A newly built hotel from Marriott and a rebranded luxury hotel from Hilton are among the property updates coming from Honolulu, Hawaii, along with renovations to one of two Sheratons in the beachside destination.
Near the large open-air shopping mecca, Ala Moana Center, the 39-story, 187-room Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa (above) was unveiled Feb. 28, with panoramic ocean and mountain-range views. The new-build property is the first full-service hotel constructed from the ground up in Honolulu since 1990.
“We are ready to bring the Renaissance brand to Oahu and provide a new and inspiring haven that features contemporary design, cutting-edge amenities and a distinctively residential feel to Honolulu’s thriving Ala Moana district,” said Matthew Grauso, general manager of the property. “With a strong commitment to transformative wellness, engaging art and culture, and masterful culinary programs, Renaissance Honolulu will ensure every stay is a journey into the rich tapestry of Hawaii.”
Hand-crafted wooden furnishings and locally sourced artwork adorn the spacious rooms, which also feature floor-to-ceiling windows, large bathrooms with soaking tubs, and Aveda bath amenities.
The on-site culinary offerings have been curated by Highgate, the hotel's management company, and TableOne Hospitality, led by renowned restaurateur Patric Yumul. Coming soon is Mara, where Mediterranean cuisine will be prepared using local ingredients. Chefs Michael Ocampo and Franz Wohlrab will be creating family-style tapas, grilled meats and fresh seafood.
The 15th-floor Coral Club Lounge overlooking the ocean serves breakfast, mid-day refreshments, and evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Sway, the pool deck bar and grill, showcases al fresco dining under palm trees and poolside cabanas. Renaissance Honolulu’s grand lobby café features Lamill Coffee Co., the L.A.-based roaster’s first location in Hawaii.
The eighth-floor Sky Deck offers a sanctuary for wellness, with the full-service Uhiwai Spa, meditation gardens, and a fitness center that includes state-of-the-art LifeFitness and Peloton equipment, a glass-enclosed yoga studio and an outdoor MoveStrong strength-training experience. Also available are Oahu’s first traditional Japanese ofuro indoor and outdoor soaking tubs, as well as Himalayan salt saunas, steam rooms and cold-plunge baths. The Sky Deck also features a 25-meter lap pool, two hot tubs and a heated saltwater swimming pool surrounded by shaded cabanas. BBQ pavilions sell packages from Mara with all the ingredients for a poolside meal, to be self-grilled or cooked up by the private chef service.
For groups, both indoor and outdoor spaces are available for up to 75 people.
The 462-room Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, an LXR hotel from Hilton, debuted in February overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. Formerly the Trump International Hotel Waikiki, the property features residential-style guest rooms and suites; a state-of-the-art wellness facility; a 24-hour fitness center; an infinity pool with an expansive sun deck; five indoor and outdoor event spaces; two signature restaurants offering contemporary cuisine; a variety of beach services and amenities; and a 24-hour business center and library. A full interior architecture and design renovation, led by the Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, is planned for next year.
“We’re thrilled to expand our portfolio in this fabulous and vibrant destination with the debut of Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach. Hawaii has played an important role in Hilton’s history ever since Conrad Hilton purchased one of our most renowned hotels, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, more than 60 years ago,” said Danny Hughes, president, Americas, Hilton. “We’re delighted to build upon Conrad’s vision with our first LXR Hotels & Resorts in the state, and we look forward to offering our guests another incredible location to experience the best of Honolulu and Hawaiian culture.”
Beginning in early 2025 and planned in phases over several months, the renovation will upgrade the guest rooms and suites as well as the public areas, including the lobbies, the pool areas, the spa, the fitness center, the landscaping and all interiors. In addition, the property’s signature restaurants will be reimagined, and the destination restaurant on the ground floor will become home to a concept from an internationally acclaimed restaurateur and chef.
The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, on the site of Hawaii’s Princess Victoria Kaiulani's former home, is completing renovations to its 664-room Ainahau Tower.
The tower's rooms — many of which feature views of the ocean, Diamond Head State Monument and the Waikiki skyline — are being redesigned with a modern tropical look. All work should be completed by June. The palette of interior colors include papaya, mocha and sky-blue hues, chosen by the Vanguard Theory, a local firm. New platform beds, ambient lighting, and updated wall coverings, drapes and flooring are part of the look.
The property plans to begin renovation work on the tower's lobby over the summer.
“Now that new and longtime guests are already letting us know how much they love the fresh look and feel of the Ainahau Tower’s new guest rooms, we’re really excited about completing and unveiling the rest of our current renovations and hearing what they think of the new ambience and elements still to be revealed at our beloved Princess Kaiulani property,” said Thomas Foti, biplex general manager of the Sheraton and the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa.
