-based roots and leadership role in marketing unique hotels to visitors is an excellent fit for what we have been seeking to re-establish the Queen Kapiolani,” said Wayne Williams, a Partner with Warnick + Company and Asset Manager for YHB Hospitality Group. “The hotel has been welcoming guests for decades and its recent renovation and homage to Hawaii’s cultural and historic heritage is a refreshing addition to Waikiki’s inventory.  Mr. Y. S. Kim, President of YHB Hospitality, is excited to have our full-service hotel re-introduced to consumers by Aqua’s talented sales and marketing team.”
 
YHB Hospitality Group is based in Los Angeles, CA.  The company purchased the Queen Kapiolani Hotel in 2009.  Since then, it has quietly worked to renovate and restore the hotel to its original ambiance and prestige.
 
“We are elated to have this significant and culturally-focused Waikiki hotel join our group, said Bill Henderson, VP of Development for Aqua Hotels & Resorts.  “Queen Kapiolani Hotel has been an island favorite for decades and Aqua looks forward to collaborating with the new owners to re-position it for its new beginning.  Its premier location adjacent to the 108-acre Queen Kapiolani Park and to Waikiki Beach, along with newly renovated guest rooms offering endless views of Diamond Head are very compelling reasons for travelers to stay here.”
 
“Queen Kapiolani Hotel has broad appeal and is perfect for families, groups and golfers – to name a few key travel segments,” remarked Elizabeth Churchill, VP Sales & Marketing for Aqua.  “We are developing packages that will attract a diversified group of consumers to this iconic hotel and in doing so, hope to create Waikiki’s most Hawaiian hotel.”
 
Since acquisition of the hotel in 2009, YHB Hospitality Group has spent over $5 million to renovate and upgrade the Queen Kapiolani hotel.  The process is nearing completion and includes improvements and enhancements to the exterior and entrance; renovation of the sun deck with new pool furniture and pool bar; upgrades to guest rooms including new carpet, furniture, bedding and more, creating a distinguished and attractive new option for travelers.             
 
Located at 150 Kapahulu Avenue, Queen Kapiolani Hotel is a 19-story, 312-room hotel offering a range of guest rooms with private lanai and magnificent views, high-speed Internet access, refrigerator and coffeemaker.  Hotel amenities include third floor swimming pool and sundeck, ballroom and event facilities, Kulana Terrace Restaurant & Bar and much more.
 
Queen Kapiolani Hotel opened for business in 1969 and pays tribute to its namesake, Queen Kapiolani, wife of Hawaii’s seventh and last ruling King.  Gracing the hotel are museum-quality paintings of both King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani, along with their niece, Princess Kaiulani.  True to its cultural heritage, the hotel’s mission is to “tell the story of Hawaii through the Queen’s eyes and welcome guests from around the world.” 
 
About Aqua Hotels & Resorts
Aqua Hotels & Resorts is a full-service management company founded in 2001 by Hawaii hotelier Mike Paulin.  The company provides independent hoteliers and individual owners with full-service administration including revenue management, Internet distribution, sales, reservations, as well as individualized and brand advertising and marketing for maximum profitability.
 
Currently representing contemporary hotels and resorts located on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai, there are full-service resort properties, stylish and unique boutique hotels as well as comfortable and affordable hotels.
 
Headquartered in Waikiki, Aqua became Hawaii’s first employee-owned hotel company in 2008 when it executed an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  For more information on the company and individual hotels, visit www.aquaresorts.com or call 1-808-943-9291.