HONOLULU
The Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel completed a $35 million renovation. Located on Kapi‘olani Park, the property’s unique location—where Diamond Head meets Waikiki—speaks to all that Hawaii offers, situated steps from the surf breaks of Waikiki Beach and the bustling shopping and nightlife of Waikiki.
Built in the mid-1960s during Waikiki's Golden Age as one of Honolulu's grand full-service hotels, the Queen Kapi‘olani’s reimagining embraces its heritage with a retro-chic aesthetic while incorporating modern enhancements that meet the needs of today's travelers. At 19 stories, the hotel offers 315 guest rooms, a large open-air lobby that fronts Kapi‘olani Park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an 8,000-square-foot third-floor lanai (outdoor deck) and pool.
This unique space—endearingly referred to as the hotel’s outdoor living room—features a new restaurant, bar and lounge, and a pool. Perfect for sunbathing, taking in the sunset with a cocktail in hand, or snapping a family photo with Diamond Head as the back drop, the third-floor lanai offers stunning panoramic views of the surf break at Waikiki Beach, the lush green lands of Kapi‘olani Park, and Diamond Head.
"We are thrilled to restore the Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel to its former glory, and to share this authentic Waikiki experience with new and returning visitors,” said Jeff Perkins, general manager of the Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel. “Through our new rooms, renovated lobby and pool deck, and exceptional dining experiences, the Queen Kapi‘olani will reclaim its renowned place in the hearts of both locals and global travelers.”
The Queen Kapi‘olani’s rooms offer unparalleled views of Diamond Head as well as stunning ocean views. Transformed into comforting retreats, the refreshed guestrooms incorporate coastal color palettes, modern amenities, large new windows, and individual lanais. The furniture, hand-selected by renown local design firm Philpotts Interiors, also aligns with the hotel's retro-chic vibe.
In addition, the unveiling introduces a new culinary concept, DECK. The Queen Kapi‘olani partnered with Plan Do See to create the fun, yet relaxed restaurant, which serves cuisine inspired by local fresh catch and produce in a sharable style, as well as an array of craft cocktails.
The perfect destination for conferences, weddings, and groups of all types, the hotel offers The Le‘ahi Room, Le‘ahi Lanai, and Le‘ahi pre-function spaces, which together provide over 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space capturing the same aloha sensibilities.
Designed as an extension of the surrounding upscale neighborhoods of Waikiki's Gold Coast, Kaimuki and Kahala, the hotel's open-air lobby provides a place for locals and guests to relax. The lobby also features several retail outlets including Knots Coffee Roasters., offering a fun fusion of coffee by day and wines and small-batch local beers by evening. Top quality surfboard storage for those seeking a convenient and safe place to keep their equipment before their next visit to the beach is also available.
Finally, in keeping with the Queen Kapi‘olani’s community-oriented legacy, popular local artists were commissioned to create exclusive pieces that accent the lobby and common areas.
New Programming
Along with the property’s grand relaunch, Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel is introducting an all-new lineup of lifestyle programming.
“The Queen Kapi’olani Hotel has always been a landmark of the Waikiki community and a gathering place for guests and locals alike,” said Perkins. “As we begin the next chapter of the hotel’s legacy, our programming honor s our local culture and shares the fun, Hawaiian lifestyle with our guests.”
Hosted by local taste makers, the new, specially curated events and activities include engaging fitness and wellness classes, crafting workshops, food and beverage experiences, as well happy hours, live music, and more. These unique events, activities, and classes are now available to book on the hotel’s website, with discounts for hotel guests.
Become a Fitness Guru
Those looking to embrace wellness on their trip can get their heart rate up with Waikiki Running Tours, where hosts Hawaii Running Project show guests the best running routes around Waikiki, and Hot Hula Fitness Classes, a fun cardio twist on Hawaiian hula. For a lower impact workout, Rise & Shine Yoga offers a gentle hatha flow at the property’s beautiful outdoor oceanside venue hosted by Yogaloha Hawaii.
Find Your Inner Foodie
Food and beverage enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Waikiki’s local flavors with Hawaiian Coffee Tasting 101. When it’s time for happy hour, guests can learn how to make The Queen Kapi’olani Hotel’s signature cocktails from master mixologists, partake in daily food and drink specials at Knots Café, enjoy Brunch all weekend long as well as Brunch and Haku every Sunday poolside at DECK.
Local Live Music
Guests and locals may also enjoy live music every day at sunset at the Hotel’s outdoor living room featuring notable local artists such as Tavana, Jeffery James, Kuhio Travis and Lucky Kids.
Embrace Hawaiian Culture
Those looking to learn more about Hawaiian culture can participate in Hula Dance Lessons, join a Haku Lei Making Workshop with master lei maker Meleana Estes, or take part in a DIY Wellness Workshop where locally based Aloha Apothecary helps guests create homemade wellness beauty products.
Learn to Surf
Surfers amateur or advanced can take advantage of the hotel’s full-service surf shop with offerings such as high-quality equipment rentals, as well as introductory group lessons from trained instructors. Join a Daily Surf Lesson Demonstrations or the Friday Pau Hana Surf Club, an end-of-the-week surf session with people of all skill levels, followed by happy hour beers at Knots Café.
