Real EstateAcquisitionsSheraton Kona Resort & Spa to be Acquired by Outrigger Hospitality Group

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa to be Acquired by Outrigger Hospitality Group

HONOLULU—Outrigger Hospitality Group has revived its plan to acquire ownership of Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, a 509-room property in an oceanfront location on the Island of Hawai‘i. The transaction is expected to close in late August 2021, at which time the property will be rebranded as Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa.

With nearly 75 years of leadership in Hawai‘i’s hospitality industry and 25 hotels, resorts, and vacation condos across the Hawaiian Islands, Outrigger is positioned to steward this property.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to return to Hawai‘i Island with a full-service Outrigger resort and share the legacy of this remarkable place in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Jeff Wagoner, president and CEO of Outrigger Hospitality Group. “The COVID-19 pandemic put this purchase on a brief pause, so we’re glad to be back on track and look forward to welcoming guests to our new home.”

This investment in Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa is directly aligned with Outrigger’s strategic business plan to expand its presence in Hawai‘i and beyond. Just last week, Outrigger announced the purchase of three hotels in Southern Thailand, which are located in beach locations in the Asia Pacific: Phuket, Khao Lak, and Koh Samui. The combined acquisitions add nearly 1,000 new rooms to Outrigger’s global portfolio.

The purchase of a new full-service resort in Kona underlines the hospitality company’s commitment to its home Hawai‘i market. Other recent investments include Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort’s $80 million transformation, which is scheduled for completion at the end of this year, and Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger’s $35 million modernization, creating the first craft hotel in Hawai‘i.

Outrigger is renowned for being a brand that perpetuates the history and traditions of the places where it does business. Its corporate operation is a values-based process called “The Outrigger Way,” caring for the host, the guest, and the place, that was founded 25 years ago under the direction of Hawaiian historian and scholar, Dr. George Kanahele. In this spirit, Outrigger is committed to perpetuating the history of this iconic resort, while sharing the rich culture of Keauhou Bay, the birthplace of King Kamehameha III.

“Upon finalization of the sale, we will begin outlining a property modernization masterplan that is aligned with the local culture and further elevates the grounds and guest experience. We are pleased to resume our partnership with landowner Kamehameha Schools and enhance the property in a manner that honors the legacy of this land,” added Wagoner.

The 22-acre resort is perched atop lava-rock cliffs and includes an oceanfront pool and waterslide, spa, wedding chapel, cultural center, fitness center, kids club, two restaurants, and four indoor meeting venues—including a 10,000 square-foot convention center, the largest on the Kona Coast.

RELATED ARTICLES

BWH Hotels’ Soft Brands Empower Independent Hotels with Global Strength 

As travelers increasingly seek authentic, locally inspired experiences, BWH Hotels is meeting the moment with a diverse portfolio of soft brands that blend individuality...

J.D. Power: 2025 NAGSI Study Shows Hotel Guests Want Smart TVs, Good Hotel Mobile Apps

TROY, Michigan—Hotel guests in every segment feel they are getting better value for their travel dollar, and according to the J.D. Power 2025 North...

HREC Arranges Sale of Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa-Brandon

DENVER, Colorado; TAMPA, Florida; ATLANTA, Georgia—HREC Investment Advisors announced that it has arranged the sale of the 126-guestroom Homewood Suites Tampa Brandon in Tampa,...

Nomadix Inc. Signs Strategic Agreement With TD SYNNEX

PLANO, TEXAS—Nomadix Inc. announced a distribution agreement with TD SYNNEX, a global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. Through this agreement, Nomadix’s...

Hyatt Regency Times Square Opens

CHICAGO and NEW YORK—Hyatt Regency Times Square, Manhattan's first Hyatt Regency hotel, made its debut, and the property is now welcoming guests. The hotel...

Marriott Announces Retirement of Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and EVP, Development, in 2026

BETHESDA, Maryland—Marriott International announced that after 26 years with the company, Leeny Oberg, Marriott’s chief financial officer and executive vice president, development, has decided...