A new hotel development is brewing in Honolulu’s Chinatown, aiming to serve as a catalyst for the neighborhood’s revitalization. The proposed 16-story, 240-room hotel is currently making its way through the Honolulu City Council’s Zoning committee for approval.

Developer ʻIkenākea envisions the project as an anchor for the community, attracting investment and redevelopment while bringing much-needed jobs, foot traffic, and revenue to the area. Developers emphasize that these benefits have historically bypassed Chinatown in favor of tourist hotspots like Waikiki and Ala Moana.

Over the next four years, the project plans to transform the currently underutilized site, which currently serves as parking and storage, into a vibrant lifestyle hotel situated along a future Honolulu rail hub. The hotel will offer guests a variety of amenities, including:

• Two food and beverage outlets
• Meeting space
• A museum
• A rooftop pool
• A gym and spa
• A sky lobby
• A rooftop bar and restaurant with outdoor seating
• Accessible lanais with scenic views

The project acknowledges the historical significance of the area and incorporates the existing single-story historic structure, the Yee Hop & Co. warehouse, into the design plans. The building, listed on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places, will be meticulously restored to its original condition, showcasing its unique basalt rock wall exterior.

Situated adjacent to the Chinatown HART Station and Nimitz Highway, the project prioritizes pedestrian access and aims to promote long-term economic viability for the neighborhood.

The proposal faces approval through the Honolulu City Council’s Zoning committee and a separate 6E process with the State Historic Preservation Division due to the historic nature of the incorporated building.