Waikiki Grand Hotel recently announced it has awarded a contract to Hawaii Americana Realty to direct management of front-desk and hotel operations. The hotel, located on Kapahulu Boulevard, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, according to the announcement.

“We are uniquely positioned to focus on the needs of Waikiki Grand Hotel owners and guests,” Hawaii Americana Realty Principal Broker and owner Mark Howard said in a statement. “We are headquartered in Waikiki, live in Waikiki and 100% focused on Waikiki.”

Hawaii Americana Realty is focused on renovations, streamlining the front desk, and will invest $40,000 to install a new, fully-integrated hotel card system on its managed units. The real estate agency also plans to upgrade furniture and fixtures in units, as well as switch to faster Wi-Fi and smart TVs.

“From the outset I wanted to provide decent wages — $20 to $25 an hour, including for cleaning staff — to support and show respect to our employees, and ensure they don’t have to juggle three part-time jobs in order to make a sustainable living,” Howard said. "...I want people to want to come to work, as it comes through in the service that they provide. Our positions were filled within a week.”

Hawaii Americana Realty will hold a 60th anniversary in late September to honor the hotel's "new beginnings," according to the announcement.