While only metres from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, stepping into the foyer of the Halekulani Hotel is like being enveloped by an oasis of calm. The opulent and expansive grounds of arguably Oahu’s finest hotel, the Halekulani on Waikiki Beach, have played host to visitors for over a century and it's become a romantic getaway in one of the world's most iconic holiday destinations. Situated at the western end of Waikiki Beach, the luxury boutique hotel is ideally located for guests to stroll to the upmarket shops and restaurants in the area.

The Rooms

From its guestrooms to its Premier Suites, the Halekulani’s signature understated elegance permeates in every room of this luxury accommodation. One of the hotel’s most memorable touches is the inclusion each night of a special gift which represents aspects of the Halekulani and Hawaii. One night may feature a shell, gift-wrapped in a box with a inscribed card which reads: “In ancient times in Hawaii, shells were used as instruments to call people together. We hope this Hawaiian shell to call you back to the Halekulani.”

Another night may feature hand-carved wooden magnets, or a silver bookmark with the Halekulani’s signature orchid design. The hotel also has a number of Junior Ocean, Pool View, Luxury and Diamond Head suites. Its Premier Suites at Halekulani include the Royal, Halekulani and the most palatial, the Orchid.

The Orchid Suite embodies the hotel’s essential lifestyle values: Wellness (mind, body and spirit), Connoisseur (fine cuisine) and Masterworks (the arts), this 2,365 square-foot retreat is enveloped by panoramic views of Diamond Head and the lulling shoreline of Waikiki Beach. For the world’s most discriminating gourmands, The Orchid Suite features a comprehensive culinary program featuring interactive cooking lessons with Halekulani Chefs, daily market deliveries, an en-suite vintage wine cellar, and an array of moveable feasts; from al fresco dining under the moonlight to cocktail parties and formal estate dinners.

Dining

The Halekulani has three restaurants, which are all excellent. Firstly, House Without a key is a casual, outdoor restaurant which offers reasonably priced food of excellent quality, and features barbecue nights where guests can sample Hawaiian-style meals fresh from the grill. The restaurant also features the hula talents of former Miss Hawaii winners who are accompanied by a wonderful Hawaiian band each evening from 5pm.

There is also Orchids, a more formal setting, which has local seafood delicacies (and does an amazing King Crab Eggs Benedict); and, La Mer, a fine dining French establishment which is regarded as one of the premier restaurants in Hawaii. Each Wednesday night, the hotel hosts a General Manager’s cocktail party on the grounds of the hotel. The food is impeccable, and the Halekulani’s version of the classic Mai Tai is a must.

Other Facilities

It’s hard to mention the Halekulani without placing attention on its iconic pool, which features a mosaic orchid comprised of 1.2 million pieces of imported South African glass tiles in varying hues of blue and turquoise. The pool has a team of attendants (many of whom have worked there for decades) who are on hand to set up your lounge with special chair covers. They also deliver ice-creams to pool visitors throughout the hot Hawaiian afternoon. Along with a fitness room and business area, the hotel has a wonderful spa on the grounds which offers an array of hair and beauty treatments.

One of the perks of being a guest is the complimentary entry to a number of Oahu’s cultural attractions including: the Bishop Museum; Doris Duke’s Shangri La; the Hawaii Pops, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra; Honolulu Museum of Art; and, the Iolani Palace.

The Verdict

While there maybe newer and more modern-styled hotels in Oahu, the simple, understated elegance of the Halekulani coupled with its impeccable service and attention to detail is legendary. Being a guest at this luxury boutique hotel is like being a member of an exclusive club and one that you can’t wait to return to.