Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/832698
www.travelweekly-asia.com | 15 Our Travel Commerce Platform is leading the transformation of the travel industry. It allows us all to connect, interact, share, create and sell better experiences for today's travelers and it creates new value for the future global travel economy. The power of the platform Discover the power of the platform at travelport.com/platform DESTINATION Hawaii Aloha! New era beckons There's an old friend with a new face on Waikkiki Beach in Hawaii. Welcome to the 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. The legendary Pacific Beach Hotel on Hawaii's Waikiki Beach is undergoing a US$115 million transformation. The hotel's exterior façade, 839 guestrooms and suites, and public areas, including a huge lobby aquarium, are being reconfigured, and a pool deck with two new pools are being added. The hotel will stay open during the 18-month transformation with expected completion later this year. Hawaiian for "the heavenly brightness", the name, 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is to honour Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch. The area surrounding the beds, and stepping-stones leading to cabanas perched above a new shallow water pool for kids. The hotel's famous oceanarium will also undergo an extensive upgrade with the interior of the aquarium boasting new coral that will mimic the coral reef formations found in Waikiki. The saltwater aquarium, which has a one-of-kind replenishment system that filters directly from the ocean, will be home to more than 1,000 protected marine animals. Dining concepts range from a hotel was once known to house the highest concentration of royal residences, including Queen Liliuokalani's home and cottage that she fondly referred to as Kealohilani – the Royal Light or Heavenly Brightness. Situated steps from world- famous Waikiki Beach and boasting ocean and Diamond Head views, the hotel's fresh exterior and lobby will feature an open floor plan, new guest services and concierge areas, lobby bar, an exclusive group arrival lounge, as well as a business and education centre. Designs include numerous 'pocket' gardens to bring the island's lush tropical landscape and natural rock formations indoors. The pool deck will feature a new saltwater infinity pool overlooking the shoreline, a pool bar, tiered day farm-fresh buffet breakfast to fine Asia Pacific cuisine. Conceived by internationally-acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto – known to millions as the star of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America – the hotel will feature two Morimoto concepts. Located on the second floor, Morimoto Asia will serve as the hotel's signature restaurant, and for a more casual dining experience at street level, Momosan Waikiki will feature yakitori, ramen, and a wide variety of small plates for lunch and dinner, along with a beer garden. The hotel offers a pool bar, day beds and kids pool. FOR PACIFIC BEACH HOTEL By Travel Weekly Asia