Ilikai Hotel “Where Waikiki Begins”

 

Ilikai Hotel “Where Waikiki Begins” was the first hotel-resort condominium developed in Hawai’i . As many buildings at that time are part of the original iconic landmarks of Waikiki, but in this case it was one of the largest condominiums in the world called “The Big I”. The Ilikai opened in 1964, located at 1777 Ala Moana Blvd. While the Royal Hawaiian Hotel was considered antique, the Ilikai was considered a Post War Mid Century Modern idea, a Condotel-style building, developed by Chinn Ho (Works. Washington Space Needle) and designed by John Graham Jr. The Ilikai was in the opening of Hawaii Five-O (1968-1980), restaurants, nightclubs, and performers kept it a bustling and happening place. The look of concrete, strength, and urban look would catch on as a symbol of the 1960’s and places like the Waikikian that symbolized much of old Waikiki of the 1950’s. It was one of the first highrises in Hawaii and had people questioning the future of the island if it would take the direction of high-rise urbanization with a large population or keep the neighborhood charm of Old Waikiki. Not a common sight for those times, but in the modern times it's the standard high-rise.

“Everything was larger than life with everything around growing at a crazy fast pace with the buildings, the technology, the shows, the food, the everything.” -Tourist

Top of the Ilikai Restaurant was also a Cocktail Lounge that would open at 11:00am to 1:00am for a Luncheon and later prepare for Dinner Service.

Beau Rivage Restaurant primarily served French Cuisine and was open for Luncheon Service (Lunch) and Dinner Service.

Hong Kong Junk was a Night club that had dancing and entertainment nighty.

The Canoe House Restaurant (renamed. Canoes at the Ilikai) was located on the Lobby Level.  

Arthur Lyman group would spread the music of the genre “Exotica”. It was described as “Romantic Polynesian atmosphere charged with the pulsating rhythms of Lyman’s exotic musical stylings” -1967, Ad

Celebrities were sprinkled all over the place with staff recognizing the likes of: Jack Lord, Elvis Presley, the Cowsills, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. The television show “I Dream of Jeannie” filmed an episode there.

Maiko Japanese Steak House had advertised Geisha Servers

Fountain Lanai a

Pier 7 Coffee House a

Cinnamon’s a

In 2014, Naauao did job in branding and art direction through Scott Naauao. The package included a brand update, sales center, and web design, which included: Philpottes (Interrior Design), Ryan Yamamoto (Design), and contractors Wall-to-Wall Studios. 

History

In 1961, at the Ilikai groundbreaking ceremony, a Monkeypod tree was planted by Chinn Ho and his high school classmate Duke Kahanamoku.

Staff: Lee Jenks (GM), Chris Del Mar, 

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