REIMAGINING HOSPITALITY IN PARADISE
As snow rolls into the Rocky Mountains, the JNS team is lucky enough to have our toes in the sand in Hawaii! We’re working on a new project on Maui’s Northshore in the funky old town of Wailuku. JNS will be leading the interior design of the Northshore Hostel, which will soon be known as The Howzit Hostel.
Arguably the most memorable feature of the Howzit, which is Hawaiian slang for how’s it going, is the incredible banyan tree which sits in the courtyard. This particular banyan tree is said to be one of the largest on all the Hawaiian Islands, only slightly smaller than the famous banyan in Lahaina (a 30-minute drive from Wailuku.) Our design for the lobby space of the Howzit will include a mural that reflects the banyan tree’s impact on the property.
Just a short drive from Maui beach, the up-and-coming town of Wailuku is home to quirky cafes, shops and art galleries. Even with its diversity of travelers from around the globe, the historic hostel takes in the taste of the true local experience. Guests describe feeling like locals, and we’ll be integrating that homegrown flavor into every aspect of our design for the Howzit. JNS Partner Nicole Nathan and Associate Blaire Weiser recently visited the site and echo being immersed in culture and welcomed by the locals with open arms.
Howzit Owners, Nathan St Cyr and Michael Russell, have a passion for travel, exploration and inclusivity, and we will be integrating those values into every aspect of our design of the interior lobby space, the second-floor lanai and the courtyard surrounding the banyan tree.
The outcome will strategically split the shared spaces into zones that guests can enjoy at any time of day with areas to relax and unwind, prepare and share meals, or socialize and play with neighbors in true hostel fashion.
While this is the first hostel project for JNS, it’s also a perfect example of community, history and locality coming together to create a homestead for residents and travelers alike. This model for Howzit Hostels will offer wayfarers so much more than just a place to lay their heads as an affordable means to travel. Stay tuned for more updates from Maui in the coming months!