Introduction

The Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts—formerly the Trump International Hotel Waikiki—has emerged in 2026 as the shimmering crown jewel of Hilton’s luxury portfolio in Hawaii. Following a multi-million-dollar transformative redesign led by the renowned Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, the property has shed its former gilded aesthetic for a sophisticated "modern Hawaiian" narrative. It now serves as a high-altitude oasis for travelers where curated local heritage meets the effortless precision of a world-class manor, standing 38 stories above the Pacific with a renewed sense of island soul.

The resort distinguishes itself from the high-volume mega-resorts of Waikiki by operating as a refined, residential-style retreat. With 462 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, the property caters to a discerning traveler who seeks the vibrancy of Honolulu’s social scene without sacrificing the tranquility of a private estate. The transition to the LXR brand has infused the service with a bespoke, "stay-like-an-owner" philosophy, ensuring that whether you are checking into a studio or a three-bedroom penthouse, the experience is one of quiet prestige and genuine Aloha. It is perhaps one of the best Hilton redemptions one can make in 2026.

Please note, this review encompasses the hotel before its current renovation process. We aim to go back to review the hotel once the renovations are fully complete by the end of 2026. Thank you!

Location

Positioned at 223 Saratoga Road, Ka La'i occupies a strategic vantage point at the beginning of the prestigious Waikiki Beach Walk. It sits directly above Fort DeRussy Beach Park, a factual geographical advantage that provides guests with unobstructed greenery and ocean views that cannot be "built out." While the property is not directly on the sand, a short, scenic three-minute stroll through the park leads you to the famous white sands of Waikiki Beach, allowing for a peaceful buffer from the direct shoreline's tourist density.

The location is a paradise for the urban explorer, situated just steps from the designer boutiques of Luxury Row—including Tiffany & Co. and Gucci—and the vibrant open-air entertainment of the International Market Place. Landmarks like the historic Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the surf-ready breaks of Kuhio Beach are within a ten-minute walk. For those venturing further, the iconic Diamond Head State Monument is a mere three miles away, offering a quick escape to Oahu’s most legendary hiking trails while keeping the hotel’s refined comforts within arm's reach.

Points vs. Cash

As of 2026, Ka La'i Waikiki Beach is positioned as a top-tier Hilton Honors redemption, typically falling within the 95,000 to 110,000 points per night range for a Standard Room Reward. Given that cash rates for the newly redesigned LXR Superior rooms often hover between $650 and $900 per night (before the ~$47 daily resort fee and taxes), utilizing points can yield a value of 0.7 to 0.9 cents per point. This is significantly higher than the standard valuation, making it one of the most efficient uses of Hilton currency in the Pacific. We recommend leveraging a series of Hilton Points, certificates and cash to make it worthwhile.

For Hilton Honors Silver, Gold, and Diamond members, the "5th Night Free" benefit on award stays is the factual game-changer here, effectively reducing the nightly point requirement by 20%. Furthermore, Hilton’s policy of waiving resort fees on all-point stays saves guests nearly $50 a day, a perk that cash-paying guests do not receive. In 2026, unless you secure a rare "Season of Aloha" cash discount, the "Points + Money" or pure points route remains the superior choice for maximizing value at this luxury landmark.

Hotel Grounds

The grounds of Ka La'i Waikiki are currently being reimagined to emphasize a seamless connection between Honolulu’s cosmopolitan energy and the island’s natural light. The sixth-floor lobby and infinity pool deck serve as the resort’s architectural heart, having undergone a full renovation completed in early 2026. The unique "sky-level" orientation provides a dramatic sense of arrival, where guests are greeted by panoramic ocean vistas rather than a closed-off street-level reception. The aesthetic is a sophisticated blend of neutral tones, light oak paneling, and Tajimi tiles that reflect the colors of the sunset.

What makes the grounds truly unique is the residential-inspired fluidity of the outdoor spaces. The pool area has been elevated with custom-designed cabanas and lush, tropical landscaping that creates a private garden atmosphere amidst the skyscraper skyline. This design is factual: by lifting the primary social spaces above the street, the hotel manages to filter out the noise of the city, replacing it with the rhythmic cadence of the nearby surf. The result is a sculptural oasis that feels elevated, both literally and figuratively, above the standard Waikiki experience.

Deluxe Ocean View King

The Deluxe Ocean View King Suite is an expansive, 550-square-foot residence that masterfully captures the "residential-style" luxury that defines the LXR brand. Clad in a palette of sunset golds and ocean blues, the suite features floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to a spacious private lanai. The layout is designed to feel like a high-end Honolulu apartment, complete with a fully-equipped gourmet kitchenette featuring premium appliances, a refrigerator, and a microwave—a factual amenity that is rare in standard luxury hotel rooms.

The interior design, refreshed in 2026, emphasizes tactile luxury with white oak cabinetry, marble countertops, and handcrafted furniture. The living area is seamlessly integrated with the bedroom, featuring a plush king-sized bed adorned with Egyptian cotton sheets and a custom pillow-top mattress. The "Ocean View" designation is literal; the suite’s high-floor position ensures an unencumbered perspective of the Pacific horizon and the lush canopy of Fort DeRussy Park below.

Living in this suite feels like occupying a private sanctuary rather than a transit point. Thoughtful touches—like the in-suite wine cellar cabinet and the integrated smart-home technology—allow for a high degree of autonomy. Whether you are enjoying a private breakfast on the balcony or utilizing the 55-inch LED TV for a quiet evening in, the room is engineered to be a home base that evolves with your needs throughout a long Hawaiian stay.

Bathroom | Deluxe Ocean View King Suite

The bathroom in the Deluxe Ocean View King Suite is a sprawling, marble-clad temple of relaxation that prioritizes both form and function. It features a deep-soaking tub—a factual signature of the LXR brand’s commitment to wellness—and a separate walk-in shower with a high-pressure rainfall head. The dual vanity is topped with Italian marble, providing ample space for two guests to prepare for the day without feeling confined.

For amenities, the resort has partnered with a premium designer brand Byredo’s Mojave Ghost to provide spa-quality toiletries that evoke the scents of the island. The bathroom is highly usable, featuring integrated lighting that is bright yet warm, and an abundance of plush, oversized towels. The inclusion of signature LXR bathrobes and slippers ensures that the transition from a soak to the suite’s living area is as seamless and comfortable as possible.This is one of the finer bathrooms in Honolulu, and with the renovations ongoing, I can’t wait to see what the latest designs will be.

Amenities

The 24-hour fitness center at Ka La'i will be completely rejuvenated for 2026, featuring a suite of state-of-the-art cardio machines, free weights, and Peloton bikes. Its high-floor location allows for a workout with a view, ensuring that your fitness routine feels like an extension of the vacation rather than a chore. The space is bright and modern, providing complimentary chilled water and towels to keep you refreshed during high-intensity training sessions. At its current phase, we have opted not to take any pictures of the fitness center as we spent most of the morning exercises running a few miles around the city center.

The infinity pool and sun deck remain the hotel's social center, offering a heated whirlpool and panoramic vistas of Waikiki. Following the 2026 redesign, the pool deck will feature an "elevated look and feel," with premium sun loungers and a team that provides attentive poolside service, from tropical cocktails to chilled fruit skewers. It is a space designed for long, sun-drenched afternoons where the urban skyline and the ocean merge at the horizon.

For deeper restoration, The Spa at Ka La'i offers a menu of treatments inspired by traditional Hawaiian healing arts. The facility has been refreshed with a "rejuvenated aesthetic," providing a serene environment for Lomi Lomi massages and botanical facials. The focus is on holistic island wellness, utilizing local ingredients like sea salt and hibiscus to connect guests with the natural energy—the mana—of Oahu.

Dining

Dining at the resort is anchored by Bloom Cafe & Restaurant, an open-air garden-style oasis that opened in late 2025. Breakfast here is a factual highlight, featuring a menu of seasonal Hawaiian ingredients, including tropical fruit parfaits and sweet potato pancakes. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, providing a peaceful environment to start your day before the energy of Waikiki fully takes hold.

As a Hilton Diamond member staying at Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, your breakfast benefit in 2026 is delivered as a Daily Food & Beverage Credit rather than a traditional buffet. Factually, as an LXR luxury property, you receive $25 per person, per night, for up to two guests registered to your room, totaling $50 daily. This credit is incredibly flexible and is applied to your folio for any eligible food and beverage purchases charged to your room at any time of day, including breakfast at Bloom Cafe & Restaurant, sunset cocktails at Wai'olu Ocean Cuisine, or even the luxury of In-Room Dining on your private lanai.

While the $25 per-person credit provides a sophisticated start to your morning, it is important to note that luxury pricing in Waikiki means it may not cover a full multi-course meal. At Bloom Cafe, a cooked-to-order breakfast typically ranges from $40 to $55, so while your Diamond credit significantly offsets the cost of artisanal entrées like tropical fruit parfaits or specialty eggs, you should expect a modest remaining balance for a complete feast. The credit operates on a "use it or lose it" daily basis, resetting at midnight each night, ensuring you have a fresh opportunity to indulge in the resort's elevated culinary offerings every day of your stay.

For the evening, Wai'olu Ocean Cuisine remains the resort’s signature destination, having been reimagined with dynamic new interiors in 2026. The menu focuses on fresh-caught seafood and artisan sushi, served against a backdrop of the sunset over the Pacific. The Waikiki Beach Walk location also means you are within walking distance of Honolulu’s best independent eateries, but the hotel's on-site culinary program is sophisticated enough to satisfy even the most demanding foodies.

Curated for Class?

For a traveler visiting Oahu—and to clarify, we are firmly in Waikiki, Honolulu, rather than Maui—Ka La'i is the definitive choice for those who want the prestige of a private residence with the amenities of a five-star hotel. While neighbors like the Halekulani offer a more traditional, "old Hawaii" formality, Ka La'i provides a modern, residential alternative that feels more aligned with the global luxury standards of 2026. Its suites are significantly more spacious than those at the Moana Surfrider or The Royal Hawaiian, making it the superior pick for extended stays or travelers who value their privacy. In fact, the Ka La’i Waikiki Beach is on par with the Ritz Carlton Waikiki Residences, which has its own take and design. As a Hilton member, this is one of the best redemption options to utilize.

Ultimately, Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts, has successfully redefined itself as a 5-star hotel of unfettered Hawaiian elegance and personalized service. It is a property that doesn't just put you in the heart of Waikiki; it elevates you above it, providing a world-class home base that is as sophisticated as the skyline it inhabits. For a stay that is both vibrant and serene, this is the gold standard of modern luxury on the South Shore.

Curated for Class Final Score | 40/50

This review was written before the renovations - but it’s surely one of the best Hilton redemptions for Hawaii, no doubt. With its upcoming renovation completion, this will be one of the hottest hotels in Waikiki, with its amazing hotel service and suite-like rooms. It feels like Hawaii.

Ambiance: 8/10

Room: 8/10

Food & Beverage: 8/10

Service: 8.5/10

Does it Feel Special: 7.5/10

Hotel Review: Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts