What Happened to the Princeville Resort?

By Michael Ferguson

In the early 2000s, the Princeville Resort on the Hawaiian island of Kauai was a luxurious and popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The resort, located on a stunning cliff overlooking Hanalei Bay, boasted breathtaking views, top-notch amenities, and unparalleled service.

However, in recent years, the once-thriving resort has fallen on hard times. So what happened to the Princeville Resort?

Financial Troubles
One of the main reasons for the decline of the Princeville Resort was financial troubles. In 2012, the resort’s owner, a subsidiary of hedge fund Cerberus Capital Management, defaulted on its loan payments and declared bankruptcy. The bankruptcy proceedings dragged on for several years and resulted in a messy legal battle between Cerberus and its creditors.

Changes in Ownership
As a result of the bankruptcy proceedings, ownership of the Princeville Resort changed hands multiple times. In 2016, it was sold to a joint venture between investment firms Advent International and Trinity Investments. However, just two years later, Trinity Investments bought out Advent International’s stake in the resort and became its sole owner.

Impact on Employees and Local Community

The financial troubles and changes in ownership had a significant impact on employees at the Princeville Resort. Many were laid off or had their hours reduced as a result of cost-cutting measures implemented by new ownership.

The resort also had an important role in supporting local businesses in Kauai’s North Shore region. Its decline has had ripple effects throughout the local community.

Renovations and Future Plans
Despite its troubles, there is hope for the future of the Princeville Resort. In 2018, Trinity Investments announced plans for a $100 million renovation project that would transform it into a world-class luxury destination once again.

The project includes upgrades to guest rooms, public spaces, and amenities like the resort’s golf course. In addition, Trinity Investments has committed to supporting local businesses and creating new jobs in the area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Princeville Resort’s decline can be attributed to a variety of factors including financial troubles, changes in ownership, and the impact on employees and the local community. However, with new ownership and a significant renovation project underway, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of this iconic Hawaiian resort.