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.

Read More

Breakfast at UMI by Vikram Garg at the Halepuna Waikiki

I was a huge fan of Halekulani Bakery and Restaurant so I was sad to hear it wouldn't be reopening, but Umi by Vikram Garg taking over the space in the Halepuna Waikiki has to be the best consolation.

Umi, which means ocean in Japanese and mother in Arabic, serves daily breakfast and dinner.  We came for the last seating of breakfast at 10:30am. Service is exceptional as you would expect from the Halepuna and Halekulani.

I had the set menu which includes coffee or tea, a starter, and an entree. The entree selection is amazing and I am looking forward to working through the menu. Today, I had the avocado tartine and my son had the French toast. Both were delicious!

Yogurt Parfait (chia pudding, berry-ginger compote)

Avocado Tartine (Guacamole, Onsen Egg, Pickled Onion, Feta)

French Toast (Banana-Maple syrup, Lime, Cultured butter)

The dinner service features a seafood centric menu dedicated to celebrating the Ocean’s Harvest.  The restaurant also offers private luncheons, restaurant buyouts, and a Chef's Table. Reservations are available on Open Table.

Read More

Welcomed with Aloha at Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani re-opened in April of this year, and I was ecstatic to stay there with my family for a much-needed weekend getaway.  

Our family was fortunate to stay in a Deluxe Ocean View Room and Ocean Suite. The Deluxe Ocean View Room consisted of a King Bed, desk, and a bathroom with a washlet and large vanity.

Deluxe Ocean View

The Ocean Suite consisted of a living room with a sofa-sleeper and bar, separate bedroom, a half bathroom, and a full bathroom with both a soaking tub and a shower. It's great for a family!

The room and suite were outfitted with 50-inch flat screen TVs, remote control room shades, mini refrigerators, and even complimentary water bottles that you can fill up via water stations on property.

The beds were so plush and comfortable, and the calming, yet elevated decor seamlessly complemented the beautiful views.

 

One of the many things I loved at Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani is how so many hotel amenities were wrapped and labeled for safety - the remote control, robes, slippers, bath products, cups, and more. This self-proclaimed germaphobe was very appreciative of these extra steps.

The hotel also includes in each room a pack of masks, sanitizer, and a finger cot (for when you have to push elevator buttons, etc.).  The hotel practices enhanced safety measures, which you can read about here.

 
The beach is just a few steps away across the street.

My youngest son loves the pool, so we spent a lot of time at the Vitality Pool.  Included with the Ocean Suite is a cabana rental, so we were able to lounge in complete comfort, except for when it started to rain, as the canopy is sheer so the rain got through.  Fortunately it was a quick-passing shower.

On site is also a Fitness Studio, a Garden with a Reflexology Path, and a Laundry Center.  

For those wanting to visit local attractions, complimentary admission for two to The Bishop Museum and Honolulu Museum of Art is also included with your stay.

As for dining, the Halekulani Bakery was not open, but restaurants at Halekulani (right across the street) are open. We had lovely meals at Orchids for both breakfast and dinner.

  

Halepuna, which translates to "House of Welcoming Waters," is fittingly named, as from the moment of check-in to the moment of check-out, warmth and aloha exuded from every employee and facet of the hotel.  This elegant boutique hotel truly lives up to the Halekulani brand.

Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani

2233 Helumoa Rd

Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 921-7272

Read More

Breakfast at Orchids at Halekulani

During our weekend staycation at Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, we had breakfast two mornings at Orchids at Halekulani. 

They offer both complete breakfasts with juice and fruit or a la carte breakfast options (Sunday mornings House Guests can dine off the a la carte menu from 7am to 9:30am; 9:30am starts the Sunday Brunch).

Banana Macadamia Nut Brittle Vanilla Bean Pancakes

Side Bacon

Haupia French Toast

Two Eggs Any Style

Blueberry Vanilla Bean Pancakes

Assorted Berries

Granola with Yogurt and Banana

Halekulani Popovers

Atlantic Smoked Salmon

Ham & Cheese Croissant Sandwich

Savories are my preference for breakfast, so one morning I had the Two Eggs Any Style, which also came with Breakfast Potatoes, Roasted Tomato, Bacon, and Sausage, and the next morning I had the Ham & Cheese Croissant Sandwich, which was accompanied by a side salad.

The sandwich was delish - I loved the ham and melted cheese stuffed in a buttery croissant.  I also enjoyed the fluffy popovers, and the eggs, potatoes, tomato, bacon, and sausage made for a hearty meal.

It's great that there are sweet and savory dishes, and even vegetarian options, so there's something to suit every taste.

Service was great, and breakfast at Orchids was such a lovely way to start the day!

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

Mahalo to the sponsor for the complimentary breakfast.  Gratuity was paid on our own.

Read More

Staycation at the Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani

The Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani reopened their doors to welcome guests again on July 1. Our family stayed for the 4th of July weekend. Halepuna which means “The House of Welcoming Waters” houses 284 guest rooms and four suites with gorgeous ocean views.  

As the first luxury boutique hotel in Waikiki, you can expect to receive the highest standards of personalized service. The vitality pool, a garden, fitness studio, business center, and hospitality suite all awaited us if we should ever need them.

Beautiful floral arrangement in the lobby.

Lobby seating. Also for a limited time and exclusively for Halepuna guests, 

enjoy live entertainment and cocktails Wednesday through Saturday. 

The first thing we noticed when we opened the door was the amazing ocean view.  Our room was pristine, elegant, and whispered, “It’s time to relax.  You are on vacation.” This was especially true because each rooms sleeps a maximum of 3 so my son and I shared a room while my teenager roomed with her cousin. It's debatable who was more excited. 

The rooms had everything we needed and more: a 50-inch flat screen TV, WIFI, and above the mini refrigerator was a hot pot and Keurig. Safety standards for guest rooms include Electrostatic Disinfection Equipment and EPA-approved products used for cleaning and sanitation and minimum 24-hours required between each guest.

I love the serene color scheme of the room. Time to relax! 

My kids enjoying the view.

Halepuna water bottles. Refilling stations throughout the hotel.

Gorgeous bathroom complete with TOTO washlet.

Bathtub and shower.

Special bath amenities. 

The Vitality Pool has an infinity pool design and is next to the sun deck with ample lounge chairs and cabanas. Currently, they are only offering a drink menu at the pool. 

Kids lounging in the garden.

Hospitality suite

The Fitness Studio offers guests cardio equipment and weight equipment. 

Currently, a reservation is required.

Coin operated laundry room. Perfect for families on extended stays.

Another thing we love about the Halepuna is its location. You have the beach as well as countless restaurants, shops, and eateries just steps away. Our favorite is the Halekulani Bakery that is located right in the Halepuna's lobby. They are serving take out for breakfast (hotel guests may dine in for breakfast) and lunch. Their breads and pastries are amazing! We really look forward to when the restaurant reopens as it was a favorite.

Even without the firework show, our stay at the Halepuna was fantastic! We all had a very fun and memorable time together. If you value exceptional service, you owe yourself a stay at the Halepuna.

Read More

Halekulani Bakery & Restaurant

Grilled fish sandwich.

After attending the Halepuna’s preview, all I could think about was how I was going to squeeze in lunch at the new Halekulani Bakery and Restaurant over a busy weekend. So when the matinee showing of The Illusionists ended earlier than expected, I knew it was fate and made a beeline for a late lunch.

While the bakery and the restaurant are connected, each has its own entrance.  You can access the bakery from the street and enter the restaurant through Halepuna’s lobby.  I just love the aesthetics of the restaurant.  I think it is so pretty with its picture windows and wood paneling.  Given a choice, we opted to sit against the wall with the sofa style seating.

Opt to sit by the window for a sunny view. 

We chose to sit in the comfy sofa seating and gained a great view of the chocolate kitchen. 

My kids both ordered the grilled cheese off the keiki menu which comes with a juice or milk and either ice cream or fruit.  My daughter said it was the best grilled cheese ever. I asked, even better than mine? I got a loud, YESSS!

My daughter was very impressed by the grilled cheese!

Both kids enjoyed the ice cream that is included in the keiki meal. 

I started with the Halepuna rose served with candied hibiscus and a pink ladyfinger and ordered the grilled fish sandwich.  The sandwich was excellent! I especially liked the jalapeño salsa and the brioche bun. They both complimented the fish so well! All the entrees were served with potato wedges which were fine, but I hope they will offer french fries like the yummy ones from House Without a Key.

I loved this feminine drink. 

Halekulani Bakery and Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are also participating in this year’s Restaurant Week! You can easily make a reservation on Open Table.

Read More