12th & A Hotel Partners Acquires Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel to Recreate Sought-After Old Hawaiian Experience
KONA, Hawaii, Feb. 7, 2025 -- The Kailua-Kona tourist district will soon be home to the Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay, opening Summer 2025. Rooted in a strong commitment to service and quality, Hampton by Hilton is a global powerhouse brand known for innovation, best-in-class service, and unparalleled guest loyalty.
Sandy Shapery, through his entity 12th & A Hotel Partners, will invest approximately $30 million into the hotel's renovation, with financing arranged by 12th & A's partner, Summit Capital. Located in the center of the eight-block oceanfront tourist area in Kailua-Kona, the renovated hotel is anticipated to open its doors under the management of PEG Hospitality Group.
Shapery, a historic preservationist, wanted to keep the iconic property authentic, accessible, and affordable while also retaining the 1960s Hawai'i vibe, which led him to partner with Hampton by Hilton to bring the vision to life and Trader Vic's to operate the bar/restaurant.
"We are honored to bring Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay to Kailua-Kona, a destination known for its rich culture and natural beauty," said Shapery. "The restoration of the property reflects our commitment to providing high-quality accommodations while honoring the traditions and spirit of the Hawaiian community. It's important to me to keep as much of the original structure from a design standpoint."
Although the floor plan remains the same for the four-story semi-circle structure, the walls, furniture, and fixtures are being replaced. The wooden boardwalk will be replaced with a simulated composite wood material to extend the life of the walkway while maintaining the original character, and a second elevator will be constructed to comply with Hilton's standards. In addition, 340 environmentally friendly tiki torches will span across the property walkways, with the standard kerosene wicks replaced with LED flicker lights.
With 123 rooms, the property appeals to both business and leisure guests looking for warm surroundings, a friendly service culture, high quality, thoughtfully designed accommodations and amenities, such as modern, spacious rooms, a fitness center, and free hot breakfast. Guests will enjoy additional amenities like a sparkling pool, a large outdoor common area complete with a firepit and bar, as well as a pavilion area with local entertainment and cultural activities. The Island Bar and Grill by Trader Vic's - the creator of the Mai Tai back in 1944 - will serve local Island/Polynesian fare and of course, Mai Tais.
"Through our longstanding relationships in hospitality development and structured finance, we were able to bring together the key partnerships and funding solutions that made this unique Hampton Inn possible in downtown Kailua-Kona," said John Stueber of Summit Capital. "Working alongside Sandy on this project since 2020, we've helped create something that both honors this historic location and elevates the guest experience. We're grateful to Hilton and all of our stakeholders for their trust in bringing this vision to life."
To honor the land and seek blessings for the property, Shapery hosted a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Kahu Danny and Anna Akaka led the construction workers in a sacred gathering that honors tradition in the spirit of aloha.
"With humble regards, we are so blessed to have people who are friends of Hawaii like this," said Mayor Kimo Alameda who was just sworn into office the preceding week. "The investment in the local community enhances the visitor experience by providing more accessible, quality accommodations. We are grateful to Sandy and his team for their dedication to preserving the essence of our community while fostering economic growth. This sentiment was echoed by other community leaders who attended the ceremony and have been strong supporters of the project."
Honolulu Builders serves as the General Contractor, while Level 3 lends its expertise as the interior designer. Architectural design is a joint effort between AM Turner Architects and Koa Design Group, combining innovation and creativity to bring the vision to life.
Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay is located at 75-5747 Ali'i Drive in Kona. To learn more about Shapery Enterprises visit www.shaperyenterprises.com; for Summit Capital visit www.summit-capital.net; and for PEG Companies visit https://peghospitalitygroup.com/.
About Shapery Enterprises
Shapery Enterprises is an operating company for the various corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies operated thereunder. Shapery Enterprises is, or has been, involved in the ownership, design, and development of high-rise office buildings, high-rise hotels, commercial centers and raw land. Shapery Enterprises is also designing, developing, and implementing technological advances in transportation including vertical take-off aircraft, electric zero emissions conversion and upgrade of existing freight and passenger rail systems, non-rail zero emissions roadway passenger and freight systems and port zero emissions container moving systems with LSM/LIM technology and high-speed magnetic levitation train systems. To learn more about Shapery Enterprises visit www.shaperyenterprises.com.
About Summit Capital
Summit Capital is a finance, investment and development firm with a primary focus on hotel assets nationwide. Over the years, their experience has generated unique opportunities and significant returns through site identification, equity investments and joint ventures. The firm is able to provide their partners with a complete set of project solutions from inception, structuring and debt/equity options to stabilization of operations and disposition. Through mutual success, Summit Capital has forged long-lasting partnerships with many of the hospitality industry's most notable stakeholders. To learn more about Summit Capital visit www.summit-capital.net.
About Hampton by Hilton:
As the No. 1 ranked lodging franchise for the last 15 years by Entrepreneur®, Hampton by Hilton — including Hampton Inn by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton — serves quality-driven and value-conscious travelers at more than 3,000 properties in 41 countries and territories around the globe. The brand continues to lead its segment by providing guests with high quality, thoughtfully designed accommodations and amenities, such as modern, spacious rooms and free hot breakfast featuring the signature Hampton Waffle. Hampton by Hilton is committed to delivering an exceptionally friendly and authentic service all backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee™. Experience a positive stay at Hampton by Hilton by booking at hampton.com or through the or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hampton by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/hampton, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and X. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hampton by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/hampton, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About PEG Hospitality Group:
We believe that enduring success begins with a best-in-class experience delivered to the guest, fostered by the relationships built through top-quality associates and development partners. In the five-plus decades since the Pearson family founded what eventually became PEG Hospitality, our hospitality management group has grown an impressive portfolio in excess of 3,000 keys under some of the most recognized hotel brands including those from Hilton Hotels Group, Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels, and IHG. To learn more about PEG Companies visit https://peghospitalitygroup.com/.
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