General contractor Kiewit Building Group won the renovation contract.

The military Waikiki hotel said this is the first major renovation project for the hotel since it opened in 1975. Until now, the hotel has conducted spot cosmetic upgrades but no overhaul like the current project.

"Providing a great experience for our country's military personnel is our No. 1 goal, so we're very excited to begin enhancing the look and feel of our guest rooms, lobby and banquet facilities," said John Jefferis, Hale Koa Hotel general manager.

"We've served millions of guests and their families — both local residents and visitors – over the last 32 years, and we look forward to continuing our tradition of excellent service with new rooms and updated amenities," he said.

The hotel will continue to serve guests in the 14-floor Ilima Tower during the renovation work, Jefferis said, because the construction will be done on a rolling basis, several floors at a time. Work on the Ilima Tower guest rooms is expected to be completed by August 2008, while the overall project should be finished by March 2009.