TAPAS - 1977
Beyond its date, size, location, and title, little else is known about this sizable concrete mural for a new hotel in Hawaii.
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Wailea Beach Hotel
Maui, Hawaii
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1977
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Hogan, Chapman, Cobeen, Weitz & Associates.
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Sculptured concrete
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10 ft. x 40 ft, two walls.
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Unknown
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Unknown. Possibly Grosvenor International Hotels.
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Unknown.
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TVS digital records
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“The 347-room Wailea Beach Hotel, being built by Grosvenor International Hotels...is scheduled to open in early 1978.” [1]
In addition to Van Sant's tendency to network directly with developers, a shift in Hawaii's economic focus from agriculture to tourism explains why Van Sant found so much hotel work there in the 1970s.
“The strategic shift from an agricultural based economy to a tourism based economy signified the beginning of the next chapter of Maui’s diverse history... The visitor industry filled the job gap that the mechanization of the sugar industry created...The visitor industry experienced a significant surge beginning in the late 1970’s and continuing through the early 1990’s as a result of off- shore investments. Mainland U.S. and Japanese resort companies viewed Maui’s burgeoning visitor industry as a surefire business investment, and began developing massive, world-class resorts in Wailea and Kaanapali.[2]
[1] “Resorts Expand on Valley Isle,” Long Beach Independent Press Telegram, August 22, 1976, pg. 252.
[2]General Plan 2030, “Maui Island Plan, Maui Island History: Lessons From The Past – A Guide To The Future,” Chris Hart & Partners, Inc., September 2006.
