Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani

It's been 5 years since my last staycation, and we were overdue for one.  We decided to go back to the Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani since we had such a wonderful time there.

Translated to "House of Welcoming Waters," Halepuna, sister property to the Halekulani hotel, is part of a brand that is synonymous with excellent service.  

We were fortunate to get a media rate for two Ocean View rooms for our family of 5 (because 2 bathrooms are a must!).

One room had a king bed and desk; the other room had 2 double beds.  

The blue tones of the rooms complemented the ocean views.

The views were stunning!

Each room included complimentary water bottles (water filling stations are located throughout the hotel), robes for use, a coffee maker, and mini fridge.

We had a shared foyer vs connecting rooms, which still allowed for privacy since we could shut the external door.

Dining options on property include Halekulani Bakery as well as UMI by Vikram Garg.

On property you will also find the Vitality Pool and Sun Deck with Cabanas, The Garden, where you can relax in tranquility, and a Fitness Studio.   

We were fortunate to get complimentary cabanas, which offered a respite from the sun as we relaxed by the pool.

Throughout the hotel you'll find some exceptional artwork!

I like that the hotel is at one end of Waikiki, so we were not in the midst of the crowds, but a lot of Waikiki spots were still easily accessible.  

The beach is just a short walk across the street, and you're not far from numerous other shops and restaurants.  

The Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani is a boutique hotel that scores big on ambience and service, and it was the ideal location for our staycation.  

We had such a nice getaway - one that was much needed to rejuvenate my soul.  

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani

2233 Helumoa Rd

Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 921-7272

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Shiatsu at SpaHalekulani + Kamaʻāina Discount

This year I'm all about self-care, and I decided to treat myself to a 60-minute Shiatsu session at SpaHalekulani. 

Upon checking in, I waited for my therapist inside (you could also have a seat outdoors, but it was pretty warm), where treats and water were available.

The spa is designed to be "suite-style," so unlike some other resort spas where there are shared facilities, you have a dedicated suite for your treatment with all sorts of amenities. 

I never had Shiatsu before, and the therapist explained it's basically a "dry massage" that focuses on pressure points.  The therapist hit different points from my toes to my head, with emphasis on my neck and shoulders, since I let her know that's where I was experiencing a lot of pain / tightness.  

I was afraid it would be painful.  

I requested medium pressure, and for the most part, the pressure was good.  There were some instances where she worked on my back and neck where I could really feel the pressure, but it was never painful.  

The 60 minutes went by too quickly!

At the end of the treatment, you can relax on a lounge chair outdoors and sip on tea and eat a cool confection.

Since I went on Mother's Day weekend, they were offering champagne or locally-made mead!

They were also gifting moms with eye masks!

Kamaʻāina get 15% (with ID) off the base price of a massage, body polish, or facial!  A 21% service fee is added to the base price, inclusive of gratuity.

SpaHalekulani
Halekulani
2199 Kalia Rd

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 931-5322

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HALEKULANI'S LA MER ANNOUNCES SPECIAL TASTING DINNER WITH CHÂTEAU CHEVAL BLANC + May events

 

On June 27,  2025, La Mer proudly welcomes the Grands Vins of Château Cheval Blanc, St.-Émilion, along with its  esteemed Cellar Master, Carole André. Guests will embark on an unforgettable journey through a meticulously curated menu paired with some  of the most iconic vintages from Château Cheval Blanc, Cheval des Andes, and Château d'Yquem. Each  dish, crafted by La Mer's Executive Chef Alexandre Trancher, will be harmoniously paired with  exceptional wines selected by Sommelier Kevin Toyama and guided by Maître d’ Stephen Oyadomari. 

Ms. André will guide attendees through an immersive tasting experience, exploring the rich heritage and  history of one of Bordeaux's most celebrated Châteaux. As a pivotal figure in the wine industry, Ms.  André oversees the cellar teams across three estates, enhancing the precision and quality of their wines. 

Guests will begin the evening with Champagne Krug, Grand Cuvée 169ème Édition Brut, setting the  stage for a spectacular dining experience. The menu celebrates culinary artistry and wine excellence,  beginning with a Scallop-Kiwi Salad accompanied by Lemon Parsley Sorbet, Caviar-Sesame Tuiles, paired  with Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2021. Diners will then savor Abalone-Escargot complemented by Roasted  Cauliflower Mousseline and Cheval des Andes 2021. The journey continues with Steamed Turbot  Matelote, Maui Onion Stew, and Chasseur Garnish, paired with Château Cheval Blanc, Premier Grand  Cru Classé 2012, followed by Wagyu Beef with Pea Purée and Sugar Pea, paired with Château Cheval  Blanc 2009 and 2006. To conclude, a delightful Vanilla, Banana, and Apricot dessert paired with Château  d'Yquem, Sauternes 2016. 

Date: June 27, 2025 
Time: 6:30 pm 
Location: La Mer – Halekulani – 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96813 
Price: $675.00 per guest (inclusive), 21 and over only. 
No menu substitutions

UMI BY VIKRAM GARG IS CELEBRATING ITS TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

On Sunday, May 11th, UMI by Vikram Garg celebrates its second anniversary and Mother's Day with a special five-course dinner menu featuring spring vegetables and fruits, inspired by Chef Garg's mother and mother-in-law.

Enjoy a seafood-centric menu with seasonal ingredients and bold global flavors. For more information or reservations, call 808-724-4244.

Breakfast Served Daily: 7:00 am -11:00 am (Last Seating 10:30 am)

Sunday Brunch: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm (Last Seating 12:30 pm)

Dinner Served Wednesday to Sunday: 5:30 pm -10:00 pm (Last Seating 8:30pm)

LEWERS LOUNGE PRESENTS CLOVER CLUB & MILADY'S TAKEOVER. MAY 18-19, 2025
For two nights only, New York City's acclaimed bars, Clover Club and Milady's, bring their signature cocktails to Lewers Lounge. Julie Reiner, renowned mixologist and owner of both establishments, returns to her Oahu roots to craft exclusive creations alongside our Director of Mixology, Tuda Sarian. Savor Clover Club's award-winning classics, like the Clover Club Cocktail, on Sunday, May 18, and experience Milady's vibrant energy on Monday, May 19. A rare chance to indulge in world-class cocktails, island style

THE WAITIKI 7 RETURNS TO HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY! MAY 23-25, 2025

    

Back by popular demand, The WAITIKI 7 will captivate audiences with their "Exotica" music—a blend of easy listening instrumentation and faraway soundscapes. Featuring unforgettable music in a serene island setting and perfectly themed drinks, this experience is not to be missed! A $7.00 per person entertainment cover charge will apply. To reserve your table, please call 808-518-2019. Inquire about the VIP Pass to meet the band before the concert.

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HALEKULANI UNVEILS NEWLY REIMAGINED SPAHALEKULANI

Photo courtesy of Halekulani

Press Release: Oahu’s most acclaimed luxury hotel steps away from Waikiki Beach, announces the reopening of the award-winning SpaHalekulani following extensive renovations. Featuring three new suite-style treatment rooms, spa butlers, and personalized wellness experiences, the intimate spa officially reopens on Thursday, Aug. 1. The announcement was made by Davide Barnes, General Manager of Halekulani.

 

“Embodying our commitment to excellence and high-touch service, the revitalized SpaHalekulani will deliver unrivaled spa and wellness experiences in Waikiki,” said Mr. Barnes. “The new design, concept, and customized treatments will enhance the guest experience and appeal to travelers looking for a sanctuary of peace and rejuvenation away from the bustle of Waikiki.”

 

Designed by acclaimed New York City-based firm Champalimaud, the expanded yet discreet space honors the spa’s longstanding theme of Kawehewehe (healing waters) through multiple water features while boasting quiet technology and enhanced lighting and sound. The reimagined SpaHalekulani features three new private spa suites, a spa menu, a full salon, a boutique, and five additional treatment rooms and Skin Care Suite.

 

Private Spa Suites

• NAHE WAI (ADA-Compliant): Featuring a rain shower and Welnamis Vibroacoustic Table by Gharieni with four self-guided programs promoting mental clarity and relaxation. “Focus” raises brainwave levels for improved cognitive function and memory while “Restore,” the ultimate power nap, taps into a very deep level where a few precious minutes can equal more than a full night’s rest.
• UAHI WAI: Boasting a steam chamber with personalized scents and a massage table made in Germany and exclusive to SpaHalekulani, delivering noise blanketing and customized sound through Rx Music.
• PU’UWAI: Designed for couples with two massage tables, peaceful lighting, and the only Japanese furo in Waikiki.

 

Spa butlers will consult with guests before arrival, curating a bespoke experience based on preferences and wellness goals. SpaHalekulani has also engaged specialized practitioners in areas, like acupuncture and sound healing to complement its on-staff team of experts.

 

Each Spa Suite also features a private outdoor spa cabana offering tea and refreshments post-treatment for the ultimate rest and rejuvenation.

 

Spa Menu

Select spa treatments on offer include the “Healing Botanical Massage,” using therapeutic CBD products combined with skilled techniques to relieve pain and discomfort; “Hale Kawehewehe,” a revitalizing exfoliation, followed by a furo soak infused with healing herbs, and traditional lomilomi massage; “Halekulani Timeless,” a sophisticated facial, incorporating the spa’s exclusive Epicutis collection with minimal ingredients for maximum results; and the “Supreme Hydrafacial,” which includes lymphatic therapy, customized mask, booster, LED light and hyaluronic acid. Nail care, hair styling, and makeup are also available. For the full menu, see here.

 

Spa Food Menu

A specially designed menu features fresh and nourishing fare post-treatment, such as ahi sashimi; freeze-dried crunchy vegetables with avocado tarragon dip; and pan-seared catch of the day. Signature beverages include the “Kawehewehe”, now exclusively at SpaHalekulani with Blue Kuleana “Nanea” Rum, Kiawe-Smoked Pineapple Cordial, and Tiki Bitters, and “Dragons in Waikiki” – crafted with Fid Street Organic Gin, Dragon Fruit, Lilikoi, Coconut, and Yuzu – and spirit-free options, like “The Gable,” blending fresh cucumber juice, pineapple cordial, lemon and aloe juices with a mango ice cube.

 

Salon

SpaHalekulani’s newly designed salon – the only one in Waikiki and open to the public – has been integrated with enhanced offerings including weightless pedicures in zero-gravity chairs designed by NASA; multisensory heat massage with goggles by Therabody; and new YUME head spa, designed in Japan, with steam and waterfall features for ultimate hair health.

 

Spa Boutique

A new apothecary-style Spa Boutique features curated wellness products, such as candles hand-poured on the Big Island; 100% organic silk sleepwear, eye masks, and pillowcases by Hiamoe; teas from Tea Chest Hawaii; and skincare products by Epicutis and KNESKO. 

 

Additional information on the expanded fitness studio and wellness classes will be available soon.

 

SpaHalekulani is open daily from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., with reservations available both online and by phone at (808) 931-5322.   For more information, please visit https://www.halekulani.com/spa-and-wellness/.

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Halekulani's Live at Lewers 2023 presents Jeff Peterson - October 26 & 27 and The WAITIKI 7 at House Without A Key - Nov 24 & 25

Photo courtesy of Halekulani

Halekulani’s Lewers Lounge, a prominent Waikiki oasis for sophisticated cocktails and contemporary live jazz music, announces the return of the special Live at Lewers  featuring award-winning musician Jeff Peterson performing on Thursday, October 26 and Friday, October 27.

In his first feature appearance at Lewers Lounge, Hawaii born and raised Jeff Peterson will create a rarified, deeply inspired evening, drawing on early roots of jazz in Hawaii. His focus on slack key guitar, classical, and jazz music has allowed him to develop a unique and transcendent voice on the guitar while being deeply rooted in the traditions of his local heritage.

“Halekulani has a legacy of providing our guests with unrivaled and distinct experiences, often with an emphasis on supporting and appreciating local arts and culture,” said Davide Barnes, Hotel Manager of Halekulani. “With the return of Live at Lewers, we are excited to welcome renowned local talent Jeff Peterson to the lounge for two incredible evenings of jazz.”

Jeff Peterson has contributed to two Grammy Award-winning recordings and has been honored with 11 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards in Hawaii, two Hoku Awards in 2016 for Slack Key Album of the Year and Instrumental Song of the Year, and the 2018 Na Hōkū Hanohano Instrumental Album of the Year. Born on the Island of Maui, he grew up on the slopes of Haleakala where he was introduced to the rich heritage of Hawaiian music by his father, a paniolo, or ‘Hawaiian cowboy,’ on the Haleakala Ranch.

The Live at Lewers special event further enhances Lewers Lounge’s live entertainment available nightly Tuesday through Saturday. The hotel looks forward to announcing additional headliners for the 2024 Live at Lewers.  The performances with Jeff Peterson will take place from 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm on both evenings. Reservations are required. Tickets are $65 per person and include two drinks and valet parking. Food and beverages will be served prior to the performance for an additional cost. For more information or to make a reservation, call (808) 518-2019 or visit Live at Lewers: Featuring Jeff Peterson | Halekulani Hotel

Photo courtesy of Halekulani

Sixty-five years ago, the enchanting sounds of Hawaii's musical maestros, Martin Denny, the virtuoso pianist, and Arthur Lyman, the mesmerizing vibraphonist, ignited a national sensation with their groundbreaking albums "Exotica" and "Taboo." Through their creativity and passion, they not only crafted extraordinary music but birthed an entirely new genre — Exotica!

Emerging amidst Hawaii's vibrant postwar music scene, Exotica was the quintessential, easy listening soundtrack behind many a bachelor pad, tiki bar, or globe trotters’ fantasy. The genre’s lush instrumentation and faraway soundscapes continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

The WAITIKI 7 will perform two nights of Exotica at one of Waikiki's most iconic venues, House Without A Key at Halekulani, from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25, 2023. This marks the triumphant return of live Exotica music to Waikiki, a revival of a bygone era. Savor the sunset and indulge in the signature Halekulani cocktail while basking in the exotic sounds of The WAITIKI 7.

Coincidentally, Halekulani played a pivotal, early role in the Exotica legacy: In 1954, Arthur Lyman, then working as a desk clerk at Halekulani, crossed paths with pianist Martin Denny. Denny offered Lyman a place in his band, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Martin Denny's music catapulted to the mainstream, with both him and Arthur Lyman gracing national television shows like American Bandstand, Andy Williams, and Steve Allen. Denny's 1959 hit single, "Quiet Village," soared to #4 on Billboard's charts, while his "Exotica" album eventually claimed the #1 spot. Local vibraphonist Arthur Lyman's hit, "Yellow Bird," peaked at #4 on the Billboard Charts in 1961.

“Exotica music brought Hawaii’s musicians to the world stage,” enthused Randy Wong, bassist, and co-founder of WAITIKI 7. “The music is a beautiful, cultural tapestry—an artistic interpretation of the melting pot that makes living in Hawaii so special. We’re thrilled to return this music to its roots and are delighted to perform it at Halekulani.” 

WAITIKI 7 initially formed as a quartet in Boston, MA, twenty years ago in 2003, when Wong and jazz drummer Abe Lagrimas Jr. were college students at New England Conservatory/Harvard University and Berklee College of Music, respectively. The name, a fusion of "Waikiki" and "Tiki," embodies their passion for the genre. During the 1990s lounge revival, Wong and Lagrimas discovered a void: there were few groups specializing in Exotica, none composed of conservatory-trained professional musicians.

The group boasts seven first-call musicians, four of whom hail from Honolulu: Jazz drummer Abe Lagrimas Jr. (Kamasi Washington, Eric Marienthal, Kenny Endo), bassist Randy Wong (of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and President/CEO of the Hawaii Youth Symphony), percussionist and exotic bird caller Lopaka Colon (son of original Martin Denny percussionist and bird caller Augie Colon), and violinist Dr. Helen Liu (of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra and Galliard String Quartet). Completing the ensemble are flutist/saxophonist Tim Mayer (Artistic Director of the Orquesta Nacional de Jazz de Mexico), LA-based pianist Matt Politano, and vibraphonist Mika Mimura Erickson (Banda Magda, Michael League, Berklee College of Music).

For additional event details and reservations, please visit www.halekulani.com/experiences or call 808-518-2019.

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Orchids Sunday Sparkling Brunch

Halekulani's Sunday Brunch at Orchids has been a long time family favorite to celebrate special occasions and now it has gotten more sparkling! Gone are the plexiglass partitions, but what remains is the impeccable service and quality of food that you know comes with your experience at the Halekulani Hotel. The award-winning brunch has been enhanced with additional carving stations, a weekly seafood creation, ice cream sundae bar, selections from Halekulani Bakery, and two glasses of your choice of prosecco, mimosas, kir cocktail or sparkling cider.

Hawaii Mom Blog was invited to a media event to experience first hand the new Orchids Sunday Sparkling Brunch and it was a wonderful and delicious experience. The open air restaurant is bright and elegant with gorgeous views of the ocean and Diamond Head which makes for the perfect setting to enjoy your Sunday brunch. 

When I brunch with my family at Orchids, my husband and I like to begin with coffee and prosecco or a brunch cocktail and the kids have juice (our fave is POG). We put in an order of eggs benedict for me, pancakes and waffles to share, and a soup of the day with our server before making our first trip to the buffet. My husband likes to begin with all things seafood which includes offerings of freshly shucked oysters, chilled jumbo shrimp, and deep water snow crab. My daughter usually opts for a made to order omelet and hits the pastry selections while my son fills his plate with an assortment of sushi, poke, bacon, and sausage. I like to start with fresh fruit and a couple of the chef prepared salads. On the second trip, we usually visit one of the grand carving stations which now offers Waimanalo Raised Suckling Pig, Prime Rib, Pineapple Glazed Baked Ham, Sage Roasted Tom Turkey, BBQ Beef Brisket, and a Seafood Selection. We end with several trips to the dessert station which looks like it has expanded triple fold since my last time there and features Halekulani's signature coconut cake and custom ice cream station.

Prepared salads and charcuterie

Omelet Station

Expanded Grand Carving Stations

Seafood Medley

One of the many petite pastry shop treats

I love the sparkling feature of brunch!

My first plate. Pacing myself.  Enjoyed spicy eggplant salad and spicy poke with some breakfast meats and fruit.

Second plate included delicious salmon and ahi maki sushi, beef brisket with veggies, and custom kimchi ramen from the Ramen station!

You can order pancakes and waffles for your table, but this was for me.

Do not miss the Halekulani popover with Poha Berry Jam! 

I ended my brunch with so many sweet treats!

The legendary buffet has something for everyone to enjoy and combined with the excellent service will make for a remarkable brunch experience. The cost for Orchids Sparkling Sunday Brunch is $105.00 for adults and $55.00 for children 5-12 plus tax and gratuity.  

Orchids Sparkling Sunday Brunch (9:00am – 1:30pm)

Halekulani Hotel

Call (808) 923-2311 or (844) 288-8022 for information.

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ORCHIDS SPARKLING SUNDAY BRUNCH: Honolulu’s most legendary brunch just got more…Sparkling!

Halekulani, Oahu’s most acclaimed luxury hotel just steps away from Waikiki beach, today announces an enhancement to its award-winning Orchids Sunday Brunch, featuring additional carving stations; a weekly seafood creation; a house made ice cream and sorbet bar; selections from Halekulani Bakery; and prosecco and sparkling cider

According to Executive Chef Christian Testa, standout Orchids brunch items include the carving stations with prime rib, crispy skin Waimanalo raised suckling pig and sage roasted turkey; a shellfish station that includes freshly shucked oysters, snow crab legs, and chilled poached shrimp; an action station sushi bar with made-to-order nigiri sushi and handrolls; and an assortment of fresh poke, sashimi and fresh seafood. Guests can also choose from a variety of salads using locally-grown produce, Japanese breakfast items with soba and ramen stations.

 

Orchids features classic brunch dishes as well, such as eggs and omelets made to order; eggs Benedict; buttermilk pancakes; Belgian waffles; a selection of freshly baked breads and pastries from the Halekulani Bakery; and the signature Halekulani popovers with poha berry jam.

 

A tantalizing array of desserts include the signature Halekulani coconut cake; petit fours; French macarons; seasonal specialty desserts; specialty cheesecakes; cookies; and an ice cream bar with rotating selections of house made ice creams and sorbets, toppings, sauces and custom ice cream sandwiches.

 

With this enhancement, two glasses of prosecco, mimosas, Kir cocktail or sparkling cider are included.  Restaurant patrons are provided with complimentary validated parking.

 

The award-winning brunch is available on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The restaurant requires resort casual attire.  Tank tops, beachwear, exercise attire or flip flops are not permitted. For reservations please call (808) 518-2019 or book online at OpenTable.

 

About Halekulani 

Since its re-introduction in 1984 as one of the world's finest and most acclaimed independent luxury hotels, Halekulani has received more than 500 awards, most recently placing on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Gold List of best hotels and resorts in the world, Travel + Leisure’s 2022 T+L 500 list, as well as Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards list of the best resorts in Hawaii. Freshly reopened following a comprehensive renewal project, Halekulani is home to La Mer, Hawaii's longest, consecutively ranked AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Restaurant, Orchids, House Without A Key, L’Aperitif, Lewers Lounge, Cattleya Wine Bar, SpaHalekulani, and the new Earl’s Pool Bar. For over twenty years, Halekulani has maintained a strong commitment to arts and culture in the community through exclusive alliances with Oahu's most iconic cultural venues. Halekulani is operated by the Hotels and Resorts of Halekulani, a brand management division of the Honolulu-based Halekulani Corporation, which also oversees the Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani. Halekulani is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is aligned with Tokyo's legendary Imperial Hotel. For further information, please visit www.halekulani.com.

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Halekulani Bakery Reopens Today at the Halepuna Hotel

Mango Kouign Amann (my favorite!)

The wait is finally over and now you can get your hands on the Halekulani Bakery's signature Salted Caramel Croissants as well as the rest of their bakery line up that includes croissants, danishes, and pastries.   

The media was treated to a sneak peek of the house made baked goods as well as receiving a tour of the kitchen from Executive Pastry Chef Pauline Lam.  Breakfast sandwiches, specialty cakes and pastries, and made to order coffee and espresso drinks will also be available from 6:30am to 11:30am Thursdays through Sundays. 

The Everything Croissant is a savory pastry and created by Exective Pastry Chef Pauline Lam

The Mango Blueberry Muffin is another one of Lam's unique creations.  It took her 13 years to perfect and one of the key ingredients is sour cream!

The Waikiki Morning Muffin is both vegan and gluten free.

Pabana Croissant (lilikoi, banana, mango). 

Big Island Macadamia Nut Chocolate Croissant

One of the OGs - Valrhona Chocolate Croissant.

Salted Caramel Croissant - the crowd favorite. 

You can also get Halekulani's famous coconut cake by the slice or order the whole cake.  Their ribbon tied banana bread loaf would make the perfect gift this holiday season.  

 

   

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