I reported just a few days ago, SCP’s (Soul Community Planet) move into Hawaii, now it is the turn for The Wayfinder which first hotel opened in Newport, Rhode Island (main photo) in 2020 in a former MainStay property. The Wayfinder Waikiki will open in the former Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel, along Honolulu‘s Ala Wai Canal, within walking distance to the beach.

The 228-key property was acquired by Dovetail + Co, led by veteran hotelier Phil Hospod. Dovetail also opened Urban Cowboy Lodge in the Catskill Mountains of New York in March 2020. It currently has a 180-room luxury capsule hotel project under development on New York City’s historic Bowery.

“At Dovetail + Co, we’re big believers in travel’s ability to inspire, transform and connect people,” Hopsod said. “We have an important opportunity to be a part of the tourism industry’s rebound during this historic time.” Hospod was previously part of Sydell Group’s senior leadership team, where achievements included the Freehand NYC and The Line DC.

The Wayfinder Waikiki will be managed by Springboard Hospitality, formerly OLS Hotels & Resorts. Springboard operates 37 properties across 11 states. It is led by technology entrepreneur Ben Rafter and specializes in using analytics and technology to ensure properties are optimizing return on investment.