After an afternoon of scuba diving alongside sea turtles and monk seals on the southwestern coast of Oahu, my daughter and I were delightfully salty and still slightly soggy as we approached the Ka Lai Waikiki Beach hotel’s front desk.
The plan was to warm up with a quick shower and take advantage of the property’s primo Waikiki location for dinner and some shopping along bustling Kalakaua Avenue, until a friendly staff member reminded us about the Friday night fireworks.
A beloved tradition for more than 30 years, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort fireworks show is a favorite of visitors and locals alike. So, after admittedly long showers, we opted for dinner at arguably one of the best tables in Waikiki — on our room’s balcony — while watching the fireworks light up the sky.
Hilton’s Inaugural LXR Property in Hawaii
The February rebranding of Ka Lai Waikiki Beach marks the Hawaii debut for Hilton luxury brand LXR Hotels & Resorts. (Formerly Trump International Hotel Waikiki, the property is owned by Irongate and managed by LXR.) The 38-story, 462-room hotel boasts views of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head, the Honolulu skyline, Fort DeRussy Beach Park and one of the Hilton brand’s most recognizable properties: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.
“The transition represents a thoughtful move to reimagine this iconic property, bringing a fresh identity and world-class luxury to one of Hawaii's most revered destinations,” said Scott Ingwers, managing director of Ka Lai Waikiki Beach. “LXR Hotels & Resorts was chosen for its deep connection to its surroundings and global network, which aligns perfectly with the vision for Ka Lai Waikiki Beach.”
Along with its rebrand, the hotel is planning a renovation.
Credit: 2024 Ka Lai Waikiki BeachSpacious Guestrooms
“Ka lai” means “calm” or “tranquil” in Hawaiian. And fireworks aside, it’s an apt description of our mother-daughter getaway in bustling Waikiki. In addition to a pair of balconies with gorgeous views, our Ocean View Premium King Suite provided all the comforts of home, and more than ample space to spread out.
The open floor plan included a large living area with a sleeper sofa and a cushy chair, a full kitchen and a dining table with seating for six, as well as a full bathroom and an additional den with a second sofa bed. The main bedroom featured a king bed, double vanity, shower, deep soaking tub and walk-in closet. The washer and dryer added an unexpected, extra layer of convenience. Bottom line: The residential-style guestrooms and suites are ideal for clients traveling with family in tow, or any traveler who appreciates spacious accommodations.
Renovation Plans
Along with the new Ka Lai name, the property is about to get a fresh new look. Extensive renovations are set to begin in early 2025, and renderings offer a preview of lighter, more contemporary spaces inspired by the hotel’s Oahu backyard. Led by the award-winning Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, many luxury enhancements are in the works, including furniture crafted specifically for the property, as well as stained-glass laylights. It will be the first renovation for the Waikiki resort, which originally opened in 2009.
Two on-site restaurants will be reimagined, with a third concept added.
Credit: 2024 Ka Lai Waikiki BeachPlanned in phases over several months to ensure the guest experience is not disrupted, the renovations will overhaul public areas including the lobby, the pool area, the spa and the fitness center, as well as landscaping. There will also be upgrades to guestrooms and suites, a reimagining of the two current on-site restaurants and a new third restaurant.
Enhancements will also take place on things clients don’t typically see.
“Sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives are essential considerations in the renovation and operation of the property,” Ingwers said. “Efforts will be made to incorporate environmentally responsible practices such as energy-efficient systems and materials.”
Current amenities — such as an infinity pool, a spa and a spacious fitness center — make it easy to linger on property, but Ka Lai’s convenient address in lively Waikiki can’t be denied. Clients looking to be close to the action while still having a quiet place to retreat will love how the hotel provides the best of both worlds. In just a matter of minutes, travelers can have their feet in the sand, catch a hula show at the Royal Hawaiian Center or enjoy a beer at Maui Brewing Co.
