Introduction

Nestled near the iconic shoreline of Waikiki, the Ka La'i Waikiki Beach is a new leaf for the Hilton brand. Back in February 2024, it was highlighted that the Trump Hotel Waikiki will become the Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Resorts, with upcoming renovations starting in 2025. Thus, this review will be on the current state of the hotel,. During our stay, this property revealed itself as a thoughtful and relaxing (if not aging) sanctuary that balances luxury amenities, aging hard product and fantastic soft service.

The 38-floor property first opened in 2009, and hosts a plethora of 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. The location is also close to Luxury Row and is easy to walk around, making it a great alternative to the Ritz Carlton Waikiki Beach, which is just a few doors down. From first looks, I’m quite a fan of this hotel, and can see how this 5-star hotel will be a very hot interest for luxury travelers after its renovations.

Redemption

The Ka La'i Waikiki Beach is part of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio, participating in the Hilton Honors loyalty program. Point redemptions vary dynamically based on seasonal demand and cash rates, typically ranging from 70,000-110,000 Hilton Honors points per night. With standard room rates starting at $500 and rising to over $700 during peak seasons, strategic point redemptions can provide solid value for Hilton Honors members. Diamond members enjoy premium benefits including room upgrades (subject to availability), complimentary breakfast, and executive lounge access where available.

In fact, having Gold or Diamond here would help with breakfast, late check-out and priority service from the concierge team. The folks here were nothing short of fantastic and had been amazing during our stay.

Room 2217

As a Diamond member we were upgraded from a basic city view King bed to a lovely ocean view deluxe about 48 hours from check-in.

Now, mind you - almost all the rooms here are suite levels in terms of space. In fact, I daresay that you won’t really need a major suite here at this hotel, given the sheer size of these rooms. The Ocean View Deluxe King Room with a rather comfy sofabed (538 sq ft) exemplifies attention to detail and is optimally positioned above the 21st floor for maximum views. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views of the Pacific, while the private lanai provides an ideal vantage point for watching surfers navigate the morning waves. In fact, this is where I spent most of my night and early mornings, just gazing into the ocean views. It’s truly tranquil in a way.

The interior is showing signs of aging, but still fantastic. The interior design draws from a refined coastal palette – soft neutrals accented with deep ocean blues and subtle metallic touches. The king bed features incredibly soft and luxurious linens that maintain their crispness even in the humid Hawaiian climate. Amenities include a 65-inch smart TV, a full kitchenette, Nespresso machine and a plethora of outlets. With renovations just about to be underway, I can’t wait to see what the revised rooms will look like.

Bathroom

Double vanities with illuminated mirrors complement the marble surfaces, while the rainfall shower offers excellent water pressure and thoughtful design. The Byredo toiletry collection in Mojave Ghost fragrance is alway a welcoming feature and literally makes the place smell so good. The infused shower tub and shower stall is quite unique and made the space quite massive for a bathroom. While the shower head was small and didn’t include a rainfall feature, the pressure was definitely great and I had no problems with it.

Breakfast | In-Yo Cafe

As a Diamond member, we were given $50 credits to utilize whatever restaurants we wanted on the resort. For us, given our flight was at 12pm the next day, we chose to use it at In-Yo Cafe, which opens at 6:30am.

Breakfast at In-Yo Cafe presents a wonderful curated blend of Japanese and Western cuisine with a mix of AYCE and a la carte. The morning service demonstrates technical precision in both culinary traditions. Local fruits are fresh, while the hot items – from traditional Japanese fish to Western egg dishes – arrive perfectly cooked and not stale, which is GREAT, considering that most American hotels just value quantity over quality these days. Notable offerings include house-made pastries and seasonal specialties that incorporate local ingredients. The dining room's design allows natural light to enhance the experience, while views of the morning surf provide a quintessentially Hawaiian backdrop.

As mentioned, breakfast is served from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM daily, with the breakfast package ($45 per person) offering considerable value for the quality and variety provided.

Fitness Center and Pool

The eighth-floor infinity pool stands as the property's defining feature. At 80 feet in length, it provides adequate space for both leisure and exercise. The infinity edge creates a compelling visual connection with the Pacific, particularly evident during sunset hours. Private cabanas, available for daily rental ($200), offer welcomed shade and dedicated service. The pool area opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM, with the late afternoon hours (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) offering optimal sunset viewing. I wouldn’t say it’s a great infinity pool compared to its competitors like the Ritz Carlton Waikiki Beach or the Halekuani.

The fitness center, while modest in size, provides Technogym equipment appropriate for a quality workout. I do this the fitness center will need a bit of work during renovation, as the current setup doesn’t exactly scream wellness, but more of a status-quo of the old fitness settings back in 2000s. Nevertheless, if you want to work out, there are ample free weights and treadmills. The center operates 24/7 with room key access.

Conclusion

Ka La'i Waikiki Beach succeeds in delivering a refined hotel experience that respects its Hawaiian context while meeting contemporary luxury standards. The starting rate of $500 per night reflects the property's positioning and location, with the quality of amenities and attention to detail justifying the investment. The property has established itself as a worthy addition to Waikiki's luxury landscape, offering a sophisticated experience that should satisfy discerning travelers seeking refined comfort in a prime location.