Renovated Hotel A Favorite Of Kama‘aina

DANIEL BARNARD
General manager of the Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra

On Aug. 3, 1970, a landmark structure among Honolulu’s emerging skyline opened its doors to what would become one of the island’s most prominent and famous hotels. The Ala Moana Hotel started welcoming visitors from all over the world in what was at the time the tallest building in the state of Hawai‘i.

During the mid-1970s when Hawaiian culture, dance, music and food were having a renaissance, the hotel was a leader in showcasing island music and popular entertainers. This focus on Hawaiian entertainment established it as not only a hotel for visitors to the islands but also as a gathering point for residents to come and enjoy local entertainment. Kama‘āina guests became an important part of the fabric of the hotel.

Members of the housekeeping staff at Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra remain ready to serve hotel guests. PHOTOS COURTESY THE ALA MOANA HOTEL BY MANTRA

Fifty years later, in 2020, the hotel completed a $19 million renovation. The refreshed lobby reflects contemporary sophistication with the addition of natural stone elements, wood accents, bright lighting and a beautifully hand-painted backdrop of Hawai‘i’s iconic flora, created by local artist Kamea Hadar. The make over also includes a total modernization of the hotel’s pool deck, complete with expansive day beds perfect for lounging, cozy fire pits for stunning views of the sunset and a refreshing outdoor pool.

In addition to having the iconic The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood restaurant on the property, Dada Spa, Salon & Café opened last year and Pint + Jigger will be reopening at the hotel before the end of this year.

The hotel is proud of its reputation as a kama‘āina favorite and its ongoing sponsorship of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, Miss Hawai‘i USA and Miss Hawai‘i pageants and the ‘Ukulele Festival Hawai‘i, which are all chosen to help support local endeavors and our community.

The Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra consistently offers affordable kama‘āina rates, making it a natural choice to help people reunite with ‘ohana from neighbor islands, enjoy interisland trips for all occasions and, of course, well-deserved stay-cations for O‘ahu residents.

For more information, visit alamoanahotelhonolulu.com.