Waikiki's Newest Transformation

Have you heard the news? Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has completed its multi-million-dollar renovation. A project years in the making, the total transformation worked to modernize the features of the resort that travelers already loved and to introduce visitors to exciting new updates including refurbished guestrooms and suites, a stunning open-air Nanea Lobby and updates at Royal Kaila Spa. Plus, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa introduced the Queensbreak pool and amenity deck, a dramatic one-acre hideaway that’s fully equipped with two luxurious pools, private cabanas and a mouth-watering restaurant and bar serving delicious locally influenced cuisine.

Resort staff is thrilled for guests to see the big changes with General Manager Thomas Foti saying, “We are excited to welcome guests and locals to our transformed oceanfront resort and extend our genuine Hawaiian hospitality to travelers seeking an authentic island experience in Waikiki, only steps away from the beach.”

Here are some of the most exciting highlights.

Queensbreak Pool and Amenity Deck

Now Waikiki’s largest outdoor entertainment space, Queensbreak pool and amenity deck was the centerpiece of Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa’s epic renovation. Overlooking Queens, the most famous surf break on Waikiki, this lavish oasis offers three distinct spaces — a family area overlooking Waikiki Beach with a pool with chaise lounges and cabanas, kids splash pad, lawn games and fire pits; the Queensbreak open-air restaurant with a stage for live music and entertainment; and a separate adults section with a lively poolside bar, pool with private cabanas and an oversized hot tub.

Queensbreak also acts as a social hub where guests can engage with programming centered around the local community and Hawaiian culture such as yoga on the deck, live music and curated meals that can be enjoyed from the comfort of a cabana. Speaking of food, the restaurant at Queensbreak is the perfect place to indulge in a locally inspired meal with fresh dishes and cocktails crafted by Executive Chef, Nuno Alves.

Oceanfront Guestrooms & Suites

Spanning up to 489 square feet — the largest in all of Waikiki — each of the 1,310 guest rooms and 135 suites in the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa towers has been dramatically and stylishly transformed.

Suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows and a private open-air balcony (lanai) that showcases the island’s natural beauty with views of the turquoise Pacific Ocean, majestic mountains or Diamond Head. As for the inspiration behind the redesign, Hawaii’s world-famous white sands, bohemian lifestyle and the surf culture of the legendary Waikiki Beach Boys all played a part and their influence can be seen throughout each room in ship lap-painted wood panels, warm ceruse wood stains, stylish millwork and thoughtfully chosen decor. Other subtle nods to the Beach Boy lifestyle include coral and turquoise-colored accent pillows and rope-woven details, which help to create a unique sense of place and time.

Public Spaces and New Arrival Experience

Interestingly, Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is located on the same land that was once the summer home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani. To honor Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaiian artifacts and artwork are on display throughout the property including Ka Maka Hinu (The Bright Face), a 60-foot by 20-foot wooden carving on display in the refreshed Nanea Lobby. The piece was created by local artist Kaiwi Nui Yoon to reflect the love that the late queen had for the people of her kingdom.

Diverse Dining

In addition to the new Queensbreak open-air restaurant and culinary program led by Chef Alves, guests can enjoy four diverse dining concepts located within the resort providing international cuisine only steps away including Italian restaurant Arancino di Mare, d.k. Steak House, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar and Kuhio Beach Grill.

Kuhio Beach Grill is the perfect place for travelers to start their day with a filling and fresh breakfast. Later, they can indulge in the famed dry-aged steaks and amazing wine selection at d.k. Steak House — the first restaurant on Oahu to dry-age its steaks in-house — or enjoy contemporary sushi and innovative fusion seafood at Sansei, thanks to the vision of local legend Dave “DK” Kodama who oversees both award-winning restaurants.

For authentic, award-winning Italian cuisine, travelers can visit Arancino, which directly translates to “little orange”, a namesake that can be seen in the restaurant’s signature orange paint. Here, Executive Chef Daisuke Hamamoto and the local Inamura family serve fine Italian cuisine to guests and locals with menu highlights that include their popular spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare with sea urchin and the owner’s favorite — pizza with shrimp, onions, mozzarella, parmesan and garlic chips.

Royal Kaila Spa

A place where Hawaiian healing and beautifying traditions combine with AVEDA’s all-natural concepts, the newly-refreshed Royal Kaila Spa is the perfect spot for relaxing and replenishing. Ayurvedic treatments, body scrubs, massages, facials and more, there are plenty of ways to unwind.

About the Author

Senior Editor for VAX VacationAccess and world explorer, Jenna loves writing about all things travel. When she’s not busy creating content, she spends her time exploring the great outdoors, cuddling with her two black cats and researching her next big (sometimes strange) adventure.