The rejuvenation project will dramatically upgrade the guest rooms and public areas of the tower wing, while maintaining the historical and Hawaiian elegance of the hotel. The improvements will include the replacement of all of the interior furnishings, artwork and carpeting with new Hawaiian designs and patterns blended with contemporary features.
Jim Motonaga, project designer with ADI Design Group, was tapped to create the new look for the tower. "I wanted to play off the history and nostalgia of the Moana, yet offer a contemporary feel," said Motonaga. "Our goal was to create a 'serene sense of place' from the moment you step out of the elevator, that continues as you enter your room."
The rejuvenation experience will begin with extensive improvements to the elevator lobby and corridors. The new carpet design will feature "ulu" or breadfruit with a maile leaf background. The maile pattern will also be present in the framed mirror fronting each elevator lobby. Additional details that will give the corridors a more inviting and residential feel, will be new light fixtures, coordinating wall scones and graceful resting chairs.
To meet the needs of the growing family market, the number of connecting-rooms will be increased by adding some connecting doors.
To maintain the Hawaiian elegance of the guest rooms, the carpeting, drapes and bedspreads will feature soft tones of beige, white, ecru and brown. The quilted bedspreads will have a banana leaf pattern. The dark, rich texture of coconut shells will be featured in the headboards, dressers and refrigerator cabinets. The richly textured wall coverings will surround the entire room along with a new crown molding. Covering the walls will be new artwork featuring a series of colorized black and white photographs of Hawaiian flowers, including gardenia, white ginger and hibiscus. Lamps with bamboo textures will also enhance the Hawaiian-feel of the rooms.
Another major component of the project will be the upgrade of the bathrooms, to include new tile flooring, new lavatory and granite counters, new bath accessories and the modification of the bathrooms to create a more spacious feel.
"We are extremely pleased with the new décor of the rooms," said Fred Orr, managing director of the hotel. "The contemporary Hawaiian look is in line with the Hawaiian experience that our guests are looking for when they stay with us."
