The John Hardy Group has completed the $35-million renovation of the Queen Kapiolani hotel on Hawaii's Waikiki beach.
After nearly a year of construction, the hotel’s guestrooms, corridors, public spaces, fitness center, landscaping, restaurant and third floor pool deck were refreshed.
The renovation of the 315-room property started last summer and was led by Honolulu architecture firm G70. John Hardy Group was the construction manager for the project, while Philpotts Interiors was the lead designer. Kokua Hospitality continues to manage the Waikiki property. The purchasing agent was Summa International and the general contractor was Pacific Construction.
Design-wise, the renovation was inspired by the 1950s and 1960s' golden age of Waikiki, and emphasizes the property's views of Diamond Head. The new style of the Waikiki hotel was described as “retro-chic,” and some original aspects of the property were maintained, including some of the original artwork. The hotel partnered with Bishop Museum to have original prints in the property, including portraits of Queen Kapiolani and King Kalakaua. There is also a collection of aloha shirts and surf boards curated by Dale Hope.
The renovation relocated the reception desk closer to the porte-cochere. The public spaces have all-new furniture and finishes, new lighting and art package with designs by local artists. The ground floor is also home to three retail spaces.
The corridors were decorated with artwork in the style of vintage travel postcards, maps and posters, all developed by Infografik in Honolulu.
The property’s rooms also have all-new furniture and finishes, as well as new lighting. Some of the rooms have private lanai/balcony, though all are equipped with 49" LCD LG televisions, in-room digital safes, refrigerators and shower/bathtub.
The property similarly modernized its pool deck and 8,000 square foot lanai, which now connects to a new al fresco restaurant called Deck. In June, the property opened Knots Coffee Roasters. Japan-based Plan Do See is behind both Deck and Knots Coffee Roasters.
Photo credit: The John Hardy Group