When I first reviewed the Ritz‑Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach, I struggled with it being on Kūhiō Ave and not beachfront along Kalākaua Ave. Why? The rooms are among the best on O’ahu and include kitchens, which many find a wonderful addition for longer stays.
If this property were beachfront in Ko Olina, it would undoubtedly be the best luxury hotel on O’ahu.
Nearly a decade since its opening in 2016, the property has completed a multi-phase renovation that introduces design updates, a new suite collection, refreshed pools, and expanded cultural programming. While I haven’t yet returned to see these changes firsthand, the recent updates offer a window into how the Ritz is evolving its identity at the intersection of luxury and local place.
Room Design Reimagined
As part of the $82 million renovation, rooms in the ‘Ewa Tower have been redesigned with a narrative inspired by O‘ahu’s natural geography—moving visually from the shoreline to the mountaintops. The Deluxe category rooms (floors 9–22) feature sand and ocean tones, while the Grand rooms (floors 23–32) bring in deeper greens and wood textures meant to reflect upland forests. The top-level Premier rooms (floors 33–36) incorporate sky blues and soft grays inspired by clouds and rainbows.
These design choices—paired with curated works by O‘ahu-based artists—aim to better align the guest experience with the textures and colors of the island itself, a theme that runs throughout the renovation.
Sky-Level Suites and Elevated Services
A new addition to the property’s accommodations is the Suite Collection, located at the top of the tower. This set of three suites—a penthouse, a four-bedroom, and a three-bedroom—introduces larger living spaces with full kitchens, expansive views, and private services including VIP check-in, a local beverage-stocked minibar, and in-suite concierge access.
While these top-tier offerings are designed for extended stays and multigenerational travel, they also reinforce the ongoing trend of luxury properties creating more residential-feeling accommodations—something I noted in my earlier review of the property, where suites already played a central role in the guest experience.
Solera Opens in La Vie’s Former Space
In the lobby-level dining space once home to La Vie, the Ritz has introduced Solera, a new restaurant that draws on Hawai‘i regional flavors while integrating broader international influences. Helmed by Chef Mel Fogata and beverage director Ariana Tsuchiya, Solera takes its name from a wine-aging method that blends vintages over time—a metaphor, according to the team, for the layering of tradition and innovation in their menu.
Offerings range from a six-course tasting to à la carte items like ahi kinilaw with calamansi and housemade Johnny cakes topped with Kaluga caviar. The restaurant’s design remains open-air, with sunset views that continue to make this one of Waikīkī’s more serene fine-dining environments. While some may miss the distinctly French influence of La Vie, Solera appears to be carving out a new identity that ties contemporary cooking to the ingredients and stories of the islands.
Hawaiian Storytelling Anchors the Experience
Perhaps the most notable addition from a cultural standpoint is the introduction of a sunset storytelling ritual called “My Story of O‘ahu.” Each evening, a local student of the Hawaiian language shares a personal chant and narrative at dusk, inviting guests to witness—not just observe—one individual’s relationship to the land, its people, and its rhythms.
In a place like Waikīkī, where cultural authenticity is often diluted by commercial tourism, this feels like a meaningful effort to foreground voices rooted in place. Whether this ritual becomes a deeper point of engagement or simply a reflective moment for visitors will depend on the intention guests bring—but its presence is a welcome step toward a more grounded form of hospitality.
Final Thoughts and Booking Tips
The renovation of the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach doesn’t just refresh a property—it reflects a broader shift in how luxury hotels are trying to root themselves more thoughtfully in place. Even in high-density Waikīkī, there’s room to reimagine how guest experiences can connect to the land and community, not just offer views of it.
If you’re considering a stay at a property like the Ritz, it’s worth understanding how to book in a way that maximizes value without compromising on personalization. One of the most effective strategies is working with a Virtuoso-affiliated advisor, which can unlock perks like complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast, and early check-in or late checkout—often for the same rates you’ll find online.
For those loyal to larger hotel groups like Marriott, the STARS and Luminous programs offer a similar route to added benefits at luxury properties including the Ritz-Carlton. These programs are designed for travelers who want the reassurance of a trusted brand but also appreciate insider access and VIP-level treatment.
As always, the key is booking intentionally—understanding where your money goes, how it shapes your experience, and what kind of footprint you’re leaving behind. In Hawai‘i, where tourism continues to intersect with questions of sustainability and community resilience, that kind of awareness matters more than ever.
