Waikīkī Hotel Rebrands as Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach
Only the name of this Oʻahu hotel—Trump International Hotel Waikīkī—has changed.
Earlier this year the new Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach reopened after LXR Hotels & Resorts rebranded it from the Trump International Hotel Waikīkī.
But that’s all that’s really changed, at least for now.
The 38-story, 462-room hotel near Fort DeRussy Park marks the Hilton luxury brand’s first Oʻahu property. (The hotel itself is owned by Irongate and managed by LXR Hotels & Resorts.) Starting in 2025, the property, which originally opened in 2009, will undergo extensive renovations to reflect the new high-end vibe. It will be the first time the property will be renovated since it opened.
The name of the former president has been replaced with Ka Laʻi, which references the feeling of calm, serenity and tranquilty.
Rendering of the 6th floor lobby.
Photo: Courtesy of Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach
What sets this property apart from others in Waikīkī is the residential-style guest rooms and suites with gourmet kitchens and washer/dryers—truly a home-away-from-home feel.
In addition, the hotel boasts a state-of-the-art wellness facility, a 24-hour fitness center, an infinity pool and sun deck, and two signature restaurants. While it’s not located directly on the beach, Ka Laʻi is just a block away from it and on the less-crowded end of Waikīkī.
Next year the hotel will begin phased renovation led by the award-winning Bryan O’Sullivan Studio; it’s expected to last several months. Upgrades will be made to the guest rooms, suites, lobbies, pool areas, spa and landscaping.
In addition, the two current on-site restaurants will be reimagined, and a new third restaurant added.
Lunch at Waiʻolu Ocean Cuisine.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Right now the open-air Waiʻolu Ocean Cuisine remains open, with great sunset views and front-row seats to the Friday night fireworks from nearby Hilton Hawaiian Village. The menu boasts locally sourced seafood like locally caught ʻono (wahoo), Big Island abalone and Kauaʻi shrimp, in addition to innovative sushi rolls and small, shareable plates.
In-Yo Café continues to serve breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m., with savory egg dishes, fresh fruits, local coffees and pastries. Poolside dining and in-suite dining with a gourmet meal prepared by a private chef are also available.
Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, 223 Saratoga Road, Honolulu, (808) 683-7777, hilton.com/en/hotels/hnlwiol-ka-lai-waikiki-beach
