Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach has debuted following a US$100 million reimagining, marking LXR Hotels & Resorts' entry into Hawaiʻi. The project updates public spaces, guestrooms, and dining.
Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts, has opened its doors as the brand’s first property in Hawaiʻi. The debut follows a US$100 million reimagining of the site.
Bryan O’Sullivan Studio led the redesign, with architectural support from Guerin Glass Architects. The project introduced a layered material palette, bespoke furnishings, and selected artwork, drawing inspiration from Hawaiʻi’s elemental landscape. The redesign encompasses public spaces, guestrooms, amenity floors, and outdoor areas, creating a cohesive guest experience rooted in Hawaiian culture and craftsmanship. The property’s original footprint remains.
Natural materials such as wood, lava stone, marble, and woven textures define the aesthetic. These are complemented by custom lighting and an art collection that references the island’s cultural landscape. The collection features works by Marco Rountree, Christine Skaggs, and Big Island ceramic artist Suzanne Wang. Wang’s sculptural installation, Kūkulu Ola, which explores the elemental forces that connect living things, anchors the collection.
Enhancements also include a refreshed Spa Ka Laʻi and revitalised outdoor spaces. These areas integrate sustainability through alternative materials and the preservation of original design elements. Accommodations include spacious guestrooms and a distinctive collection of 238 residential-style studios and suites. Each is designed to offer an enhanced sense of comfort, style, and place. Rooms blend contemporary sophistication with references to Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty and craftsmanship, incorporating warm wood tones and richly textured teak and lava stone materials inspired by local artisanal traditions. Fully equipped kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and private lanais extend the living experience outdoors, providing views of the Pacific Ocean or Fort DeRussy Park.
Three dining concepts introduce a contemporary approach to the resort’s culinary programming. Executive Chef Yoshi Ohata, with 20 years of experience and a focus on Pacific Rim cuisine, shapes each venue’s identity. The Kini Room, the resort’s 86-seat signature restaurant, offers a dining experience inspired by modern Hawaiʻi and global culinary traditions. Muse Lounge serves as an intimate cocktail bar in the redesigned lobby, functioning as the resort’s social hub. Bloom Cafe & Restaurant, the breakfast destination, provides a garden-inspired setting overlooking Waikīkī.
“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,” says Dino Michael, Senior Vice President & Category Head, Luxury Brands, Hilton. He adds that the experience at Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach reflects the personal service LXR is known for, combined with the spirit of Aloha. Michael states the new design refines this experience, offering visitors new ways to discover the islands.
Jason Grosfeld, Chairman and CEO, Irongate Group, the real estate firm behind the property, notes that contemporary travel focuses on how a location makes a guest feel. He suggests that guests seek resorts where service feels authentic and experiences are rooted in the destination's character. Grosfeld indicates that Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach was designed to offer a modern interpretation of Hawaiian hospitality, authentic and immersed in its location.
The opening provides a new option for stays in Waikīkī, focusing on design, local art, and varied dining.
Source
Sleeper — reported 21 July 2026. Read by the Amorielli news desk.
