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Prince Waikiki finalizes expansive $55.4 million transformation

A spectacular sunrise is a common sight to behold from Prince Waikiki’s two towers. -- Prince Waikiki photo

Perfectly positioned at the heart of Honolulu’s vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of Ala Moana and Waikiki near Chinatown and Kaka’ako, the newly renamed Prince Waikiki recently finished a hotel-wide $55.4 million transformation and thoughtful redesign of its lobby, its 563 floor-to-ceiling ocean-view guest rooms and suites, dining outlets, outdoor infinity pool area and meeting spaces.

“We’re thrilled to unveil an all-new experience that truly meets the needs and expectations of today’s traveler,” said hotel General Manager Chuck Abbott.

Inspired Design

All of the hotel’s thoughtful design and rebranding was done by lead architect G70 and executed by Creative Resource Associates Design along with Wall-to-Wall Studios. It aims to perpetuate a sense of place by sharing the story of its Waikiki location’s intriguing history and heritage as a prime gathering place.

In bringing its story to life, the hotel chose elements that once flourished at the site: The muliwai, or thriving estuary; the piinaio, a convergence of three freshwater streams; the naio flower, an indigenous restorative plant; the hinana, a nourishing fish; and limu eleele rejuvenating seaweed — all symbolic elements that are the foundation for the redesign and rebrand.

The newly renovated suites overlook Ala Wai Harbor -- Prince Waikiki photo

Culinary Offerings

The hotel’s signature 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar is being led by Chef de Cuisine Joseph Almoguera. It offers incredible views of Ala Wai Harbor and the ocean beyond as well as breathtaking front row seats to spectacular sunsets. Guests can enjoy innovative fresh island cuisine prepared at the buffets, order a la carte options and from the small bites menu. To drink, creative craft cocktails are offered along with beers and wines on tap. Signature menu items currently include crispy garlic soy chicken, poke tempura, uni carbonara and duck lumpia.

100 Sails Restaurant & Bar is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner beginning at 6 a.m. Live entertainment runs Thursday to Saturday and the amazing happy hour specials are offered daily.

First opening in Meguro, Japan in April 2002, Katsu Midori Inc. is famous for offering fresh, high-quality sushi at affordable prices and regularly attracts a queue of hungry patrons outside its Tokyo location.

Prince Waikiki’s Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo offers guests the same fresh, affordable sushi experience harmonizing the flavors of Japan with local Hawaiian ingredients from sushi rolls to udon. Open from Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.

The ocean beyond (far left) and 100 Sails Restaurant boasts a new bar. -- Prince Waikiki photo

At Prince Waikiki’s new poolside Hinana Bar, guests can sip refreshing beverages, cocktails, beer and wines and select from a menu of casual dining fare while also listening to live sunset entertainment every last Friday of the month. The bar is open daily.

Rounding out the hotel’s new dining options is Honolulu Coffee Company, offering a complete coffee experience in in Prince Waikiki’s revamped lobby. Its philosophy of farm-to-cup is deeply rooted in the coffee it roasts and the food it prepares. Offering a variety of pastries, desserts and savory items, the cafe is open daily from 5 a.m.

Art Collection

Prince Waikiki is home to the area’s largest contemporary art collection by Hawaii artists including original paintings by Solomon Enos and sculptures by John Koga and Kaili Chun.

One of the most impressive pieces in the collection is the signature art piece suspended in the lobby, designed by Kaili Chun and named Hulali i ka la, meaning “glistening in the sun.” This exhibit is significant and symbolic of the hotel’s new identity with over 800 pieces of shimmering copper represented.

Guest Rooms

All 563 ocean-front guest rooms, including 33 luxurious one- and two-bedroom suites showcase floor-to-ceiling glass windows and afford each guest a breathtaking view of the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, Waikiki, the coastline and the horizon beyond. With windows that open to tropical breezes, guests have the option to transform their room into their own private lanai. The new decor and interior design gives nod to the hotel’s historical sense of place: the carpet reflects sand dunes that were once formed by the estuary.

Spacious bathrooms include updated fixtures, contemporary washlets and specialized bath amenities.

Prince Waikiki Club

For the most discerning guests, the hotel offers Prince Waikiki Club Rooms for those wanting to enjoy spacious, modernized guest rooms, located on the highest floors, with enhanced amenities and personalized services such as private access to the poolside club lounge with indoor and outdoor oceanfront seating; breakfast, afternoon snacks and evening pupu and beverages, along with a personalized concierge service and private club lounge check-in as well as check-out.

Outdoor Spaces

The new infinity pool and whirlpool provide the perfect oasis to escape and immerse in sweeping ocean views and mesmerizing sunsets.

For a private getaway, you may book an intimate luxury cabanas overlooking the harbor and Pacific available for half or full days of leisure.

The Muliwai deck, adjacent to the infinity pool and Prince Waikiki Club Lounge on the fifth floor, offers groups a fun outdoor venue with 2,000 square feet to entertain, gather and take in endless ocean and harbor views.

Located at 100 Holomoana St., Prince Waikiki offers free shuttles to Ala Moana shopping center and Waikiki.

For more information or reservations, call the toll-free number at (866) 774-6236, or visit the website at www.PrinceResortsHawaii.com.

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