Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī Reopens After $82 Million Renovation & Kamaʻāina Deals!

Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī Reopens After $82 Million Renovation & Kamaʻāina Deals!

June 10, 2025 | Scott Kobayashi

The iconic Ritz‑Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach has unveiled the stunning results of a comprehensive $82 million renovation, breathing new life into its renowned oceanfront presence. The multi-phase refresh encompasses guest rooms, public spaces, front desk areas, spa, fitness center—and both of its signature infinity pools.

What’s New From Lobby to Penthouse

• Guest Rooms & Suites
  The ‘Ewa Tower’s Deluxe (Floors 9–22), Grand (23–32), and Premier (33–36) levels now feature bespoke color palettes—from beachy blues to forest greens and crisp sky tones, infused with curated art by O‘ahu artists. These additions celebrate Hawaii’s sky‑to‑sea narrative while offering luxe linens, upgraded lighting, and furnishings tailored to elevate island‑residential comfort.

• Front Desk & Fitness Center
  The lobby and check‑in experience received refreshed furnishings and finishes for an enhanced arrival experience, while the fitness center has been upgraded with new equipment and streamlined styling.

• Dual Infinity Pools
  Both the Adult Pool and Resort (family) pool have reimagined lounge zones, new cabanas, umbrellas, and furniture reflecting Hawaiian hues. Guests now enjoy rotating local snacks, sundae rituals ("Low Tide") at 2 p.m., and an adult sunset sorbet + sparkling wine experience on Fridays. ;-)

• Sky Collection & Penthouse Suites
  The ultra‑luxury Sky Collection, including three‑bed Sky Suites and awe‑inspiring penthouses, now offer private rooftops, plunge pools, gourmet kitchens with Miele appliances, and VIP services (private check‑in, airport transfers, dedicated concierge). These suite redemptions will break the bank with points so save up!

Design Details Worth Exploring

Interior renovations were showcased in premium units like E2801, where refined furnishings, art, ambient lighting, wall coverings, and textiles transformed the living spaces. Meanwhile, structural innovations earlier included vertical transfers and 50+ transitions to harmonize parking, amenities, and residential floors.

Residence #E2801, a highly coveted 2-bedroom, 2-bath front-corner unit, now showcases an elevated design aesthetic with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu’s southern coastline, seamlessly integrated with refined interior enhancements.

A Homegrown Welcome: Kamaʻāina Offers

To welcome locals, The Ritz-Carlton is offering a Kamaʻāina Staycation Deal: 40% Off at The Ritz-Carlton Waikiki

Here’s what you get:

• Up to 40% off refreshed guest rooms

• 50% off the brand-new Sky Penthouse (if you do, send pics!)

• 15% off spa treatments, cabana rentals, and poolside bites

• Access to Waikīkī’s highest adults-only infinity pool—pure chill vibes with unbeatable views

Book by July 31 using code Z43 at ritzcarlton.com/waikiki and bring your Hawaiʻi ID at check-in.

Why It Matters

• Seamless Luxury: The redesign creates a harmonious experience—from front desk to penthouse—reinforcing Ritz’s commitment to curated luxury.

• A Local Touch: The infusion of Hawaiian design and art ensures the hotel echoes O‘ahu’s identity.

• Upscale Amenities: Enhanced pools, suites, VIP perks, and kamaʻāina deals elevate both tourist appeal and community engagement.

💳 How to Book with Points

Want to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī using credit card points? Here’s how:

Option 1: Use Marriott Bonvoy Points

The Ritz-Carlton is part of the Marriott Bonvoy program.

• Standard redemption rate: ~80,000–130,000 points per night (depending on season)

• Use Free Night Certificates: Combine 85K certs + points for better value

• Fifth Night Free: Book 5 nights with points, and only pay for 4

🔗 You can book directly at marriott.com

Option 2: Transfer from Credit Cards

If you don’t have Bonvoy points yet, you can transfer them from these cards:

• American Express Membership Rewards
  Transfer at a 1:1 ratio (instantly)

• Chase Ultimate Rewards
  Transfer at a 1:1 ratio to Marriott Bonvoy

• Capital One Miles
  Transfer at a 2:1 ratio (less ideal, but doable)

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan to stay here, take advantage of the next Marriott Transfer bonus. Marriott points don’t always get top value, but if you're aiming for a Ritz experience in Hawai‘i, it can still be a great redemption—especially when cash rates are $800+ per night.

Mahalo,

Scott Kobayashi | Hawaii Reward Travel