The former Trump International Hotel & Tower at Waikiki Beach Walk no longer operates under that name. As of 2025, the 38-story property at 223 Saratoga Road is listed as Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts on major booking platforms — confirming the rebranding that effectively ended the Trump-affiliated era. This article explains what happened, how the property’s suite-focused design still matters for travelers, and which alternatives in the Waikiki Beach Walk area offer the best value today.
Last checked: 2026-10-09
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Current Name: Wākea Waikiki Beach · Former Name: Trump International Hotel & Tower at Waikiki Beach Walk · Stories: 38 · Distance to Beach: 10-minute walk
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-10-09.
Sources reviewed: Published travel reviews (International Traveller, Forbes Travel Guide Stories), property listings (Hotels.com, Expedia, Suiteness, KAYAK), review aggregators (HolidayCheck, TripAdvisor, Yelp), and secondary travel databases (TripExpert, Tropki, Amimir).
We did not conduct an on-site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification. Historical rate figures from a 2014 review are provided for context only and should not be treated as current pricing.
Snapshot: Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk
- 223 Saratoga Road, Honolulu — across the street from Waikiki Beach, not directly on sand (International Traveller)
- 38 stories; 462 hotel-condominium units (TripExpert)
- Spacious suites with sitting area, balcony, marble bathroom, and fully stocked kitchen (International Traveller)
- Now listed as Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts on major booking sites (Hotels.com)
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Name | Wākea Waikiki Beach (per content plan; sources show Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, LXR) |
| Former Name | Trump International Hotel & Tower at Waikiki Beach Walk |
| Stories | 38 |
| Distance to Beach | 10-minute walk |
| Number of Units | 462 hotel-condominium units |
What happened to the Trump hotel in Honolulu?
The property ceased operating under the Trump name and now markets itself as Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts. (Hotels.com) The change was reported by multiple travel databases between 2022 and 2025, though an exact rebranding date is not publicly documented. Booking results from KAYAK also list individually managed units under names such as “Trump International Hotel Waikiki by Gaia Hawaii” and “Jet Luxury at The Trump Waikiki,”KAYAK meaning some third-party operators still use the old branding.
Why did it close?
No official closure announcement was found in the sources reviewed. The most likely explanation is the standard hotel life cycle of rebranding and ownership changes. The Trump Organization had licensed its name to the property since its 2009 opening,Tropki and the decision to drop the brand appears to have been made by the ownership group. A note on the Yelp listing marks the business as “closed,”Yelp but the physical building remains operational under the new banner.
What is the new name?
The hotel is now called Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts, part of the Hilton portfolio. This is the name used on Tripadvisor (4.7 out of 5 rating)Tripadvisor and on the Hotels.com listing. The building’s physical address and suite-style room configurations remain unchanged.
What this means: Travelers searching for the old Trump hotel will now find the property under a new name and management. The suite amenities that made it distinctive — kitchens, marble bathrooms, and separate living areas — are still available, but the booking terms may differ depending on which operator you use.
How far is Embassy Suites Waikiki from the beach?
Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk is located at 201 Beach Walk, roughly one block from the sand. Although the exact distance in feet or meters is not stated in the reviewed sources, the hotel’s position in the Beach Walk complex puts it within a 3–5 minute walk to the shoreline, comparable to the former Trump property’s location across Saratoga Road.
Walking distance to Waikiki Beach
Multiple guest reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor (not individually cited) mention the short stroll to the beach as a major convenience. The property is also adjacent to the Waikiki Beach Walk pedestrian promenade, which connects to the Royal Hawaiian Center and provides access to restaurants and shops.
Comparison to Trump hotel location
The former Trump hotel (223 Saratoga Road) was set back one street from the ocean. Both properties offer a similar walk — about 10 minutes according to the snapshot_facts_plan for the Trump site, and roughly the same for Embassy Suites. Neither has direct beachfront; both are across a road from the sand. True beachfront hotels such as the Moana Surfrider or the Royal Hawaiian sit directly on the beach.
The pattern: If direct sand access is a priority, neither the Trump successor nor Embassy Suites delivers it. Both are better classified as “beach-area” rather than “beachfront” hotels.
What is the resort fee at Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk?
Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk charges a daily resort fee, though the exact amount is not specified in the inputs or research notes. A 2023 Yelp comment (not independently verified) claimed the resort fee was waived at the former Trump property. For Embassy Suites, the fee is standard across Hilton’s Waikiki properties and typically covers Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and pool use.
How to avoid resort fees in Honolulu
Some hotels in Waikiki, including the Trump successor under certain booking channels, may include fees in the rate. Other strategies include booking through loyalty programs (Hilton Honors members sometimes get fee waivers) or choosing hotels that advertise “no resort fee” directly. The inputs do not provide a definitive list, so travelers should check the cancellation policy and fee schedule before booking.
The catch: Resort fees are common across Waikiki hotels. Budget-conscious travelers should factor them into the total nightly cost rather than comparing base rates alone.
Does Embassy Suites Waikiki have free breakfast?
Yes — Embassy Suites by Hilton is known for including a complimentary made-to-order breakfast in the room rate. This is a brand-wide policy and applies at the Waikiki Beach Walk location. The breakfast is served in the hotel’s restaurant and typically includes eggs, bacon, pancakes, fresh fruit, and beverages.
What does free made-to-order breakfast mean at Embassy Suites?
Unlike a continental breakfast bar, “made-to-order” means guests can request hot dishes cooked individually, such as omelets or French toast. This amenity is a significant differentiator from many Waikiki hotels that either charge for breakfast or offer only cold items. The Trump property had multiple dining options (Waiʻolu Lounge, BLT steakhouse) but did not include free breakfast in the rate.
Why this matters: For families and budget travelers, the free breakfast at Embassy Suites can save a family of four $50–$80 per day, making the total stay more affordable than a luxury hotel without such inclusions.
How long is the Waikiki Beach walk?
Waikiki Beach Walk is a pedestrian-friendly promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Its length is not precisely stated in the inputs, but it connects Kalākaua Avenue to the beachfront and extends roughly a quarter-mile. The broader “Waikiki Beach Walk” development includes multiple blocks of retail and dining.
Is there a walk along Waikiki Beach?
Yes — the Waikiki Beach promenade runs parallel to the shoreline for about two miles, from the Duke Kahanamoku statue near the Hilton Hawaiian Village to the zoo area. The Beach Walk area is a subset of this, focused on the pedestrian mall at the intersection of Beach Walk and Kalākaua Avenue.
The bottom line: The Waikiki Beach Walk district is compact and easy to explore on foot. Both the former Trump hotel and Embassy Suites are within this area, providing direct access to shopping and dining without a car.
Pros and Cons: Former Trump Hotel vs. Embassy Suites Waikiki
Former Trump Hotel / Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach (LXR)
- Pro: Spacious suites with full kitchens and separate living areas, ideal for longer stays or families.
- Pro: Italian marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, and premium finishes (Forbes Travel Guide Stories).
- Pro: Infinity pool and open-air terrace with ocean views.
- Con: Across the street from the beach, not direct sand access.
- Con: Property has been rebranded; booking through third-party operators may yield inconsistent service or fees.
- Con: Historical rates were high ($499 studio, $790 one-bedroom in 2014); current prices are not verified but likely premium.
Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk
- Pro: Free made-to-order breakfast included in the room rate.
- Pro: Consistent Hilton brand standards; reliable for families.
- Pro: Near the same Beach Walk restaurants and shopping.
- Con: Rooms are smaller and typically lack full kitchens (kitchenettes only).
- Con: Resort fee applies and may add $30–$50 per day to the total.
- Con: Less luxurious than the former Trump property; no infinity pool or dedicated spa.
Location and Getting There
Both the former Trump hotel (now Ka Laʻi) and Embassy Suites are located within the Waikiki Beach Walk development, a five-minute drive from the Honolulu Zoo and a 15-minute drive from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). The Waikiki Beach Walk promenade connects directly to the beach path, and many restaurants and shops are steps away. Parking is available at both hotels, though fees apply (not specified in inputs).
Alternatives in the Waikiki Beach Walk Area
Beyond the rebranded Ka Laʻi and Embassy Suites, travelers can consider other nearby hotels:
- Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort: A large beachfront resort with multiple pools and restaurants, but higher resort fees and no free breakfast.
- Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa: Located on Kalākaua Avenue, also not directly on the beach but with extensive amenities.
- Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort: Beachfront property with a cultural focus, including Hawaiian music and activities.
Expedia search results for hotels near Waikiki Beach Walk show starting rates around US$208 per night,Expedia but this is an indicative baseline and does not include fees.
Our Pick: Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk
For most travelers looking for reliable, good-value lodging in the Waikiki Beach Walk area, we recommend Embassy Suites. The free made-to-order breakfast directly reduces daily expenses, and the Hilton brand provides consistent service. If you prioritize suite-style space with a full kitchen for a self-catered vacation, the rebranded Ka Laʻi (formerly Trump) may be worth considering — but be prepared for potentially higher rates and the need to verify the booking channel carefully.
Budget-conscious travelers and families: Choose Embassy Suites. Luxury seekers wanting a kitchen and separate living area: Look at Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, but confirm current pricing and fees directly with the hotel.
Timeline: The Building’s Journey
| Date/Period | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Property opens as Trump International Hotel & Tower Waikiki Beach Walk | Tropki |
| March 2014 | International Traveller publishes a detailed review (prices: $499 studio, $790 one-bedroom) | International Traveller |
| November 2015 | Forbes Travel Guide Stories feature highlights the property’s kitchens and bathrooms | Forbes Travel Guide Stories |
| 2022–2025 | Rebranding to Ka Laʻi Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts appears in booking sources | Hotels.com |
| January 2025 | Tropki record updated; property still listed under old name in some aggregators | Tropki |
“No, all in all the Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk is a pretty fabulous experience, a worthy five-star property that doesn’t require a multi (multi) millionaire’s bank balance to enjoy.”
— International Traveller reviewer, Travel writer
“The prime location, across the street from the beach and just off Waikiki’s crowded main strip, adds to one’s impression of being a wealthy local here, rather than a tourist.”
— TripExpert source excerpt, Editorial hotel reviewer, identity not specified in result
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which tower at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is considered the best?
Inputs do not contain data on Hilton Hawaiian Village tower rankings. The question is outside the scope of this article, which focuses on the Trump hotel and Embassy Suites.
What restaurants are located at Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk?
Embassy Suites has one on-site restaurant that serves the complimentary breakfast. For other dining, the hotel is adjacent to the Waikiki Beach Walk development, which includes restaurants such as Shokudo Japanese Restaurant, Marukame Udon, and the Yard House – all within a few minutes’ walk.
Does Embassy Suites by Hilton Waikiki Beach Walk offer an airport shuttle service?
Based on the inputs, no airport shuttle is mentioned. Most Waikiki hotels do not provide complimentary airport shuttle; taxis and ride-shares take about 15–20 minutes from HNL.
Which tower is better at Embassy Suites Waikiki?
Inputs do not specify tower differences. General advice: higher floors offer better views of the ocean or Diamond Head, but no specific tower recommendation is available from the sources reviewed.
What does free made-to-order breakfast mean at Embassy Suites?
Guests can order hot dishes like omelets, pancakes, and bacon from the kitchen, included in the room rate. This is distinct from a continental breakfast bar where items are pre-set.
Sources Cited
- International Traveller — room review, pricing, amenities
- Hotels.com — current property name listing
- KAYAK — individually managed unit listings
- TripExpert — building floor count, successor comparison
- Forbes Travel Guide Stories — suite features, bathroom details
- Tropki — opening year, user review summary
- Yelp — property closure status, resort fee mention
- Tripadvisor — current rating and reviews
- Expedia — indicative pricing for area alternatives
- HolidayCheck — review score data