New building behind Hyatt Regency

Question

Anyone know what this is going to be? Hotel, condo etc. Thanks

Answer

Good question — the “new building” behind the Hyatt Regency Waikiki is likely referring to a major redevelopment project that’s been in the works for several years. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s going on (or was planned), plus what the latest data says:

What Is the New Building?

It is / was slated to be a condo-hotel development, not just a standard hotel. According to developer filings, the project (sometimes called 133 Kaiulani) will include a mix of condo-hotel units.
The development is planned to replace the King’s Village shopping complex and some adjacent parcels.
The mixed-use plan includes: residential units (one-, two-, and three-bedroom), ground-floor retail, restaurant / bar, event / meeting spaces, and amenities like a fitness center, spa, and a pool deck.
The height is significant: early plans called for a 32–33 story tower, which would put it roughly on par (in visual impact) with nearby high-rise hotels.

Who Is Behind the Project?

The developers are / were MacNaughton Group and Kobayashi Group, together with BlackSand Capital.
They received zoning approval to build higher than the original limit, indicating the city supported the redevelopment and modernization of that parcel of Waikiki.

Current Status & Official Records

According to the 2023 Visitor Plant Inventory (Honolulu), the project is listed as a “timeshare” tower with +203 units, replacing King’s Village.
The same inventory suggests the project had already obtained a PD-R (Planned Development-Resort) permit.
In earlier environmental-assessment documents (from 2014–2018), the redevelopment was clearly tied to the Hyatt site (parcels around / backing up to the Hyatt Regency).

What It Means in Practical Terms

So, if you’re seeing construction or hearing about a “new tower” behind the Hyatt Regency, it's very likely this 133 Kaiulani condo-hotel project. It’s not just a typical hotel: it’s designed to be *both* residential (condo) and hospitality (hotel), which gives it flexibility in how it's used.

Things to Be Mindful Of

Because it’s a condo-hotel, some of the units may be privately owned, which could affect how “hotel-like” the building feels.
If you’re staying at the Regency and want ocean or city views, this building could potentially block or alter certain sightlines, depending on how the tower is sited.
Construction and final uses can change over time. Plans from several years ago don’t always end up exactly as first proposed — so the “new building” might look a bit different from the early renderings.

Bottom Line
Yes — that new building behind the Hyatt Regency is very likely a 32–33 story condo-hotel (133 Kaiulani) developed by MacNaughton & Kobayashi, replacing the King’s Village retail site. It’s designed to be a modern, mixed-use resort-style tower, not just more hotel rooms.