The Ilikai
Encyclopedia
The Ilikai is a landmark oceanfront high rise hotel
and condominium
at the western end of Waikiki
in Honolulu, Hawai'i. When it opened in 1964, the Ilikai was the first luxury high rise hotel in Hawai'i.
The Ilikai is also well known, outside of Honolulu travelers and residents, for appearing prominently in the opening credits of the long running TV series Hawaii Five-O
. The show's star, Jack Lord
, is standing on the Ilikai penthouse balcony when a helicopter dramatically rises up behind him. This same sequence is used in the opening credits of the 2010 remake
, with Alex O'Loughlin
in the lead role.
, a self made millionaire. The building was designed by John Graham, Jr., who also designed the Seattle Space Needle. The original building features three wings radiating from a central point in a "Y" shape. Another unique architectural feature is the external glass elevator
, which runs express to the top floor. A shorter single wing building was added later, across the open air lobby and pool.
In 1974 Chinn Ho sold the property to hotel chain Marriott International
. In 2000, the property was renamed Ilikai Waikiki Hotel and reflagged to Marriott's Renaissance
line.
In 2006, the hotel portion was purchased by Brian Anderson and Anekona Development Group. In 2009, the hotel, which was facing foreclosure, was acquired by New York-based iStar Financial. They own the 203 units that make up the hotel portion of the Ilikai. Honolulu-based Aqua Hotels and Resorts
is currently running the property.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan (1968) are some of the many celebrities that have stayed in the Ilikai Hotel.
Hotel
A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms...
and condominium
Condominium
A condominium, or condo, is the form of housing tenure and other real property where a specified part of a piece of real estate is individually owned while use of and access to common facilities in the piece such as hallways, heating system, elevators, exterior areas is executed under legal rights...
at the western end of Waikiki
Waikiki
Waikiki is a neighborhood of Honolulu, in the City and County of Honolulu, on the south shore of the island of Oahu, in Hawaii. Waikiki Beach is the shoreline fronting Waikīkī....
in Honolulu, Hawai'i. When it opened in 1964, the Ilikai was the first luxury high rise hotel in Hawai'i.
The Ilikai is also well known, outside of Honolulu travelers and residents, for appearing prominently in the opening credits of the long running TV series Hawaii Five-O
Hawaii Five-O
Hawaii Five-O is an American police procedural drama series produced by CBS Productions and Leonard Freeman. Set in Hawaii, the show originally aired for twelve seasons from 1968 to 1980, and continues in reruns. The show featured a fictional state police unit run by Detective Steve McGarrett,...
. The show's star, Jack Lord
Jack Lord
John Joseph Patrick Ryan , best known by his stage name Jack Lord, was an American television, film, and Broadway actor. He was known for his starring role as Steve McGarrett in the American television program Hawaii Five-O from 1968 to 1980. Lord appeared in feature films earlier in his career,...
, is standing on the Ilikai penthouse balcony when a helicopter dramatically rises up behind him. This same sequence is used in the opening credits of the 2010 remake
Hawaii Five-O (2010 TV series)
Hawaii Five-0 is an American police procedural drama television series and a re-imagining of the original 1968–1980 television series. The series is produced by K/O Paper Products and 101st Street Television in association with CBS Productions...
, with Alex O'Loughlin
Alex O'Loughlin
Alex O'Loughlin is an Australian actor, currently starring in CBS's Hawaii Five-0 as Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett. His best known earlier roles include Kevin Hiatt in The Shield, Mick St. John in Moonlight, Dr. Andy Yablonski in Three Rivers, and Stan in The Back-up Plan...
in the lead role.
History
The Ilikai was the idea of Chinn HoChinn Ho
Chinn Ho was an entrepreneur, businessman, philanthropist, and self-made millionaire who pioneered Asian involvement in the Hawaiian business community.-Career:...
, a self made millionaire. The building was designed by John Graham, Jr., who also designed the Seattle Space Needle. The original building features three wings radiating from a central point in a "Y" shape. Another unique architectural feature is the external glass elevator
Elevator
An elevator is a type of vertical transport equipment that efficiently moves people or goods between floors of a building, vessel or other structures...
, which runs express to the top floor. A shorter single wing building was added later, across the open air lobby and pool.
In 1974 Chinn Ho sold the property to hotel chain Marriott International
Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. is a worldwide operator and franchisor of a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. Founded by J. Willard Marriott, the company is now led by son J.W. Marriott, Jr...
. In 2000, the property was renamed Ilikai Waikiki Hotel and reflagged to Marriott's Renaissance
Renaissance Hotels
Renaissance Hotels is a worldwide brand of hotels and resorts. The brand is owned by Marriott International and many Renaissance Hotels are managed by Marriott; however, some are operated under a franchise license. Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites cater to an upmarket segment of the traveling...
line.
In 2006, the hotel portion was purchased by Brian Anderson and Anekona Development Group. In 2009, the hotel, which was facing foreclosure, was acquired by New York-based iStar Financial. They own the 203 units that make up the hotel portion of the Ilikai. Honolulu-based Aqua Hotels and Resorts
Aqua Hotels and Resorts
Aqua Hotels and Resorts is a Honolulu-based hotel chain operating a multi-branded line of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties in Hawaii. It has been listed by the BBB since 2002 with an A rating.-Properties:...
is currently running the property.
Ronald and Nancy Reagan (1968) are some of the many celebrities that have stayed in the Ilikai Hotel.