Rockwell Group redesign Hawaii hotel with indoor gardens and its own aquarium
by Kim Megson | 15 Jul 2016
– Shawn Sullivan
Designers Rockwell Group and architectural firms WATG and Pacific Asia Design Group will work together to significantly transform the Pacific Beach Hotel in Hawaii.
The hotel – which is located next to the former residence of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch – is being renovated and rebranded at a cost of US$115m (€103.5m, £86.5m).
The Pacific’s exterior façade, 839 guestrooms and suites, public areas and lobby aquarium will all start being revamped in the coming weeks. The hotel will remain operational during the 18-month period of construction.
Rockwell Group’s design concepts are inspired by Honolulu’s culture and the island’s tropical landscape. Natural materials, including wood and stone, will create “a light, airy guest environment.” Lava stone mosaics, woven columns, indoor gardens and natural rock formations will add to the effect.
Two new restaurants will be created by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto and a new pool deck will feature a saltwater infinity pool, a bar, and stepping stones leading to exclusive cabanas.
Finally, the hotel’s oceanarium will be upgraded. Its 280,000-gallon aquarium will be fitted with coral that mimics the reef formations found in the waters of nearby Waikiki Beach. A saltwater tank, which filters water directly from the ocean, will be home to more than 1,000 protected marine animals.
Rockwell Group partner Shawn Sullivan said: “We are blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor to connect guests to the ocean. The Morimoto restaurants and pool deck will have stunning views of the water, while neutral hues and organic forms will transform the lobby, retail areas and guestrooms into warm, welcoming spaces.”
Once the work is completed, the hotel will be rebranded as the Ahlohilani Resort at Waikiki Beach. It will continue to be managed by real estate investment and hospitality management company Highgate.
Rockwell Group Hawaii Pacific Beach Hotel WATG Pacific Asia Design Group Masaharu Morimoto Ahlohilani Resort at Waikiki Beach
Two new restaurants will be created by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto Credit: Rockwell Group
The hotel's 280,000-gallon aquarium will be renovated as part of the project Credit: Rockwell Group
Cabanas and outdoor sun decks will offer a view of the ocean Credit: Rockwell Group
Rockwell Group’s design concepts are inspired by Honolulu’s culture and the island’s tropical landscape Credit: Rockwell Group
839 guestrooms and suites are being revamped Credit: Rockwell Group
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FEATURE: Profile – David Rockwell
Designers Rockwell Group and architectural firms WATG and Pacific Asia Design Group will work together to significantly transform the Pacific Beach Hotel in Hawaii. The hotel – which is located next to the former residence of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch – is being renovated and rebranded at a cost of US$115m (€103.5m, £86.5m). The Pacific’s exterior façade, 839 guestrooms and suites, public areas and lobby aquarium will all
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