Halekulani Hotel

The Halekulani Hotel was first opened in 1907 as a residential hotel. Now, the towering property is made up of five buildings on a five acre oceanfront lot, offering guests unobstructed ocean views, many overlooking the iconic Diamond Head Crater. The breezy open-air lobby with wood-paneled walls and tropical floral displays has a peaceful feel, while the immaculately-manicured grounds seem to be spotless, with barely a leaf astray on the ground. While it's mostly a breezy and laid-back place, the vibe here is more upmarket than many Waikiki properties. In fact, some areas of the hotel have a formal dress code, including the fine-dining restaurant, La Mer. Open only for dinner, this is one of the few places in Oahu where you’ll see men dining in jackets. While some restaurants here are formal, the resort is filled with vacationing families, mainly from Japan. The Italian glass-tiled outdoor pool is a prime spot to kick back during the day, though it can get crowded and noisy with lots of kids running around.

This hotel is located directly on Waikiki Beach next to the boardwalk. It's just around the corner from the shops and restaurants at Waikiki Beach Walk, while the main strip, Kalakaua Avenue, is less than a five-minute walk away. The surrounding area is busy and hectic, though the hotel is situated on a slightly less crowded stretch of beach that feels a bit quieter than many neighboring stretches of sand. It's well-located for anyone exploring the area by foot, with most attractions within easy walking distance from the hotel. The Fort DeRussy U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is just next door, while Honolulu Zoo is a 20-minute walk away. The famous Diamond Head State Monument is around a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while the Pearl Harbor monuments take around 30 minutes to reach by car. Honolulu International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive. 

With a total of 453 rooms, this sprawling hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites featuring pool or ocean views. They're all decent-sized and similarly decorated with soft neutral tones, light wood furniture, and beige carpeted floors. Ocean-themed paintings add a beachy vibe, while sliding glass doors open out onto funished lanais with tables, chairs, and single sun loungers. Beds are dressed in white Egyptian cotton sheets, and all rooms have cozy seating areas for relaxing. In-room amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges with free bottled water, safes, phones, and free Wi-Fi -- but there are no coffeemakers. Free robes, slippers, and welcome snacks are a thoughtful touch. Bathrooms are simply decorated with neutral tiles, and all include glass-enclosed showers, bathtubs, marble vanities, and free toiletries. Guests should note that some traffic can be audible in the rooms owing to the hotel's central location.

Halekulani Hotel features all of the facilities that you would expect from an upscale beachfront resort, including multiple restaurants and bars. Just keep in mind that some venues are a bit more formal than what's found elsewhere in Waikiki. Orchids offers alfresco dining in a casually elegant setting, while the acclaimed La Mer is a fine-dining restaurant serving French-style cuisine with spectacular ocean views towards Diamond Head. A dress code is enforced at La Mer. House Without a Key has a casual vibe and an oceanfront terrace, hosting nightly sunset hula shows underneath the hotel’s iconic kiawe tree. For drinks, guests can grab a signature mai tai at the French-inspired L’Aperitif Cocktail Bar, or enjoy some live jazz at Lewer’s Lounge. A varied a la carte or buffet breakfast is served daily (for a fee) and room service is available around the clock.

The small (albeit reasonably-sized by Waikiki standards) outdoor pool is marked by an impressive glass-tiled orchid design, surrounded by white padded sun loungers and shady umbrellas. There's direct access to a small stretch of Waikiki Beach, and other leisure facilities include a modern fitness center with poolside views and a tranquil spa with Polynesian treatments. Business facilities include a computer station and six stylish meeting rooms. On the downside, kid-friendly amenities are lacking with no Kids' Club or play area. Hotel services include 24-hour room service, laundry, tour assistance, and free Wi-Fi. There is no daily resort fee, which is surprising in Waikiki, but on-site parking will cost extra. The hotel does provide free access to many museums, including Iolani Palace, the former residence of the royal family.