Latest news with #AlaMoanaCenter
Bloomberg
13-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Brookfield Revives $2.4 Billion Deal for Honolulu CRE Complex
Brookfield Properties has revived a $2.4 billion debt package to refinance the Ala Moana Center, a sprawling mall and office complex in Honolulu, about a month after it halted the deal amid tariff-induced market disruption. The commercial mortgage backed security is being split into five portions that carry ratings from AAA down to BBB-, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
Travel Weekly
10-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Calming respite at Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Suggest a Honolulu vacation to clients, and the response will almost inevitably include a desire to stay in Waikiki, with its gorgeous beaches, exclusive shops, trendy restaurants and buzzy nightlife. But of course, all that buzz adds up to crowds. The Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa bucks that arithmetic, offering the chance to truly get away on a Hawaii vacation getaway. The hotel is the tower on the right, and the Sky Deck can be seen on the 8th floor above Kapiolani Boulevard. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa The 39-story Renaissance opened in 2024, the first newbuild hotel in Honolulu in two decades. It's the brand's first on Oahu. What made the idea of staying there so enticing to me was its location. The luxury hotel is situated on Kapiolani Boulevard about 2 miles outside Waikiki and is a short stroll from the world's largest open-air mall, the Ala Moana Center. I'm familiar with the city and actually prefer that area when I'm in Honolulu. The streets are easier to navigate, it's quicker to get to the highway for some island exploration and, overall, there are fewer traffic jams. That alone takes away some of the stress that comes with visiting the urban island of Oahu. The other great thing about it is that prices for food, gifts and other travel essentials are lower because the stores are outside of Waikiki, where prices tend to get marked up. Walmart and Sam's Club are also within walking distance of the hotel. A Premier King Ocean View residence with floor-to-ceiling windows, some of which can be opened to let in ocean breezes. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa Guestrooms and residences The Renaissance Honolulu is split into two types of accommodations: hotel rooms from floors 15 to 29 and residences from floors 30 to 39. Residences are set up like apartments, with studios and one- and two-bedroom options, in-room washer and dryer and a fully equipped kitchen. I stayed in one of those residences, a corner Premier King Ocean View residence on the 34th floor. It had a large entryway with a full-size mirror. The bathroom featured a soaking tub, and the king bed was plush with white bedding. The kitchen included a stove, oven, sink and a compact Sub-Zero refrigerator that was larger than a typical minifridge. I was ecstatic about the washer and dryer, since I was on an extended Oahu stay. (Guests without an in-room washer and dryer have access to coin-operated laundromat on the 8th floor.) My room's wraparound views of the city and Ala Moana Beach, only about three blocks away, were spectacular. The floor-to-ceiling windows allowed for a full view, and the windows even opened to let in the ocean air. Gazing down on the Ala Moana Center gave me the urge to go shopping. The hotel offers a shuttle service, which takes guests to the mall as well as to Magic Island (a beach near Ala Moana Beach) and the Alohilani Resort in Waikiki, which is a good place to begin a day exploring Waikiki. The shuttle departs every two hours between 10 a.m and 8 p.m., but be sure to check the schedule with the valet. Since the Ala Moana Center is only a block away, I chose to walk there to find gifts for my family back home. The mall has more than 350 shops and restaurants, including Big Island Candies, ABC Stores, Hawaiian Island Creations, Hilo Hattie, Foodland Farms and Honolulu Cookie Company. The food court had a number of options, from mall staples like Chick-fil-A to places that serve poke, ramen and Korean barbecue. When I returned to the hotel two hours later, I stopped by its cafe, Lamill, the first Hawaii location of the Los Angeles-based coffee roaster. I ordered a latte with oat milk, which was handed to me with a design drawn into the foam. It tasted perfect. I spent some time back in my room, eating a bento I picked up from Foodland Farms while watching the day dim as the sun disappeared below the horizon. The hotel's Nami Spa offers Japanese-inspired indoor and outdoor soaking baths. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa Spa time The hotel's 8th floor is where the wellness amenities are located, including a large fitness center, 25-meter lap pool, family pool and whirlpool baths. I spent an afternoon enjoying that retreat, known as the Sky Deck, swimming for a bit before walking over to the Sway Pool Bar & Grill. I had the chicken club sandwich with fries, which was quite good, along with a virgin pina colada and then spent some time by the pool before heading back to my room. The hotel will be announcing another restaurant concept in May. The hotel's Nami Spa is open late, so I liked the idea of visiting it in the evening as a way to unwind. Guests can book massages and facials or pay a $35 fee to access the facility's amenities. There were only two other women there when I entered the spa, which features indoor and outdoor, Japanese-inspired ofuro hot soaking baths, a cold plunge, a Himalayan salt sauna and a steam room. I spent the majority of my time in the indoor and outdoor hot soaking tubs. When sitting, the water in these was neck high. I found it to be a perfect way to ease sore muscles and quiet the mind, just what I needed to end the day.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ala Moana restaurant employees locked out with no access to personal items
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Workers at Romano's Macaroni Grill at Ala Moana said they were surprised when they showed up to work on March 21 and were locked out. 'There were chains on the door, no notice, nothing,' said one employee that KHON2 spoke to outside the unemployment office on Punchbowl Monday afternoon. Honolulu introduces new emergency alert system 'There were court papers on the door saying the restaurant has been seized and we can no longer work until the issue is resolved,' the 16-year employee said. Workers say it all appears to stem from a legal battle. Court records show an ongoing 10-month litigation between the new Macaroni Grill owner, the previous owner and Ala Moana Shopping Center. According to court documents, Ala Moana Center was seeking backpay in rent to the previous owner back in May 2024. The documents state the previous owner owed $178,405.04 in rent and legal documents show the new owner paid his rent and is going through litigation with the former owner. It's a legal battle that has left the employees wondering if they'll be able to go back to work, or need to find new jobs. 'We're just workers,' the employee said. 'The issue between ownership and the mall has nothing to do with the workers, we just wanted a few minutes to go in and grab our personal items.' He said employees want to grab things like tip money, knives, and work shoes. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'We have families to feed, bills to pay, we're not looking for trouble, we just want this issue resolved so we can move on with our lives. The HR representative for Manna Restaurant Group shared a letter to KHON2 that was sent to the Governor as well, urging an investigation into the lockout. In part, the letter reads: 'On Friday, March 21, the management of Ala Moana Center took the drastic step of chaining the doors of our establishment, leaving our dedicated employees in a state of shock and uncertainty. Many of them arrived for their scheduled shifts only to find the doors locked, with no explanation provided. In response, we filed an injunction on Monday; however, after a week has passed, there has been no progress toward reopening the restaurant. Skateboarder, 38, killed in crash involving two vehicles 'It is particularly concerning that the writ filed addresses the previous owners of the restaurant, and it has come to our attention that this writ was not served by a sheriff, raising questions about the legitimacy of the lockout and the processes being followed. 'This situation has caused immense distress for our employees, who rely on their jobs to support themselves and their families. They are left in limbo, uncertain about their futures and without the means to earn a living. It is disheartening to witness such treatment of hardworking individuals during what should be a collaborative and respectful business environment. 'We urge you to investigate this matter with urgency and advocate for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of our employees and ensures that their rights are upheld. The community depends on businesses like ours, and it is crucial that we stand together to protect the rights and livelihoods of those who work tirelessly to serve our patrons.' KHON2 reached out to Ala Moana Center and has not yet heard back. The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said in an email that concerns regarding property access may involve private lease agreements and legal matters and employees may need to consult an attorney or seek assistance from law enforcement if they are being denied access to personal belongings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Ala Moana Center
HONOLULU (KHON2)– It's The Year of the Snake and it's time to celebrate with family and Moana Center will celebrate the 'Year of the Snake' with family-friendly activities and cultural performances, including their lucky wishing wall where shoppers can write a wish for prosperity and good fortune. What to expect in the year of the Wood Snake They also have a Lunar New Year Gift with a purchase opportunity. Shoppers can receive a limited-edition Year of the Snake boat tote, bandana and an Ala Moana Center gift card reward of up to $100. Ala Moana Center will be open during normal mall hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for the celebration. Don't forget, they have 11,000 free parking options! Check out more news from around Hawaii Need more information? Check out Ala Moana Center's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
