Hawaii Magazine
The best part of this oceanfront restaurant in Waikīkī the view remains unchanged.
Jan 25, 2021
It was the spot for bridal showers and brunch with friends.
And because of its location on the ground floor of the iconic New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel many visitors to Oʻahu have fond memories of the restaurant, too. (Remember those pink tablecloths?)
In December the hotel was sold to Hawaiʻi-based BlackSands Capital. Its named changed to simply Kaimana Beach Hotel and the 122-room hotel and signature restaurant got a much-needed refresh. (The hotel rooms were extensively renovated in 2018.
But it’s the new vibe of the restaurant, now run by James Beard-nominated chef Chris Kajioka, that has people talking.
Jeffsetter Travel
New Otani Hotels is a small hotel operator headquartered in Japan. And, until recently, the company had two properties outside of their home country. But, now, they have only one as the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel rebrands.
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel was New Otani Hotels’ sole property in Hawaii and the US. However, the hotel’s current owners, BT Kalakaua, which is a joint venture between Hawaii-based BlackSands Capital and Tokyo-based Tsukada Global Holdings are assuming control of the property after its lease to New Otani expired. Instead, they tapped Hawaii-based Private Label Collection to operate the hotel. Private Label Collection is owned by Jonathan McManus who also owns the luxurious Hotel Wailea on Maui.