The Waikiki Parc Hotel in Honolulu closed at the start of October and is in the midst of a multimillion-dollar renovation and rebranding.
The property, owned by Japan-based Mitsui Fudosan Co. and operated by its subsidiary Halekulani Corporation, is scheduled to reopen next fall as the Halepuna Waikiki.
The rebranding will fully integrate the Halepuna as a sister property to the Halekulani. Mitsui Fudosan acquired the former Waikiki Beach hotel Halekulani in 1981, renovating and reopening it in 1984. The Waikiki Parc Hotel opened in 1987.
"Building on the legacy of the famed Halekulani, the re-envisioned hotel will set the new standard for premium hotels in the heart of Waikiki," said Julie Arigo, Halepuna general manager. "It will be a celebration of gracious living beautifully envisioned by Edward Killingsworth, the architect of the original Halekulani. We envision travelers looking for an intimate boutique property with an active lifestyle flair to gravitate towards Halepuna Waikiki. Halepuna will be the first luxury boutique hotel in Waikiki, something we feel travelers and the community alike will benefit from."
Guests familiar with the old Waikiki Parc will find a totally revamped property when it debuts as Halepuna in 2019.
"One of the most dramatic changes will be the grand lobby, which will feature natural and refined elements inspired by Halekulani's subtle, light and airy interiors, with custom light fixtures, teak finishes, vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows," Arigo said.
The hotel and its 288 guestrooms will be redone in a new design concept led by New York City-based Champalimaud. There will be a new full-service restaurant adjacent to the lobby featuring an open-air kitchen, outdoor terrace encircled with tropical landscaping and a separate chocolate kitchen for crafting signature Halepuna delicacies.
"The focal point of the property will be a private eighth-floor haven exclusively for hotel guests with a completely remodeled, raised wood pool deck featuring an infinity lap-style swimming pool, Jacuzzi, poolside bar and luxury cabanas with ocean views," Arigo said.
Additionally, the new property also will partner with the Honolulu Museum of Art. Guests of the Halepuna will be offered special access to Honolulu Museum of Art and the Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House, and curated artwork and exhibitions will be featured throughout the property.
A redesigned wellness program and new fitness center and hospitality suite are also all planned.
"The travel industry is always evolving, and we have a new generation of travelers who are looking for experiential vacations," Arigo said. "Halepuna will target travelers looking for an elevated, boutique stay in the heart of Waikiki with impeccable service, amenities and authentic Hawaiian experiences both on and off property."
Halepuna Waikiki, like Halekulani, uses the Hawaiian word for house, "hale," and combines it with "puna," water spring. Halepuna translates to "The House of Welcoming Waters," and is reflective of Waikiki's past as a vast wetland where native Hawaiians congregated.
Reservations for the new hotel are expected to open around spring.