Last week, Gem and I were invited to preview the new Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani. Formerly the Waikiki Parc, its one year transformation was highly anticipated by many and an amazing 90% of the former workforce opened the new hotel last week Friday. Guests of the grand opening reception were able to view the blessing of the Halepuna on its 8th floor urban escape complete with garden sanctuary and vitality pool and sun deck. We were also treated to a look at some of the beautiful 284 guestrooms and walk through the four suites. What I was most excited about was the new Halekulani Bakery and Restaurant and it did not disappoint!
Halepuna suite. Photo courtesy of Halepuna
Halekulani Bakery and Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Halepuna.
According to the press release, Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., a leading global real estate company headquartered in Tokyo, and Halekulani Corporation announced the opening of Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, checking in its first guests on October 25th to the luxury boutique hotel. With 284 rooms and four suites, the multi-million-dollar transformed Halepuna Waikiki is located directly across from the iconic Halekulani.
Incorporating the culture of Hawai’i and philosophy of Halekulani, Halepuna Waikiki provides guests with the highest standards of quality and personalized service. A refined retreat in the heart of Waikiki where Hawaiian traditions, warm, engaging service and fine design enrich every guest room, dining experience and amenity, Halepuna Waikiki celebrates the indigenous surroundings, culture, and aloha spirit of the islands. The “House of Welcoming Waters” draws upon the legacy of the land and incorporates calming water-inspired design features throughout the property.
“We are extremely excited to introduce this new brand, Halepuna, which carries the hospitality DNA of Halekulani,” said Halepuna Waikiki General Manager Julie Arigo. “Halepuna Waikiki is for the traveler who is looking to be in the center of it all in Oahu, while also feeling a sense of relaxation, escape, and comfort throughout their entire experience with us.”
DESIGN
The thoughtful design and planning of the property was developed by New York City-based interior design firm Champalimaud and Anbe, Aruga & Ishizu, Architects, Inc, who have been engaged for the past two years to design the public spaces, rooms and suites, artfully embracing the ethereal sensibilities of land and water. Featuring natural and refined elements inspired by Halekulani, the lobby showcases subtle, light and airy interiors, with custom light fixtures, teak finishes, vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows. Halepuna Waikiki’s public art program features contemporary art commissioned exclusively for the hotel and will showcase the works of select local artists. Each artist reflects a sense of place, and their works were influenced by Hawai’i’s unique environment.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Providing a home away from home and an unparalleled experience in the heart of Waikiki, Halepuna Waikiki’s elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites feature custom artwork by local artists and furnishings in color palettes of white, gray, beige, and blue. The hotel consists of 284 guest rooms and four suites with pristine views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountain range. Guestroom categories of Standard, Mountain, Ocean, and Deluxe Ocean range from 309-355 square feet with full and partial balconies. Ocean and Grand Ocean suites range from 619-729 square feet and are beautifully designed to provide timeless comfort with a stunning panoramic view of Waikiki Beach.
CULINARY
The new Halekulani Bakery & Restaurant, located adjacent to the hotel lobby, will be the first branded Halekulani food and beverage outlet. With state-of-the-art European equipment and a highly-trained international staff, the bakery features a range of fresh baked artisan breads, pastries, cakes, and coffees. A chocolate-viewing kitchen will allow guests to observe the delicacies being made daily, including Halekulani’s signature dragees, the classic chocolate macadamia nut pearls. The all-day dining restaurant will focus on locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed setting. In addition to indoor seating, outdoor lanai seating is available for those who prefer to “grab and go.” Halekulani’s Executive Pastry Chef, Mark Freischmidt, will lead the bakery operation, working with Head Baker, Tatsuhiro Kaneshiro, from the acclaimed Imperial Hotel Tokyo, who brings the classic art of bread making with him.
EIGHTH FLOOR URBAN ESCAPE
The reimagined eight floor provides an enviable, private haven exclusive to hotel guests. A destination for wellness and relaxation, the Urban Escape features a delightful infinity pool, deck and bar, fitness studio, garden sanctuary, and hospitality lounge.
Vitality Pool & Sun Deck: A center-city oasis, the Vitality Pool provides both long distance swimmers and those taking a relaxing dip with an appealing infinity pool design, adjacent to a Sun Deck with custom hot tub and comfortable lounging. Poolside treatments and Cabana Refreshers, incorporating natural products by skilled SpaHalekulani staff are available upon reservation. Specialty services include full body application of organic sunscreen, chair massages and scalp and foot massages.
The Garden: A peaceful environment for small gatherings or self-reflection, The Garden is open and natural in design, featuring a unique Reflexology Path designed to stimulate the soles of the feet while balancing the mind and body. The colorful Hawaiian botanicals reflect the natural island beauty. This unique open space also provides a dynamic environment for creating bespoke and special events, in the heart of Waikiki.
Fitness Studio: From taking cardio to the next level with the high-tech ARTIS® by TechnoGym, to functional fitness training to improve daily activity, the Fitness Studio at Halepuna Waikiki provides everything needed for optimal strength, endurance, and flexibility. With a classic yet contemporary design appealing to all, the inviting studio offers daily classes led by experienced trainers and a Health Station to recharge with healthful snacks and hydration for enhanced performance.
SPA OFFERINGS
In addition to poolside treatments offered at the eighth floor Vitality Pool, Halepuna Waikiki guests will have access to special offerings, such as the custom Morning Glory Facial, named after the hotel’s signature flower, at SpaHalekulani located at sister hotel, Halekulani. For suite guests, in-room SpaHalekulani treatments such as the JetLag Recovery scalp and foot treatment, Acupuncture, and Zen Shiatsu pressure point massage can be arranged.
Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani room rates range from $350 to $500 and suites start at $996, all based on double occupancy. For more information, please call the hotel at 808-921-7272 or visit www.halepuna.com to book online, or contact your travel planner.
