The number of visitor accommodation units statewide rose to 74,177 in 2008, a 1.3 percent increase from 2007, according to a report released yesterday.

The increase mostly came from an increase in nontraditional lodging, such as timeshare properties — where visitors buy a week or more at a time. And there was a boost from the completion of hotel renovations in Waikiki, according to the 2008 Visitor Plant Inventory published by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Research & Economic Analysis Division.

Kaua'i had the largest percentage increase of 5.9 percent to 9,203 units. Timeshare units on Kaua'i grew by 241 units, driven in part by new units coming on line in Princeville.

The Big Island reported an increase of 1.6 percent to 11,240 visitor units. O'ahu reported a 1.5 percent increase to 34,081 units, boosted by newly renovated Waikiki properties being added back into the inventory and the continued expansion of timeshare units in Ko Olina.

Maui's inventory decreased slightly by 0.8 percent to 19,055 units. The decline on Maui would have been even larger if not for an addition of timeshare units. Kapalua Resort, in West Maui, has experienced a boom in timeshare construction in recent years, including the almost finished Ritz-Carlton Club & Residences being developed by Kapalua Bay Holdings LLC.

Moloka'i experienced a 21 percent decline in visitor accommodations because of the closure of the Lodge & Beach Village at Molokai Ranch. The visitor unit count on Lana'i remained unchanged.

Hotels continued to comprise the majority (57.2 percent) of visitor units statewide and condominium hotels accounted for the second largest share of visitor units at 22.1 percent. The number of hotel visitor units decreased by 0.3 percent, while condominium hotel units increased by 10.2 percent. Timeshare units grew by 4 percent and individual vacation units decreased 5.1 percent.