Inside Hawaiʻi’s Newest Luxury Icon: Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts Enters a New Era

Following a design-driven $100 million reimagining, Hilton's first LXR Hotels & Resorts property in Hawaiʻi debuts with a refined expression of luxury in Oʻahu

• Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts following a $100 million transformation, marking the first LXR property in Hawaiʻi.
• Reimagined as a luxury resort inspired by Hawaiʻi's culture, natural beauty and spirit of aloha.
• Features redesigned public spaces, 238 residential-style studios and suites, refreshed spa and curated Hawaiian artwork.
• Introduces three new dining concepts led by Executive Chef Yoshi Ohata: Kini Room, Muse Lounge and Bloom Cafe & Restaurant.
• Launches with a limited-time "Discover Luxury" package that includes a $1,000 resort credit.

Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi - Today, Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts, the brand's first property in Hawaiʻi, debuts following a thoughtful $100 million reimagining, marking a new chapter for this landmark destination along the Honolulu coastline.

More than a redesign, the transformation elevates Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach into a fully realized resort destination defined by a profound sense of place. From the arrival experience and vibrant social spaces to reimagined accommodations and culinary offerings, every touchpoint has been thoughtfully crafted to weave together contemporary luxury, the spirit of Waikīkī, and the natural beauty and cultural legacy of Hawaiʻi.

"Hawaiʻi has long held a special place in Hilton's story, and with Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, this transformation marks an exciting evolution for both the LXR portfolio and Hilton Luxury globally," said Dino Michael, senior vice president & category head, luxury brands, Hilton. "The experience guests have at Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach truly exemplifies the bespoke, personal service LXR is known for, paired with the spirit of Aloha. This new design further elevates that world-class experience, giving travelers new ways to discover the very best of the islands."

Led by internationally acclaimed Bryan O'Sullivan Studio, with architectural support from Guerin Glass Architects, the redesign introduces a layered material palette, bespoke furnishings, and curated artwork inspired by the elemental landscape of Hawaiʻi.

"Elevated travel today is about how a place makes you feel," said Jason Grosfeld, chairman and CEO, Irongate Group, the lifestyle-focused real estate firm behind a portfolio of design-driven destinations across Hawaiʻi, California, Colorado and Mexico, including Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach. "When it comes to hospitality, today's discerning traveler is looking for more than just sophistication. They are seeking resorts where service feels authentic and experiences are rooted in the true character of the destination. With Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, we set out to create a modern expression of Hawaiian luxury that is authentic, immersive, and distinctly of its place."

Design Reimagined and Rooted in Place

Spanning public spaces, guest rooms, amenity floors, and outdoor areas, the redesign creates a cohesive guest journey rooted in Hawaiian culture and craftsmanship while preserving the property's original footprint.

Natural materials-including wood, lava stone, marble, and woven textures define the aesthetic, complemented by custom lighting and a curated art collection that celebrates the island's cultural landscape. Featuring works by Marco Rountree, Christine Skaggs, and Big Island ceramic artist Suzanne Wang, the collection is anchored by Wang's sculptural installation Kūkulu Ola, which explores the elemental forces that connect all living things.

Enhancements also include a refreshed Spa Ka Laʻi, featuring treatments rooted in traditional Hawaiian wellness practices and locally inspired ingredients, along with revitalized outdoor spaces that thoughtfully integrate sustainability through alternative materials and the preservation of original design elements.

Refined Suites and Residential Accommodations

The reimagined property features spacious guest rooms alongside a distinctive collection of 238 residential-style studios and suites, each designed to deliver an elevated sense of comfort, style, and place.

Accommodations blend contemporary sophistication with subtle references to the natural beauty and craftsmanship of Hawaiʻi, incorporating warm wood tones and richly textured teak and lava stone materials inspired by local artisanal traditions. Fully equipped kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and private lanais that extend the living experience outdoors, offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean or Fort DeRussy Park.

A New Era of Culinary Experiences

Three distinct dining concepts introduce a fresh contemporary approach to the resort's culinary programming, led by Executive Chef Yoshi Ohata, whose 20 years of experience and passion for Pacific Rim cuisine shape each venue's unique identity.

The Kini Room, the resort's 86-seat signature restaurant, offers a refined dining experience inspired by modern Hawaiʻi and global culinary traditions. The menu showcases coastal and Pacific Rim influences through inventive dishes such as Kagoshima A5 Wagyu Sushi with torched nigiri, kabayaki, and beet-infused Hawaiian salt; Slow braised Lemongrass Lamb Shank with broccolini, pickled chilis, and sweet soy glaze; and Kini Kini Pie featuring Kona coffee, ube, vanilla ice creams, candied macadamia nuts, salted caramel, chocolate sauce, and butter cracker crust.

Muse Lounge, an intimate cocktail bar in the redesigned lobby, serves as the resort's social hub, featuring elevated cocktails inspired by classic Hawaiian recipes. Signature drinks include Ilikea's Maitai with canton ginger liqueur, kaffir lime, and caramelized pineapple puree, and the Ka Laʻi Old Fashioned featuring single-barrel rum, chocolate bitters and orange peel. Beverages are paired with shareable bites that highlight local flavors and ingredients, as well as elevated options such as fresh oysters and caviar service.

Bloom Cafe & Restaurant, the resort's breakfast destination, offers a garden-inspired setting overlooking Waikīkī. The menu celebrates O'ahu's abundance of fresh ingredients with original and creative breakfast dishes, tropical offerings, fresh juices, and local specialties including Guava Cream Cheese Waffles with brûléed banana and Hawaiian honey; Mochi Pancakes with yuzu custard and berries; Miso Catch of the Day with pickled vegetables and soy-marinated egg; and vibrant poke bowls.

"Returning guests will recognize the sense of calm that has always defined Ka Laʻi, along with the warmth and generosity our team brings to every interaction," said Scott Ingwers, managing director, Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach. "For new visitors, this transformation introduces a more contemporary expression of Hawaiian hospitality, where thoughtfully designed spaces and vibrant gathering places complement the personalized services that have always been at the heart of who we are."

To celebrate the debut, the resort invites guests to book the limited time "Discover Luxury" package, which includes a $1,000 resort credit to experience the property's new offerings.

Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach is located at 223 Saratoga Road, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. For more information or to make a reservation, visit hilton.com.

Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach marks the arrival of LXR Hotels & Resorts to Hawaiʻi, and the brand's first landmark property in the Aloha State. The iconic resort, perched above Fort DeRussy Park at the heart of Honolulu with sweeping postcard views of Waikīkī Beach and Diamond Head, reopens its doors in July 2026 following a $100 million property-wide transformation led by internationally acclaimed Bryan O'Sullivan Studio. The 238-key property offers spacious residential-scale studios and suites, all thoughtfully upgraded with refined finishes, fully-equipped kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Located within easy reach of Waikīkī while ensconcing guests away from its hustle and bustle, the resort includes three new dining venues - The Kini Room, Bloom Cafe and Restaurant, and Muse Lounge - as well as a recently-renovated spa and tranquil infinity pool overlooking the palm-fringed beaches of Waikīkī.

With operations in California, Colorado, Hawaiʻi, and Mexico, Irongate Group is a lifestyle-driven real estate firm that reinvents what's possible for those who have experienced it all. With a focus on one-of-a-kind destinations, the company uses development, curation, and creativity to craft moments of awe - a feeling that stays with homeowners, guests, visitors, team members, and investors alike. For more information, visit www.irongp.com.