In November 2023, Hilton announced the newest location for its luxury LXR brand, in Hawaii. That property has joined the Hilton portfolio as of this week, so I wanted to go over all the details, now that it’s bookable through Hilton channels.
In this post:
Ka La’i Waikiki Beach Hilton LXR now open
The Trump International Hotel Waikiki has been rebranded as the Ka La’i Waikiki Beach as of February 2024, and has joined Hilton LXR Hotels & Resorts. The 38-floor property first opened in 2009, and boasts 462 guest rooms and suites. It overlooks Fort DeRussy Park with views of the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head, and is close to Waikiki Beach.
Not only has the hotel been rebranded, but there’s a plan for it to undergo a “monumental transformation.” That renovation will start in early 2025 and will take “several months,” and will be performed in phases, so that the property can remain open during this time. The transformation will encompass upgrades to public areas, including the lobby, pool, spa, fitness center, residence corridors, and landscaping, and all the restaurant concepts on property will be reimagined.
I’m not sure how “monumental” the transformation will really be if it will only take place over several months, and if the property will remain open while that happens?
For those of you not familiar with LXR, this is Hilton’s fast growing collection of independent luxury hotels. LXR properties have the benefit of Hilton’s global distribution power, plus the Hilton Honors program, all while maintaining their unique designs.
Here’s what Jason Grosfeld, Chairman & CEO of Irongate (the company that owns the property) had to say about this change:
“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. Irongate’s enduring commitment to this property, which dates to its inception with a one-day record-breaking sales success followed by many years of award-winning hospitality, underscores our steadfast dedication to the destination of Waikiki and its residents and visitors. 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.”
Here’s what Feisal Jaffer, the Global Head of LXR, had to say about this property joining Hilton:
“LXR Hotels & Resorts provides guests access to the most alluring destinations globally and Ka La’i Waikiki Beach’s oceanfront location in Oahu is no exception. The resort offers an exceptional locale for travelers looking to create their own intriguing adventure. Illustrating LXR’s unique approach to hospitality, Ka La’i Waikiki Beach is the perfect addition to the brand’s growing portfolio and we look forward to welcoming distinguished travelers from around the world to this unrivaled destination.”
Ka La’i Waikiki Beach Hilton LXR rates & how to book
Now that Ka La’i Waikiki Beach is bookable as part of the Hilton portfolio, what are rates like? For most of the year, cash rates seem to be in the range of $500-600 per night, before taxes, fees, and the $40 nightly resort fee. If you are going to book a cash rate, I’d recommend doing so through the Hilton Impresario program, so you can get extra perks.
Meanwhile if redeeming Hilton Honors points, it seems that the standard rate is 100,000 points per night. That seems about right, given my valuation of 0.5 cents per Hilton Honors point. Also keep in mind that if you have Hilton Honors elite status, you can get a fifth night free on award redemptions.
Quite a few Trump properties have rebranded
This is only the latest Trump property to undergo a rebranding. For example, in recent years:
- The Trump Hotel Washington DC became the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC
- The Trump Hotel Toronto became the St. Regis Toronto
- The Trump Hotel Vancouver became the Paradox Hotel Vancouver
- The Trump Hotel Panama became the JW Marriott Panama
Bottom line
The Trump Hotel Waikiki has been rebranded as Ka La’i Waikiki Beach, and has joined Hilton LXR. On top of that, the hotel is expected to undergo a renovation in 2025, though the hotel will remain open while this work is completed.
It’s good to see another property join a major hotel group, so that you can earn and redeem points. This is a pretty good new option for those who like to visit Waikiki.
What do you make of the Ka La’i Waikiki Beach?
so what you're saying is the trump is in bed with the hiltons
Does this hotel offer complimentary breakfast for the diamond member?
Should have been renamed The Orange Pustule.
At least Trump Hotel manages better, I remember after Trump Hotel DC became Waldorf Astoria DC, the service basically collapsed. Above the left side of bar has plaster fell off, WA even bothered to fix it, the dirt was all over the area, unacceptable!
I'll never understand why do people get offended by facts. Just why?
Wait, I thought it was supposed to be Wakea Waikiki, which I always found to be ridiculously repetitive. Also, surprised it’s a “monumental” transformation and not a “tremendous” one.
Does the Trump organization or the Trump family still make money from these properties
I'm so bummed because the Trump has been on my radar for months, and finally ready to book and the lovely 30 percent discounts on hotels.com have vanished with the name. Affordable luxury no more :(
President Trump will have more pressing issues to tend to than running a hotel when elected for the third time as President of the United States . We will drill oil , close our borders , deport bidens illegal immigrants , cutoff aid to Ukraine and gazan refugees , and Make America Great Again.
WE can only HOPE SO!!!!
From prison...
How’s the weather in St. Petersburg?
What a mouth breathing cuck
Please let me know when I can support the go fund me pages for all who wants to move out of the US because of their hate for number 45.
@Ben: The name was actually recently changed to Ka La'i Waikiki Beach rather than Wakea (https://www.kitv.com/news/business/honolulu-hotel-ditches-trump-name-rebrands-as-ka-lai-waikiki-beach/article_8a1734a4-c624-11ee-84da-5341721002f1.html)
Hilton.com also reflects the new name.
Also: sitting back and watching the entertainment between pro/anti-Trump posters.
oh these poor things in the comments, may lord have mercy on them...
imagine thinking anything other than the Royal is the "grande dame" of waikiki. delusional
When your name can’t even hold a hotel brand it might be a good idea to take a step back and reflect a bit. But I’m sure the Trump Hotel Cheyenne will change that.
God Bless Donald Trump - the real winner of the 2020 Presidential Election!!
Another deluded nut job
Be nice even tho your a LIB!!!
“Dee” continues to be the dumbest, least educated poster in the travelverse
2016 - Trump wins but it's "Russian Collusion"
2020 - Biden "wins" and it's most "fair and free" election of all time.
Who's "deluded"?
2016 - Trump won
2020 - Biden won
Quit whining.
Just curious, are the cash prices you’ve listed competitive for this property’s location?
Another Art of The Deal company shrinking success. Remember that budget hotel chain they announced after he won the Presidency? Of course you dont, because NOBODY wanted it.
"It’s Official: With “Vermin,” Trump Is Now Using Straight-up Nazi Talk."
https://www.yahoo.com/news/official-vermin-trump-now-using-151028725.html
So you treasinist Trump supporters who have sold your souls, I am sure will try to redeem that also!
Seriously. For those of you that still after three years, have TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome), there's help available. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm. Admitting that you have a problem is the first step.
It's officially TDS (Trump defender syndrome) and is limited to the delusional people who think Trump isn't the worst American president.
Sigh....... Once again, https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm
Stayed here a few months ago and it was absolutely amazing. Not sure what remodeling is needed...maybe they mean they'll be scrubbing the T name everywhere
Wow what a bunch of leftsided libs... Get a life you are stuck with Joe and Kommala hope ur happy!!
very happy, thank you
then then is ???Something with supporting a guy(JOE) who does not even know his name..
Yeah, we dont support a traitor; if that makes us libs, then be it. And what about you. I guess you have no problem backing a treasonist Nazi?
I see the name changes less as being a left/right issue as an attempt by these hotels to survive. Prior to 2016, the Trump brand was respected and occupancy rate at these hotels was good. Today, hotels with the Trump name have low occupancy rates regardless where in the world they are located. The name has come to represent the turbulence that the world has experienced for the last eight years. People on vacation don't...
I see the name changes less as being a left/right issue as an attempt by these hotels to survive. Prior to 2016, the Trump brand was respected and occupancy rate at these hotels was good. Today, hotels with the Trump name have low occupancy rates regardless where in the world they are located. The name has come to represent the turbulence that the world has experienced for the last eight years. People on vacation don't want to be constantly reminded of political problems.
The Trump brand is considered toxic, which of course is why the chain is shrinking around the world. This article failed to mention another key fact, which is the numerous announced projects in multiple countries that were cancelled.
I don't really think that's a "key fact" for an article focused on a hotel that has rebranded. This article wasn't written to discuss the woes of Trump's global hospitality brand.
Grande dame of Waikiki? Give me a break. Halekulani is the peerless option in Waikiki.
Agreed…plus the Royal Hawaiian and Westin Moana Surfrider.
Hmmm, so much for peerless
That's only if you like 200 sq ft rooms. Dollar for sq ft the Trump hotel was a way better option. Sadly no more with the Hilton re-pricing.
Came here to say just this. Especially after it's refresh, it's Halekulani in a league of its own and then everyone else (in Waikiki).
Gotta agree with Jack.
We've made countless visits to Oahu. Halekulani is truly peerless. Not a typical super-premium luxury hotel in that the physical plant (rooms) are quirky. But everything that supports the experience otherwise is spectacular, from the service to the Ukulele Dance at House Without A Key to the window-seat dining at La Mer in it's remarkable setting. We think of it is "precision luxury" in a very Japanese way.
That said,...
Gotta agree with Jack.
We've made countless visits to Oahu. Halekulani is truly peerless. Not a typical super-premium luxury hotel in that the physical plant (rooms) are quirky. But everything that supports the experience otherwise is spectacular, from the service to the Ukulele Dance at House Without A Key to the window-seat dining at La Mer in it's remarkable setting. We think of it is "precision luxury" in a very Japanese way.
That said, it is hard to beat the nostalgia, the history and the romance of The Royal Hawaiian, but the RH is a truly different experience than Halekulani.
While we never stayed at the Trump property, we did visit it in 2015 just to scope it out. Seemed like a nice-enough facility, but not the Waikiki experience we were after.
Trump may not be a Nazi, but he is certainly Nazi-adjacent.
The Trump brand is dead on the vine.
FWIW-The Trump organization never owned the building or the condos. It only managed the hotel portion. Apparently the condo board made the decision to change brands, likely as soon as the Trump contract expired.
I stayed near that Trump hotel & walked by it every day. It is NO grand dame for sure. It pales in comparison to nearby properties. The Hilton Hawaiian Village, where we stayed, is actually on the beach, with all amenities. The Trump property is way overstated in this article. It’s a tear down to me. Better use would be parking.
Absurd. The Trump contains multi-million dollar condos, some of which are managed as part of the hotel. The Hilton HV is a mass market group and family hotel.
Yeah but the Hawaiian village frequently feels like a death trap because it's always so crowded and feels even more so because the roads and passages around the village is so narrow. Unless you're diamond, check in resembles a Disneyland ride as does waiting for the elevator.
The hilton was a DUP when is stayed there 3 years ago and had a million rooms and tourists.
Yeah, who would ever want to stay at a place associated with this nazi's name!
Can you give ONE example of how he is a "nazi"?
You know what, actually? Thought more about this and came back to comment. You made a truly absurd statement - you're comparing him to someone who committed genocide against millions of people. I hope you weren't aware of that, because if you are and you still made the comparison, you are a horrible, evil person.
@Jerry Lee Lewis, You are not very smart, are you? By your definition, a nazi has to have literally and directly committed and participated in the genocide? On that absurd account, many in the Nazi's party wouldnt be nazis. Did you even consider that? Is that your definition of a Nazi? I suggest you do some reading before you talking. And for your infor. And do you even remember what he said about the Charlottesville...
@Jerry Lee Lewis, You are not very smart, are you? By your definition, a nazi has to have literally and directly committed and participated in the genocide? On that absurd account, many in the Nazi's party wouldnt be nazis. Did you even consider that? Is that your definition of a Nazi? I suggest you do some reading before you talking. And for your infor. And do you even remember what he said about the Charlottesville Nazis? Trump even praised Hitler during his trip to Europe in 2018. I guess he is still a saint for you? I guess it must be so nice feign ignorance? But full opinions you are arent you?
You're a sad, little, petulant man living in a world of lies where you fail to show any respectful or decorum to anyone. Starting a comment with 'you are not very smart, are you?' tells me everything I need to know about you about your intellect. I pity you and hope that, perhaps one day, you will become a more enlightened and respectful person.
@Jerry Lee Lewis,
I think you should look at yourself in the mirror and reflect on the sad pitiful person staring at yourself! Only such a sad and gullible individual would even try to redeem anything about the nazi Trump.
There is no high moral road to take when you support Trump. Nice try though.
Telling people born in this country to go back to their country.
Attempting to overthrow the govt by convincing much dumber citizens of this country that his lies are facts of which we are now seeing across the board in confessions from his underlings to be indeed proven confessed lies. Given enough time and power he probably would have created concentration camps. But ultimately the fault lies with the dumb Americans because they are still convinced that the bridge that was sold to them are on its way with 2 day shipping.
All of Trump' s grand children are Jewish.
All of Trump' s grand children are Jewish.
Lie.
Neither Don Jr's daughter nor either of Eric Trump's children, are Jewish.
Don Jr and Eric wive' s are Jewish. In Judaism, their children are regarded as Jewish. #TDS.
what is wrong with all of you left sided libs??? Be nice you are stuck with SLeepy Joe hope your real proud of that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love watching Trump live rent free in all your heads.
My comment is not anti or pro Trump. It is about the use of the word "Nazi".
Before using the word "Nazi" to describe someone, please go to this website:
https://www.auschwitz.org/en/
Here is another website with some photos:
https://www.oprah.com/world/inside-auschwitz/all
Better yet, travel there........ It is one of the most emotionally moving places I have ever been to. It is life changing. The room that I remember most is a room that...
My comment is not anti or pro Trump. It is about the use of the word "Nazi".
Before using the word "Nazi" to describe someone, please go to this website:
https://www.auschwitz.org/en/
Here is another website with some photos:
https://www.oprah.com/world/inside-auschwitz/all
Better yet, travel there........ It is one of the most emotionally moving places I have ever been to. It is life changing. The room that I remember most is a room that had partitioned sections, with glass holding back the items displayed. One was of human hair and another was filled with shoes, many of them were baby shoes. Why kill an innocent baby? Because it could not provide slave labor. A third contained suitcases with the names and DOB of the human beings about to be gassed to death written on them. Those about to be killed were told to write their name and DOB information on the suitcase so they could retrieve it after their "shower". I was told that this was done to let them think they were going to live, part of the mental game plan their executioners came up with to control them. The shower room was actually a large room that could probably hold dozens of people. I could not help but to think of what was going through their minds when, instead of water, a gas started from the shower heads. Children scared, crying, and clinging on to their parents, the people they look to for protection. And their parents, looking around, hoping to see something they can do, but ultimately realizing, with only moments to live, there is nothing they can do but hug their children in their final moments of life.
Many of our thoughts and beliefs are based on our personal experiences and the experiences of those who impact our lives. It was this personal experience, the experience of being there and every emotion that moves you in ways that you never forget it, that led to me asking people to please consider using other words to describe someone you may not like.
The use of the word "Nazi" does not add power to a statement when used so casually. There are so many words we can choose to use to describe people.
Any idea hen this will appear in Hilton availability?
Now… do Las Vegas
Last time I stayed at a Hilton (US), they tried to charge me $45 to use their pool - NEVER AGAIN. I stay at Choice Hotels now, free pool, free breakfast, free parking at half the price.
@Jerry Le Lewis
Check out this WaPo piece: https://wapo.st/3FVlXuA
You may want to log your experience at the FTC site.
Where was that, if you don’t mind saying? Only asking because there’s been talk for years of further a la carte pricing at hotels to use amenities/services and this is exactly what’s been discussed. Next thing we know, they’ll be charging a fee to check in at the FD vs online. Sounds crazy, but I rule nothing out. We saw it with the airlines 20+ years ago; now it’s normal. Properties like this need to be called out and avoided.
To clarify, I didn’t specifically mean it’s the norm for airlines to charge to check in in person. I just meant the unbundling of amenities/services is now the norm depending on the airline. I reread my post and it looked confusing.
The property is adjacent to Fort Derussy, which is the home of the successor unit to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team of World War II. It is the most decorated unit in United States military history and was composed of predominantly Japanese-Americans. Given Mr. Trump's contempt for service members -- they being ants who die for nothing and who get nothing out of it -- the brand change is a good thing.
Which wars did Trump start/involve the US in again?
Re Service members, he took the VA and reformed it where Vets were literally dying waiting for treatment.
I understand you are filled with hatred but you should at least state facts
Give me a break. Trump is a crook and committed treason against the US. He should be in shackles. He poisoned this country, and is trying to undermine everything about it. You have the gall to say he care about vets? He cared about noting and no one else, period! He had nothing but contempt for the vets. Do you want examples?
@Vet,
Give me a break. Trump is a crook and committed treason against the US. He should be in shackles. He poisoned this country, and is trying to undermine everything about it. You have the gall to say he care about vets? He cared about noting and no one else, period! He had nothing but contempt for the vets. Do you want examples?
Trump raged war on women, people of color, LBBGT and especially immigrants (and their children.) He raged war against the peaceful transfer of power. His wars were aimed at destroying the fabric of America and our democracy.
Lowest black unemployment in history under Trump, women also. What a warmonger.
Until Biden, but thanks for your "helpful" input.
It must really suck to be brainwashed and filled with hate, I feel sorry for you
@Vet
"McCain was a leading force in the Senate behind the law that gave veterans an option to go outside the VA’s health care system and get private care at public expense under certain conditions. President Barack Obama signed the VA Choice legislation into law. Ignoring that reality, Trump persistently claims that he brought Choice into law when no one else could.
Trump signed a law in 2018 that expanded the options for using the...
@Vet
"McCain was a leading force in the Senate behind the law that gave veterans an option to go outside the VA’s health care system and get private care at public expense under certain conditions. President Barack Obama signed the VA Choice legislation into law. Ignoring that reality, Trump persistently claims that he brought Choice into law when no one else could.
Trump signed a law in 2018 that expanded the options for using the Choice program established by Obama and McCain and other lawmakers.
The 2018 law is named after three lawmakers who were veterans of war. All now are dead. They are Rep. Samuel R. Johnson, R-Texas; Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, D-Hawaii; and McCain, R-Ariz.
Trump frequently points to VA accomplishments such as improved wait times and the offering of same-day mental health services. But those same-day services at VA were started during the Obama administration. Major veterans’ organizations in fact urged Trump when he became president to reappoint Obama’s VA secretary, Bob McDonald, so he could continue the VA gains. Trump ultimately settled on one of McDonald’s deputies, David Shulkin, to be VA secretary."
-- Associated Press Fact Check, 9/23/2020
Facts. Not distortions.
When Trump visited troops overseas, he bragged that he had gotten them a raise the previous year — that he hadn’t — and promised them a 10% raise the next year — that he didn’t even put into his proposed budget.
Either of these lies is enough for any reasoning person to know he isn’t pro-military, but you just keep on being a big ol’ fanboy, OK?
I would never spend 1$ with anything associated with that awful human. A disgrace to humanity
@Vet: We can talk Trump facts.
Within 36 hours of the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol, five people had died: one was shot by Capitol Police, another died of a drug overdose, and three died of natural causes, including a police officer. Many people were injured, including 174 police officers. Four officers who responded to the attack died by suicide within seven months.
VET I agree with you..
The GSA under Obama selected Ivanka's proposal over Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt under conflict of interests, secrecy and breach of contract. As for the Panama hotel, the Manhattan DA Office was on the verge of suing Ivanka for deceptive ads until Trump's lawyer donated $M to Cuomo's campaign and the lawsuit was tossed out. Builders, lender( Bear Sterns), investors and buyers all lost huge money in those four ventures but Trump profited more than $20M in each project.
I have great respect for Hilton taking this action. I would never and will never support anything related to this despicable person. Good choice Hilton
nobody cares
I don't get the LXR brand, seems completely random. First some small and personalish properties like on the Seychelles or Caribbean, and then huge megacomplexes like that. What is the identity?
I think that is the whole point. The LXR brand is for luxury properties that either have their own identity or just don't fit into one of the other Hilton luxury brands. That is why they all have their own branding in addition to LXR and are not called LXR Waikiki, LXR Seychelles, etc.
Nobody wants to be associated with a losing loser who keeps losing, so a rebrand makes total sense.
Place needs a thorough deep clean.
Definitely - people have been known to hire ladies of the night and have them pee on the bed for some reason.
I’ve stayed there many times in the past-before T was President. It’s one of the nicest hotels in Honolulu. It’s a condominium with with many units in the hotel “pool” of rooms. Trump Hotels only managed those rooms. Individual units outside the pool can often be rented directly from the owners at good rates.
But that would somehow conflict with the narrative that Trump’s brand is losing money when he increased his wealth by 500 mil since leaving the WH.
That was from money given to him by his dupes...oops, marks.
I think few people outside of his closest inner circle and maybe some prosecutors know whether his wealth has increased or decreased since leaving the WH, and by how much.
I guess this is the only way trump hotel can still sell, at least I always try to avoid it even the price looks great. And even it gets rebranded, I still feel hard to go with it.