Chris and I recently had the pleasure of staying at Halekulani, a 5-star luxury hotel in Waikiki, and it exceeded all our expectations. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, Halekulani provided a seamless blend of elegance, tranquility, and impeccable service. If you’re considering a trip to Hawaii, let this guide inspire you to book your stay.
A Warm Welcome to Halekulani
As we wheeled our luggage to Halekulani, the attentive staff immediately relieved us of our bags. After a quick check-in, we learned we had been upgraded from a Garden View King to a Partial Ocean King room—a delightful surprise! Although our room wasn’t ready yet, we were invited to explore the hospitality room, complete with showers, changing rooms, lockers, and more. This thoughtful amenity is perfect for early arrivals or late departures, allowing you to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities no matter your schedule.
Why the Upgrade?
I booked our stay through my travel agency, Travel Like You Dream It, using Delta Vacations for flights and accommodations. While I can’t say for sure if being a Leaders Club member (the hotel’s loyalty program that I joined just before making our reservations) or booking through my agency influenced the upgrade, it’s another example of the benefits of booking through a travel advisor and joining loyalty programs.
Dining Delights at Halekulani
One of the highlights of our stay was the dining experience. Here are some of our favorite meals:
Breakfast at Orchids
- Haupia French Toast (pictured above): Decadent and unforgettable.
- Spicy Scramble: A savory delight for spice lovers.
- Cherry Danish: One of Chris’s favorite breakfast desserts.
Next time, we plan to enjoy breakfast here daily—it’s that good!
Lunch at Earl's Bar in the House Without a Key Restaurant
Set against a stunning ocean backdrop, we enjoyed:
- Edamame Hummus Dip with Taro Chips
- Cobb Salad
- Fresh Fish Tacos
For drinks, yes drinks, we indulged in a few of their craft cocktails: Table 97 (created in honor of one of their most famous guests, Ernest Hemingway), Mai Tais (the server assured us that theirs is the best on the island), and we finished with Coconut Old Fashioneds. We don’t usually partake in day drinking, but oh, the good time we had.
After-Dinner Drinks at Lewer’s Lounge
The sophisticated atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails at this upscale jazz lounge made this our favorite evening spot.
Tip: Don’t miss La Mer, Hawaii’s longest, consecutively ranked AAA Five Diamond restaurant. We’re already planning a visit next time to try their steak and experience its legendary ambiance.
Amenities to Love
- Outdoor Pool: Gorgeous and inviting.
- Gone Surfing Lessons: I took a surf lesson—an unforgettable experience.
- Fitness & Movement Studio: Start your day with a workout.
- Art & Culture: Complimentary access to enriching activities, including Bishop Museum, Honolulu Museum of Art, Manoa Heritage Center, ‘Iolani Palace, Liljestrand House, and Shangri La.
Our Room: Partial Ocean King
This luxurious room offered an angled view of the Pacific Ocean from a private lanai. Features include:
- Deluxe bathroom with a Kohler deep-soaking tub
- Nespresso coffee machine (our favorite).
- Twice-daily housekeeping service and an exceptional turndown service
Rates start at $845 per night. Booking five nights with a “5th-night free” deal brought our rate to $588 per night—a fantastic value.
Why stay at Halekulani
Halekulani is a serene escape in bustling Waikiki. The name translates to “House of Heaven,” and it truly lives up to it. The staff’s attention to detail, from addressing us as Mr. and Mrs. Peterson to the nightly turndown service with thoughtful quotes, made our stay exceptional.
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Location
Nestled on the beachfront in Waikiki, Halekulani is only a 20-25 minute drive from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). It’s also close to pick-up locations for day trips like And You Creations Nature and You North Shore Tour.
Would We Stay Again?
An emphatic yes! Halekulani is a restorative haven, perfect for couples seeking relaxation and sophistication. We’re already dreaming of our next visit.
Plan your stay at Halekulani
Book your stay at Halekulani or contact me to help plan your perfect Hawaii vacation. My agency, Travel Like You Dream It, specializes in creating unforgettable travel experiences. Start Planning Now.
Hotel Contact Information
Halekulani
2199 Kalia Road Honolulu, HI 96815
Toll-Free Room Reservations: (844) 873-9424
Other Inquiries: 1 (800) 367-2343
Email: info@halekulani.com
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