Hotels & Resorts
The island of Oahu has fabulous hotels and resorts for people of all ages and budgets. Oahu's hotels are constantly updating and adding new activities and packages. Everything is designed to make a trip to Oahu unforgettable. Let's check out the Oahu hotels and resorts news for the spring and summer of 2009.
- Castle Resorts & Hotels took over management of the former W Honolulu – Diamond Head on Jan. 9, 2009. The 51-room boutique hotel is now called The Lotus at Diamond Head. The hotel's signature restaurant, The Diamond Head Bar and Grill, will continue to operate as a fine dining restaurant and one of the island's hottest weekend nightspots.
- The Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, which opened to guests and owners on Dec. 20, 2008, celebrated the completion of its new $7 million Paradise Pool in February.
The 5,000-square-foot family activity pool boasts the longest slide in Waikiki and overlooks the resort's landmark Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. It is comprised of a two-tiered heated, freshwater swimming pool bordered by lava rock formations, meandering streams and bridges, and lush, tropical landscaping.
The pool features four slides including a 77-foot lava tube slide, three waterfalls and two heated spas. The Paradise Pool is open to guests of the Grand Waikikian and Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa.
- In December 2008, Halekulani unveiled "The Orchid Suite at Halekulani," a 2,365-square-foot suite set apart from the hotel's main building and offering panoramic views of Waikiki and Diamond Head.
The suite's amenities include an exclusive Sea of Life Wellness Program designed by SpaHalekulani featuring treatments and therapies inspired by the sea, a full-service Sub-Zero Wolf kitchen with interactive cooking experiences by Halekulani chefs, daily market deliveries, a select La Mer menu, and Art in Motion luxury automobile program.
Guests of the Orchid Suite will also be treated to the Premier Collection's complimentary services, including butler service, customized culinary programs, personal concierge and VIP privileges with the hotel's For You Everything, Program offering complimentary access to many of Oahu's best culture and art venues.
- Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio completed a $2 million renovation of its 37th floor that includes a new five-bay concierge lounge overlooking Waikiki Beach and three two-bedroom suites with a personal concierge staff and state-of-the-art GuestLink™ system. The upgrade to the 37th floor was part of a $65 million comprehensive renovation of the property.
- The Kahala Hotel and Resort is celebrating its 45th anniversary with all new rooms, suites and public spaces. Following a $50 million renovation, the resort's guestrooms and suites now take on the resort's signature "Kahala Chic" design, a contemporary look with an open and airy tropical feel reflecting the elegant lifestyle of residential Kahala.
The Presidential Suite has been redone to include an office/conference room with drop-down projection screen and wet bar. Five new Spa Suites have also been added, and includes a men's retreat with a high-end barber's chair and another suite for manicures and pedicures.
- The OHANA Waikiki Beachcomber recently completed an extensive $21 million renovation that included redesigning its 495 guestrooms, lobby and porte cochere. In February, the hotel will welcome Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber, a 22,000-square- foot dining, entertainment and retail venue offering a full menu, cocktails and live entertainment.
The new Honolulu Surfing Museum and Bar will offer cocktails and showcase surfing collectibles and memorabilia. Additional upgrades to the hotel include a new business center and fitness room.
- The Outrigger Reef on the Beach has opened its brand new Pacific Tower, marking the beginning of the final phase of the hotel's $110 million transformation project. The Pacific Tower includes 403 guestrooms and 33 suites with modern amenities, full-sized tubs and made-in-Hawaii bath amenities in every room.
The Outrigger Reef also recently completed its porte cochere and driveway that includes a historic, restored century-old canoe. In Spring 2009, the property will welcome several more shops, a new pool deck, and the Kani Ka Pila Grille, a casual poolside restaurant highlighting Hawaii's rich musical legacy with live performances by legendary island musicians and up-and-coming talent.
- Beginning in mid-2009, ResortQuest Hawaii will rebrand itself under its former name, Aston Hotels & Resorts. The change comes as the Hawaii-based management company celebrates its 61st year in the hospitality industry as one of the state's largest hotel and condominium resort management companies.
The name change is the centerpiece of a complete rebranding campaign that encompasses a new image, including a contemporary logo that embodies the Aston reputation.
- The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort held its grand reopening on March 7, 2009 as a member of Starwood Hotels & Resorts' elite Luxury Collection.
The Royal Hawaiian's multimillion-dollar transformation included a redesign of the reception area and 529 guestrooms to incorporate 21st-century upgrades with classic design elements. The resort features new restaurants, Azure and Surf Lanai, that highlight contemporary Hawaiian cuisine.
The Royal Hawaiian's Abhasa Waikiki Spa also received a refresh as a result of the property-wide enhancements.
- Waikiki Parc's new heated rooftop pool, Parc Blue, recently opened to hotel guests. The urban-chic pool and lounge area features plush chaise and covered lounges and firepits that are lit at night.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, guests of the Waikiki Parc are welcome to Parc Blue for the Cityscape wine mixer hosted by the hotel's manager. At this free event, guests will enjoy Pacific-fusion canapés and Parc Chic wines. On Sundays and Wednesdays, movies are shown at Parc Blue, and free refreshments are provided.
