Halekulani

Wow, where do we start? This is an awesome and relaxing resort. It started as a private home back the in late 1800s and has been a hotel since 1907 when rooms went for about $6, but it opened in its current form in 1984.

Services are unmatched here. For instance, the check-in: Forget the desk—the greeter will take you on a tour, then to your room and give you a box of chocolates and an excellent fruit platter. They track your preferences and try to anticipate your future needs. If you order coffee first thing in the morning, next time you stay, they’ll already have it covered. This is the way a resort should be run. You want it; you’ll get it. Don’t like your pillow? They’ll get you a different kind. They are there for every guest’s needs.

Room amenities are high and include deep soaking tubs. The motif is white and pale blue—designed to resemble their name: Halekulani means house befitting heaven.

Halekulani’s food services are incredible, and everything is created on the premises—pastries, ice creams, breads—you name it, except the chocolates. Their spa is so relaxing, you’ll think they removed your bones when you weren’t looking. It’s hard to find much fault here.

Their free fitness room offers a variety of classes every day of the week to guests—from beach body fitness to yoga to core training. Guests can also take free SUP or intro surf lessons on the beach. And you may hire a personal trainer for a fee. They have a very pleasant hospitality lounge for early arrivals or late checkouts with everything you might need, including showers, TVs, refreshments and luggage storage. You can even do a historic property tour or a “heart of house” tour. There is a whole list of attractions around Honolulu, like ‘Iolani Palace, that you can get into for free because the Halekulani is a sponsor.

Biggest ding? Their beach occupies the thinnest part of Waikiki—much of it lined by a seawall. That may change over time if the government steps up a beach replenishment program.

You’ll be pampered here and may literally weep when you have to leave. The resort exudes a tranquility that’s hard to match in Waikiki. Rooms are 519 sq. ft., Jr. suites are 720 sq. ft., suites are 1,050–1,620 sq. ft. with many amenities. If money is no object, the Royal Suite (4,066 sq. ft.) comes with a personal butler, a baby grand piano, an airport limo ride. Their Halekulani Suite is 2,135 sq. ft. and is perfect for a honeymoon, and comes with many amenities, a personal butler and airport limo. And don’t forget the 2,365-sq.-ft. Orchid Suite , which is located oceanfront with a private lawn, butler service, bath with steam shower, deep-steeping therapy pool and a cold plunge tub, as well as many other similar amenities to other suites mentioned above. Many packages are available.