Sustainable Hotelier

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts is committed to protecting the environment through sustainable business practices, proactive community initiatives and investment in cutting-edge technology to provide our guests with luxurious accommodations and signature service while conserving our precious natural resources.

Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts believes that economic growth and the well-being of society are inextricably tied to the health of the environment.  This is particularly true in Hawaii, one of the most beautiful, yet fragile destinations on the planet.

Doing the right thing for the environment and for our communities is more important than ever.  Our customers and owners are asking for it. Our guests expect it.  And our associates are passionate about it.  That’s why global citizenship plays a key role in our activities. We aspire to be as respected for these efforts as we are today for our innovation, and our brands.

Both in our hotels and in the communities we serve, Kyo-ya is proud to lead by example in waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainability education and localized purchasing – all with the goal of protecting the environment and ensuring future generations may enjoy nature at its best.

In 2017, Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts became the first hotel group in Hawaii to have three oceanfront properties in Waikiki LEED Certified. LEED, which means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a rating system developed by the United States Green Business Council in 1998 for the design, construction and operation of buildings. In 2016, both the Sheraton Waikiki and The Royal Hawaiian achieved LEED Gold certifications; the following year in 2017, the Moana Surfrider became LEED certified.

Additionally, here are more highlights of Kyo-ya’s sustainability achievements at our properties:

  • Sheraton Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani are Energy Star-certified and were recertified in 2011. These four Waikiki properties were recognized by the Hawaii Department of Energy in 2005 for leading the industry in their “green” initiatives, and received an Energy Efficiency Award from Hawaiian Electric Company in 2006 for putting energy-efficiency programs in place.
  • Sheraton Princess Kaiulani ranks second in the country among SPG Resorts for energy efficiency and was Hawaii’s first hotel – and the second building of any kind – to receive the national Energy Star award.
  •  In April 2011, Sheraton Waikiki became one of the first businesses in the state to offer charging stations for electric vehicles.
  • Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, was recognized by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism in 2009 with the Green Business Award for its innovative “green practices” to help conserve energy, reduce pollution, recycle, and incorporate environmental purchasing into its daily operations.
  • In 2009, Sheraton Waikiki and Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts, partnered with the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau to support H.B. 1471, which authorized farmers to become food safety certified distributors to local businesses including restaurants, hotels and other hospitality venues.  Enacted by the Legislature, the bill provides funding to develop programs supporting existing and new farmers.  The support of safe food certification of local farms strengthens Hawaii’s economy and encourages agricultural cooperatives.  This was the first initiative in which Hawaii’s tourism industry stepped up to help another major industry, agriculture. Incorporating this bill using an abundance of certified home-grown produce will allow Sheraton Waikiki’s chefs to increase the amount of green products in catering menus while maintaining top-tier restaurant quality offerings for all dining venues within the resort.

In June 2023, Sheraton Waikiki was one of five Kyo-ya properties honored to be among the businesses recognized by the Hawai‘i Green Business Program (HGBP) for their commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable business practices.

The other four properties also recognized in the 2023 cohort were: The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani and Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.

Governor Josh Green, M.D. praised awardees for their demonstrated commitment to conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and protecting Hawai‘i’s environment.  “Sustainable use of Hawaiʻi’s water and energy is essential to our way of life, and clean water, energy and tourism are crucial for our economy,” said Governor Green. “When each of us makes a deliberate, meaningful effort to conserve water and energy, the impact we all have on these precious resources is minimized. That is why we are happy to recognize the awardees today, for doing the right thing on behalf of our environment, our land, our water, our people and our state.”

For nearly 25 years, Kyo-ya’s Waikīkī properties have been trailblazing pioneers in the area of sustainable practices with the implementation of various energy-efficient projects at these properties since the late 1990s. Some impressive figures:

  • A 28 percent decrease in energy usage from 2008.
  • A 19 percent decrease in water usage from 2008.
  • Also, recyclable tonnage increased over 90 percent since 2009.
  • The properties have collectively received more than $775,000 in energy-efficiency rebates from 2013 to 2022.
  • All hotels have been sending their used cooking oil to Pacific Biodiesel to convert the oil into renewable fuel.

Not only was Sheraton Waikiki the first hotel in Hawai‘i to feature charging stations for electric vehicles, Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts is the first hotel group in Hawai‘i to have three oceanfront properties in Waikīkī achieve LEED Certification.

Above from left to right: Ernest Lau, chief engineer, Board of Water Supply; Mark Glick, chief energy officer, Hawai‘i State Energy Office; Irina De La Torre, brand manager, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority; Harzali Hashim, complex director of engineering, Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts (Marriott International); Nara Kitagawa, capital projects coordinator, Kyo-ya Hotels & Resorts (Marriott International); Michael Takayama, senior vice president, Kyo-ya Management Company; Cody Walton, director of engineering, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa; Governor Josh Green, M.D.; Yasu Ishikawa, vice president, Kyo-ya Management Company; Jason Ito, vice president, Kyo-ya Management Company.