Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton, a new 210-room lifestyle resort on Kaua‘i, has opened in Līhu‘e.
"Marking Curio Collection by Hilton’s debut in Hawaiʻi, the property brings the brand’s focus on individually remarkable hotels and memorable stays to one of the world’s most sought-after island destinations," according to a recent announcement from the resort. "Overlooking Nāwiliwili Bay and neighboring Kalapakī Beach, Hale Hōkūala introduces travelers to the island through contemporary design, destination-driven dining, cultural programming and outdoor recreation."
Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton has 210 rooms. (Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton) 
The living room of a king suite at Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton. (Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton) 
The Farm at Hōkūala showcases canoe plants, native crops and other agricultural traditions. (Hale Hōkūala Kaua‘i, Curio Collection by Hilton)
Located within the Hōkūala Resort community, Hale Hōkūala — its name means "House of the Rising Star" — offers up 23 suites, open-air spaces, private lānais, and views of the Pacific, Hā‘upu Mountain and the Ocean Course at Hōkūala, the announcement notes.
"Curio Collection by Hilton is a collection of hotels that are defined by their individuality and connection to place. What makes Kauaʻi such a perfect fit is that this island has a character all its own," General Manager Jon Itoga told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "While visitors are drawn by the incredible natural beauty, what truly makes Kauaʻi special is the people, the culture and the sense of community. The aloha here is genuine. It's something you feel in the way people welcome you, share their stories and care for this place.
"That's what sets Hale Hōkūala apart from a more typical hotel experience. It's not just about offering a place to stay. It's about creating opportunities for guests to connect more deeply with the island, its culture and the community that makes Kauaʻi so unique."
According to Itoga, construction on the resort began in the third quarter of 2024.
Here's what else you'll find at the property:
Amenities and other features
Hale Hōkūala was designed by Hart Howerton and AHL, with interiors inspired by the Garden Isle landscape from Looney & Associates.
Guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and private lānais, the announcement notes, while the interiors draw colors and textures from around the island.
On the property, you'll find a pool and fitness center, with access to a full-service spa, wellness programming, tennis and pickleball courts available within the broader Hōkūala resort community, the announcement notes. Other outdoor offerings include preferred tee times at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course at Hōkūala, more than five miles of trails, complimentary bicycles and beach amenities, as well as other open green spaces.
You can also check out The Farm at Hōkūala, showcasing canoe plants, native crops and other agricultural traditions.
The property offers more than 14,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space that can be used for the likes of meetings, weddings and other celebrations and group gatherings.
Food
The resort's culinary program is led by Executive Chef Hans Lentz and Director of Food and Beverage Romina Migliorini
Its signature restaurant, the Portuguese-Hawaiian concept Figueira, overlooks the 18th hole of the Ocean Course at Hōkūala and honors Portugal's influence on Hawai‘i's food culture, the announcement notes. The name comes from the Portuguese word for "fig tree" and its menu includes pineapple French toast with Kuleana Rum caramel, Kaua‘i prawns, Portuguese fisherman's stew, bacalhau no forno, pastel de nata and malasadas.
Thirsty? You'l be able to grab Hawaiian-grown coffee, local craft beer, cocktails and a curated wine list with both Portuguese and global labels, the resort says.
Meanwhile, The Wiliwili at Hale Hōkūala is a causal poolside eatery that offers poke bowls, plate lunch specials, shave ice, pūpū, tropical cocktails, zero-proof choices, juices and smoothies made with local ingredients, the announcement notes.
Both concepts were developed by StiR Creative, Hilton's in-house food and beverage consultancy.
Culture
The resort's signature cultural immersion program, E Ala Ka Pilina, which means "the awakening of connection," is "built around ongoing relationships with cultural practitioners, nonprofits, historians, artisans and educators," the resort says, and offers on-property activities, off-property excursions and culinary storytelling.
According to the announcement, the Kaua‘i Museum is the inaugural partner for a series that explores the Garden Isle's "history and creative expression within the broader Hawaiian story." Future programing will spotlight agriculture, lei making, traditional aquaculture, land stewardship, hula and Hawaiian storytelling.
"Kauaʻi has a spirit that's difficult to describe until you experience it," Itoga says. "The island's beauty is obviously extraordinary, but what leaves the deepest impression on visitors is the people, the culture, and the genuine sense of community. There's an authenticity here that isn't manufactured. It's reflected in the way neighbors care for one another, the pride people have in preserving local traditions and the aloha that's shared every day.
"The Curio Collection provides a platform to celebrate those qualities rather than define them," he continued. "The goal isn't to bring something new to Kauaʻi, but to create a resort experience that honors what's already here and helps guests connect more deeply with the island, its stories and its people. We believe travelers today are looking for meaningful experiences, and Kauaʻi offers that in a way that's truly unique."
When asked what kind of response he's anticipating with the opening of the resort, Itoga says that more than anything, "we hope guests experience the genuine spirit of aloha that makes Kauaʻi so special."
The resort is designed to be more than a place to stay, he says.
"We want it to feel welcoming, comfortable and familiar, a place where guests can truly relax and connect with Kauaʻi," Itoga continued. "What makes that experience special is our people. The majority of our team members are local residents, many born and raised on Kauaʻi. This is their home. They know the community, they care deeply about this island and they take pride in sharing its culture, traditions and history with our guests.
"Whether guests spend their time exploring the island or simply slowing down and enjoying the moment, we want them to feel the warmth and care that are such a natural part of life here. Our hope is that they leave with more than memories of Kauaʻi's beauty. We hope they leave feeling connected to the people, the place, and the spirit of aloha that makes this island so special."
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
