Hotels and Resorts
In a move to distinguish itself from other hotels and resorts, Oahu continues to grow, renovate and upgrade to provide service and quality that continues to make Oahu a world-class destination.
- The Doubletree Alana Hotel is underway with renovations on four floors, which will receive all new carpeting, wall covering "Sweet Dream" bedding, workstations and chairs, new 25-inch TVs, high-speed Internet connectivity and more.
- Hilton Hawaiian Village have plans underway in 2004 to make improvements to existing rooms, including new high speed Internet access, new 27-inch TV’s with wireless keyboards for Web TV and the new "Suite Dreams" beds. Also being installed are all-new soft goods, including carpets, drapery, bedding and upholstery. In addition, the Tapa Pool (one of five pools at the resort) will be refinished with beautiful ceramic tiles.
- The Kuhio Avenue Improvements project, running from Kalakaua to Kapahulu Avenue, began construction in November 2003. The project is a combination of recommendations made from some community organizations that will improve pedestrian and transit environment on Kuhio Avenue. The project will be completed in December 2004.
- Outrigger Waikiki completed its last remaining 105 guest rooms in November 2003, marking the culmination of a comprehensive room renovation project, which began in September 2002.
- Outrigger Enterprises plans to redevelop 7.9 acres in the Lewers-Kalia area with Phase One of a $300 million multi-year project called Waikiki Beach Walk with work to begin in Spring 2004.
- The Royal Hawaiian began a $10 million renovation to 166 guest rooms, 16 corridors, elevators, lobby and breezeway in the Tower Wing in March 2003, which is slated to open February 2004.
- Sheraton Moana Surfrider began in June 2003 its 18-month extensive rejuvenation project for all 386 guest rooms and 44 suites in the hotel’s tower wing.
- Waikiki Terrace Hotel will undergo an $11 million renovation and be converted into upscale condominium units to be managed by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts. The property will be officially rebranded the Outrigger Luana Waikiki in April 2004 once only newly renovated suites are available and public areas completed.
Restaurants and Cuisine
Oahu not only offers natural tranquility and spectacular ocean views, but exciting dining experiences as well.
- The Cheesecake Factory opened its first Hawaii store in December 2003 in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. The restaurant has been doing very well with visitors and locals alike.
- Gyu-kaku opened its Lewers Street doors in September 2003, offering diners to partake in the ultimate charcoal yakiniku dining experience.
- Jackie’s Kitchen, a Jackie Chan restaurant, opened in December 2003 at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. There are more than 40 Jackie’s Kitchen restaurants throughout Asia, but this is the first to open in the U.S.
- Kua Aina Sandwich Shop recently opened at a new location in Haleiwa. The popular North Shore eatery is relocating next to Wyland Galleries and will have an 800-square-feet lanai area for seating. Opened 20 years ago, the Haleiwa location was the first of 11 Kua Aina Sandwich Shop restaurants to open in Hawaii, Japan and California.
- Longhi’s, an Italian favorite from Maui, opened its third restaurant at Ala Moana Shopping Center, and features scrumptious steaks, seafood and Mediterranean cuisine in a café bistro setting.
- "ONE," a variety show filled with juggling, music, mystifying illusions and a Polynesian revue, opens at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on November 10. The show features Greg Gabaylo, "Hawaii’s fastest juggler," and Billie Takaki, Miss Hawaii 2000. The dinner show will be performed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Leahi Showroom from 6 - 8 p.m.
- Turtle Bay Resort opened its recently redesigned signature restaurant, 21 Degrees North, new fine cuisine by Chef Manion-Copley, on July 24, 2003. Beachside, is The Sand Bar, where kabobs are the theme of dinner and The Palm Terrace which features rich aromas of pizzas, calzones and pepper crusted steaks.
