HONOLULU, Hawaii (December 18, 2017) – Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach today announces its official debut after an extensive $115 million transformation of the former Pacific Beach Hotel. Introducing an alluring "aloha-chic" factor as Hawaii's sophisticated new modern resort in the heart of Waikiki, Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach offers a stylish new way to stay and play in Hawaii's most iconic city beachfront that is transforming with unprecedented new cultural, culinary and shopping offerings.
Alohilani Resort features star-studded collaborators including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, acclaimed New York architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, which designed the resort's lobby, restaurant, amenities, pool deck, guestrooms and suites; and architectural firms WATG and Pacific Asia Design Group. The 839-room modern resort features five new culinary concepts – with the two Morimoto restaurants coming soon – and a destination pool deck along with authentic design touches inspired by Oahu's lush landscape and rich cultural heritage. Residing on land held by the Queen Lili'uokalani Trust, the property's new name of Alohilani – Hawaiian for "the heavenly brightness" – was carefully chosen to honor Hawaii's last reigning monarch.
"We are thrilled to welcome guests and the community to our brand new resort that celebrates the enduring spirit of Oahu," said Rob Robinson, general manager. "The debut of Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach underscores the exciting growth and development in Waikiki Beach, and our elevated resort experience will further its status as a sought-after destination to visit now."
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach Highlights Rockwell Group's design concept was inspired by Honolulu's culture and the island's lush landscape to create a tranquil oasis in the midst of a bustling city. Influenced by Kuhio Beach, the boundaries between indoor and outdoor were blurred to connect guests to the ocean.
LOBBY AND OCEANARIUM
A grand porte-cochere entrance greets guests while the sophisticated and modern lobby offers an open floor plan with soaring window walls and lofty ceilings. Lobby features include the O Bar with a re-imagined 280,000-gallon saltwater Oceanarium that is home to more than 1,000 indigenous marine life and replica coral reef formations; new guest services and group arrival spaces; a residential-style business center; and retail boutiques. Pocket gardens bring the island's tropical flora indoors as a vibrant complement to Rockwell Group-designed custom furnishings that include a limestone reception desk, organic live-edge tables and show stopping light fixtures that invoke a refined island aesthetic. A stunning coral wall sculpture by artist Nina Helms is a focal piece of the reception area, offering a poetic interpretation of the natural coral wonders that lie beneath the ocean's surface.
GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES
The 839 all-new guest rooms and suites offer breathtaking ocean, Diamond Head and city views. An airy, guest room experience is inspired by Oahu's serene landscape and pairs rich natural materials with sensory photographs and a soothing palette of whites and beiges accented by pops of blues and greens. The resort also offers six one-bedroom guest suites with sophisticated living rooms, dining nook and wet bar plus an elegant bathroom with dual vanities, wet room with rain shower and soaking tub. All guest rooms and suites also feature Malie Organics' Koke'e scented bath products.
DINING
Anchored by the three-story oceanarium featuring tropical marine life, O Bar is the resort's social gathering place that offers ocean-inspired craft cocktails, local beers, a global wine list and local-infused small plates. Lychee serves an abundant daily breakfast buffet of beloved native dishes and seasonal favorites along with Hawaii-grown produce. Swell Bar at the destination pool deck serves tropical cocktails and an all-day menu featuring Oahu favorites including poke and Kalua pork.
Morimoto Asia Waikiki, which opens in early 2018, will serve as the signature restaurant featuring Chef Masaharu Morimoto's world-renowned cuisine that seamlessly integrates Western and traditional Asian ingredients with unmatched creativity and innovation. This indoor-outdoor dining destination will look out toward the ocean and feature a glass-encased exhibition kitchen, a dynamic bar and sleek outdoor lanais while the cuisine will range from freshly-carved Peking duck to dim sum and traditional wok fry dishes.
For a fun and casual dining experience at street level with indoor and outdoor dining options, Momosan Waikiki, which also opens in early 2018, will put noodles front and center and feature signature Morimoto sake and beer selections. This breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant will serve playful small plates and appetizers including pork gyoza, crispy mimiga (Japanese fried pig ears) and Chef Morimoto's unique take on Oahu-favorite garlic shrimp as well as innovative salads, classic izakaya-style rice dishes, yakitori and flavor-forward ramen dishes.
DESTINATION POOL DECK
A new see-and-be-seen destination pool deck on the fifth floor overlooking Waikiki Beach features a saltwater infinity pool along with chic social and relaxation spaces. The pool experience also includes Swell Bar, five cabanas perched atop a reflecting pool, tiered day beds and custom teak furniture, driftwood sculptures, lanterns and fire pits. Family guests can enjoy a separate, adjacent family pool.
FITNESS CENTER AND SPA
Alohilani Resort is home to Island Club and Spa, a luxury fitness and spa brand that features a state-of-the-art fitness center on the third floor overlooking the saltwater oceanarium. Additional key amenities include a movement studio for daily classes including aquatic Vinyasa yoga classes and Fitness on Demand virtual classes; two full-size tennis courts and a training turf, which are unique features for a city hotel in Waikiki Beach; and three spa treatment rooms including a couple's room for massages, body treatments and facials.
GUEST PROGRAMMING AND AMENITIES
Alohilani Resort offers culture-based learning adventures and educational programming inspired by the nearby ocean waters and Hawaii's rich heritage with an emphasis on Queen Lili‛uokalani. Families with children ages 5 to 12 years old can enjoy The Monkey Pod Kid's Club, a kid's club rooted in aloha spirit that features thoughtful cultural and fun outdoor activities. The resort is also home to sought-after shopping courtesy of both local and internationally acclaimed brands.
MEETING AND EVENT SPACE
Groups, gatherings and celebrations of all sizes and types can enjoy access to nearly 20,000 square feet of redeveloped meeting and event space across a variety of indoor and outdoor options. From social events and weddings to meetings, retreats and conferences, the resort offers new and enhanced spaces from more than 1,500 square feet to nearly 12,000 square feet.
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is managed by Highgate, a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company whose portfolio includes more than 100 properties in gateway cities worldwide.
