Where to Stay in Waikīkī: Ka Laʻi Review

This reporter was hosted by Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts by Hilton for the purposes of this review.

Last month, I was invited to experience the $100 million renovation of Ka Laʻi Waikīkī Beach, Hilton’s new LXR Hotel that replaced the former Trump Tower in February 2024. Although renovations didn’t start until a year later, Trump’s signature gold double T monograms were removed immediately to begin the process of de-Trumping the hotel.

On June 29, Ka Laʻi revealed its full remodel, inspired by Hawaiian culture and craftsmanship. LXR is a growing collection of luxury properties designed to offer guests a curated experience that reflects the character of its locale.

According to Sales Manager Raquel Maminta, return guests love how much brighter the property is overall, compared to its former dark wood surroundings. I loved how intimate the hotel felt. Almost everything you need is conveniently located on one floor while still having plenty of personal space to spread out in the common areas.

The redesign’s color palette and touch points, such as the lava stone, wood paddles and shark’s teeth installation that make up the check-in area, matches a piece of artwork, hanging in the lobby, preserved from the original hotel. The lobby’s cocktail bar, Muse, is named after this piece. There are also works by several local artists including Andrew Mau, Lehuauakea, Michael Cutlip and Big Island ceramic artist Suzanne Wang, whose sculpture Kūkulu Ola, represents the elemental forces that connect all living things.

Quick Facts

• Star rating: 5 stars
• Price range: $650 to $2,940 per night (prices fluctuate with season and rooms)
• Location score: 9.4/10 on Booking.com
• Best for: Visitors on business, couples, solo travelers
• Pros: Location, service and spacious rooms
• Cons: Can get hot in the lobby, restaurant, lobby bar and other common areas during peak sunlight hours.

Location & Getting There

Ka Laʻi is located on the edge of Waikīkī across from Fort DeRussy Beach Park, within short walking distance to Kalākaua Avenue, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, International Marketplace and all of Waikīkī Beach.

Even though it is close to everything, it's enough off-the-beaten path to remain quiet and peaceful during the day and evening.

Transportation options include BIKI (Honolulu's bikeshare program), TheBus, rideshare and Taxi. There is no need for a rental car unless you plan to drive to the North Shore, east side or west side of the island.

Rooms

All of the rooms at Ka La'i are residential-style. You can choose from studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. All are super spacious, well beyond anything I've see elsewhere in Waikīkī.

I stayed in a deluxe ocean view room, which featured a king-sized bed, sofa bed, kitchenette, dining table, living room and lanai. The kitchenette had everything you would need to prepare a meal, including plateware, silverware, glassware, cookware, knives and cooking utensils, blender and Zojirushi rice cooker. There is no oven, but there is a toaster. I brought yogurt to keep in the fridge to make my own breakfast one morning. There was also an espresso/coffee maker with a complimentary selection of coffee and tea. The lanai looked out onto Fort DeRussy Beach Park. We had a perfect view of the sunset from our lanai each evening. There was a table and comfy chairs out there where I enjoyed my morning coffee. The layout was very spacious, even the bathroom had tons of room for two people to use at the same time. Since the hotel just finished the renovation, everything was pristine and new. It felt like living in a studio apartment on the edge of Waikiki, where everything is located across the street, but you're protected from hearing any of it — practically unheard of in this busy neighborhood.

Room options

• Deluxe ocean view room with kitchenette and lanai. ~$805/per night
• Premium 1-bedroom ocean view suite with den, includes full kitchen, lanai and sofa bed. ~$1,515.00++
• Premium 2-bedroom ocean view suite with Den, sofa bed, 3 bathrooms, washer and dryer, deep-soaking tub, vanity, desk, full kitchen with dishwasher and lanai. Can sleep 6-8 guests. ~$2,140.00++
• Premium 3-bedroom ocean front suite includes same as above with larger lanai and dining room table and wine fridge. Can sleep 8-10 guests. ~ $2,940.00++

Room amenities

• Room service
• Daily housekeeping (morning and evening turn-down service)
• Free WIFI
• Fully stocked kitchen
• Deep soaking tubs

Amenities

• Concierge
• 24-hour valet
• Beach towels, umbrellas and chairs — the beach is just a block away!
• Infinity pool — open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• 24-hour fitness center — complete gym, including Pelaton and treadmills
• 24-hour business center with printer, scanner and multiple work stations
• Meeting room

Infinity Pool

This was my favorite place to be during the day. Most of the lounge chairs are underneath the covered lanai, so there is plenty of shade and no need to try to reserve chairs with umbrellas. The infinity pool is configured in a way that you can either swim laps or lounge in just a few inches of water — great for sunbathing and for small children. There is also a hot tub. Pool attendants are always near to grab you a drink or a snack and they often bring around free treats. There is also a complimentary water and sunscreen station.

The Spa at Ka Laʻi

I had the opportunity to try a spa treatment during my stay. I recommend booking a massage. The massage therapist used a Hawaiian lomi lomi method that uses smooth, long motions using the entire arm. It's very relaxing and puts your muscles and bones back in order. I was offered three different essential oils to choose from based on which scent I liked the most. She mixed it into coconut oil for my massage. After the treatment, guests are welcome to wash off — each room has its own private shower. Afterward, you are led to the spa's sitting room where you are offered hot mamaki mint tea or sparking wine, chilled water and a chocolate covered Macadamia nut.

From $190 for 60 minutes

Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 pm

Dining & Drinks

Ka Laʻi Coffee Boutique

Espresso drinks, matcha, spritzes and affogato, plus a small selection of pastries. Guests can also shop a small selection of hats, bags, apparel, mugs and sunscreen.

Bloom Cafe & Restaurant

This is where you come for the daily breakfast buffet. I was shocked by how much food you get, what a value! The buffet has everything youʻd ever want for breakfast including some of the best corned beef hash I've ever had anywhere. Just when you think you are filling up, a server lets you know that you can also choose two dishes off the menu to be prepared fresh. This includes waffles, pancakes, omelettes, a beautiful salmon bento and acai bowls. We were so full we didn't need to eat lunch that day. Coffee, tea and fresh juices are also included.

$48 per person

Muse Lounge

The regal lobby cocktail bar featuring a 1920's style is all class. Start your evening here with one of its house cocktails. Some of the cocktails on the list are signature cocktails from other LXR hotels around the world. We liked the Ka Laʻi Old Fashioned spiked with a dash of chocolate bitters and the super refreshing mezcal cocktail that was created at a LXR in Turkey. Small plates are available for snacking, or you can go all out and order oysters and caviar.

Open daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Kini Room Restaurant and Bar

That classy 1920's look moves into the hotel's main restaurant as well. Led by Executive Chef Yoshi Ohata, the menu offers a blend of Pacific-inspired dishes and Hawai'i Regional Cuisine, Waikīkī is known for. We ordered a couple appetizers off the happy hour menu, offered 5-6 p.m., and shared a ribeye steak, which was cooked perfectly, alongside sides of roasted broccolini and mashed potatoes.

The restaurant's signature dessert, the Kini Kini Pie, is an ice cream pie made with Kona coffee, ube and vanilla ice cream, candied macadamia nuts, salted caramel, chocolate sauce and butter cracker crust.

Open daily 5-10 p.m.

Happy hour 5-6 p.m.

Service

LXR Hotels & Resorts pride themselves on their bespoke, personal service and I can attest that every detail is considered at Ka Laʻi. From the valet who walks you upstairs to the check-in counter upon arrival to the chilled lemongrass-scented oshibori and pineapple-lilikoʻi beverage greeting I felt not only taken care of but truly treated at every turn.

My favorite moments were at the infinity pool, relaxing on oversized lounge chairs, when a server would bring around complimentary treats. One day it was guava-lilikoʻi smoothie and the next, strawberry ice cream.

The room attendants are especially notable. I love when they lay out mats on the bathroom counter and arrange your toiletries for you. At night, they turn down the bed, place a full bottle of water on each nightstand and turn the lights to the perfect dimness. Slippers out. Amazingly, I never saw the attendants, even in the hallway. They seemed to know when we were there and when we weren't. Every time I entered the room I was pleasantly surprised.

The check-out experience was effortless. I just handed over my key cards and said goodbye. I never waited in line for either check-in or check-out.

Value

Ka Laʻi is a luxury hotel with luxury prices. If this falls within your price range, I think Ka Laʻi provides exceptional value, especially when it comes to service. In Waikīkī, I'd compare it to properties like Halekulani and The Ritz-Carlton Residences.

Who It's Best For

The first kind of traveler I think of for this hotel is the business traveler. The hotel is quiet with plenty of places to work, both in your room, by the pool, in the business center and on the lanai off the lobby. There is also a meeting room.

I also love this hotel for couples or solo travelers. I came with my boyfriend and we found it to be both a romantic and restorative stay. Again, the quiet and the multitude of spaces to relax, work or enjoy company make you never want to leave.

And when you do leave, you are only steps away from so many fun things to do. Plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and beaches to choose from in this neighborhood.

Practical Information

• Address: 223 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
• Booking Link
• Check-in: 4 p.m.
• Check-out: Noon
• Pet policy: Dog-friendly hotel. There is a $50 pet fee per stay.
• Parking: $55+ tax per night (valet only)
• Airport Shuttle: No free airport shuttle, but the hotel concierge can arrange a private car for guests.