Preserving Operations, Elevating Experience: The Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort Lihue

The Hardy Group led a multi-phase renovation of the Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort on behalf of The RMR Group, delivering a comprehensive transformation across guestrooms, suites, public areas, and F&B venues. This resort-wide upgrade elevated the guest experience while maintaining full operational continuity on an active site throughout construction.

In collaboration with Looney & Associates as Interior Designer and Houston Tyner Architects as Architect of Record for the guestrooms and suites, and with WATG as Architect of Record and Wimberly Interiors as Interior Designer for all public areas, The Hardy Group oversaw the full renovation of 356 guestrooms and suites, including the Presidential and Vice-Presidential suites. Public areas were reimagined to reflect a modern yet timeless Hawaiian aesthetic. The porte cochere was enhanced with new architectural lighting, custom millwork paneling, and upgraded FF&E, while the main lobby received a new front desk and ADA-compliant ramp, custom tile finishes, refinished millwork, and mechanical system updates.

Key gathering spaces were modernized, escalator landings and lookouts were refreshed with new landscaping, paint, decorative steel accents, and lighting, meeting and event venues, including ballrooms and boardrooms, were fully upgraded with new carpeting, lighting, wallcoverings, refurbished airwalls, and updated FF&E.

The renovation also introduced significant F&B enhancements. The Aupaka Terrace was reimagined as the Royal Lanai, a flexible dining venue featuring a new sushi bar, grab-and-go coffee shop, a new back-of-house kitchen, and elevated finishes. Kukui’s Restaurant underwent a dramatic transformation with a substantially expanded bar, new trellis structure, and upgraded AV and lighting systems—supporting live entertainment and weather-resilient dining experiences.

Construction was managed by Elements Hospitality, with Pacific Audio Communications providing low voltage consulting across the property. Notably, the guestroom renovation phase was delivered on time and within budget during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This project marked one of the first renovations of a Royal Sonesta-branded property and set a benchmark for future transformations within the brand’s portfolio.