Aloha, Paradise: Outrigger Hospitality Group unveils stunning boutique hotel in Waikīkī
Formerly known as Ohana Waikīkī East, this transformed property merges modern amenities with cultural authenticity to offer guests a truly unique and immersive Hawai‘i experience.
Built on the historic land that was once part of Princess Ka‘iulani’s esteemed Waikīkī estate, ‘Āinahau, meaning cool land, the Outrigger Waikiki Paradise Hotel draws its name and inspiration from the estate’s former title, ‘Paradise Garden’.
Known for its lush greenery, serene lakes and Hawai‘i’s first banyan tree, this natural beauty is integrated into the hotel’s design.
“As our second craft property, Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel blends Hawai‘i’s vibrant cultural heritage with modern energy through local art and artisans,” said Sean Dee, EVP and chief commercial officer at Outrigger Hospitality Group.
“Our thoughtful design honours the deep history of this place, also paying tribute to Queen Emma – whose legacy of compassion and leadership continues to inspire and uplift Native Hawaiians and the broader community alike.”
Located steps from the beach and adjacent to International Market Place, Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel features 443 newly-renovated guest rooms and suites, each designed as a royal retreat. Local artists and influencers—collectively known as ‘The Paradise Originals’have curated the hotel, ensuring guests are immersed in the sights, sounds and flavours of Hawai‘i from the moment they arrive.
This talented group includes visual artists like Jack Soren, a wave-surfing, mural-painting Native Hawaiian from the North Shore of O‘ahu and Lauren Roth, whose art graces galleries and collaborations with brands such as Hermès and Nordstrom.
Other contributing artists include Leslie Cariaga, creative director at Refinery Creative, who designed the fun ‘Come Be Here’ mural at the pool and JT Ojerio of Aloha de Mele, the visionary behind the life-size surfboard lobby mural.
Lobby artwork includes pieces from large-scale muralist Kamea Hadar and contemporary visual artist Marques Hanalei Marzan. Guests can learn about Hawaiian culture in their guestroom through the Lei Aloha book by iconic Hawai‘i stylist and lei maker Meleana Estes, alongside custom wallpaper designed by Hawaiian tattoo scholar Kalehua Krug, which honors the land’s deep-rooted stories.
‘The Paradise Originals’ also include culinary crafters: Alison ‘Bo’ Tanaka, EVP and chief financial officer of Tanaka of Tokyo; and Jonathan Rotmensch, CEO and founder of Hawaiian Aroma Caffé alongside The Gallery Waikiki, who bring their unique expertise to the hotel’s dining scene.
Guests can savour the flavours at Appetito Craft Pizza and Wine Bar and experience the artistry of Teppanyaki at Tanaka of Tokyo. These dining venues offer a culinary journey that blends traditional flavors with modern twists.
Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel General Manager, Kiana Beimes, shared her personal connection to the project: “Princess Ka‘iulani’s enduring legacy, her spirit and love for this place inspired us to reimagine the hotel as a sanctuary befitting a modern-day princess.
“We crafted a space where world-class hospitality seamlessly intertwines with the warmth, elegance and natural beauty she cherished. As someone born and raised in Hawai‘i, I carry a profound sense of kuleana (responsibility) to ensure that every guest feels the grace and the spirit of Aloha that reflect her timeless influence.”
Beyond its artistic flourishes, Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel offers exclusive experiences that connect guests with Hawaiian culture and history. Craft programming will include the Ka‘iulani Garden Experience which invites guests to hand-pick local flowers and create their own lei bracelets, while the weekly Aloha Sunday Kanikapila will bring a lively mix of food, fun and music to the poolside.
The hotel also boasts two state-of-the-art conference rooms, a fully remodelled pool, and an advanced fitness centre stocked with Peloton and Technogym equipment. Additionally, the Outrigger Activities and Experiences concierge is on hand to help guests explore the best of Waikīkī and beyond.
From the intricate mural in the pool to the floral tributes to Princess Ka‘iulani’s beloved pīkake flower, every element of the hotel exudes the spirit of modern Hawaiian culture.
The unveiling of Outrigger Waikīkī Paradise Hotel took place on October 16 – Princess Ka‘iulani’s birthday – and marks an important milestone in Outrigger’s drive to elevate its hospitality experience.
Combining cultural heritage, smart amenities and modern design, the hotel sets a new standard for authentic Hawai‘i travel experiences – perfect for girlfriend getaways, family vacations and romantic escapes.
Qantas’ brilliant Business Class ‘Suite’
Qantas operates direct flights to Honolulu from Sydney, Australia, with Airbus A330s and Boeing 787-9s that feature the airline’s latest Business Class cabin.
Qantas’ Business Class cabin is headlined by a ‘suite’ seat – available on all the Boeing 787-9, Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A330-300 jets in the fleet and select Airbus A380-800s – that has been popular with executive and leisure travellers since it first arrived on the scene in 2016.
This next-generation Business Class seat from the Flying Kangaroo can be reclined for take-off and landing, and the cabin offering also includes top Australian food and wine and world-class entertainment.
Wayfarer Host and Editor-In-Chief, James Gregory Wilkinson, experienced the new Business Class ‘Suite’ and click on the YouTube below to find out what you can expect onboard.