Amongst a sea of guests, Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach opened the doors of the Pali Tower, the first of two towers being constructed at this property, marking the launch of the first Hyatt Place hotel in the Hawaii market. Situated just steps from Waikiki Beach, one of Hawaii’s most renowned recreational beaches, the hotel combines stylish design and practical amenities with forward-thinking technology and purposeful service.

“Marking a special moment for both Kokua Hospitality and Hyatt, with the opening of Kokua’s first Hawaiian property and the opening of the first Hyatt Place in Hawaii,” said Rob Kline, co-chairman of Kokua Hospitality, the management company overseeing the development of Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach. “We are so proud of the team and their dedication to providing a remarkable hotel experience for all of our guests and visitors.”

To toast the opening of the first tower, Kokua Hospitality is hosting a traditional “LuWOW” reception with esteemed guests that include local dignitaries, hospitality professionals, shareholders and residents. The opening party will include traditional customs, such as a blessing by a Hawaiian Kahu (priest), as well as entertaining performances by hula dancers and fire eaters on the expansive pool deck on the third floor.

In addition to the pool deck, Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach currently features 190 rooms, and 236 additional rooms will be available when the second tower, the Diamond Tower, opens in spring 2012. While checking in at the spacious open-air lobby overlooking the ocean, guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including ocean-view rooms. All guestrooms feature balconies, offering gorgeous views of the Waikiki Beach neighborhood, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi access, a 42-inch high-definition television, a plush Hyatt Grand Bed® and an eight-foot sectional sofa sleeper. Additional amenities include a business center and tourism desk located in the lobby; an intimate Bakery Café offering specialty coffees, premium beers, wines, and cocktails; and a Grab ’n Go case stocked with freshly made items, including sandwiches, salads, tropical fruit, rice, authentic Japanese cuisine and more.

“It is our mission to provide an authentic and memorable travel experience for guests visiting Waikiki,” said Bonnie Kiyabu, general manager of Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach.  “As the first Hyatt Place property to be located in Hawaii, we plan to provide our personalized service to each and every guest to ensure that we exceed all of their expectations and create a wonderful trip, no matter why they are in town.”

“The opening of the Pali Tower represents a new beginning for Hyatt Place in Hawaii and speaks strongly to the successful growth of the brand,” said Gary Dollens, global head of franchise and select brands for Hyatt. “We look forward to the completion of the second tower in 2012 and hope to build off the brand’s momentum and continue the development of Hyatt Place around the world, especially in exciting new destinations.”

All guests staying at Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach receive a complimentary continental breakfast, served both in the lobby and on the expansive pool deck, which features a fire pit, Tiki torches and seating for up to 200 people. The hotel also offers a StayFit@Hyatt fitness center with cardio equipment and gym accessories, such as free weights, yoga and Pilates mats. The fifth floor features elegant rooms ideal for meetings, receptions and conferences. With 4,200 square feet of function space, Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach is an exceptional setting for any type of occasion, from intimate weddings to business meetings to lavish celebrations.

Travelers hoping to escape the freezing temperatures this winter will appreciate the hotel’s prime location. Situated close to the southwest end of the beach, Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach offers guests access to the best views and the clearest and warmest water, perfect for surfers and beachgoers. Its close proximity to Waikiki’s exclusive shopping district, world-class restaurants, natural attractions, such as the famed Diamond Head volcanic crater and a variety of other important sights and museums in Waikiki, makes it an ideal hotel for both leisure and business travelers.