Hilton's Ka La'i Waikiki Beach LXR resort is getting a $100 million makeover — and TPG has an exclusive first look
In 2023, we learned that the former Trump International Hotel in Waikiki would reflag under LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's collection of independent luxury properties that has a small but growing presence.
Last year, the Honolulu property joined Hilton Honors as Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts, with the expectation of a sweeping renovation to bring the property up to LXR standards in 2025.
That time has finally arrived. Beginning June 2, the 15-year-old hotel will undergo a $100 million renovation by Bryan O'Sullivan Studio, with support from Brooklyn-based Guerin Glass Architects. It will touch everything from the residential-style guest rooms and suites to the lobby, pool, restaurants, spa and everything in between.
TPG has exclusive renderings of what the towering resort near one of the world's most famous beaches will look like once the construction wraps up, hopefully by next March.
"Hawaiian heritage meets international sophistication" is the theme of the renovation. Irongate Group — the team behind other luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Waikiki Beach, as well as both the Aman and Four Seasons resorts in Cabo — is developing this 38-story property.
The new rooms will be light and airy, and the remodel will focus on neutral tones, natural woods and small details that reflect Hawaiian culture.
Bathrooms will also be bright, with clean finishes and a much fresher look than their previous iterations.
Bars and restaurants at this LXR will get a fresh coat of paint and then some, as shown in the renderings. And although Hawaii has a way of making you want to be outside, this trendy new lobby bar is sure to be an Instagram-worthy hotel hot spot.
While we get a literal look at the new dining experiences, we'll have to wait to see what concepts take over the venues. TPG previously reported that along with conceptual changes, a celebrity chef would be opening a restaurant on the hotel's ground level.
"This renovation marks a new chapter for Ka La'i Waikīkī Beach," Jason Grosfeld, chairman and CEO of Irongate Group, said in a statement first shared with TPG. "Our reinvestment reflects our deep commitment to Waikīkī and elevates the standard for luxury hospitality in this iconic destination. By blending timeless design with contemporary elegance, we are creating an unparalleled experience that will define bespoke luxury in the heart of Waikiki."
The renovation will take place in phases to minimize disruptions to guests. And while it might be at least a year before we're able to experience Hawaii's first LXR hotel in its full glory, it's sure to be worth the wait.
At the moment, LXR has 15 hotels open and 11 in development, including China, Italy and Paris — the latter of which is opening just in time for summer. Like how Irongate reflagged its Waikiki tower under LXR, the historic Arizona Biltmore left Waldorf Astoria for the fellow Hilton luxury flag last year.
Of course, TPG will be at the Hawaiian property there once the paint dries. Until then, check out our reviews of the dreamy tropical Seychelles property, a Japanese ryokan-style resort in Kyoto and a cliffside stunner in Bali.
And, if you want to stay before the remodel is complete, you can book with cash for as low as $390 per night, though prices fluctuate wildly throughout the year — and sometimes within the same week. Hilton Honors members can book from 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
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