12th & A Hotel Partners Acquires Uncle Billy’s Kona Bay Hotel to Recreate Sought-After Old Hawaiian Experience.

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.

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.

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.

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/.

Hotel website

Hampton Inn Kailua-Kona Bay Hotel
Kailua-Kona, HI United States