Honolulu’s Pagoda Hotel has unveiled a comprehensive property-wide refresh encompassing the guestrooms, public spaces and food & beverage concepts.
The renovation of the 199-room hotel—which opened in 1964 and was acquired by Rycroft Holdings in 2022—was led by The Vanguard Theory in collaboration with Albert C. Kobayashi. The redesign of the Hawaii hotel focused on creating spaces that reflect the neighborhood’s multi-cultural influences.
"The Pagoda has always been a place to talk story, celebrate milestones and feel at home," Robert Kurisu, owner, Rycroft Holdings, said in a statement. "We've simply reimagined that experience with a modern aesthetic while preserving what makes the Pagoda the friendliest address of aloha."
The repositioning introduces updated guestrooms with contemporary, island-inspired interiors, as well as in-room artwork from local artist Lauren Trangmar. The designs draw on traditional Japanese Byōbu screens and Chinese Shanshui landscape styles, incorporating native flora and fauna into a modern aesthetic.
Public spaces include a significant restoration of the hotel’s signature koi pond and gardens, now complemented by a new walkway linking the outdoor areas to the pool deck. Additional upgrades include refreshed corridors and exterior elements that align with the property’s original architecture, as well as a redesigned lobby featuring a curated art wall.
Retail and dining enhancements were also central to the update. A refreshed retail and snack concept in the lobby introduces Pagoda-branded merchandise alongside locally sourced products. Upcoming additions include the Paris Baguette bakery and café and the Rainbow Drive-In, which will take over the hotel’s iconic floating restaurant.