I recently stayed at Ka La’i Waikiki Beach, a newly rebranded Hilton LXR property that you may remember as the former Trump Waikiki Hotel. Rebranding can mean a fresh start, and I was curious to see how this place stacked up against the many other Hawai’i luxury hotels.
With over 60 reviews of Hawai’i travel under my belt, I wanted to take a look before the renovations slated for 2025 take place.
Spoiler alert: it’s not quite luxury, but there’s enough going for it to keep you interested—especially if you’re all about location and service. Let’s take a look.
The Rooms At Ka La’i Waikiki Beach
I stayed in Room 2308, a deluxe category with plenty of space and a “partial ocean view” that actually delivered—shocking, I know. Waikiki hotels are famous for advertising “lean over the balcony and twist your neck” partial ocean view rooms. From this balcony, I could see the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel, the Outrigger Reef, and I had a nice view of the ocean (Waikiki’s version of a lottery win).
See the video above for the balcony shots showing the view, starting at the 2:28 mark.
Inside, the room was well equipped:
King Bed: Big, comfy, but practically grazing the floor. I stacked my carry-on next to it for scale. I really noticed how low it was when getting up in the morning. My knees filed several complaints.
Bathroom: Double vanities, a deep soaking tub (rare these days), and a Toto toilet, Waikiki staple. The open-door shower design? Stylish but be aware if traveling with kids. I put the bath towel down at the entrance and saw no water outside that area, designed well.
Kitchenette: Full-on kitchen vibes here, complete with a rice cooker, blender, and even a toaster. I appreciated the reusable water bottles and the surprise welcome gift—a tasty bag of beach brittle with macadamia nuts and pineapple. The refrigerator had a freezer section which also made ice, nice. A great feature to save money on your stay by cooking a few meals in the room.
Dining at Ka La’i Waikiki Beach
Wai’olu Ocean Cuisine: I had dinner here, starting with their Ilikea’s Mai Tai, which has a bold claim to fame as the “World’s Best Mai Tai.” It was good, don’t get me wrong, but “world’s best”? I’m not convinced—Hawai’i has stiff competition in that department. For dinner, I tried the Firecracker Roll. It was fresh, with a nice kick, but not exactly fireworks. Overall underwhelming, go to the dozens of other great places to eat in Waikiki or nearby areas.
In-Yo Cafe: Now, this was a win. A $45 breakfast buffet with an omelet station that’s worth its weight in gold. The intimate setting, fresh fruit, and spotlessly clean service area were all standout features. Pro tip: Never skip the omelet station.
Amenities
The Pool: Oh boy. Calling it small feels generous. If a pool is important to you and those you travel with take note. It was never crowded—maybe because the beach is so close or it’s just not big enough to really let loose.
Fitness Room: Basic, no view, and functional. Go for a swim at the beach instead but if you must it does have all the basics, it was very clean and well stocked.
Library and Business Center: A surprisingly large room. Comfortable chairs, large monitors, and even a few books for those moments you want to pretend you’re not glued to your phone.
The Little Things
What Ka La’i does well is attention to detail. Branded pens with rubber tips for your iPad? Nice touch. Complimentary refillable water bottles? Yes, please. Highlighting gratuity in red on the menu so you don’t accidentally double tip? Classy and considerate.
The Vibe
This hotel is a mixed bag. The staff? Absolutely top-notch, friendly, polished, and genuinely helpful. The property itself? Let’s just say it’s in transition. The rooms haven’t been updated yet (renovations are pushed to May 2025), and the amenities lean more premium than luxury. Still, the service makes up for a lot of the hard product’s shortcomings.
Practical Information
Location: Smack dab in Waikiki, right across from Fort DeRussy Beach Park.
Resort Fees: $40/day. Parking? Valet only at $55/day. Bring your wallet.
Booking Tip: I booked through my luxury travel agent and scored a one-category room upgrade, plus a food and beverage credit. Trust me, if you’re booking “luxury” hotels directly, you’re leaving perks on the table.
Final Thoughts
Ka La’i Waikiki Beach isn’t trying to compete with the likes of the Halekulani or Ritz-Carlton Waikiki, and that’s okay.
If you’re looking for a well-located hotel with excellent service and decent amenities, this place fits the bill. Families with young kids will appreciate the kitchenette setup, and couples will enjoy the romantic ocean-view sunsets. But if you’re all about the resort vibe (big pools, lavish spas, and endless dining options), you might leave wanting more.
Would I come back? Sure, after the renovations. I’m curious to see what Hilton does to elevate the experience. Until then, this is a solid choice for those who prioritize service over swanky extras.
Let me know if you’ve stayed here or if you have a favorite Waikiki hotel.
