HONOLULU (HI Now) - When a tsunami advisory and watch struck Hilo in July 2025, SCP Hilo Hotel General Manager Breeani Kobayashi and her team sprang into action. With flood waters rising up to 6 to 10 inches in 10 of the hotel’s rooms, the priority was clear: get every guest to safety. As flights were canceled and uncertainty filled the air, the team worked quickly to ensure all guests were evacuated and sheltered for the evening.
Once the waters receded, the real work began. Kobayashi and her team launched a full renovation effort with one guiding principle: keep it local. From flooring and painting to tile work and bedding, every contractor, subcontractor and product was sourced from within the community. The result is a beautifully refreshed space featuring clean white walls, locally made bedding, handmade quilts, canoe paddles and honu art, all crafted by Hawaii Island businesses.
The hotel’s story runs deep. Originally known as the Hilo Hukilau Hotel and later the Hilo Seaside Hotel, the property has long served as a community hub along the iconic Hilo Ice Ponds. In 2021, it was sold to Soul Community Planet, or SCP, and reimagined as a place where hospitality meets purpose. Through its “Every Stay Does Good” program, SCP Hilo Hotel donates to keiki mental health initiatives, plants trees in deforested areas and partners with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to remove 2.2 pounds of trash from local beaches for every guest stay. To date, the hotel has helped remove more than 200,000 pounds of trash from Hawaii’s coastlines.
For more information, visit scphotel.com/hilo!
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