Grand tribute to Kahele

Swipe left for more photos

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

The owners of the new DoubleTree by Hilton in Hilo, the Grand Naniloa Hotel, announced Wednesday they will rename the hotel’s oceanfront dock Kahele Point in honor of the late state Sen. Gilbert Kahele.

The owners of the new DoubleTree by Hilton in Hilo, the Grand Naniloa Hotel, announced Wednesday they will rename the hotel’s oceanfront dock Kahele Point in honor of the late state Sen. Gilbert Kahele.

A dedication ceremony and unveiling of the late senator’s monument is slated for 10:30 a.m. Monday (May 15) at the dock.

The hotel’s ownership offered to dedicate the monument and dock area as a means to show its gratitude for Kahele’s redevelopment work. In response, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, through a resolution, established the monument area to acknowledge Kahele’s “efforts to commence the revitalization of Banyan Drive.”

Kahele Point will feature a narrative plaque of the late senator as well as fishing pole stands and keiki fishing poles, representing his love for the ocean and fishing, the hotel said in a news release.