Article by Lynn Cook
Located in a prime location on Kalakaua Avenue at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki Beach, Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is sophisticated and serene, steps from the beach and the exciting destination that is Waikiki. The grand opening of the reimagined 839-room property was celebrated on May 8.
The completely re-designed resort held a party for several hundred travel industry leaders, industry and local media and travel marketers and travel agents.
The celebration opened with the traditional Hawaiian blessing, then moved to include a cultural presentation honoring the heritage of the land. The evening unveiled Ahu Ula, a Hawaiian feather cloak worn by the chiefly class of Hawaii, which will be a permanent fixture in the lobby. Kelly Sanders, vice president of operations for Highgate Hawaii, was joined by Vann Avedisian, principal of Highgate Holdings, and Glenn Wakai, the Hawaii State Senate Tourism Committee chairman, as well as other dignitaries.
The resort announced a partnership with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, a non-profit organization committed to returning the indigenous koa, milo, and sandalwood trees back to Hawaii. Each guest received a numbered tree to be planted as part of the project to save native forests. The resort pledged to plant 100,000 indigenous trees on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Recently added to Highgate's portfolio, the former Pacific Beach Hotel has always been a favorite of local residents and frequent visitors.
Sanders, a seasoned veteran in the Hawaii market, said the company wanted to re-invent the property and turn it into a contemporary resort with great restaurants, an exciting pool experience and the opportunity for beach access or quiet resort experiences. The grand opening event was a first look at the newly created roof deck with the Swell infinity pool seeming to stretch directly to the ocean.
The event also showcased the two newest restaurants by internationally renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto, who spent the evening at the counter of the ground-level eatery directing his staff and enthusiastically serving small plates and posing for photos with guests. He said he was most excited to be "in the center of Waikiki with two restaurants in the same place at the same time."
Morimoto Asia, which opened in February, is a Pan-Asian dining experience that showcases flavors from across the Asian continent with an emphasis on China, Korea, Japan and Thailand. The menu integrates traditional Asian and Western ingredients and offers specialty items such as Peking duck, sticky ribs, Korean kalbi, dim sum and traditional wok fry dishes. The new Momosan is a casual streetside ramen restaurant and outdoor beer garden.
Alohilani resort features the iconic and newly restored 280,000-gallon saltwater Oceanarium, home to 1,000 indigenous marine animals and a giant grouper the size of half a VW Bug. The scuba diver feeding the fish brought the "oh, wow" response it always has.
The Oceanarium anchors O Bar, the panoramic gathering place offering craft cocktails, beer, wine, local-infused small plates and entertainment. Guests can also watch the reef fish from Lychee Restaurant, a lavish breakfast buffet of native dishes and seasonal favorites along with Hawaii-grown produce and locally sourced coffee.
Also part of the resort is the Island Club and Spa, a fitness and spa experience that includes a state-of-the-art fitness center on the third floor with a studio for daily classes and Fitness on Demand virtual classes. The property also has two rooftop full-size clay tennis courts, batting cages and training turf along with sunset yoga and TRX classes overlooking the ocean.
The acclaimed design firm Rockwell Group transformed the resort's dramatic lobby, restaurants, infinity pool and deck, and guest rooms and suites, while Pacific Asia Design group enhanced the space with touches that evoke the Hawaiian spirit. There also is 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. Later this year, Alohilani will be open its own Waikiki beach club.
Room rates start at $289 per night.
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