New hotel in Waikiki is unveiled called Aqua Waikiki Pearl

Photos courtesy Aqua Hotels & Resorts

The former Honolulu Prince completes upgrades and is born anew.

On July 13, Aqua Waikiki Pearl joined Aqua Hotels & Resorts boutique brand.  Previously known as the Honolulu Prince Hotel, Aqua Waikiki Pearl is located at 415 Nahua Street.  The hotel recently completed a $5 million refurbishment which completely changed its status to a fresh new boutique hotel.

Local interior designer Kory Wong-Oglesby oversaw the design elements and said, “The challenge was to take dated and tired guest rooms and infuse them with some energy and warmth – as well as bring them up-to-date through the finishes and furnishings.  Although not located on the ocean, every effort was made to bring the ocean and tropical flavor to this small property.  Keeping simple clean lines were also inspirations throughout – from the carpet, to the furniture and finally to the bath vanity design.”

Wong-Oglesby also used warmer wood tones and paint colors which added to the overall warmth she wanted to achieve, accentuated with bright tropical patterns on the bed scarf.  “The upholstery patterns have very organic, free flowing designs that help to balance the clean lines of the furnishings and cabinetry – this fluidity is also carried over into the artwork, where various surf and ocean scenes were utilized and printed in a sepia tone on a gallery wrapped canvas.”  The resulting décor plus open layout of the room creates a very spacious and comfortable environment.

New roofing, exterior paint and renovation of street-front retail spaces were completed early on.  Retail tenants will start moving in this summer and fall.. 

Aside from rooms in the standard category, Aqua Waikiki Pearl offers some of the largest rooms in Aqua’s inventory and excellent options for families and extended stay guests.  There are spacious 451 sq. ft. rooms, 722 sq. ft. 1-bedroom suites and very generous 986 sq. ft. 2-bedroom suites.  Many rooms also have sizeable lanais.”

Current free amenities at the hotel include WiFi in the lobby, daily local newspaper and use of the in-room safe.  Guest room amenities feature free high-speed Internet access, free local calls, blackout drapes, mini-refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker or a full-kitchen.  Aqua Waikiki Pearl is pet-friendly (dogs under 20 lbs) and a non-smoking hotel. 

To celebrate the ‘new’ boutique hotel, Aqua Waikiki Pearl is offering the “Pearls of Summer” value-added specials that are available until September 30, 2009. 

•    “Pearl in the Oyster at Pick a Pearl” special:  Receive 50% off a ‘pick-a-pearl’ opportunity (three convenient Waikiki locations – International Market Place, Royal Hawaiian Center and Waikiki Beach Walk) for each booking. Coupon available at the front desk.  Quality pearl guaranteed.  Pearl setting additional.

•    “Cultured Pearl” special:  Receive an exclusive discount on "Creation: A Polynesian Journey" dinner show. Retail price:  $85 per adult.  Enjoy traditional Hawaiian food and be taken on a theatrical excursion to witness the mythical creation of Polynesian man and woman along with their spectacular voyage through the Pacific (through song and dance).  Nightly except Mondays and Wednesdays.  Reservations required.  Coupon available at the front desk.

•    “Fresh Water Pearl” special:  When purchasing Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii admission only, Aqua Waikiki Pearl guests receive unlimited Body Board Rides on ‘Da Flowrider– a multi-million dollar wave machine which challenges surfers with consistent wave action.  No minimum admission purchase required.  Check in at the ticket office and present your Aqua room key card.  Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii was named the #1 family attraction.

For room reservations, see your preferred travel agent, book online or call Aqua Hotels & Resorts toll-free from the U.S. at 1-866-406-2782.

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