With the next generation of Hawaii travellers in mind, Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club, a Waikiki favourite for more than 25 years, has begun an extensive US$55.4 million redevelopment and repositioning.
Aimed for completion in spring 2017, the property will emerge as a brand new hotel with a brand new name: Prince Waikiki. All of its new design and rebranding elements will share the story of its Waikiki location history and heritage as a prominent gathering place. The refurbishment marks the hotel’s first major remodel since its grand opening on April 20, 1990.
Situated at the gateway to Waikiki overlooking the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, Prince Waikiki is a choice location at the epicentre of four of Oahu’s popular neighbourhoods: downtown/Chinatown Honolulu, Kakaako, Ala Moana and world-famous Waikiki.
Such a central location allows guests to explore everything modern Honolulu offers, from the world-class beaches and shopping of Waikiki and Ala Moana, to all the multicultural and multifaceted food and restaurant neighbourhoods residents love, to rainforest and waterfall hiking trail escapes bordering the city.
The property will heighten its guest experience with 563 transformed oceanfront guest rooms and suites, all-new dining options, a modernized lobby with elevated personalized services, a new infinity pool and enhanced meeting space. Hawaii-based G70 (formerly Group 70 International) is the project’s lead architect. Los Angeles-based Creative Resource Associates (CRA) Design will focus on interior design.
“We’re innovating the overall resort experience to meet the needs and expectations of today’s traveller by creating a sanctuary within Waikiki that focuses on setting a higher standard for guest services with an eye on quality,” said hotel general manager, Chuck Abbot. “Our remodeled guest rooms with floor-to-celling panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean will emphasize relaxation with their natural colour scheme, décor, furniture and appointments.”
With a focus on upgrading services, Prince Waikiki will offer an all-new experience with thoughtful design touches and new amenities. Guests will immediately feel a Hawaii sense of place at the hotel and discover the rich history of its location.
“In working with our design team and identifying our Hawaiian heritage we decided to focus on key elements that would really elevate our sense of place and bring our story to life throughout the resort,” said Donn Takahashi, president, Prince Resorts Hawaii. “They are the muliwai, or abundant, thriving esturary; the Piʻinaio, a convergence of three fresh water streams from the mountains; the naio flower, which is an indigenous restorative plant; the hinana, which is a nourishing juvenile fish; and limu ʻeleʻeie which is a rejuvenating seaweed.”
Takahashi added, “History tells us that each of these natural elements flourished in the abundance of the meeting of the waters at this site in ancient times. Honouring our guiding value of lokomaikaʻi (good will) in this process, it is our responsibility to share this story with our guests as stewards of this precious site.”
As the hotel repositions itself as a sanctuary in Waikiki, becoming more intimate in scale and offering exceptional services, guests will also discover a connection to the area’s history and find artful touches throughout the property. These include a newly commissioned art sculpture designed by acclaimed local artist Kaili Chun.
Coinciding with the renovation project, Prince Waikiki is excited to announce new partnerships with KatsuMidori Sushi Tokyo, Watabe Wedding Corporation and Honolulu Coffee. For more visit hawaiiprincehotel.com/evolution.
