WHERE: The newly renovated Hotel Molokai, on Kamiloloa Beach outside Kaunakakai on the Friendly Isle.

WHAT'S NEW: In the four years that the Hotel Molokai has been owned by Blue Island Management (part of TAN Resort Group, which operates six independent boutique-type resorts around the country), the 57-room hotel has received a lot of much-needed attention. In a phone interview, resort operations manager George Joosten said much of the infrastructure (roofing, plumbing) has been replaced and, more obvious to return visitors, will be a just-completed remodeling project that saw every surface — from tile and carpeting to paint and furnishings — updated and upgraded.

High-speed Internet access is available and contemporary appliances added to kitchenettes (refrigerators and microwaves; no stoves).

Despite its fresh face, the 40-year-old Hotel Molokai, which celebrated its reopening Jan. 22, remains a reminder of a slower, quieter Hawai'i, with its rustic, high-ceilinged cabins (each housing several rooms with private lanai) cooled by breezes instead of air-conditioning. The building is sited to take advantage of trade winds.

Joosten said Islanders make up about 40 percent of Hotel Molokai customers. Leisure travelers cite a desire to "really get away," he said.

RESTAURANT: The poolside open-air Hula Shores restaurant has been expanded and the hotel has hired "Top Chef" Season 2 competitor Mia Gaines-Alt, who came on board a couple of months ago and will be rolling out menu changes in the next few months — though she has said that the barbecue and soul food of her childhood bear a lot of resemblance to local-style cooking, so she's not planning anything radical.

RATES: $159-$249 with most rooms in the $150-$200 range; kama'aina rates from $139.

RESERVATIONS: 808-553-5347 or www.hotelmolokai.com.

Reach Wanda A. Adams at wadams@honoluluadvertiser.com.