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Halekulani
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65 reviews for Halekulani
Top notch!
The great warm service starts at the valet, where if you leave your car, you get greeted by some nice folks.
When you check-in, you get personally walked to your room by the staff, who proceeds to tell you about the amenity of the property.
The rooms are a bit dated, but still the bed is comfortable, the views are wonderful and the service at the property is excellent. Also, the showerhead... nice, NICE!
You're also greeted with some fresh fruit and chocolates in your room when you walk in. Every room gets turndown service, water and ice in the evening.
Room service is your typical room service faire, nothing special... though our room service attendant set-up our breakfast outside onto he balcony for us. Nothing like breakfast in the morning overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head, sweet.
I fortunately was at the Halekulani for a wedding... again, service in the ballroom is awesome. The staff is attentive, the buffet food great tasting and desserts are a plentiful.
If you're going to spend large, or splurge for a night, this is the place to go.
Stayed at Halekulani for the first time on my honeymoon. It was such a wonderful experience. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, the service is truly top notch, and the security is also a very nice perk!
I can't say enough about the ambiance of this hotel, sitting on the lanai listening and enjoying the true Hawaiian music and dancing while munching on freshly made potato chips...the view of Diamondhead....simply wonderful!
I also wanted to mention that when the staff found out about our honeymoon they upgrade us to a gorgeous ocean view mini-suite. We had the buffet and it was amazingly good, and I am such a food snob that I don't usually partake in buffet's, thisone turned me, it is that good.
If you are staying on Waikiki beach, you have to check out this hotel, it is a combination of uber charming and unique that you rarely find in a five star hotel like this.
Stayed at this beautiful hotel last year for my birthday! All the amenities are here. The location is excellent, right on Waikiki Beach. The rooms are elegantly appointed with breath taking views. The moment you open the the doors to the lanai, it's like a giant postcard lights up with an overwhelming view of the ocean and Diamond Head.
The food at the restaurants is excellent. Our accomodations came with complimentary breakfast at our choice of The House Without A key (outdoor buffet) or at Orchids (dine in). Everything was fresh and tasty at both places. Did not try La Mer for dinner because I didn't want to borrow one of their dinner jackets..:) Oh well.
One of my favorite things to do at the Halekulani was to go down to their gorgeous pool. You can swim, have cocktails brought to you and use their soft, plush towels. Around 5pm the fun really starts. The hula show begins and it's time for pupu's. The appetizers are so tasty,,,coconut shrimp, teriyaki beef skewers, and the house potato chips. Combine that with their trademark Mai Tai, and live Hawaiian music and you're ready for a beautiful sunset.
They do a lot of nice things for you here. Little touches that make your stay just that much sweeter. Upon arrival you get this huge gift basket of fruit and hand made chocolates. They have a great stereo system in all of the rooms so they pick a CD of Hawaiian music for you :) Every night they have a turn down service whereby they refill your ice bucket, turn down your bed and set the lights low.They also leave you a gift (a different one each night) that ties into the hotel through some old Hawaiian custom. Very nice!
I would have loved to stay here about 10 years ago when things were still a bit newer. Some of the amenities in the room are starting to show their age. One thing that can't be denied is that the property is very well maintained. The overall beauty, the landscaping, the views, the architecture are something to behold. If you ever get a chance to stay even for a night or three, I highly recommend it.
***** five stars for a beautiful property, excellent service and quality
food.
-* minus one for showing it's age. Perhaps it's time for a remodel.
We decided to splurge on the last couple days of our honeymoon... $500+ a night!! eek. We wound up with a VERY partial ocean view room... literally had to stand on balcony and peer around a wall... small room... wasn't happy at all. We called the front desk... didn't get bitchy, just asked if we could upgrade, etc... They bumped us to a huge 3-room suite for $50 extra. done and done. Extraordinary!! Can't imagine what this room cost retail (based on what we paid for the tiny, barely ocean-view Shantee we paid for).
Georgous hotel! It is the Fourt Seasons of Honolulu.
Go here to watch the sunset. They have a local trio of guys singing and playing instruments and hula dancer. Very mello, chill, beautiful sunset.
absolutely amaaazing!
They have a WONDERFUL buffet, and the hotel is actually quite quiet, I definately have nothing crappy to say.
Well here we go,
I used to work and live right down the street form this awesome hotel.
They would not even let me in to pee or wash my hands.
Now im retired with lots of cake i decided to get a room see how nice it is.
I had been in before to help clients (I managed a Ferrari rental)and was always stoked to see how your blood pressure drops when you enter just the lobby.
Well i got a nice room and i will say
I have been around the world and this is ONE of the top 5 rated hotels in the world.
And i see why
Get a chance try there Buffet for Breakfast
ONO bra
A.B.
I love coming to Hawaii in early December. The weather is a bit cooler and not as humid as in the summer time and is very pleasant. We've also been fortunate enough to visit during the Honolulu marathon (always a coincidence) so it's good to see the businesses full.
My wife and I try to visit yearly to unwind and get away from the stressful environment called work. For the past four years, we've made it a must to stay at the Halekulani.
In fact, we will never stay at another hotel when we're in Oahu:) This place is magical, their services are exceptional and we always feel pampered here. All the staff members, from the porter, to the front desk to the concierge, etc. are so gracious and friendly.
This past December, we had the usual Sunrise package along with our suite and it comes with a daily buffet breakfast at House Without a Key. The assortment of breakfast items is great. Their papayas and Portuguese sausages are amongst my favorites. Try their omelets as well. The omelet cook remembered us from years past and he was fun to chat with.
This place is very tasty and fuels you up for another relaxing day on the beach.
As for the night life, they have a live band playing every night. It's such a relaxing environment lounging near the pool area, having some drinks and listening to good music.
I think this is the most thoughtful hotel I've ever stayed at. What clean, modern rooms filled with every amenity! Such a gorgeously maintained property with the loveliest pool and the most beautifully tended old trees.
When you arrive at check in they greet you by name, and you are whisked to your private room for check-in. No standing at the desk!
Be sure to head down to House without a Key for evening music under a beautiful tree in front of the ocean, and have breakfast at Orchids which serves both american style and japanese style breakfasts.
After you check out, if you're like us and dont have a flight until 11pm, there is a lovely hospitality suite available with tv, internet, beverages and showers.
Two Words:
COCONUT CAKE!
Served at House Without a Key. The best I have ever tasted.... not to mention the sweet setting, great music, relaxed atmosphere and impeccable service. I even got the cake shipped to me for my birthday... one of the best presents evah! Prices are out of sight, but no more than the area surrounding the hotel, so live it up, its Hawaii for cryin' out loud!
Aloha!
Whoa.
I learned a valuable lesson while hanging out at the pool: I was born to be rich.
I could learn to love the lifestyle. Oh, pool boy, bring me another Tropical Itch, and make it snappy.
Damn this new economy!
I have to admit I'm biased, my wife and I were lucky enough to have our wedding reception at Hau Terrace in the Halekulani. The hotel is elegant and understated. Everything is well thought out and well placed. Wide open spaces tastefully decorated whispering paradise. When you arrive they take you straight to the comforts of your room for check-in. The staff is warm and hospitable a true five star hotel.
All the wedding arrangements were handled perfectly without incident even though we were planning from the mainland. We could not have been more pleased with the hotel and their staff.
As covered by other yelpers it's not cheap but the hotel is definitely worth checking out even if you don't stay there. The restaurants and entertainment offerings are fantastic and reasonably priced for Waikki.
Amazing attentive staff, beautiful grounds, welcoming friendly atmosphere.
We strolled through this place a couple of times while in Waikiki, and let me tell you....heaven on earth, my friends.
If money is no object, this is definitely the place to stay in Waikiki. I think it's the nicest hotel I've ever been to. We heard that rates start at 600, so be prepared to pay beau coup bucks, but it will be worth it. The location is right on the beach, the actual hotel is all open with island breezes flowing through, and everything is five stars all the way. The decor is incredible...the restaurants are amazing...the lounge is spectacular. The pool is right on the beach, flush with the ocean and they have a large lush green lawn with beach chairs framed with palm trees that overlooks the ocean and seems to be created for island weddings.
I have a new goal to add to the list: before I die, stay at the Halekulani. It really is one of the most incredible hotels I've ever seen.
Had brunch here once back in 2008. I must say, it was delicious... but customer service was a little bad. Other then that... If I'm ever on Oahu again... I would love to come here for brunch again! Nice indoor outdoor setting... ocean view!
If you're planning on visiting Hawaii or want to celebrate a special occasion... add brunch at Halekulani to your day. Or, if you're like me and lazy to cook breakfast... and don't mind driving down there... this is always an option!
valet parking...
yay! 5 stars from me.
The best 2 hour, 4 course brunch I've ever had. This is the place that got me started on Eggs Benedict and there is no going back now.
BE SURE to make a reservation before you leave for the islands. On our last visit we couldn't get in which was very disappointing. Be sure to sit outside, take it slow and enjoy this long, slow breakfast.
Spectacular hotel with breathtaking views.
It's off the busy street and overlook the beach, perfect spot for a luxurious romantic getaway. The staff were super friendly.
My only qualms about it is that you can't really parade around the lobby in your bikini. Much too conservative so you have to cover up to get back to your suite. It's not a bad thing, makes the place a tad classier but was just a lil hassle for me. Oh well, would be my only spot to stay if I were to ever visit again.
I've been going back and forth with this review for some time now...editing and deleting...trying to choose the "perfect" words to best decribed the "spectabulous" Halekulani "House Befitting Heaven".(how cool is the meaning !)
That's exactly my point,there are far and few places that would leave me at "aw"..confused with my choices of words and leave me wandering and interrupted in my own "train of thoughts".
I wanted to do them justice and it's undescribable with just words.
I'm not going to go into all the descriptive words from A - Z,which I was planning on using to best described the Halekulani in 26 "coolio" ways !
I came up with one word that I feel would best decribed this breathtaking resort...AMAZINSPECTBEAUTIGEOUSCULARDERAWESOMERIFI C !
They truly defined the meaning House Befitting Heaven..you will undoubtedly received warmth and excellent service from the entire staffs.
(Service: Friendly,courteous,inviting,accommodating,warmth.. island hospitality at it's finest !)
The ocean view suites are amazing,the rooms are deserving of 5 Diamonds.(Interior designs,cleanliness,comfort,spacious,views,room service)
Price..whatever works best for you...my ocean suite was definitely worth what I paid for and my expectations were fully met.
My dining experiences at Orchids and House Without a Key was just as amazing inside this beautful resort.(reviews for both restaurants soon to come) Both 5 Stars.
The Halekulani is simply the "best of the best" and my top pick for the "sexiest & coolest" resort on Oahu.
They're one of few places best left to the imaginations...it's above and beyond your expectations in person...that I promise !
Halekulani * * * * * Convincing 5 Stars * * * * *
~Aloha & Mahalo~
I didnt stay here, but i did visit, and its gorgeous, with impeccable service everywhere you turn.
The only small criticisms are-- there is very little beach here (much better beach a few doors down at the Moana), and its very quiet and exclusive, possibly a tiny bit too quiet, uptight and exclusive. But thats just a matter of taste and preference. I like privacy and quiet, but i also like to feel like i can have fun without feeling like im disturbing others.
Awesome place for drinks and appetizers. Sit outside an enjoy the live music. The lobster rolles are awesome.
One of Hawaiis most beautiful luxurious hotels. Definitely a WOW factor
Gorgeous view of the ocean and the food is quite amazing. Ideal for any couples looking for a honeymoon or just a romantic get away/vacation.
The suites are gorgeous with breathtaking views. We have brunch here religiously every weekend. The staff is so friendly/ accommodating,shining example of the Aloha spirit:)
We've flown our friends/family in from the east coast taken them out to dinner here, never received anything but glowing reviews.
So this is how royalty is treated. The lobby staff will ALWAYS greet you by your name and every staff member you pass along the way will greet you as well. Forget the cheap mints for turn-down service, they give you a different souvenir each night. It was like Christmas coming back to our room at the end of the day. Wish I could afford to stay here with every visit. Oh, BEST MAI TAIS EVER! Sorry Trader Vic's but you come in at a very close 2nd.
One of the greatest pleasures in life, for me, is staying at an amazing hotel and having a wonderful experience -- with your room, the service, the food -- from the time you walk into the lobby to the time you check out. The Halekulani is all of that and more. La Mer, the fine dining restaurant upstairs, is as good as any restaurant in the mainland. House without a Key is great for brunch and even better for cocktails in the early evening while watching the hula performance and listening to some soothing music. It's a civilized way to do Waikiki: you can walk to the main street and immerse yourself in the crowds and the chaos, but what a treat it is to walk into this hotel and be in paradise again. Once you come here, you'll never want to stay anywhere else.
The BEST:
Service I have ever experienced.
- the staff is so friendly (everyone says aloha and wants to help)
- turn-down service come with a nice little gift each night
- professional staff makes you feel like royalty
Amenities on-site:
- Mai Tai's by the pool were perfect - never had one that tasted half a refreshing
- the pool experience was dream-like (if someone fed me grapes while I sun-bathed - it would be perfect)
- lots of top rated restaurants and lounges
- a few stores at the hotel for those that have too much money
OVERALL the most impressive hotel that I have ever experienced and well worth the cost.
RECOMMENDATION: Stay in a Diamond Head Room or Suite if you can afford it. The view is unbelievable!
A few summers ago, I spent 2 months at this hotel running a seasonal children's program. Before the program started, I had been in a lot of other hotels doing something similar. I thought that the staff at the Halekulani was the friendliest, most helpful, and just overall most awesome out of all the hotels I had been in.
Everyone seemed to genuinely enjoy working there, which definitely affects the whole 'vibe' of the place. The valet guys, front desk peeps, hotel operators, managers, the pastry chefs, even security....everyone was cool!
My favorite memory involves a security guard who came bamboo pole fishing with us once. A big wave washed over part of the jetty, leaving him with wet pant legs and soggy shoes and socks. He squished and squashed his way back to the hotel with us. All with a smile on his face, while chatting with us and making us laugh. Now THAT'S impeccable service!
For those two months, I got to indulge in room service 4 times a week and a lunch at House Withouth a Key once a week. It was heaven, pure heaven! And on those days we didn't have kids, we ate with the hotel employees in their cafeteria. I just gotta say, Halekulani employees eat VERY well.....
It's a pricey place to stay but I think it's definitely a worthwhile splurge!
One thing to note, as a guest of the hotel, you get perks like free admission to several museums and the Honolulu Symphony. =)
We had our wedding reception in the Hau Terrace at Halekulani a few years ago, and we planned our wedding from the mainland. We didn't have the ceremony at the hotel, b/c we wanted a church ceremony.
Joel, the catering manager, was wonderful....he really took care of things and I really was not used to that level of service. B/c much of the planning was done via email/mail (I think we only had one meeting with him, we had our friends do the tasting for us), I think I was a little uneasy how things would turn out....but I really had nothing to worry about. (in fact, he probably thought that I was on the pesky side b/c I would feel the need to 'confirm' this or that all the time). i sent them a picture of how I wanted my buttercream cake decorated, and I got exactly what I wanted. At our one year anniversary, the hotel sent us an anniversary card....now, that's service!
B/c we were cost conscious...we had a lunch buffet. The food was good as far as I remember (not spectacular) and we actually had a chance to eat. B/c it was a luncheon in August, we couldn't use the lanai to seat guests, so we were limited to the 120 capacity in the terrace. But the daytime view of Diamond Head really can't be beat....not good for a slideshow though b/c the room is so bright and airy... :P
The bridal suite was spectacular....we arranged to get an extra night b/c it was so nice. The wedding package also included a standard room the eve of the wedding. The service was really top notch (the valet would often address us as mr. and mrs. k - took time getting used to), and the view of Diamond Head is amazing, and waking up to the sound of waves crashing, you felt like you were over the waters edge. I'd love to know how the vera wang suite is....
I asked the Husband if we could do a ten year anniversary there....but he said maybe 30 year, and have our kids pay for it. haha.
Since the W has no spa, we visited the hotel to try spa Helekulani based on the strength of reviews here.
We had to pay for the appointments, including automatic 22% gratuity(!!), before we went into our treatments. At first I thought the price she quoted for my facial was for both of us, it was that expensive. A facial basically ended up costing as much as my friend's 60 minute massage. And at that, double what most nice places are charging.
We didn't like that they make you wait in the spa lobby for your appointment and there didn't seem to be any free-range spa facilities where you can relax in a robe and drink cucumber water before your appointment.
Their signature foot-thrashing thing before your massage really was so-so. It was impressively choreographed and kind of gets you in the mood, but my feed didn't feel any different aside from the warm wet towel... that was kind of nice.
I got my first facial and had a great experience. The woman is clearly a master; I could tell at the first five seconds she had my head in her hands.
After our appointment they made us get dressed right away (we were the last appointments of the day though) and then served us tea and mochi ice cream out on the deck, where we relaxed listening to the live Hawaiian music the hotel commissions every night.
Overall, we knew it would be expensive (but not THAT expensive!) and we knew it was among the best which is why we chose it. I gave it five stars despite a few faux pas.... this place is that good.
OH! We were walking around the hotel after our appointments and looking at the menu for one of the hotel restaurants (the nice one on the second floor). There was no one around, it was late, we were just curious. We were shooed away by the hostess who walked out to us and made it clear that we were not dressed appropriately to even stand outside her place and look at the menu. I thought that was incredibly rude and snobby.
This place is awesome!
My wife and I stayed here on the last 6 nights of our honeymoon in September 07 and it was without a doubt the best hotel experience we've ever had.
We had reserved a ocean view room, but since we were honeymooning and we purchased the Sunrise Package (daily breakfast included), they upgraded us to a Diamond Head-Ocean Front Room.
The guest services rep. took us up to our room and explained all of its features to us and well as what we were entitled to as guests, then she opened up the sliding doors and BAM! There was the beautiful blue ocean and Diamond Head right out the window. We were then presented with a bottle of house champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and some fresh fruit.
The bathroom is connected to the bedroom via a double-sided sliding door closet. It has ample space and includes a deep soaking tub, a vanity chair, slippers and robes, and a very powerful shower.
The daily breakfast was very, very tasty and we loved the eggs benedict. They even offer afternoon tea.
Location is really nice, in that it is right next some good shopping, right across the street from Nobu, and directly on the beach.
One nice note to a bad experience: my wife was sick for about 75% of our honeymoon and the guest services staff really made sure she was as comfortable as possible. They gave us extra tissue boxes, an extra garbage for the waste tissue, and they kept on bringing up hot tea for her to sip on. This is what really made me respect this place.
The only complaint that I have is that the pool is tiny. It is a beautifully decorated pool, with the orchid design on the bottom, but it is very small.
Pricey place, but TOTALLY WORTH IT in my humble opinion.
After the wonderful brunch I had here we decided to add a couple nights to our trip and stayed two nights here.
Everything was top quality and staff was very pleasant. Imagine any of the resorts on the strip and add a star or two. I have actually no complaints and if I ever go back to Waikiki I will save lil more so I can stay here again.
My only concern, but not concern, just my own annoyance is the way the treated the none "dressy" visitors. Security never said anything to me but I observed them stopping some guests when leaving the pool to put on clothes before going back to the main part of the hotel. Also, security stopped on of my friends who was at another hotel from entering because his he had no shirt on (he was meeting us to go the beach) and when he put it on it was too raggedy looking i guess. i think they thought he was someone trying to access the hotel for other reasons because as soon as i hit the lobby straight in his and security's direction they were sorry and let him proceed although he did not want to and he waited in roys for us to finish getting ready. I know they do this to protect hotel visitors and they're 5 star image but its going to piss of some of the younger generation who has cash to spare and no concern with wearing sport coats and loafers in HAWAII.
I stayed here in OCT 2005 for my brother's wedding held on the Hau Terrace. I was best man. Most of my family lives in Wahiawa/Mililani Town, so this was easier than flying all of them to the mainland.
The Halekulani is by far the nicest hotel in Honolulu, even better than the Kahala Mandarin Oriental which I stayed at in 2003. Once you stay here, all the other Island hotels (except for maybe Hotel Hana Maui, The Four Seasons Grand Wailea-Maui and Hualalai-Big Island) all pale by comparison.
The grounds are immaculate and the staff here truly embraces the Aloha spirit. Lewers lounge is also a cool-retro feeling place for a drink. The pool area looks spectacular, but is smaller in real life than it appears in pictures and they beach area is near the end of Waikiki so it is better to "go North Shore, if you really want to go beach."
I also spotted a few celebs (Owen Wilson, Matt Dillon and Kate Hudson) as I strolled the grounds. I later found out they were filming 'You, Me and Dupree" while we were there. Both Owen Wilson and Matt Dillon are smaller in real life than you would expect. (Not Tom Cruise or Ben Stiller tiny, but still smaller than me at 5'11" 160lbs). Also Kate (with her baby in tow) is more beautiful in person than she is on the silverscreen.
The wedding was absolutely beautiful and went off without a hitch. The food at the wedding was also phenomenally good (surprising since it was buffet and in very large quantities). Best meal I had in two weeks, especially considering I also ate at La Mer, Alan Wongs and Chef Mavro during the stay. The downside is the Halekulani staff won't let you take the leftovers home.
The rooms themselves were a little worn and in my room the shower temp control handle was broken so I got scalded (but it got me a free upgrade to a better room). In some "Partial Ocean View" rooms you literally have to lean over the balcony railing to see the ocean, but who stays in their room that much in paradise?
The prices are high starting at $400/night (even with the package deal I got) and local construction noise was also bad during the day, but then again October is renovation month in Hawaii.
I'm already saving $, so when I go back again I can stay here.
I love! They honestly hire the nicest, friendliest, happiest people on the face of the planet to work here.
We stayed in an ocean-front room for our anniversary and at check-in, they whisk you immediately to your room, show you the amenities, offer you fruit and chocolate, and take care of billing in your room!
The bathroom is enormous! With a shower and soaking tub, and mirrored doors that slide away to reveal the closet, which is also accessible from the room. There's also the plushest, softest bath mat covering the floor. Complimentary bath salts!
At turndown service every night, they left little gifts with a notecard! YES, THAT'S RIGHT FREE THINGS FOR YOU.
At breakfast room service, they came with a toaster so you can toast your English muffin to your satisfaction!
On your nightstand, there's a master control panel to control the lights, A/C, and to call room service! You can loll around like an invalid!
At the spa, they include a free foot-beating with coconut tree sticks! (This sounds awful, but is actually wonderful.)
They offer B-list celebrities to dine one table over! Jeremy Piven was ordering a sandwich or something one table over!
Exclamation point!
Truly fabulous.
The BEST MAI TAI on Oahu!!!
Yes, you will find it at "The House Without a Key" and if you have to ask why they named it that...go before you had too many Mai Tai's.
I have not stayed at the hotel yet, I will soon enough, after i find myself struggling after one too many Mai Tai's and looking for a room to crash.
This review is for the restaurant "House Without a Key." This place is classic Hawaii. The band that plays at night is great. Classic Hawaiian music. What I like best about the palce is the great Mai Tai's. You can check for yourself, but by my standards, which i like to think are pretty high, they are the best!
Yes, i have been around the world and have had Mai Tai's from many lands. At least I thought I did. Some of the drinks looked any thing other than a Mai Tai. Unfortunately, the worst Mai Tai I had was in San Diego at a bar I will leave un-named.
Anyway, this review is for the Halekulani bar. The music is magical and the drinks are just as good. They also give you Maui chips too. I had some pupus there too. Yummy.
As for Cynthia A. review, Hawaii is not a stuck-up, nose in the air, type of place. I have been to places like that in California and New York, and they really don't do anything for me. I like the casual and friendly sort of places.
I don't know, i guess I am that rebel you see at a five star hotel's bar sitting in board shorts, t-shirt and slippas drinking my $14 martinis. I did it at many hotels.
Oh, you have to try the Red Trolly at the Fairmont in San Francisco...I guess I will make a review on that later.
Now, as for the Mai Tai, it is your Trader Vics quality. Crushed ice, light and dark rums, orange curaco, simple syrup, spring of mint and a stick of sugar cane.
YUMMY!!!
I have fond memories of Halekulani, it is beautiful, the service is top notch and it's off of Kalakaua which is a bit more secluded in the middle of hectic Waikiki.
The courtyard is romantic and a perfect backdrop for weddings. The pool has gorgeous orchid mosaic on the bottom. I went to Orchids for lunch and they had a great view. Definitely a place to visit every time I'm in Hawaii.
My friend was suppose to get married here. We toured the hotel and had food tasting here.
Wedding food: off the hook
Hotel: very nice
Price: priced up
Allow me to preface this by stating that I travel 10+ times a year (outside of business travel) and have had the pleasure of staying at 5-star hotels worldwide.
Yes the Halekulani could benefit from updating the interior of their rooms but the rest of the grounds, pool and lobby are gorgeous and the service was par excellence.
I stayed there for 5 days for a friend's birthday in June of this year. She and her two friends shared a Diamond Head Suite which was roomy, boasted three balconies and the most spectacular view of Diamond Head (please see attached pictures). Their suite's ample sitting area was furnished with two love seats and a chair, a wet bar and half-bath, entertainment center with CD player and TV. Of course I would have liked a 42" plasma screen but we didn't go to Oahu to watch TV. Their bedroom was quite spacious and their bathroom was beautiful as was mine.
I had a Club Suite in their other building which had two balconies and almost as nice a view of Diamond Head. I too had a nice sitting area with the addition of a desk and chair right inside the door. The bathroom was spacious and everything was immaculately clean.
The hotel obviously caters to well-to-do Japanese tourists but I found the service to be gracious and spot-on with recommendations. In particular, Dee Dee at the concierge desk was exceptionally friendly, polite and most importantly, eminently knowledgeable about things to do and places to eat on Oahu.
Their lobby is gorgeous... Open and airy with oversized couches and chairs. Check in was done upstairs (which is always a classy move) and was effortless.
Yes there is a lot of construction going on but the noise never bothered any of us. Admittedly we were on the 'ocean side' of their property.
The one-way street leading to the hotel was often congested but we never waited longer than 2 or 3 minutes before we were waved through by one of the omnipresent traffic cops.
This was my first trip to Oahu (I have stayed on Maui the other 6-7 times I've been to Hawaii) and I knew what I was getting into. It is a big city. Cities have traffic and other inconveniences that one has to take as part of the package.
I am leaving for Maui again the first week of September and am looking forward to being on an island where the most congested road is the two lane road from where we are staying in Wailea to Lahaina. Even then, you are driving along some of the most gorgeous coastline on the planet.
There is an ABC store a stone's throw from the lobby which was great for snacks and such.
All in all the Halekulani is indeed a world class hotel. Hopefully they will spruce up the decor in the rooms a bit but the rattan-esque furniture and neutral tones are appropriate for the island setting. The service is 5-star and breakfast at Orchids was one of the best meals we had during our stay. Didn't get to try La Mer but it comes very highly recommended.
Wonderful and elegant hotel. Wonderful beach and hotel. Save up for this place, but you will enjoy it.
Just 2 things, I disagree with one of the reviewers and as a bartender but the mai tai's are weak. That stated, I noticed that there service elevator was out and they decided all the staff with the carts to go up with the guests. Very over crowded and annoying either wait or use one elvator desinated for all the employees. Other then that, great place. I will return!
Stayed here last October and all I can say was the service top notch! Every step of the way from the car attendants, to the personalized check in service where they will walk you directly to your room, to helping you with weddings (Brian and Joel are the greatest!), to having that wonderful Jr. Suite with the diamond head view....I have been spoiled rotten by staying here . Personally, there's no other hotel on the island I rather stay now and I've been to many other hotels since I come back here every year to Oahu. There is just no comparison.
It is centrally located to most shops on Kalakaua. The only thing it does not have is a beach on its property but again, it's walking distance to one. I will certainly be back!
I generally dont like staying in waikiki, but HOLY GOOD GRAVY... The Halekulani is the BEST HOTEL in honolulu. Service is impecable... they don's miss a thing. Staff is extremely friendly and helpful. Rooms are so comfortable. I could stay a week if i could afford it. Attended a wedding here last year, and it was VERY good....not quite amazing, but top notch.
You will be spoiled if you come here first. Visit other hotels first, THEN come to the Halekulani.
Its a shame we can't go this year...... :o(
Oh yeah...take care of the valet guys...they do an awesome job.
It's nice to have your wedding here in the gazebo in the courtyard, but everyone's wedding and reception at the Halekulani is IDENTICAL.
I find the entertainment at the bar "Room Without a Key" or whatever it's name is, too touristy for a classy hotel. Hawaii's elite tourists deserve better.
This was the best experience i have had in a hotel. i stayed with some friends in the Vera Wang suite and the views are very nice. they had an assortment of fresh fruits, top shelf beverages and an assortment of fine treats to munch on. if you are going to spend top dollar on a special night this is the spot! i also stayed in the diamond head suite at the W, this was my second best hotel experience. Finally the night before this we stayed at the Kamehameha suite at the Royal Hawaiian and that was great also.
Anyways if i had to spend the money for a special night, i would here! its well worth it, and the best choice!
