China Oceanwide (together with its subsidiary "Oceanwide Resort Paradise HI LLC") has signed an agreement with subsidiaries of Kerzner International Holdings Limited, a leading international developer and operator of luxury resorts and hotels, for the management of the new Atlantis hotel at the Ko Olina resort on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. This will be the first Atlantis property in the United States.
The brand is known for the luxury hotel Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, the Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences in Dubai, and the Sanya Hainan resort in China, scheduled to open in 2017. Kerzner plans further international expansion of the Atlantis brand.
"Atlantis resorts are already iconic destinations for leisure and entertainment, contributing significantly to the development of local communities. Hawaii will be no exception," said Jean-Gabriel Pérès, President and CEO of Kerzner International. "Ko Olina is an extraordinary project developed in collaboration with exceptional global partners — China Oceanwide and The Resort Group. Atlantis will be a destination pulsing with Hawaiian culture and history; a place of unforgettable relaxation. The exceptional location on Oahu holds endless opportunities for new experiences. This will be a resort you simply must visit."
The new Atlantis hotel, overlooking the breathtaking Honu and Kohola lagoons, will span over 105,000 m² and offer guests unforgettable leisure and entertainment experiences, including the giant Aquaventure water park, the Ambassador Lagoon, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Opening the hotel at Ko Olina, already one of Hawaii’s most attractive regions, marks another step toward transforming these areas into the new entertainment capital of Hawaii.
"It is an honor for Oceanwide to collaborate with partners such as The Resort Group and Kerzner. Together, we are creating one of the most prestigious and finest leisure destinations in the world under the Atlantis brand. We deeply believe that this partnership will further strengthen our position as a leader in the tourism industry in the region, leading to increased tourism to the island," said Steven Wang, Vice President of Oceanwide Resort Paradise HI LLC. "This is the first of a series of major projects Oceanwide plans to undertake in Hawaii, and we are committed to working with the best partners. As a company, we want our investments to actively and sustainably stimulate the development of the local community."
Impact on Hawaii's Economy
According to estimates, upon completion, the Ko Olina development will generate economic benefits of USD 6.3 billion annually for the city and state. Hiring around 30,000 permanent employees, it will also become the largest employer in western Oahu. Today, Ko Olina is a driving force for the economy and the main source of employment in the Waianae, Kapolei, Makakilo, and Ewa regions.
Summary
The new Atlantis hotel in Ko Olina, Hawaii, is the first U.S. property under the brand, developed by China Oceanwide in partnership with Kerzner International. The resort will offer approximately 800 luxury rooms, 524 residences, the Aquaventure water park, and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.
The investment is expected to generate USD 6.3 billion in annual economic benefits and create 30,000 jobs, making it the largest employer in western Oahu.
