Halekulani Gives a Welcome Spot of Tranquility within the Midst of Busy Waikiki

The bustle of Waikiki is simply steps behind you. However whenever you cross the edge of Halekulani (“Home Befitting Heaven”), you are feeling such as you’re moving into a distinct, extra tranquil world. A way of calm pervades the ambiance as you make your option to reception, are escorted to your room, and take within the expanse of ocean that you simply see by way of your window. It is time to settle in in your lanai along with your favourite drink in hand and take within the spectacular view.

There’s been a resort on this website since 1907 when it was generally known as the Hau Tree, a primary constructing surrounded by small bungalows. When creator Earl Derr Biggers checked in throughout a go to to the islands within the Nineteen Twenties, he was bemused by the response when he requested for the important thing to his bungalow: “What key?” The trade impressed the title of his 1925 thriller novel “The Home With out a Key,” which launched detective Charlie Chan to the world (whose exploits had been impressed by real-life Honolulu detective Chang Apana). In a case of life imitating artwork, Home With out a Key’s now the identify of considered one of Halekulani’s eating places, with its adjoining bar, Earl’s, named after Biggers.

Within the early Eighties, the resort underwent an entire transformation. The bungalows had been gone, although the historic primary constructing was restored, full with its Polynesian-style Dickey roof, initially designed by architect Charles Dickey. Although the property has 453 rooms and suites, the expansive format over the 5-plus acres makes it really feel extra like a smaller boutique resort, with low-rise steps and plush inexperienced courtyards. Like many resorts in Hawaii, there aren’t any doorways; entryways are left open to the cooling ocean breezes.

Halekulani’s employees is understood for his or her attentive service; “I really feel I’m handled like royalty right here,” a fellow visitor instructed me at some point as we sipped our drinks by the pool. It’s the results of having a employees with a robust bond with their place of employment; whenever you communicate to an worker, it’s commonplace to seek out individuals who have labored on the resort for 20, 30, and even 40 years. Consequently, they take distinctive pleasure of their work, translating right into a superior visitor expertise. “We all know that our visitors may keep wherever on the earth, they usually have chosen to stick with us. We’ll do our greatest to fulfill or exceed their expectations,” mentioned Rage Day, a longtime server at Home With out a Key.

When the 129-year-old Kiawe tree in Home With out a Key’s patio fell over in August 2016 on account of erosion, it was front-page information within the state. Arborists managed to save lots of the tree, with the remnants appropriately repurposed; you’ll discover a planter comprised of the fallen branches in Halekulani’s foyer. It’s an instance of how the resort continues to honor its previous because it strikes into the longer term — which can also be what makes staying right here such a timeless expertise.  

Learn on for Journey + Leisure’s full assessment of Halekulani.

The Rooms

My oceanfront room felt spacious and had a spectacular view. Sit in your lanai within the early night, and also you’ll hear music wafting from Home With out a Key. The subdued white and beige decor was tastefully accented by the colour “Halekulani Blue” on the pillows, bedding, and towels. My generously sized lavatory featured a deep-soaking tub, separate bathe, and bathroom; different in-room facilities embrace a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and tea kettle.

Arriving visitors are welcomed with a fruit plate of papaya and bananas, and whenever you return to your room within the night, you’ll discover that the nightly turndown service additionally features a small merchandise (like a bookmark) left in your pillow, together with a card that includes an inspiring quote — equivalent to “From what we can’t maintain the celebrities are made,” by creator William S. Merwin.

Meals and Drink

Home With out a Key and Orchids serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Greet the morning with a splendid view of Diamond Head (a volcanic “tuff cone” that gives a dramatic backdrop in photos of Waikiki Seaside) at Home With out a Key whereas having fun with the buffet, or go for the extra formal setting of Orchids (its Sunday buffet brunch is very fashionable and reservations are advisable). There are additionally poolside breakfast choices for early risers, together with the plush acai bowl, full of native tropical fruits, and the bakery basket that includes freshly baked croissants and muffins.

Should you’re a fan of pastries, try the Halekulani Bakery simply throughout the road, which is barely open within the mornings. The “All the pieces Croissant,” with a dollop of creamy cheese within the center, shortly grew to become a favourite. You may as well purchase the resort’s famed coconut cake by the slice. And take into account treating your self to afternoon tea, served on the Veranda of the resort’s primary constructing, Tuesday by way of Saturday.

At 5 p.m., Home With out a Key’s cocktail seating begins, the patio coming to life with the stunning sounds of a Hawaiian music trio. You’ll want to catch famend hula dancer Kanoe Miller (a daily on the resort since 1977), who seems most Fridays and Saturdays; her swish performances are mesmerizing.

The cocktail menus in any respect of Halekulani’s eating places and lounges have been revamped by the resort’s director of mixology, Tuda Sarian, and at Home With out a Key, the drink names reference the resort’s historical past; Desk 97, a frothy gin-based drink, is called after Ernest Hemmingway’s favourite desk on the restaurant. However the Mai Tai stays the signature drink, primarily based on the unique 1944 recipe, sans extraneous juices. “I don’t assume that yow will discover one other place in Waikiki that does a Mai Tai that doesn’t have orange or pineapple juice in it,” says Sarian. “We use contemporary lime juice, and it’s very rum-forward; it’s the best way I feel it was supposed to be as a cocktail.” (I solely agree.)

There’s additionally a tempting number of appetizers: the delectable ahi tataki, the flippantly sweetened hoisin coconut ribs, and the at all times fashionable kabayaki fries (French fries with furikake, garlic, and kabayaki sauce).

The cocktail menu at Lewers Lounge displays the delicate setting of this jazz venue, with the drinks named after such basic numbers as “I Get Alongside With out You” (a rum-based drink with smoked pineapple cordial) and “Moonglow” (one other rum drink, given an additional fizz with prosecco). “I needed the menu to learn like a compilation,” Sarian explains, “to imitate the sensation of being a jazz report.” Appetizers are additionally accessible.

La Mer presents an distinctive eating expertise, from the elegant, romantic setting to the impeccable service to the menu of neoclassic French delicacies. The tasting menu is an indulgent delight designed to dazzle your tastebuds: plump, roasted scallops, succulent poached lobster, and tender filet of beef with foie gras. You’ll want to go away room for dessert, probably the most decadent selection being the vanilla soufflé with Grand Marnier crème anglaise, chocolate sauce, and spiced caramel. It’s price including the wine pairing; sommelier Kevin Tomaya is joyful to clarify why the precise pairings had been chosen. And don’t overlook La Mer’s lounge, L’Aperitif, the place you’ll be able to calm down earlier than or after your meal, sampling such creations because the Pistache Gouteuse (vodka, pistachio syrup, and the effervescence of champagne).

Actions and Facilities

Throughout the day, Halekulani’s pool is the primary middle of exercise. At 82 ft lengthy, it’s a bigger pool than at different Waikiki resorts. On the backside, a formidable mosaic of a Cattleya orchid (the flower used as Halekulani’s emblem) normal from 1.2 million glass tiles adorns the pool. Beverage and meals service can be found all through the day; the grilled fish tacos — that includes smashed avocado — are advisable.

Although a beachfront property, the pocket-sized Grey’s Seaside adjoining to the resort is small — however don’t fret; there are extra expansive seashores only a quick stroll away from both aspect of the resort. (The sand in entrance of the “Pink Palace,” the Royal Hawaiian Lodge, is exceptionally comfortable). Grey’s Seaside is used for the free each day surf demonstrations supplied to visitors, and also you’ll see catamarans touchdown on the seaside all through the day, taking visitors on quick cruises. Excursions will be booked by way of the concierge. An artwork gallery, health middle with yoga studio, and enterprise middle are additionally accessible.

The Spa

Throughout my go to, SpaHalekulani was within the technique of renovation, although restricted companies had been nonetheless accessible, together with massages, facials, and hair and nail companies.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Halekulani has a variety of accessible visitor rooms and suites which can be ADA-compliant. The resort has discontinued the usage of single-use plastic water bottles within the visitor rooms and now presents Aloha Water, packaged in cartons comprised of recyclable supplies. Different sustainability efforts embrace altering mattress linens solely each three days (although extra frequent service will be requested). Halekulani was additionally the primary U.S. luxurious resort to supply meals free from GMO meals.

Location

Halekulani is positioned in central Waikiki, about 8 miles from Honolulu Worldwide Airport. With its wealth of retailers, eating places, and points of interest, the neighborhood is very walkable; you received’t want a automobile except you wish to go exterior the world.

The best way to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

Halekulani visitors are supplied complimentary admission to a few of Honolulu’s high points of interest, together with Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum, and the fascinating Shangri La Museum of Islamic Artwork, Tradition & Design, a particular favourite of mine to go to. You’ll want to take the complimentary “Coronary heart of the Home” tour, which presents a behind-the-scenes have a look at the resort, together with a peek at what the deluxe suites appear to be. Throughout the vacation season, the “12 Days of Christmas Countdown” program presents particular each day actions, together with gingerbread home and cookie adorning, craft cocktail courses, caroling, and, on Christmas Eve, a go to from Santa.

The resort’s web site presents a wide range of packages with particular charges.