Reinventing R&R

Hotel Renew—and its new coffee house, Recess Café—is redefining the boutique luxury experience for visitors seeking a well-rounded Waikīkī stay.

Text by Lindsey Kesel
Images courtesy of Hotel Renew

Tucked among the sea of accommodation options dotting Hawaiʻi’s most famous strip of sand, Waikīkī Beach, Hotel Renew is a breath of fresh air for those looking to recharge, explore, or do a little of both. An inviting and upscale home away from home, Hotel Renew promises an intimate guesthouse experience geared toward locals and visitors with an affinity for luxury and an appetite for adventure. Everyone from solo travelers to families—and any small pets along for the ride—are welcome at Hotel Renew.

The seaside setting features charming spaces with decadent design details that combine mid-century and modern tropical aesthetics. The ambience is plush, contemporary, and comfortable, with Pacific Ocean views filling many of the windows. Hotel Renew’s sleek suites feature luxe linens, mid-century furnishings, and textured white oak—plus a long list of entertaining accoutrements, such as a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, and Illy espresso machine. Spa-worthy bath amenities, personal fitness equipment, and other extra special touches add to the indulgent and fun boutique hotel vibe.

One of Hotel Renew’s biggest selling points—its central location in the heart of Waikīkī’s vibrant shopping and dining district—makes it easy for guests to access some of Oʻahu’s best hotspots and off-the-beaten-path places. Situated one mile from Kapiʻolani Park, a three-minute walk from the Honolulu Zoo, and one block from the beach, the hotel is a convenient jumping-off point for all kinds of recreation, both on land and off shore. In the adjacent Kapahulu neighborhood, mom-and-pop shops full of Hawaiiana and vintage treasures mingle among cherished local eateries such as Sweet E’s Café, Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar & Grill, and Leonard’s Bakery. Just a 15-minute drive west along the coast is the funky Kakaʻako warehouse district, home to eclectic boutiques, craft breweries, and larger-than-life murals by local and international street artists.

Hotel Renew’s coffee and cocktail concept, Recess Café & Bar, is a perfect place to fuel up for a day in the sun or a night on the town.
Hotel Renew’s coffee and cocktail concept, Recess Café & Bar, is a perfect place to fuel up for a day in the sun or a night on the town.

Tucked inside the lobby of Hotel Renew sits a sweet, stress-free spot where guests can recharge and refresh. Recess Café & Bar serves a variety of locally and responsibly sourced coffee, including Waialua/Columbia coffee blends on drip, pour-over coffee made with single-origin Brazilian beans, cold brew over ice, and made-to-order specialty coffee drinks, such as cortados, flat whites, and cappuccinos. From early morning sips to late nightcaps, there’s something for everyone: Beyond coffee, the menu includes smoothies and cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, fine liquor, and vacation favorites such as bloody marys and mimosas.

By setting everything one could want within reach, the hospitality team at Hotel Renew has crafted an oasis of calm for savvy travelers seeking a more refined approach to rest and relaxation. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised when they settle in, says hotel manager Rena Agngarayngay, a reaction that is completely by design: “We’re aiming for a sophisticated version of serenity and a fresh perspective on the Waikīkī experience that hits all the right notes for our guests. Hotel Renew is the perfect home base for adventure and renewal, with a distinct sense of community that really enriches the few days they spend with us.”

hotelrenew.com
808.687.7700 | 129 Paoakalani Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815