Princeville Resort Kauai was once a luxurious hotel nestled in the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii. The resort was known for its stunning views of Hanalei Bay, top-notch amenities, and excellent service.
However, the resort’s story took a turn for the worse in 2018 when it closed its doors unexpectedly. So what happened to Princeville Resort Kauai?
The History of Princeville Resort Kauai
Princeville Resort Kauai first opened its doors in 1985 as a part of the Princeville development on the north shore of Kauai. The resort quickly became a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, boasting 252 rooms, five restaurants, a golf course, and multiple pools.
Over the years, Princeville Resort Kauai underwent several ownership changes and renovations to keep up with the changing times and evolving needs of travelers. The last major renovation took place in 2009 when the property was rebranded as St. Regis Princeville Resort after being acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
The Closure
In early 2018, rumors started circulating that Princeville Resort Kauai was struggling financially. Guests reported that services were being cut back and that staff members were being let go. Despite these rumors, many people were still shocked when the resort suddenly announced its closure on April 30th of that year.
The closure came just months after one of Hawaii’s worst natural disasters – heavy rains caused severe flooding on Kauai’s north shore in March 2018. The flooding damaged many homes and businesses in the area, including parts of Hanalei Bay where Princeville Resort was located.
The Future
Since its closure in 2018, there have been several attempts to revive Princeville Resort Kauai. In November of that year, it was announced that a joint venture between two companies, Starwood Capital Group and Trinity Investments, had acquired the property with plans to renovate and reopen it as a luxury resort.
However, those plans seem to have hit a roadblock. In 2020, it was reported that the joint venture between Starwood Capital Group and Trinity Investments had dissolved. No further updates have been provided on the future of Princeville Resort Kauai since then.
The Legacy
Despite its closure and uncertain future, Princeville Resort Kauai remains a beloved destination for many who have visited over the years. Its stunning location on Hanalei Bay and its reputation for luxury make it an iconic piece of Hawaii’s tourism history.
The closure of such an iconic resort also highlights the challenges faced by the tourism industry in Hawaii and beyond. The COVID-19 pandemic has only added to these challenges, leaving many hotels and resorts struggling to stay afloat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Princeville Resort Kauai was once a luxurious hotel that offered top-notch amenities and breathtaking views of Hanalei Bay. However, financial struggles and natural disasters forced the resort to close its doors in 2018.
While attempts have been made to revive the property, its future remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Princeville Resort Kauai will always be remembered as one of Hawaii’s most iconic destinations.