Hampton Inn on Kahului Bay comes to life

Design aims to reflect culture, spirit of Maui

Kahu Lyons Kapi’ioho Naone speaks during a blessing ceremony at the Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore on Friday. The Maui News / Eli Pace

After a traditional Hawaiian blessing, the Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore opened to the public on Friday, marking the completion of a yearslong project at the beachfront property overlooking Kahului Bay.

“Blessing a property like this in traditional style takes a lot of time,” Kainoa Horcajo, who assisted with the blessing, told a small crowd gathered for the ceremony. “We go throughout the entire property, to all the corners, around the entire perimeter of the property, through all the floors and the rooms.”

He explained that a new building is much like when a newborn baby takes their first breath.

“In Hawaiian style, the building has a life, and we give it a life and purpose of its own,” Horcajo said. “It’s you guys that come in this place, just like parents and friends, that teach it how to behave, teach it what kind of life it’s supposed to live … and it starts today with this.”

Kainoa Horcajo speaks during a blessing ceremony for the Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore on Friday. The Maui News / Eli Pace

Kahu Lyons Kapi’ioho Naone performed the blessing, and he echoed Horcajo’s statements about purpose and guidance. After cutting a maile, guests were welcomed inside to enjoy light refreshments, live music and dancers.

The new hotel at 130 W. Kaahumanu Ave. is the Hampton’s first property on Maui. It features 136 rooms, each with a view of either Kahului Bay to the northwest or Haleakala to the southeast, along with other amenities.

Nightly rates start at $259, and kamaʻaina will receive 25% off their stay with a valid Hawai’i ID.

The Hampton Inn will be managed by Springboard Hospitality, which also owns the Maui Beach Hotel and manages the Seaside Hotel.

“We are so thrilled to be able to open the newest addition to the Kahului Harbor here with the new Hampton Inn,” said Rob Robinson, executive vice president of Springboard Hospitality.

While applauding the construction crews for their work on the Hampton Inn property, Robinson said Springboard Hospitality is not only happy to be growing its partnerships on Maui, but they are thrilled to be aiding the fire recovery efforts and to be providing jobs, both with the construction and now with the Hampton Inn’s ongoing operation.

During the blessing, a number of the workers gathered on the steps outside the property’s front entrance for a group photo.

Workers at the Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore gather for a group photo during a blessing ceremony for the new property in Kahului on Friday. The Maui News / Eli Pace

According to hotel management, the Hampton Inn has been designed to combine modern comfort with Hawaiian hospitality. Key design features include a traditional Hawaiian-inspired porte cochère and color schemes to complement the oceanfront landscape.

The property also features locally inspired artwork such as a large mural designed and painted by Maui-based artist Alexandra Underwood in the lobby. Native plants such as pohinahina and loulu palms have been woven into the design and are meant to symbolize the island’s rich natural heritage.

The Hampton Inn will also greet guests with a traditional Oshibori ceremony, in which essential oil-infused towels are provided to help guests relax and refresh. Additionally, the property is hosting a nightly sunset ceremony signaled by the blowing of the conch. Guests can also take part in daily lei-making classes.

As a nod to the former Maui Palms Hotel, The Palms Bar & Bites is set to open later this summer inside the Hampton Inn with service in the restaurant’s indoor and outdoor patio space, along with poolside service.

“We’re beyond excited to welcome guests to Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore this spring and to contribute to the island’s positive tourism resurgence,” said Serkan Hizliok, area general manager of Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore. “From thoughtful design to culturally immersive experiences, every detail of the property is deeply inspired by the spirit of Maui, and we’re proud to offer an experience guests won’t find anywhere else.”