Luxury Travel Guide to Oahu

Only in Hawaii:

- The only U.S. state that grows coffee.
- The only U.S. state with a royal palace, Iolani Palace.
- The only U.S. state with perfect weather year-round in the 80s.
- The world's largest outdoor shopping mall, Ala Moana Center, has 290 stores + 50 more opening in 2015.
- The world's biggest waves on Oahu's fabled North Shore.

WHERE TO STAY

Halekulani
2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. (808) 923-2311

Halekulani offers oceanfront tranquility and serene elegance amidst Waikiki's exciting city life. It is one of those rare hotels with countless loyal guests and a low staff turn over, so you feel like family from your very first stay. The exclusivity and attention to detail makes this member of The Leading Hotels of the World the most luxurious hotel on the island of Oahu. From pre check-in to post check-out, no detail of your stay is overlooked, including their wonderful 'For You, Anything' program giving you exclusive, complimentary access to Honolulu's best cultural events. Halekulani's reputation for gracious hospitality, impeccable service and magnificent cuisine is unequaled on Oahu and renowned, throughout the world. Rooms to book: Diamond Head Oceanfront rooms or the Orchid Suite or Royal Suite ($7,000/night).

JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa
92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei - Oahu, HI 96707. (800) 228-9290

A stay at the JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa allows you to escape the city life of Honolulu, enjoy resort activities, and get closer to nature. Set on one of four picturesque, white sand lagoons on the sunny, western coast of the island, you will experience an award-winning spa, rooftop tennis courts with breathtaking views, a championship golf course and a marina. The resort offers superbly appointed guest rooms with spacious lanais, most with ocean views. Watch the spectacular Hawaiian sunsets from your room's lanai. Rooms to book: Lagoon facing rooms or the Presidential Suite ($7,000/night; President Obama actually stayed here in 2011).

The Modern Honolulu
1775 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 943-5800

The Modern Honolulu is the place to stay for those who prefer a hip version of luxury. The hotel deftly combines sexy, sophisticated and chic in all that they offer. Overlooking the marina, sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and city skyline surround the hotel's guest rooms and suites. Two intimate pool settings are super cool: the Sunrise pool and the Sunset pool with its "private beach". The hotel's signature restaurant is Morimoto (Yes – that Morimoto – The Iron Chef), vibrant nightlife, exhilarating spa treatments and steps away from Waikiki's luxury shopping experiences. Rooms to book: The corner suites or The Penthouse ($5,000/night).

Exterior view, Orchid's and La Mer at Halekulani

WHERE TO EAT

La Mer at Halekulani
2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. (808) 923-2311

Perhaps nowhere is the Halekulani spirit of elegance and romance captured more beautifully than at La Mer. That's because La Mer is far more than a restaurant, it is a destination. Celebrated as Halekulani's finest and Hawaii's longest, consecutively ranked AAA Five Diamond Restaurant, this consummate dining experience is unmatched. The internationally-acclaimed menu features Neoclassic French cuisine expertly crafted and served amid majestic ocean views. Indigenous ingredients are uniquely blended in dishes inspired by flavors from the south of France to produce a dining experience unsurpassed anywhere in the world. An award-winning wine list complements the perfect dining experience.

Morimoto Waikiki at The Modern Honolulu
1775 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 943-5900

In a setting so stylish, so beyond expectations, only a celebrity chef will do. Morimoto Waikiki was conceived by Executive Chef "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto. Select global culinary capitals can claim Iron Chef Morimoto's restaurants – Napa, New York City, New Delhi, among others. Chef Morimoto's Honolulu restaurant enhances his culinary signature with the use of island-grown ingredients. Honoring the seameless integration of Japanese and Western ingredients Chef Morimoto is known for, Morimoto Waikiki highlights the best seafood from Hawaiian and Japanese waters as well as seasonal raw selections, fruits and vegetables.

Nobu at Waikiki Parc Hotel
2233 Helumoa Road, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 237-6999

World renowned for its award winning innovative "New Style" Japanese cuisine, Nobu continues to offer savvy diners across the globe a culinary adventure. Nobu Waikiki is yet another canvas for Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to display his legendary dishes, such as Black Cod with Miso and Yellowtail Jalapeno. The David Rockwell designed restaurant, is nestled in the perennially hip and centrally located Waikiki Parc Hotel across the street from Halekulani.

beachhouse at the moana
2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 922-3111

beachhouse at the moana offers elegant oceanfront dining and modern classic cuisine at the historic Moana Surfrider in Waikiki. The finest quality steaks, fresh seafood and vibrant island-inspired cuisine utilize the freshest local ingredients. An international wine list compliments the restaurant's steak and seafood menu, with over 20 wines by the glass, including a private beachhouse label cabernet sauvignon.

Roy's Ko Olina
92-1220 Aliinui Drive, Kapolei, HI 96707. (808) 676-7697

Roy's Ko Olina brought Hawaiian inspired Euro-Asian cuisine to Oahu's western shore. Roy liked the idea of being on a beautiful golf course, allowing guests to kick back in style and enjoy great food and refreshing libations in a fun and relaxed environment.

Greens and Vines
909 Kapiolani Blvd. Unit B, Honolulu, HI 96814. (808) 536-9680

Raw, Vegan. A welcome addition to Honolulu's culinary mix, especially for anyone who wants to eat more healthfully, without sacrificing flavor.

Peace Café Hawaii
2239 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96826. (808) 951-7555

Vegan Home Cooking. The idea of "Peace Café" started from a simple concept of a wish for peace on earth. The concept is born out of a desire for a peaceful harmony amongst man, animals, and nature. Peace Café believes that peaceful mind is created through pure and whole foods that Mother Nature provides – and peaceful mind creates peace on earth.

Luxury Row

WHERE TO SHOP

T Galleria by DFS
330 Royal Hawaiian Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 931-2700

T Galleria Hawaii offers a world-class shopping experience, as well as downtown duty free shopping in the heart of Waikiki. T Galleria features an expertly curated selection of more than 140 of the world's most desired brands across three sprawling floors. World travelers will delight in T Galleria Hawaii's seamless shopping opportunities for everything from rare and authentic Hawaii-grown coffee to the world's most in-demand luxury goods and services. Open 9:00 am – 11:00 pm.

Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814. (808) 955-9517

Ala Moana Center is the world's largest outdoor shopping center and Hawaii's premier shopping, entertainment, and dining destination with 290 stores, including nearly 70 dining options. Ala Moana Center features a diverse collection of stores including locally owned boutiques and national retailers. Luxury boutiques include: Chanel, Escada, Burberry, Armani, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Bulgari, Cartier, Rolex, Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Gucci, St. John, Juicy Couture, Miu Miu, Bally, Coach, Balenciaga, Fendi, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren, Tumi, and more. Open 9:30 am – 9:00 pm.

Luxury Row
2100 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 541-5136

Luxury Row offers one of the finest collections of luxury brands in the world, with more than 111,000 sq.ft. of international retailers including Chanel, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Coach, Tiffany & Co., Tod's, Bottega Veneta, and Hugo Boss. Located in the heart of Honolulu's Waikiki beach resort and urban retail district, Kalakaua Avenue's "Luxury Row" is a renowned international travel destination. Open 10 am - 10 pm.

Royal Hawaiian Center
2201 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 922-7555

Royal Hawaiian Center offers 310,000 square feet of delight for Hawaii shoppers. With its more than 110 shops and restaurants, the Center is one of Hawaii's largest shopping malls. Along the four-tiered three buildings, you can purchase everything from fine designer apparel to fun-in-the-sun apparel, from fine jewelry to costume jewelry and Hawaiian treasures. There are boutiques, sporting-good stores, Hawaii's top surf shops, jewelry stores, craft shops and practically everything else conceivable – all in the very center of Waikiki.

Waikiki Beach Walk
226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 931-3591

Waikiki Beach Walk®, to date the largest development in Waikiki's history, has become the gathering place of modern Waikiki for visitors and residents to shop, dine, play and stay. Spanning nearly eight acres in the heart of Waikiki, this exciting entertainment district includes a vibrant showcase of more than 40 world-class retailers in an open-air, two-level center, an array of delicious restaurants and casual eateries, an outdoor entertainment plaza featuring live performances regularly, plus accommodation choices: Trump, Embassy Suites, and Wyndham.

Waikele Premium Outlets
94-790 Lumiaina St, Waipahu, HI 96797. (808) 676-5656

Find impressive savings at 50 outlet stores: A|X Armani Exchange, Adidas, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach, Guess, LeSportsac, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, Tommy Bahama, Tommy Hilfiger, True Religion Brand Jeans and much more.



WHERE TO SPA

SpaHalekulani
2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 923-2311

Intertwining authentically crafted Polynesian therapeutic rituals with today's purest products and proven techniques, the award-winning SpaHalekulani professionals usher guests into an enveloping experience like no other. The commitment is to harmoniously restore guest's mind, body, and soul with a respite that is spiritual, cultural, and emotional.

Ihilani Spa
92-1001 Olani Street, Ko Olina - Oahu, Hawaii 96707. (808) 679-3321

Ihilani Spa is the essence of healing by the sea. A renewal of body and soul. Every therapeutic service is graciously extended for you with ho' okipa...a unique brand of island hospitality, synonymous with the true spirit of aloha. A visit to the Ihilani Spa is relaxing and uplifting.

The Spa at THE MODERN HONOLULU 1775 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 943-5800

You may feel you've reached the pinnacle upon entering THE MODERN HONOLULU. Then you step into the spa, and reconsider. Here, the hotel's trademark white palette calms. Notes of coconut, lemongrass, passion fruit and vanilla scent the air. The receptionist offers you a taste of Pure Inventions – the Peach Green Tea is a favorite of guests. You settle into one of the treatment rooms and let their trained touch wash over you.

Ko Olina Golf Club

ACTIVE PURSUITS

Ko Olina Golf
92-1220 Ali'Inui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707. (808) 676-5300

Ko Olina Golf Club, recognized as one of Oahu's premier golf courses, offers a challenging 18-hole championship course with exceptional water features, multi-tiered greens, and no parallel fairways.

Hike Diamond Head

Located on the southeast coast of Oahu, not far from Waikiki, Diamond Head is one of the world's best-known volcanic craters. The view from the 760-ft. summit is well worth the climb. The steep trail to the top is mostly paved and includes two sets of stairs. One is 99 steps, the other 76 steps. They lead to a 225-foot tunnel (bring a flashlight) and end with a spectacular view of the island's west side. This is also an excellent spot for whale watching during the winter months.

Surf Lessons or Outrigger Canoe Ride
2259 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 388-1510

The Waikiki beach boys at Waikiki Beach Services can offer you everything from surfing lessons and stand up paddle board classes, to outrigger canoe rides and indepth knowledge of the history of Hawaiian surf heritage.

Van's Triple Crown of Surfing. Photo credit: Michael Barry ©joliphotos.com

WHAT TO SEE

Van's Triple Crown of Surfing, Nov. 2 - Dec. 20, 2013
Sunset Beach, North Shore

The second stop in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the Vans World Cup of Surfing at Sunset Beach, is a test of a surfer's strength, stamina, courage, skill and vast ocean knowledge. Sunset has long been regarded as the ultimate competitive test, being the most challenging wave in the world. The long right walls break at the top of Sunset Point and make their way into the cove toward Sunset's infamous West Bowl, where the bottom of the wave drops out and the Pacific Ocean seems to converge and heave over the reef in wide, gaping and warping barrels. If waves are a surfer's canvas, then Sunset is a full-scale high-rise mural.

Doris Duke's Shangri La Estate
4055 Papu Cir, Honolulu, HI 96816. (808) 734-1941

Built in Honolulu, Hawai‘i from 1936-1938, Shangri La overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head and houses Doris Duke's collection of Islamic art. Of the many homes that Duke inhabited, Shangri La is the only one that she built from the ground up and filled from the inside out. A complimentary tour is provided to Halekulani guests on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

Humpback Whale Watching

Every year, thousands of humpback whales leave their summer feeding grounds in Alaska and set off for Hawaii. Some arrive as early as September and most will have completed the 3,000-mile journey in time for Christmas. Consider taking a tour to see these symbols of nature's grandeur in the wild during your visit to Hawaii.

Iolani Palace, the only Royal Palace in the USA
364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813. (808) 522-0822

Take a unique tour of the only restored royal palace in the United States. Built in 1882 for King Kalakaua, Iolani Palace offers a unique glimpse into the mystique and grandeur of Hawaii's regal past. This Renaissance-style building was the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's last two monarchs, and is conveniently located just a short walk from the State Capitol in downtown Honolulu.

Liljestrand House
3300 Tantalus Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822. (808) 537-3116

Designed by Vladimir Ossipoff and built for Betty and Howard Liljestrand, the Liljestrand House is an outstanding example of Mr. Ossipoff's work and of mid-twentieth century Hawaiian modern architecture. Halekulani's Art and Architecture tour occurs on the first and third Thursday of each month, from 9:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Round trip transportation and tour is complimentary for registered, in-room guests. Space is limited to 11 guests per tour. Reservations can be made with the Halekulani Concierge.

Honolulu Museum of Art
900 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96814. (808) 532-8700

Hawaii's oldest and largest art museum was founded in 1927. It is recognized for its outstanding collection of Asian, European, Pacific, American and African art, showcased in some 30 galleries surrounding six garden courts. (Complimentary access provided to Halekulani guests). Currently showing until Jan. 12, 2014: Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams: The Hawai'i Pictures.

The Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817. (808) 847-3511

Bishop Museum is the premier place to experience the history, arts and culture of the Hawaiian people. The museum is recognized throughout the world for scientific research, educational programs, and extensive collections which give voice to the stories of Hawai‘i and the broader Pacific. The Museum is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.

China Town

Honolulu's 200-year old Chinatown is a wonderland of shops that feature herbs, fresh produce, fish markets, restaurants and a rainbow of fresh flower leis. Here a mix of Asian cultures is concentrated in an area where exotic spices infuse the air and the way to good health is through acupuncture and herbalists.

House Without A Key

ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE

House Without A Key at Halekulani
2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 923-2311

Immortalized in a 1925 Charlie Chan novel, House Without A Key is Halekulani's popular indoor/outdoor gathering spot for informal breakfast, lunch, cocktails, appetizers and entertainment.

Taimane Gardner at Swim at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, Fridays 6-7pm
2424 Kalakaua Ave (3rd floor), Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 923-1234.

Taimane is a ukulele virtuoso who has to be seen to be believed! A must-see.

Modern Music at The Modern Honolulu
1775 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 943-5800

Most often, you'll hear them in the oasis of THE MODERN HONOLULU's Sunrise Pool or inside The Study, the seductive lobby bar.

Lewer's Lounge at Halekulani
2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 923-2311

Lewers Lounge is open nightly from 7:30 pm to 1:00 am. Enjoy llve entertainment 8:30 pm to midnight, Sunday through Thursday and 8:30 pm to 12:30 am, Friday & Saturday.

Taimane Gardner

CULTURAL EVENTS

Hawaii Opera Theatre
848 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96813. (808) 596-7858

Each season, a six-week period from January through March features three grand operas. With its reputation of artistic excellence, Hawaii Opera Theatre attracts principal singers, stage directors and conductors from the mainland, Europe and Asia. Accompanied by the Honolulu Symphony, talented local singers fill smaller roles and comprise the chorus.

Hawaii Pops
Hawaii Convention Center and Live at Lewers. (808) 523-7677

Matt Catingub and the Hawai'i Pops partners with Hawaiian music luminaries such as Amy Hānaiali'i, Na Leo Pilimehana, Henry Kapono, Raiatea and Jimmy Borges for concerts at the Hawaii Convention Center as well as special, more intimate venues around Oahu. (Complimentary access provided to Halekulani Guests)

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra
(808) 946-8742

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1900. The symphony is the oldest orchestra in the USA west of the Rocky Mountains. The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra is one of Hawaii's most sparkling cultural treasures -- a magnificent ensemble that ranks among our country's best symphony orchestras and has won the enthusiastic praise of the nationally and internationally renowned soloists and guest conductors who have performed with it. (Complimentary access provided to Halekulani Guests)

Hawaii International Film Festival (October)

On a yearly basis, HIFF attracts more than 300 film industry delegates from all over the world, and screens films from over 50 countries. Festival attendees include film celebrities, directors, producers, distributors, investors, Hollywood Foreign Press members, reporters from top national and international industry publications, as well as international news media. (Complimentary access provided to Halekulani Guests)

Diamond Head

TOUR THE ISLAND IN STYLE

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters
99 Kaulele Place, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819. (808) 831-8800

Get ready to see Oahu in a whole new light! Only Blue Hawaiian flies the extraordinary new Eco-Star on Oahu. Compare it with any other touring helicopter and you'll quickly realize there is no comparison.

Rent a Luxury Car
720 Kapiolani Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813. (808) 457-1070, contact: Gloria Vuto.

JN Exotics, Hawaii's authorized Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, Maserati and Lotus dealer, is the Hawaii provider of exotic, luxury, sports car and luxury SUV rentals. If you are looking for an exotic car or luxury car rental, you will find something to fit your preference from our fleet. Our company's fleet consists of the world's finest automobiles, and all our exotic and luxury cars are the newest makes and models.

Hertz also offers a prestige line of cars including Mercedes Benz.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki

NEW LUXURY DEVELOPMENTS COMING IN 2015

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki
2112 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 445-9083

Opening in 2015. With close to 90% of residences sold and construction underway, The Residences offer a rare opportunity to own whole-ownership, fee-simple real estate in Waikiki. Residences from $765,000 to $15 million.

Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814. (808) 955-9517

50 New Shops Opening in 2015.

The International Marketplace
2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. (808) 971-2080

The International Marketplace will close at the end of 2013 to make way for a new luxury retail development, opening 2015.