A significant labor action unfolded at the Royal Kona Resort on December 20, 2025, as over 150 workers commenced a one-day strike. The striking employees, encompassing housekeepers, maintenance workers, bellmen, and cooks, represent a cross-section of the resort's workforce. The strike, reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, is a clear signal of escalating labor tensions within Hawaii's hospitality industry.
The specific demands of the striking workers remain unstated in the initial reports. However, the action comes amid a backdrop of ongoing negotiations and contract disputes affecting hotel workers across the state. In February 2025, UNITE HERE Local 5 announced Royal Kona workers were preparing to rally, likely over similar issues of wages, workload, and job security -- issues that were at the heart of the 2024 strikes at Waikiki hotels. These strikes, including a historic 3-day Labor Day strike and a 40-day strike at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, set a precedent for demands island-wide.
The strike's business implications for the Royal Kona Resort and the broader Hawaii tourism sector are considerable. A one-day shutdown can lead to service disruptions, potential revenue losses, and reputational damage. Entrepreneurs and investors in the hospitality sector should carefully watch the outcome of the labor dispute at Royal Kona, as the terms of any agreement could have a ripple effect, influencing labor costs and working conditions at other resorts. It also highlights the need for businesses to proactively address employee concerns and foster positive labor relations.
Furthermore, the strike underscores the challenges faced by hotel workers in Hawaii, particularly concerning the high cost of living. The rising cost of living, detailed in numerous reports, makes it difficult for workers to support themselves and their families, putting pressure on union negotiations. The outcome of the Royal Kona strike, and similar negotiations at other hotels, will be critical in deciding the balance between employee needs and the economic viability of the tourism industry.
