Waikiki is home to a majority of Oahu’s resorts and hotels, but seemingly endless choices can make deciding where to stay even more difficult. If you’re searching for a quiet resort in the heart of bustling Waikiki, be sure to consider a stay at the Halekulani.
The luxury hotel is a landmark of sorts in Waikiki. Originally opened in 1907 as a residential hotel, it offered a beachfront home and a handful of bungalows. The property expanded and changed owners multiple times throughout the years, evolving into what it is today – a 453-room luxury hotel set on five primo oceanfront acres.
Halekulani Accommodations
Rooms at Halekulani are worthy of lingering in. I stayed in an Oceanfront King room on the 11th floor. Like all accommodations at Halekulani, my guest room featured the hotel’s signature seven shades of white guestroom décor. Loaded with natural light, the balcony gave way to a show-stopping view of the Pacific Ocean as well as the stunning hotel pool.
All rooms and suites include a small refrigerator, Nespresso coffee machine, and electric tea kettle, as well as a tablet loaded with information regarding hotel services, amenities, and dining. The easy-to-use tech makes any needs or requests simple and straightforward, whether it’s scheduling an ideal time for housekeeping service or simply requesting more towels.
The bathroom, enveloped in white tile, offered a vanity with a single sink, shower, and separate tub. Though I enjoyed the SpaHalekulani toiletries, I was disappointed to see them still provided in small, single-use plastic bottles. The water closet boasted a high-tech Japanese Toto toilet.
The Property
Though the property is set on the ocean, the actual beach is quite small, so most guests soak up sunshine in comfy loungers surrounding Halekulani’s striking pool. Made with some 1.2 million individual pieces of 3/4″ glass mosaic tiles imported from South Africa, the pool bottom boasts a large Cattleya Orchid mosaic. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to sunset, pool attendants are friendly and attentive.
SpaHalekulani features a trio of suite-style treatment rooms. In addition to massage, body treatments, and facials, SpaHalekulani is home to the only salon in Waikiki. Open to the public, services range from haircuts, coloring and highlights, to blowouts, makeup services, as well as manicures and pedicures.
The hotel features a spacious fitness center with a view of the pool and ocean. From treadmills and elliptical trainers to free weights and a Peloton spin bike, there’s a variety of equipment to choose from. It’s open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Set aside time to take advantage of Halekulani’s “For You, Everything” program. It offers guests complimentary admission to some of the area’s best attractions and cultural sites, including the Honolulu Museum of Art, Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Liljestrand House, and Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design.
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Dining at Halekulani
There are a trio of onsite restaurants at Halekulani. Serving island-inspired French cuisine, upscale La Mer is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner only. I did not have the opportunity to dine here, but La Mer is Hawaii’s longest-running AAA Five Diamond restaurant. It’s held the honor since 1990.
Orchids serves breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The lunch and dinner menu are Italian-inspired, with choices including Sea Urchin Tagliolini, Short Rib Ravioli, and Veal Scallopini. At breakfast consider Hawaiian favorite Loco Moco or Haupia (coconut pudding) French Toast with Strawberry Compote.
Ernest Hemingway fans will want to plan ahead and reserve table 97 at House Without a Key. Located near the ocean with views of Diamond Head, it was the author’s go-to when he was a hotel guest in the 1940s. The casual eatery menu offers a range of choices, including “Utopia” Vegetarian Pizza, Ahi Tataki, and Hoisin Coconut Ribs. Save room for a slice of coconut cake. House Without A Key also offers nightly live music and hula.
Located across the street at sister hotel Halepuna, Halekulani Bakery is not to be missed. Go early. Artisanal baked goods the likes of chocolate macadamia nut croissants, guava Danishes, and banana bread are known to sell out.
Halekulani is located eight miles from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport; plan on at least 35 minutes to make the drive. Rideshares are readily available in Honolulu.
The starting rate for a Garden Courtyard View Room at Halekulani is $735. There is no resort fee. Wi-Fi is complimentary; valet parking is available for a fee.
Check for the latest rates for the Halekulani online at Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by the Halekulani, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
