HONOLULU – September 29, 2021 – Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa today announces the completion of its multi-million-dollar comprehensive transformation that introduces guests to a unique modern resort playground experience. Spanning 5.2 acres and overlooking world-famous Waikiki Beach, the beachfront resort features transformed guestrooms and suites, a modernized open-air Nanea Lobby, Royal Kaila Spa, a dramatic new one-acre Queensbreak pool and amenity deck including two luxurious pools with private cabanas and a spectacular new open-air restaurant and bar concept serving delicious locally influenced cuisine.
“We are excited to welcome guests and locals to our transformed oceanfront resort and extend our genuine Hawaiian hospitality to travelers seeking an authentic island experience in Waikiki, only steps away from the beach,” said Thomas Foti, General Manager of Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. “With our new one-acre open-air Queensbreak pool and amenity deck, as well as shopping, dining, live music and entertainment, and activities, there are so many ways for guests to dine and play throughout our reimagined campus.”
Queensbreak
The centerpiece of the resort-wide renovation is the new Queensbreak pool and amenity deck – a luxurious oasis floating among palm trees overlooking Queens, the most famous surf break on Waikiki. The open-air pool deck offers three distinct spaces – a family area overlooking Waikiki Beach with a pool with chaise lounges and cabanas, kids splash pad, lawn games and fire pits; the Queensbreak open-air restaurant with a stage for live music and entertainment; and a separate adults section with a lively poolside bar, pool with private cabanas, and an oversized hot tub.
Guests will enjoy fun and engaging programming for all ages, emphasizing a connection with the community and Hawaiian culture, from yoga on the deck to live music in the evenings by local artists. The 34 new pool cabanas transition from day to night with special experiences such as a family cabana menu full of amenities just for children and a private candlelit dinner with a curated menu.
Helmed by Executive Chef Nuno Alves, the new Queensbreak restaurant boasts expansive views of Waikiki and breathtaking sunsets, offering fresh, locally inspired dishes and cocktails that support local distilleries and breweries in a lively, energetic setting. Whether it’s poolside bites or a night out under the palm trees listening to music, Queensbreak seamlessly transitions from day to night.
Oceanfront Guestrooms & Suites
Set in two magnificent towers, each of the 1,310 guest rooms including 135 suites have been dramatically and stylishly transformed with modern beach appeal and a true sense of place, conceived by interior design firm CRA Architecture. Suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows and a private open-air balcony (lanai) showcase the island’s natural beauty with views of the turquoise Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains or Diamond Head. Interior designer, Bianca Yih, was inspired by the world-famous white sands, bohemian lifestyle and surf culture of the legendary Waikiki Beach Boys, who welcome guests to Oahu with a spirit of hospitality and aloha. Ship lap-painted wood panels and warm ceruse wood stains throughout the guestroom’s millwork and furniture bring a casual feel of a welcoming Hawaiian home with dimensional sea-inspired art pieces located above the bed that pay homage to Waikiki’s reef. Other subtle nods to Beach Boy lifestyle include coral and turquoise colored accent pillows and rope-woven details, which help create a unique sense of place and time. The newly redesigned guest rooms span up to 489 square feet, some of the largest in Waikiki, and feature refreshed outdoor balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing the ultimate views of Waikiki or the famed Diamond Head.
Public Spaces and New Arrival Experience
Hawaiian artifacts and artwork on display throughout the property pay homage to local Hawaiian culture and the property’s historic location – land that was once the summer home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. Guests can enjoy the open spaces and modern seating of the refreshed Nanea Lobby and admire the crowning touch – a dramatic 60-foot by 20-foot carved wooden artwork, Ka Maka Hinu (The Bright Face), by local artist Kaiwi Nui Yoon. The artwork is intended to reflect the love of Queen Liliuokalani for the people of her kingdom.
Diverse Dining
In addition to the new Queensbreak open-air restaurant and culinary program led by Chef Alves, guests can enjoy four diverse dining concepts located within the resort providing international cuisine only steps away including Italian restaurant Arancino di Mare, d.k. Steak House, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar and Kuhio Beach Grill.
Guests can start their day off with breakfast at Kuhio Beach Grill before they head to Queensbreak. Later they can indulge in the famed dry-aged steaks and amazing wine selection at d.k. Steak House – the first restaurant on Oahu to dry age its steaks in house – and contemporary sushi and innovative fusion seafood at Sansei, thanks to the vision of local legend Dave “DK” Kodama who oversees both award-winning restaurant concepts.
Those in search of authentic award-winning Italian dining can head to Arancino, which means “little orange,” and started with a bucket of orange paint that gave the restaurant its name. Executive Chef Daisuke Hamamoto and the local Inamura family deliver fine Italian cuisine to guests and locals with menu highlights including the popular spaghetti ai ricci di mare with sea urchin (all pastas are house-made) and the owner’s favorite pizza with shrimp, onions, mozzarella, parmesan and garlic chips.
Royal Kaila Spa
The refreshed resort also features the full-service Royal Kaila Spa. Based on traditional Hawaiian methods of healing and beautifying, combined with AVEDA’s concepts, the spa provides relaxing and replenishing treatments using pure flower and plant essences, in a luxurious, relaxing environment.
Meetings & Events
With more than 30,000 square feet of reimagined indoor/outdoor function space, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has plenty of customizable space, including the new Queensbreak pool and amenity deck which can accommodate up to 750 guests for outdoor events and receptions as well 19 event rooms, 16 breakout rooms, and additional event spaces throughout the property. The Kona Moku Ballroom features a stunning blown glass chandelier that defines the sophisticated space with a kaleidoscope of color. Custom lighting, new technology and a lanai overlooking the lobby’s water feature make it an ideal location for meetings and events.
Guest Programming
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa offers amenities included in every guest’s stay to help immerse them in local culture as well as explore the tropical playground surrounding the resort such as learning hula, fresh flower lei making, Lauhala weaving and ribbon lei making; daily fitness, yoga and Pilates classes; and beach chairs available at the Bell Desk. The resort can also arrange beach activities through an exclusive relationship with Waikiki’s legendary Beach Boys, such as private surf lessons, outrigger canoe trips and more.
Centrally located near an array of attractions including Diamond Head Crater, Honolulu Zoo, International Marketplace and Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa offers unrivaled service in a landmark setting.
For more information, please visit www.marriottwaikiki.com.
