Hilton’s bespoke LXR Hotel & Resorts brand made its Hawaiʻi debut with Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, which was the recipient of a $100 million reimagination of public spaces, accommodations, culinary offerings, spa facilities and more.
“Hawaiʻi has long held a special place in Hilton’s story, and with Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, this transformation marks an exciting evolution for both the LXR portfolio and Hilton Luxury globally,” said Dino Michael, senior vice president & category head, luxury brands, Hilton. “The experience guests have at Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach truly exemplifies the bespoke, personal service LXR is known for, paired with the spirit of Aloha,” he added.
Hilton announced the transition of the property in late 2023, with the hotel officially rebranding from Trump International Hotel Waikiki to Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach in February 2024.
Inspired Design and Local Artistry
The property features ocean views. (Source: Hilton Media License)
Bryan O’Sullivan Studio spearheaded the hotel’s renovation, with assistance from Guerin Glass Architects, by capitalizing on a “layered material palette, bespoke furnishings and curated artwork inspired by the elemental landscape of Hawaiʻi,” Hilton said.
“Natural materials – including wood, lava stone, marble and woven textures define the aesthetic, complemented by custom lighting and a curated art collection that celebrates the island’s cultural landscape,” Hilton added. “Featuring works by Marco Rountree, Christine Skaggs and Big Island ceramic artist Suzanne Wang, the collection is anchored by Wang’s sculptural installation Kūkulu Ola, which explores the elemental forces that connect all living things.”
Accommodations Showcasing Hawaiian Craftsmanship
Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach boasts 238 studios and suites. (Source: Hilton Media License)
All told, the hotel features 238 studios and suites that showcase Hawai’i craftsmanship, with accommodations appointed in “warm wood tones and richly textured teak and lava stone materials inspired by local artisanal tradition.
Accommodations include equipped kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, lanais and views of the ocean or Fort DeRussy Park.
Elevated Island Dining Experiences
Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach unveiled three one-of-a-kind dining options under the stewardship of the property’s veteran executive chef, Yoshi Ohata.
• The Kini Room: This 86-seat venue puts the spotlight on Hawai’i-inspired cuisine, featuring Pacific Rim influences with dishes like Kagoshima A5 Wagyu sushi with torched nigiri and beet-infused Hawaiian salt and slow-braised lemongrass lamb shank.
The Muse Lounge (Source: Hilton Media License)
• The Muse Lounge: Set in the revamped lobby, this serves as an intimate gathering spot for cocktails created from Hawaiian recipes, paired with shareable small plates featuring local ingredients.
• Bloom Cafe & Restaurant: The go-to spot for breakfast, featuring local specialties like guava cream cheese waffles with brûléed banana and Hawaiian honey; mochi pancakes with yuzu custard and berries; and vibrant poke bowls=
Revitalized Wellness at Spa Ka Laʻi
Spa Ka Laʻi has enhanced its roster of treatments with offerings whose foundations include traditional Hawaiian wellness practices and “revitalized outdoor spaces that thoughtfully integrate sustainability through alternative materials and the preservation of original design elements,” Hilton said.
“Returning guests will recognize the sense of calm that has always defined Ka Laʻi, along with the warmth and generosity our team brings to every interaction,” said Scott Ingwers, managing director of Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach.
“For new visitors, this transformation introduces a more contemporary expression of Hawaiian hospitality, where thoughtfully designed spaces and vibrant gathering places complement the personalized services that have always been at the heart of who we are,” he added.
To commemorate the renovation, Hilton and LXR unveiled the “Discover Luxury” package, which includes a $1,000 resort credit enabling guests to experience the property’s new offerings.
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