The Laylow hotel on Waikiki's Kuhio Avenue included a traditional Hawaiian blessing during its grand opening celebration last month.
The Laylow, formerly called the Okina, is part of Marriott International's Autograph Collection and underwent an extensive, $60 million renovation. Before the redevelopment, the property was the Aqua Waikiki Wave. The hotel's revamped design, led by Official Mfg. Co. out of Portland, Ore., blends Hawaiian style with a midcentury aesthetic.
"We wanted to capture a certain style and feel of midcentury modern in our design and decor, evoking an experience you might have had in the '50s or '60s," said Marc Nasser, Laylow director of sales and marketing. "At the same time it is updated, hip and cool. We are targeting millennials, and individuals seeking the overall experience of an upscale hotel nestled in Waikiki that is unlike any other you'll find here."
The 186 guestrooms and 65 suites have custom furniture, and a color palette based on warm earth tones, such as burnt orange, coupled with cobalt and pink to reflect the seaside, tropical environment. Each room has a king bed and lanai, and some of the larger rooms have two lanais.
"While we went midcentury in our design, it's supported and complimented by a variety of high-tech amenities, such as high-speed internet and smart TVs," Nasser said.
The hotel's signature restaurant, Hideout, is headed by executive chef Bryan Byard, who has created a Pacific Rim-influenced menu with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Dishes include a coconut curry seafood stew with Kauai prawns and fresh fish and Kalua pork and Wagyu burgers. The restaurant features its own lanai with firepits overlooking Kuhio Avenue, and often hosts live musicians and other entertainment. There is also a pool, surrounded with garden landscaping and a fitness center.
"We have a fantastic pool area that has comfortable seating, The chaise lounges are almost queen size," Nasser said.
Noticing that more travelers like to bring their animal companions with them, the Laylow has a pet-friendly policy, and welcomes well-behaved dogs.
"We know how important pets are to people, and we strive to make the dog feel just as welcome as the guest. We provide dog beds and bowls," Nasser said. "It's another option we offer, because we know a lot of hotels aren't pet friendly unless it's a service animal."
The Laylow, Autograph Collection is situated near the International Marketplace, and the area has seen an influx of new activity in recent years.
"Having worked and lived in Hawaii for the better part of 30 years, this hotel is unlike any other I've seen or been personally involved with," Nasser said. "That's because of the overall look and feel of the property."