The Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club has begun a $5 million renovation project to update the hotel’s guest rooms, restaurants and waterfall.

Local interior design firm Philpotts & Associates has been commissioned to give the hotel’s 521 guest rooms a new look reflecting an island sense of place that also reflects the building’s contemporary architecture. The guest rooms will be outfitted with flat-screen televisions; contemporary island-inspired fabrics and motifs; kapa-patterned carpeting; new, local artwork; and improved lighting.

The 25-foot waterfall at the front entrance will be re-engineered to minimize water and energy consumption and will have plumeria, red ti plants and Macarthur palms added to the surrounding plantings.

The Prince Court and Hakone restaurants also will be updated with new carpeting and upholstery.

"The entire project has been timed to place the hotel at its very best to host a full house of government leaders and senior officials during the APEC meetings in November," said Donn Taka­hashi, president of Prince Resorts Hawaii Inc.

The company operates the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in addition to the Waikiki property. The company also operates three golf courses associated with the hotel properties.