HONOLULU, Hawaii—Global travelers and modern explorers can now experience the new Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach which officially opened its doors to guests recently. Located in the former Waikiki Trade Center, the hotel is the first Hyatt Centric hotel in the state of Hawaii, introducing 230 contemporary guestrooms and suites in the heart of the world-famous destination. To commemorate its opening, the hotel will host a grand opening celebration on Jan. 19 that will kick-off with Hawaii’s first-ever Walk For Wishes event, benefitting Make-A-Wish Hawaii.
“The revitalization of this property has been an incredible journey, and our entire Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach family is overjoyed to welcome guests,” said Charles Young, general manager of Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach. “We are proud to play a role in the renaissance of Kuhio Avenue. Our hotel is a true launch pad for guests to explore and discover the best of Waikiki’s urban setting.”
Developed by Chartres Lodging Group and CoastWood Capital, Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach offers a modern guestroom design, including floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the ocean and Diamond Head, spa-like bathrooms with Drybar Buttercup blow dryers, and spacious floorplans that enhance the guest experience. The hotel boasts a variety of upscale amenities including a lounge pool, outdoor seating with circular fire pits, and a 24/7 fitness facility. The hotel’s bar and restaurant, The Lanai, will be led by Chef Yoshi Ohata. The 1,900-square-foot eatery is set in a modern, island-inspired space and will introduce creative Pacific fusion dishes to Waikiki’s culinary scene.
Several popular retailers also join the property in re-energized storefronts, including a two-level Nordstrom Rack, which opened in September 2016, Starbucks offering craft beers, wines, and gourmet appetizers in the evening hours, Jamba Juice, and American Savings Bank.
“Our vision for this hotel was to create a unique, forward-looking offering for travelers that seek to incorporate exploration into their international experience,” said Maki Nakamura Bara, president and co-founder of Chartres Lodging Group. “Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach reflects the spirit of exploration and discovery that is at the core of the Hyatt Centric brand and is a fantastic addition to the thriving tourism market.”
Construction on the property began in summer 2015, with renovations led by Swinerton Builders, local architecture firm Group 70, and California design firm DESIGN360unlimited. Throughout the transformation, the project created approximately 600 construction jobs and 100 full-time and part-time positions.
In partnership with Make-A-Wish Hawaii, the hotel’s grand opening celebration on Jan. 19 will feature the state’s first Walk For Wishes fundraiser. At the walk event, key stakeholders, community members, and Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach colleagues will come together to celebrate the legacy of the nonprofit organization and raise funds to grant wishes to local children battling life-threatening medical conditions.
A valuable land asset of Queen Emma Land Company, the redeveloped Waikiki Trade Center will directly support The Queen’s Medical Center, the state’s largest private, nonprofit hospital.
Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach will be the 12th hotel in the Hyatt Centric brand’s portfolio, joining hotels in North America and Latin America destinations including New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Key West, Montevideo, Uruguay, among others.
