Oahu
- Royal Hawaiian Hotel (808.923.7311; www.royal-hawaiian.com), also known as the “Pink Palace,” closed June 1 for renovations and is slated to reopen in January 2009. A comprehensive series of upgrades is designed to redefine the property as a premier luxury hotel. The renovation is part of a four-year, $750 million redevelopment of Sheraton’s four Waikiki properties, which also include the Sheraton Waikiki, Moana Surfrider and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani.
- Kahala Hotel & Resort (808.739.8888; www.kahalaresort.com) unveiled the first phase of guest room makeovers to its Tower Wing, which includes new furnishings, carpets and wood floors, plus Italian linens, chenille robes and Floris of London signature bath amenities. Technology upgrades include high-speed Wi-Fi access and 40-inch, flat-screen LCD TVs. The second phase of renovations on the property’s Dolphin Wing will begin this fall.
- Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio (808.922.0811; www.waikikiprincekuhio.com) is undergoing a $65 million property-wide renovation that has included significant upgrades to guest rooms and suites.
- Outrigger Reef on the Beach (800.OUT RIGGER; www.outrigger.com) finished a $120 million makeover, which included remodeled guest rooms and suites and a redesigned swimming pool.
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa (808.923.1234; www.hyattwaikiki.com) upgraded its in-room amenities with additions such as 32-inch, flat-screen LCD TVs, Hyatt Grand beds and new lanai furniture. The StayFit@Hyatt gym also has been doubled in size with the addition of new exercise equipment.
- Aqua Coconut Plaza (866.406.2782; www.aquaresorts.com) completed a $2.6 million upgrade that featured guest room additions such as 40-inch, flat-screen LCD TVs and wireless Internet access.
Kauai
- Princeville Resort (808.826.6680; www.starwood.com/hawaii) will close Sept. 19 to begin a $40 million renovation due to be completed by April 2009. Upon reopening, it will be rebranded as the St. Regis Resort Princeville. The renovation will include upgrades to guest rooms and meeting space, as well as a new lobby and a luxury spa.
- Koa Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach (808.828.8888; www.koakea.com) is slated to open Aug. 29. The 121-room luxury beachfront property will feature an upscale spa featuring treatments utilizing natural and indigenous ingredients, and the Red Salt restaurant, specializing in gourmet cuisine made with local products. The design of the guest rooms and suites will showcase native flowers and sea life, and most guest units will have full or partial ocean views. Although the hotel will not offer meeting facilities, it will be ideally suited to small incentive groups.
- Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (808.742.1234; www.kauai.hyatt.com) recently wrapped up its garden spa expansion. The facility, measuring 45,000 square feet, is now the largest spa on Kauai and the second-largest spa in the state. It is set amid lush gardens, waterfalls and ponds, and provides open-air treatment rooms, outdoor lava rock showers and soaking tubs.