Why book?
Set in the heart of Waikiki, this elegant beachfront stay is an oasis of calm that transports guests back to Hawaii’s golden era, and the attentive staff can unlock access to nearly any cultural venue on the island.
Set the scene
The sun is just starting to set, and tables at oceanfront restaurant House Without A Key are packed with laid-back locals and Australian and Japanese tourists dressed in Aloha shirts and bright floral dresses from Kivari. Traditional Hawaiian music plays over the crashing waves, and former Miss Americas perform hula beside the resort’s 135-year-old kiawe tree. Mai tais are the drink of choice (staff, some who have been here 45-plus years, always seem to know when you need another round) before couples head to dinner at neighboring French restaurant, La Mer. Once the sun goes down, the Cattleya Orchid mosaic, crafted from 1.2 million blue glass mosaic tiles, at the bottom of the pool starts to sparkle and glow. Just a block away, the main strip of Waikiki buzzes, but at Halekulani, there’s always a sense of tranquility.
The rooms
The 453 rooms and suites are designed in the property’s signature “seven shades of white” aesthetic with neutral hues of ivory, cream, and eggshell intended to accentuate the views of the blue of the ocean and green of the gardens. All feature private patios or balconies, many with views of Diamond Head, and deep soaking tubs. The renovation added many modern conveniences guests have long been asking for, including Nespresso coffee makers, electric tea kettles, mini-fridges, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, plus some high-tech touches like Toto toilets. All four premier suites have perfect views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head and come with luxe amenities like a dedicated butler, daily breakfast served on the balcony, and access to exclusive local art and cultural experiences. The signature Halekulani Suite was designed by Vera Wang and pops with lavender and violet accents.
Food and drink
Guests have a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from. House Without A Key, named for Charlie Chan’s first novel, has an open-air bar named Earl’s (after the series’s author, Earl Der Biggers). An exclusive bar menu offers dishes like shrimp-and-crab lollipops and pork sliders, as well as the signature mai tai. (Pro tip: Save room for a slice of the coconut cake.) The restaurant still has the best views for the nightly Hawaiian music, performed at sunset on a stage near the century-old kiawe tree. It may be Hawaii, but jackets are a must at La Mer, the upscale French restaurant that serves classics like duck à l’orange. For light bites, great cocktails, and live jazz, head to Lewer’s Lounge.
The neighborhood/area
Set on five acres fronting iconic Waikiki Beach, the hotel is an oasis of tranquility just one block away from the tourist-filled streets of Waikiki’s main strip, Kalakaua Avenue. If you plan to stick to the Honolulu area, there’s no need to rent a car. The hotel is a short walk or Uber ride away from cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops, such as the Royal Hawaiian Center, a three-block retail complex with over 100 stores and restaurants, including Waikiki Food Hall Co. and Luxury Row, a stretch of international luxury brands like Dior, Miu Miu, and Chanel.
Worth it?
Yes—a longtime supporter of the arts, the hotel even boasts one of the most extensive art collections in the state with works from renowned artists including Tadashi Sato and John Tanji Koga.
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