Introducing Halekulani

July 9, 2024 by Hidden Doorways

Picture a Hawaiian holiday: pristine beaches where turquoise Pacific waters caress shores with Diamond Head in the background. Imagine sunrise surfing, lounging by the iconic Orchid pool, sunset cocktails, and indulging in a piece of the signature coconut cake. Enjoy these moments and so much more at Halekulani.

Halekulani, which translates to “House Befitting Heaven,” has been welcoming guests to Waikiki with gracious hospitality for over a century. Located in the heart of Waikiki, once you step on to the property, you feel like you are in your own oasis of tranquility. Today, visitors to the area can do as little as lap up the captivating views or as much as they please, adventuring to nearby attractions, be that hiking along the Waikiki Historical Trail, roaming Iolani Palace (America’s only official royal residence), or jogging on the beach to take advantage of some of the world’s best weather. Beyond that, Halekulani’s ‘For You, Everything’ program opens up complimentary access to a world of fine art and cultural events including performances by the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra.

Environs explored, it’s back to the hotel itself where every wish and whim has been preempted by the exemplary Halekulani team. First up, cuisine and cocktails where, unsurprisingly, guests are spoiled for choice. Starting at the heralded restaurant House Without A Key where casual dining is available morning, noon and night with quintessential Hawaiian entertainment each evening. But not only that, it’s home to Earl’s, a pool bar that serves extraordinary cocktails by the sea as an ode to Hawaii’s golden age of travel (one of our favorites is its Coconut Cake Martini). No matter what dish or drink is ordered, a celebration of the Hawaiian islands is to be had with ingredients sourced exclusively from local farms. For the well-planned, book ahead and request Table 97 – the exact spot where legendary novelist Ernest Hemingway sat on his Hawaiian honeymoon in the 1940s. 

For fine dining, La Mer is Hawaii’s longest consecutive AAA Five Diamond and Forbes 5 Star restaurant, blending tropical flavors with those from the south of France. There’s also Mediterranean cuisine at the open-air Orchids restaurant (also known for its “Sparkling” Sunday Brunch, L’Aperitif for ‘Haute Couture’ cocktails, and Lewer’s Lounge where drinks are enjoyed with live contemporary jazz.

With bellies full, guests get to further delight in the embrace of Halekulani’s totally tranquil rooms and suites. The hotel’s signature “Seven Shades of White” design philosophy showcases the natural state of Hawaii and its tropical views without distraction. The crème de la crème is its three Premier Suites that take in the silhouette of Diamond Head and project onto Waikiki Beach. Not only are they decadent in terms of space and vista, but they also offer the services of a personal butler who is on hand throughout their stay.

Halekulani’s expansive Suites range from one to three bedrooms with at least one private balcony, extra-large bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs and walk-in closets. Guestrooms, though slightly smaller, still impress in size and offer their own private balconies with various view options, from the lush garden courtyard to the stunning Diamond Head Oceanfront rooms.

When day rolls around once more, it’s the call of Halekulani’s heated oval pool that cries out to be plunged into. Dive deep and admire its spectacular mosaic floor comprised of 1.2 million pieces of glass tile to form an intricate Cattleya orchid. Convene on the hotel’s intimate stretch of beach to open the day with a morning stretch class and daily surf demonstrations or enjoy a workout in the newly transformed Fitness and Movement Studio. From here, we strongly suggest a treatment or two at the award-winning SpaHalekulani, where guests can experience the healing traditions of the Islands. Intertwining authentically crafted therapeutic rituals with today’s proven products and techniques, the goal here is to enrich the guest hotel experience but also elevate mind and body practices for the return home.  The newly reimagined SpaHalekulani officially reopens later this summer.

Contact:

Halekulani

Email: info@halekulani.com

Website: www.halekulani.com