10 Reasons to Escape to the Halekulani in Waikiki

Toast your arrival with a handcrafted Mai Tai

From pre check-in to post check-out, no detail of our stay is overlooked, including Honolulu's best handcrafted cocktails. We check in to our light and airy room and then make a beeline for the outdoor patio at House Without A Key to settle in to our Hawaiian vacation with these amazing Mai Tais overlooking Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

Premier Suites are oceanfront overlooking Diamond Head

Three exclusive suites on Waikiki Beach overlook the mesmerizing view of Diamond Head straight on. Our favorites are the top floor Royal Suite and the lawn level, Orchid Suite. There is also the sophistication of the Halekulani Suite (formerly the Vera Wang Suite) on the middle level. These three premier suites go for $7,000 per night. If you don't want to make the big splurge, the Diamond Head Suites at $2,235.00 per night are the next best thing.

The best dining on the island of Oahu. Photo: Exterior view of Five-Diamond restaurant, La Mer, above and Orchids restaurant below, both overlooking Diamond Head.

Perhaps nowhere is the Halekulani spirit of elegance and romance captured more beautifully than at their AAA Five Diamond Restaurant, La Mer offering a stunning atmosphere and Five Diamond award-winning cuisine. But then, we were completely delighted by all the excellent dining options at Halekulani. The food, drinks and atmosphere in all their establishments can't be beat.

Best Breakfast in Waikiki

I loved all the healthy choices (and some decadent ones) at the morning breakfast buffet. Innovative creations are presented in an idyllic setting and relaxed atmosphere at Orchid's and House Without A Key. We missed the Sunday Brunch at Orchid's, but heard that it is legendary, called "Oahu's Best Brunch" by Honolulu Magazine, served from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Luxury shopping experiences

Halekulani is an epicenter for luxury shopping. The hotel itself features some fine boutique shops, plus it is just steps from all of Waikiki's best shopping. Just one block away T Galleria by DFS recently unveiled an impressive new shopping experience. Luxury Row, The Royal Hawaiian Center, and Waikiki Beach Walk are all just one block away from the hotel. The Ala Moana Center -- the world's largest outdoor shopping mall with 290 stores -- is a short taxi ride away and is also walkable. We walked there in 25 minutes (the distance is a little over a mile).

Live entertainment

As the sun sets over the Pacific, experience the tradition and essence of Oahu with soothing Hawaiian music on the lawn under the century-old Kiawe tree at House Without A Key. The entertainment continues in to the evening.

Halekulani's Lewers Lounge, consistently ranked as 'One of the best bars in America' and one of Hawaii's best venues for live jazz and cocktails, launches Live at Lewers, a new jazz concert series in partnership with Hawaii Pops, and Artistic Director Matt Catingub.

'For You, Everything' program. Photo: Liljestrand House, part of the hotel's complimentary 'Art + Architecture Tour'

Halekulani's For You, Everything program is a major advantage of staying here. Guests are offered complimentary insider access to many of Honolulu's top cultural highlights and happenings, including: a private Art & Architecture Tour, Doris Duke's oceanfront Shangri La estate, tickets to museums, music performances, film festivals, and more.

Other worthwhile happenings at the hotel include the Manager's weekly cocktail party (come hungry) -- a beautiful presentation of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails every Wednesday 5:30-6:30pm. The hotel's Back of house tour on Fridays at 10 a.m. gives interesting insight into how all the magic happens at this gracious hotel.

Afternoon tea

An elegant Halekulani tradition in Waikiki. Choose from a wide selection of fine international teas, coffees, and freshly-baked cakes and pastries, served daily by Halekulani's gracious tea hostess. Daily from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

City life and the world's most famous beach, Waikiki

Halekulani combines the best of both worlds in Honolulu -- a relaxing atmosphere for vacationing including the wonderful SpaHalekulani, and easy access to the best of city life -- shopping, dining, culture and nightlife. Speaking of nightlife, a MUST-SEE on Friday evenings: Virtuoso ukulele player Taimane Gardner performs at nearby Swim at Hyatt Regency Waikiki in Honolulu.

More information: Halekulani