In Honolulu, the 14th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza on Kalakaua Avenue has been transformed into a capsule-style hotel, the first one for Hawaii. First Cabin, a compact hotel brand in Japan known for innovative approaches to hospitality, is scheduled to open the First Cabin International Hawaii this spring.
"In response to the decline in Japanese visitors due to the pandemic and currency fluctuations, Hawaii's tourism industry has faced significant challenges," First Cabin said in a news release.
"First Cabin's expansion into Hawaii aims to re-establish an inviting environment for Japanese travelers while contributing to the revitalization of the tourism industry," the release said. "The project is driven by a commitment to strengthening the connection between Japan and Hawaii while providing visitors from around the world with the opportunity to experience Japanese hospitality and service at its finest."
Most of the cabins, 90 of them, are 27 square feet in size, which includes just enough space for a single bed. These capsules are about 4 feet in height, and they are stacked on top of one another, like a bunk.
There are nine business-class cabins, which are not stacked, and those are over 6 feet in height. The first-class cabins, of which there are four, are the largest at 47 square feet. These include a double bed, providing some space to walk around. They are cubes of with length, width and height of about 6 feet 11 inches.
Each capsule is equipped with complimentary WiFi, and guests will have access to laundry facilities, a locker, shower room, sauna and lounge. Prices are expected to be around $120 per night.