How Michael Russell Turned a Distressed Maui Motel Into an Award-Winning Hostel

Podcast: The Lights On Podcast · Kin Sio

Opublikowano: 2026-06-25

Michael Russell is Co-founder of Howzit Hostels and Malama Capital, where he focuses on hospitality investing, hostel operations, boutique lodging, and experiential real estate. He has experience across short-term rentals, commercial real estate, and hospitality assets, with a focus on acquisitions, repositioning, operations, and portfolio growth. During COVID, Michael acquired a distressed one-star motel and transformed it into Howzit Hostels, growing annual revenue from $500,000 to $2.4 million and earning Hostelworld's 2024 award for #1 Small Hostel in North America. He also hosts The Hotel Investor Playbook, where he shares practical insights on scaling hotel investments. In this episode… Tu...