Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts

Absolutely the most outstanding stay in Hawaii. Ka La’i has extraordinary customer focus and superb services. Tiara, a server in The wonderful restaurant with beautiful nighttime views and who also worked in the cafe was top notch, knowledgeable and caring! Gabriel, a host, also went above and beyond as did Sally. Aaron, a bellman, provided terrific help. The entire front desk knew our names and room number. Hiroshi was outstanding as well. The view from our room was extraordinary and the room was beautifully equipped. I have stayed at many hotels — Ka La’i is now at the very top of my list. Thank you for a memorable time in Honolulu at a perfect location as well.

We travelled over Christmas 2024 for 6 nights. I'd unfortunately experienced a leg fracture a couple months ago, well after we booked our hotel, and I'm still on crutches. An accessible room would have been the smart choice of course, but we made our reservation well before I broke my leg and I (incorrectly) thought I'd be more mobile by the time our trip rolled around. This will be important in a minute. Our room was amazing. A king room, with partial ocean view. Loved the double vanity, the soaking tub, and the gorgeous view. The only small bummer was that this particular room, which is the "end unit" of the hallway, faces straight out to the beach and these types of rooms don't have balconies. Usually this would be totally fine with me, but because I was on crutches, it's not like I was going to be able to go frolic at the beach. We inquired about any rooms in the same class that had balconies, but of course since it was high season there was nothing readily available. We were absolutely FINE with that, and we carried on with our holiday. Fast forward three days later, and we were called by reception to let us know that an ocean view room with a balcony had opened up and we were welcome to change rooms. This was actually a deluxe room (larger bathroom and larger living room area) but they knew it would be more suitable for us not just because of the balcony but because there was a walk-in shower that could accommodate a shower chair. The shower chair was set up by the time we moved our bags over. (They offered to move our bags of course, but we managed just fine.) We were just blown away by the accommodations made for us, and the care and attention the staff showed to us. We would especially like to shout-out the Reception staff, the concierge desk for helping with drop-off and return of a rental wheelchair, and the staff at the bell desk for being super attentive. Mahalo nui loa!

If I could give this hotel 6 stars, I would. Staying here was just a fantastic experience all around. The hotel is so elegant, yet modern and relaxed. They are planning renovations in the new year, although I don't see any need for them. Everything was in superb condition. The location one block from the beach is terrific; it's just a 5 minute walk down to the water. Some reviewers have criticized the pool deck at The Ka L'ai; I found it to be a wonderful place to enjoy a sunny day. The views of the water from there are excellent, there are lots of shady places, the hot tub is great, and the pool itself is quite nice. I guess it could be just a bit bigger, but that is quibbling. Breakfast daily was the buffet and it was delicious, fresh, and offered many American and Japanese choices. The fresh fruit was especially plentiful and scrumptious. I had 2 deluxe king, ocean view rooms, one for my partner and me and one for my parents. These were basically large junior suites with a full living area, a balcony with table and chairs, a surprisingly well-equipped kitchenette, and a huge bathroom with a tub and separate shower. Everything was spotless and the bed was quite comfortable. The maids even did the dishes for us! The staff here are exceptionally professional, helpful, and courteous. Truly top-notch. I was traveling with my elderly parents, one of whom has mobility issues. The Ka L'ai staff were very kind and helpful to my mother. As my parents were flying home to a different city on the mainland than we were, I was concerned about departing the hotel before they did; Alex at the front desk did all he could to allay my concerns. He was a standout, even among his stellar colleagues.

Our stay at Ka La'i Waikiki Beach was incredibly welcoming and comfortable. The rooms were quiet and spacious, giving us plenty of room to relax and unwind. The staff is very friendly and willing to work with you on all requests, and the valet was swift with bringing our car every time. You're just a two minute walk from Waikiki Beach and down the street from two different malls, designer shops, and lots of incredible food. Speaking of, the food in the hotel is great! You can get a wonderful, affordable brunch (the buffet is a little pricy, but the entrees are reasonable and delicious). Plus, you can have a nice dinner at Wai'olu Ocean Cuisine. There's complimentary coffee from 7 to 9 a.m. in the lobby and Nespresso machines in the hotel rooms. There are options to unwind at the spa and relax in the infinity pool. We would definitely come back!

Overall 5 stars: Hands down the best luxury pet friendly hotel in Waikiki! From the exceptional service to the personalized details that made my stay an unforgettable one. Service 5 stars: Upon arriving to the valet, we were met with warm greetings and had our bags unloaded by the guest service team. We were then escorted to the elevators that took us to the front desk. We were greeted with refreshing cucumber mint water and pineapple and star fruit jelly candy. Once we were checked in, our bags were on the same elevator going to our room. No waiting around for our luggage. Upon entering our room we discovered a special and personalized experience. There was a "Happy Birthday" Brownie in the refrigerator and plushy stingray for the little ones. There was also a dog bed and dog bowls already in the room for our dog. There was also a box of Beach Brittle and souvenir Ka La'i water bottles. Amenities 5 stars: Our room had spectacular floor to ceiling window views of the ocean and the Waikiki coastline. The balcony had glass railings that made it safe for our little dog to go out on. Full kitchen with Wolf appliances and an enormous refrigerator. There was also a Nespresso machine that my wife used daily. The luxurious amenities also included a deep soaking tub with a window that could be opened toward the master bedroom. There was a separate shower that had the best water pressure. All in an Italian marble bathroom. The toilet seats were heated and had a bidet. There was also a washer and dryer in the room which made it convenient. There are many more that there is not enough room to list them all. Location 5 stars: The Ka La'i is right across the street from the beach and the walk is a beautiful and short one passing the US Army Museum. There are many great places to eat and shop within walking distance of the hotel. I would say all within a 5 to 10 minute walk of the hotel. If you are staying with your pet, there are grassy areas all around the hotel and a nice park to take a walk in across the street. Cleanliness 5 stars: This is a big one for me. From the Grand Entrance to our guest room, everything was spotless. I can't stand rooms that were not cleaned properly. The cleaning staff were very pleasant and helpful, asking if we needed anything, anytime we passed by them. And they all did so with a smile. This is our favorite hotel to stay at in Waikiki and we will definitely be back there soon. If you want an unforgettable experience in Waikiki you have to stay at the Ka La'i.