Halekulani is latest hotel to close its doors ahead of mandatory quarantine rule

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - As Hawaii’s tourism industry grinds to a halt amidst growing coronavirus concerns, more hotels have announced plans for temporary closures.

On Tuesday, Halekulani Corp. announced it was temporarily closing Halekulani and Halepuna Waikiki.

The closure extends through April 30.

Halekulani said it was closing the hotels because of the state’s stay-at-home order and mandatory quarantine for visitors and returning residents.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Prince Resorts Hawaii ― which manages the Prince Waikiki, Hawaii Island’s Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort ― said Monday that the company was temporarily suspending operations until April 30.

The Prince Waikiki will operate on a limited basis, servicing only essential airline employees during the closures.

“While the decision was not easy, as we continue to monitor updates and recommendations from appropriate health and government agencies, we believe it is absolutely necessary for the safety and well-being of our staff, guests and community,” said Kisan Jo, president of Prince Resorts Hawaii.

The hotel closures come as the city institutes a stay-at-home order for Oahu and the state prepares to institute a mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors and returning residents. The measures are all aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus in the islands.

In the process, a growing number of hotel workers are getting laid off or furloughed.

The total count isn’t yet available.

Here are the hotels that are closing their doors:

Oahu:

The Halekulani Corporation is closing Halekulani and Halepuna Waikiki through April 30.
The Prince Waikiki announced Monday that it would close except for some rare exceptions, including one for essential airline employees.
Ko Olina will shut down operations at hotels including the Four Seasons, Disney’s Aulani, the Ko Olina Golf Club and Ko Olina Marina. It also includes all activity desks, wedding chapels, lagoon beaches, restrooms and parking lots.
In Waikiki, Hale Koa Hotel is also closed. A statement on its website said the hotel will continue to accept reservations after April 15.

Big Island:

Hilo Seaside Hotel will close until April 30 due to Gov. David Ige’s travel quarantine announcement over the weekend.
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel will also be closing after Ige’s announcement.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is temproarily suspending operations.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort is closing until April 30.

This story will be updated.