Trump International Hotel, Waikiki will rebrand under Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio after real estate firm Irongate acquired a significant buyout of the hotel management and license agreements to the Hawaiian property. The luxury property will undergo a brand transformation and will rebrand as Wākea Waikiki Beach, joining LXR Hotels & Resorts in February 2024.
Overlooking Fort DeRussy Park with views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head, just steps from Waikiki Beach and at the heart of Waikiki’s world-class restaurants, shops, entertainment, and nightlife, Wākea Waikiki Beach enters a new era. The 38-storey property home to 462 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, which first opened its doors in 2009, will embark on a reinvigorated chapter featuring LXR Hotels & Resorts as the new management company and a custom design renovation by the internationally celebrated Bryan O’Sullivan Studio (BOS Studio).
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“We are thrilled to spearhead the revival of what I have always felt to be the ‘grand dame’ of Waikiki with its timeless architecture and unobstructed views,” said Jason Grosfeld, Chairman & CEO, Irongate.
Jason Grosfeld, Chairman & CEO, Irongate said, “Through our collaborative efforts with BOS Studio on design and with Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts as the operator, this iconic edifice embarks on an exciting new chapter.”
“With more than 20 hotels and resorts open and welcoming travellers across Hawaii, we are delighted to introduce the first LXR Hotels & Resorts property to the destination,” said Greg Hartmann, SVP, Luxury and Mixed-Use Development, Hilton.
“The signing of Wākea Waikiki Beach complements our Hawaiian luxury portfolio and ensures we continue to meet the needs of our ever-evolving guests in destinations where they choose to be. We are excited about this new era for the resort and look forward to building upon its award-winning reputation.”
As the award-winning property approaches its 14th anniversary, Wākea Waikiki Beach is planning for a comprehensive interior architecture and design renovation.
Scheduled to start in early 2025 and slated to take place over several months, the renovation will be phased to minimise disruption to daily operations and will encompass upgrades to public areas, including lobbies, pool areas, spa, fitness center, residence corridors, landscaping, and residence interiors. In addition, Wai`olu and In-Yō Café will be reconceptualised, and the destination restaurant on the ground floor will soon be home to an internationally acclaimed restaurateur and chef.
As part of the transformation, the hotel management team that has played an integral role in the guest and resident experience since the building’s debut in 2009, will remain with Wākea Waikiki Beach and join LXR Hotels & Resorts.
Wākea Waikiki Beach is expected to join the LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio under the brand’s management in February 2024 and will participate in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s distinct hotel brands.