The Resort’s Most Commanding Tower is Luxuriously Refined

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has completed a seven-month, $25.5 million refurbishment project of its exclusive Ali’i Tower.  The makeover included all 323 guest rooms, including new finishes and furnishings, new bathrooms and the reconfiguration of eight junior suites and four 2-bay suites.  In addition, all guest room corridors were redone, as well as the lobby and reception desk.  The final phase of the project, which will include upgrades to the tower’s second floor Ocean View Terrace, is scheduled for completion in May.  Two Presidential suites were renovated previously as part of the same project.

The theme for the Ali`i (“chief” in Hawaiian) guestrooms draws on the textures and traditions of the islands’ royal history.  A commanding presence is created with layered luxurious fabrics in royal colors of purple and blue paired with rich woods and natural tones.  Fresh international accents give the timeless designs of the past a contemporary voice—inspired by Pan Pacific culture with elegant lines and modern simplicity. 

Art and carpet designs incorporate the ancient voices of the island of Oahu in abstract motifs.   In addition, the designers have integrated patterns, treatments and objects found naturally within the environment, including ocean-inspired driftwood collages and conch shell lamps.  

Ann Matsunami, partner at Pacific Asia Design Group oversaw the architectural design as well as the interior design for the suites; interior design for rest of the project was led by Jonathan Staub of Philpotts and Associates.

“The Ali`i Tower has been treasured and beloved by guests for decades,” said Jerry Gibson, area vice president of Hilton Hawaii.  “It was critical that we maintained its tradition of grandeur but at the same time create a vibrant, modern look.  Our designers did a remarkable job of accomplishing both.”

The renovation included the addition of a guest library and lounge adjacent to the lobby with multiple seating areas, Wi-Fi access and computer terminals. Precious Hawaiian artifacts, including wooden bowls, woven hats and carved gourds are displayed throughout the lounge.  Presiding over guests checking into the tower are chandeliers that are echoes of natural forms created with natural materials by local artists.  A mosaic behind the front desk follows a Hawaiian kapa (fabric made from tree bark) pattern.

As part of its “hotel-within-a-hotel” concept, the Ali`i tower boasts its own reception desk, guest lounge and concierge.  A pool deck, whirlpool spa, bar, fitness room and terrace on the second floor are for the exclusive use of Ali`i tower guests.

The Ali`i Tower’s renovation project follows on the heels of Hilton Hawaiian Village’s
$45 million renovation of its iconic Rainbow Tower, which was completed in December 2011.  In the past year, Hilton has invested more than $90 million into its product, including the two beachfront towers, the Tapa Pool, the Coral Ballroom and retail space improvements.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is Waikiki’s only true destination resort, offering the perfect mix of exceptional resort accommodations and classic hospitality on Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach.  The resort features more than 90 shops and services, 16 restaurants, lounges and bars; and every Friday evening, it sets the stage for a celebration of Hawaiian culture and entertainment ending in a spectacular fireworks show.