Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts

This hotel stay exceeded my expectations. The staff were welcoming and friendly. Attentive to my requests. The location was perfect for me because it was a prime spot to the beach, shops and restaurants but not in the center of the crowds. My room blew my mind. I was upgraded to one of their 1120 sq ft suites with two ocean view lanais. The full kitchen and laundry room were a plus. The breakfast variety was great and the mochi pancakes hit. The hotel was in the last stages of renovations, but it didn’t have an impact on my stay. I didn’t hear noise. This experience set the bar high. I’m looking forward to returning.

Ka La’i Hotel is worth every penny! Our family stayed in one of their newly renovated suites and had an incredible experience. The rooms are well appointed and quiet, the service is excellent, and it’s in a prime location if you’re staying in bustling Waikiki but still want to be able to relax. Compared to other hotels nearby, Ka La’i is much more serene and feels less crowded or chaotic. All of the staff from valet to check-in to maintenance and housekeeping crew were all incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Doug at check-in gave us a very warm welcome and Lily made sure we had everything we needed for our stay. Keanu and the whole valet team were so attentive and always had our car pulled up for us right away. We never felt rushed getting in and out. We traveled with a toddler and small dog, and the hotel was so accommodating! They provided baby toiletries, diaper genie trash can, bed rails, high chair, and even a stroller! For the dog, they provided a plush dog bed and ceramic food and water bowls. Having a full kitchen and in room laundry was so nice. I visited the hotel bar about a decade ago prior to the change in ownership and rebranding, and can confidently say they’ve really outdone themselves. We can’t wait to visit again once all of the renovations are finished. Highly recommend!!

We stayed for 3 nights at the beginning of August and had a great experience. The staff here is the star of the show. The location and proximity to the beach, yet slightly removed from the chaotic part of Waikiki make it even better. Valet knew us by name, knew we had a habit of being picked up by our local friend, and were just generally warm and helpful. Ms. Saori at the front desk is a sweetheart who genuinely wants to make sure you have a smooth stay. Yes, they're currently undergoing a renovation but we felt our stay was not very impacted. The hotel contacted us months in advance to reassure us they would make our upcoming stay as comfortable as possible, took down our requests, and everything was prepped and ready when we arrived nearly nearly 2 hours before check in time. They had even upgraded us unprompted. We couldn't hear any hammering, drilling, etc. during our stay. There are renderings around the property that show what it will look like once renovations are complete and it looks amazing! Our toddler's crib and a diaper genie were set up when we arrived at the room and there was even a stuffed sting ray for her. Having a washer/dryer and a fridge in the unit was a huge plus with a toddler. We are already looking forward to another stay next summer when we return to Honolulu.

We’re writing this review because a disappointing experience at another Amex FHR property made us truly appreciate our stay at Ka La‘i. From start to finish, every single staff member was exceptionally gracious and accommodating. They went above and beyond to care for my kids and mother-in-law as if they were part of their own family. This level of warmth and hospitality made all the difference in our trip. We’re already planning another visit to Hawaii in 2026 and can’t wait to stay here again. Thank you, Ka La‘i, for making our experience unforgettable!

We stayed at Ka Laʻi for 10 days, and the highlight of our entire experience was the exceptional service provided by Mr. Hiroshi at the front desk. From the very beginning—when I called ahead to confirm our midnight arrival—Mr. Hiroshi’s thoughtful and detailed responses immediately put me at ease. He anticipated our needs in every possible way, ensuring our stay was comfortable and smooth. Upon arrival, we were placed in a quiet corner suite, perfectly suited for our family’s early routine—we wake around 5am and go to bed by 7pm, so avoiding the evening noise was essential. Mr. Hiroshi even arranged sandwiches for both me and my husband, including a specially prepared one for our 6-year-old daughter, along with a bottle of sparkling wine. Pre-cooled waters in the fridge added another touch of care. He truly made us feel at home. Throughout our stay, Mr. Hiroshi continued to go above and beyond—recommending wonderful beaches and family-friendly swimming spots, like Ala Moana Beach Park, where we were lucky enough to spot a seal! Each recommendation felt personal, like a local sharing his own family favorites. Knowing we had a late-night flight, Mr. Hiroshi went the extra mile to secure a late checkout in the same room—an absolute blessing when traveling with a young child. His kindness, attention to detail, and warm hospitality elevated our entire experience. While it’s true that some aspects of the hotel, such as furniture, could use updating—and although we encountered one restaurant staff member, Miss Lani, whose negative attitude disappointed us and who showed her poker face to me and my 6-year-old —Mr. Hiroshi’s professionalism and genuine care more than made up for it. He is the reason Ka Laʻi stands out. I wholeheartedly recommend Ka Laʻi to anyone visiting Honolulu—especially because of Mr. Hiroshi. He is the heart and soul of this property, and we are deeply grateful for all he did to make our stay unforgettable.