Waikiki Beach Walk - Honolulu, Hawaii - Waikiki's Largest Development Project

Undertaken at a total cost of $535 million, Waikiki Beach Walk is a massive renewal project in the heart of Waikiki. It covers three city blocks and almost eight full acres along Lewers Street, stretching inland from the famous beach. It incorporates an outdoor entertainment plaza, some fifty retailers, sixteen restaurants, and four different hotels, making it the largest development ever undertaken in the area.

The slogan of Waikiki Beach Walk is "Spirited and Stylish.'' Visitors are heartily encouraged to Stay, Dine, Shop and Play at the facilities here. The overall design theme is based upon Hawaii's relationship with the ocean and incorporates marine imagery as its primary motif. For example, floating glass canopies above the outdoor plaza are said to reflect the movement of the sea, while supporting beams model the booms and floats of an outrigger canoe.

The flagship hotel here is the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. This waterfront resort has been renewed from top to bottom with a $100 million makeover. The renovations meant re-outfitting every one of its guestrooms and suites, while adding new specialty stores and a Hawaiian heritage reading room.

The Outrigger Reef is backed by the new Trump International Hotel and Tower Waikiki Beach Walk and the twin-tower Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk. They offer high-end luxury accommodations and family/business-friendly rooms, respectively. Hilton HHonors members may redeem points at the latter, with stays starting at 40,000 points a night.

Wyndham Vacation Ownerships adds a deluxe condominium component to the project. With 195 vacation units to choose from, guests can feel right at home as they enjoy the use of full kitchens, washers and dryers, flat-panel televisions, DVD players, and whirlpool tubs. There is also a recreation room with a pool table and table tennis, an exercise facility, and a full-service business center on the premises.

For relaxation, the four hotels offer open-air lanais where guests can enjoy swimming pools and sun decks, poolside cocktails, and unimpeded ocean views. The Outrigger Reef is just sixteen steps from the white sands of Waikiki Beach, where snorkeling, wind-surfing, sun bathing and frolicking in the gentle waves can be enjoyed.

Free evening concerts are performed on the Plaza Lawn stage, the music of the islands can be heard every Tuesday afternoon from 4:30pm to 6pm, and Hawaiian music is played nightly at the Kani Ka Pila Grille. Cultural programs are also offered weekly and free to the public at the project's Mana Hawaii classes. Guests can take lessons and learn lei making, Hawaiian language, hula dancing, and how to play the ukulele.

Although leasing efforts are ongoing, dozens of retail outlets have already opened within the complex, offering accessories, apparel, convenience goods, gifts and artwork, health and beauty items, jewelry, services, shoes, and more. For those who seek even greater shopping opportunities, the development is just a short walk from the Royal Hawaiian Center and Kalakaua Avenue's fashion mile.

As for meals, there are four casual dining venues, ten full-service restaurants, four specialty food outlets, and Coconut Willie's at the Wyndham - a bar with a food menu open daily from 11am to 4am, which turns into a nightclub at 10pm for live entertainment, dancing and after-hours partying. Those who visit Waikiki Beach Walk for lunch may take advantage of four hours of free parking at the Embassy Suites with restaurant validation.