The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach has capped a three-year, $82 million renovation that touches nearly every guest-facing space, from refreshed tower rooms to a brand-new dining concept. Opening its doors in 2016, the 552-key property blends residential conveniences with five-star service; the latest upgrade sharpens that edge just in time for the hotel's 10th birthday in 2026. Here is what travelers can expect when they check in to one of Oahu's most lauded luxury addresses.
Key Points
- $82 million, multi-phase refresh completed in June 2025
- All 'Ewa Tower rooms, both infinity pools, and the front desk redesigned
- Debut of three-unit Ritz-Carlton Suite Collection atop the Hotel
- Solera restaurant introduces seafood-forward Hawaiian cuisine
- Daily cultural programming deepens guests' connection to Oahu
- Why it matters: Keeps Waikiki's highest-rated luxury Hotel competitive for the next decade
Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach Snapshot - How It Works
Unlike traditional resorts, the Residences operate as a condominium-hotel hybrid. Guests book fully furnished studios to four-bedroom layouts that include kitchens, washers and dryers, and private lanais. Owners place units into a rental pool managed by The Ritz-Carlton brand, ensuring uniform service standards. Two elevated infinity pools-one adults-only-anchor the public areas, while a compact spa and 24-hour fitness center round out the amenities. The hotel participates in Marriott Bonvoy, allowing members to earn and redeem points for stays.
Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach Background - Why It Matters
Since its 2016 debut, the Residences have set a high bar for Waikiki luxury hotels thanks to generous room sizes, unobstructed ocean views, and a staff-to-guest ratio well above the neighborhood average. Previous minor refreshes kept soft goods current, but this project marks the first full-scale renovation. By addressing guest rooms, public spaces, and culinary offerings in one coordinated push, ownership signals a long-term commitment to remain at the top of Oahu's luxury segment, which now includes competitors such as Halepuna and ESPACIO.
Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach Latest Developments
The renovation, finalized in June 2025, unfolded in three overlapping stages designed to minimize guest disruption.
Guestroom & Suite Overhaul
All 324 units in the 'Ewa Tower received new flooring, custom millwork, and island-inspired art that transitions from sky-blue tones on lower floors to forest greens and misty grays near the top. Bathrooms gained rainfall showers and Toto washlets, while kitchens now sport induction cooktops and quartz counters. The headline news is the Ritz-Carlton Suite Collection: a penthouse, a four-bedroom, and a three-bedroom suite hovering 350 feet above Waikiki. Multi-story layouts, floor-to-ceiling glass, and chef's kitchens target multigenerational families and VIPs. Perks include round-trip SUV transfers, private check-in, daily turndown with specialty teas, and a dedicated concierge.
Pool Deck & Arrival Experience
Both infinity pools were resurfaced and bordered with FSC-certified ipe decking. New cabanas provide built-in charging stations and ceiling fans. Down at street level, the front desk moved to a lighter, limestone-clad alcove that shortens check-in time by 30 percent, according to the Hotel. Guests now receive a chilled hibiscus-chrysanthemum tea curated by Oahu tea educator Kathy YL Chan, underscoring the brand's push toward locally rooted touches.
Culinary & Cultural Programming
Replacing the former lobby bar, Solera seats 90 and focuses on seafood-think Kona kanpachi sashimi, oysters on the half shell, and a chilled lobster cocktail-paired with small-lot Hawaiian wines. Each sunset, a Hawaiian-language student leads "My Story of Oahu," chanting an oli that recounts personal ties to the island. The Hotel plans to rotate performers quarterly to keep the narrative fresh and authentic.
Analysis
For travelers, the biggest win is room versatility. Studios now feel brighter, while the new top-tier suites deliver the square footage and privacy families often struggle to find in Waikiki. Technology upgrades-contactless elevators, 5G Wi-Fi, and smart-room tablets-align the property with guest expectations shaped by mainland city hotels. Foodies gain a seafood-centric venue, expanding on a dining scene that already includes Sushi Sho and La Vie. Culturally, nightly oli chanting plus curated in-room artwork help elevate the stay beyond generic luxury. Expect rates to rise 8-12 percent during high season, though Bonvoy redemptions remain a value play given the property's cash rates. If your clients favor condo-style living with hotel perks-especially families juggling kitchens and laundry-this renovation cements the Residences as the most comprehensive Hawaii hotel renovation of the year. For alternative upscale stays, compare beachfront Halekulani or the quieter Kahala Resort on Oahu's east side. For broader planning advice, our Oahu Travel Guide breaks down neighborhood pros and cons.
Final Thoughts
The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach has doubled down on what made it special-spacious units, genuine service, and postcard views-while plugging gaps in design and dining. Book early for suites in the new Collection, request a Premier-Level room for skyline views, and time your swim for golden hour when the adults-only pool glows. First-time visitors should budget extra for valet parking and resort fees, but can offset costs by cooking breakfast in-room and leveraging Bonvoy points. Seasoned Waikiki fans will appreciate the refreshed look and cultural depth that push the property into its next decade of distinction.