Queen Kapiolani Hotel to begin $30M renovation this summer
“The 315-room Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki will begin a $30 million renovation plan this month that will include exterior and interior changes, an updated pool deck and lanai, and a new restaurant.
The project, to be led by Honolulu architecture firm G70, was announced Monday by hotel owner DiamondHead Land. The hotel will remain open throughout the renovations, which are expected to be completed by next spring.
John Hardy Group is serving as the construction manager for the project, while Philpotts Interiors is the lead designer. Kokua Hospitality will continue to manage the Waikiki property.
“The new Queen Kapiolani Hotel will celebrate what makes the property so special to kamaaina and to visitors, while making long-overdue improvements,” Pat Fitzgerald, partner at DiamondHead Land, said in a statement. “We’re infusing new life — and new capital — to create jobs and revitalize this beloved hotel.”
According to the hotel, the renovations will create 100 construction jobs.
All public spaces and guest rooms will be renovated, though the hotel’s street front will remain the same. The reception desk will be moved closer to the porte cochere, the lobby will receive new finishes and retail offerings, and the escalators will be removed and replaced with lighting sculptures by New Zealand artist David Trubridge.
The guest rooms will include new furniture and décor with modern beach themes.
The lanai will be extended to include a grab-and-go retail space that will serve coffee, beer and wine, while the third floor of the hotel will include a pool, a new restaurant led by international group Plan Do See, and private dining banquet rooms that will seat 300 guests.
“This Waikiki landmark will be rejuvenated with new energy and a midcentury modern aloha spirit will greet guests and welcome friends and families that come to enjoy the pool and other spectacular refreshed amenities,” Jeff Perkins, general manager at Queen Kapiolani Hotel, said in a statement.”
