Hawaii Mom Blog: staycation

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Showing posts with label staycation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label staycation. Show all posts

June 11, 2026

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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October 7, 2022

Kama'aina Staycation at the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

 

An incredible ocean view!

We decided not to travel off island during this year's Fall Break, but I couldn't resist a quick staycation to schedule in some rest and relaxation for my son and I. I chose the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort because of its beachfront location and great kama'aina rates that included perks like half off parking and no resort charge!  

The Outrigger Reef has recently undergone an $80 million transformation that included an overhaul of the lobby, renovated guestrooms, and the expansion of Kani Ka Pila Grille with more seating and a stage for live Hawaiian music. Anchor restaurant Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman is expected to open by the end of 2022.  

New spacious lobby with beachy vibes.

This swing for two is so cute and picture perfect.


We were upgraded to a newly renovated Club Oceanfront Suite that sleeps up to 4 with a separate king bedroom, spacious living area with a sofa bed, two baths - including the hugest one I have ever seen, and three private lanai so you can enjoy panoramic oceanfront views. Guests can opt to connect rooms to make it a 3-bedroom suite which is perfect for families.  

Large dining area, microwave, mini refrigerator, Keurig, and sink.

This spacious living area was perfect for lounging and watching a movie together after dinner.   

Comfy king size bed with Hawaiian artwork and ocean and sky blue tones let you know you are on vacation. 

Incredible, unobstructed, and endless views of the ocean.

I loved taking in the views.  At night the sound of the waves crashing sent me into the best sleep.  

I was seriously impressed with the size of this bathroom.  

Deep soak tub and separate shower.

Not one, but two vanities. Each complete with a lighted cosmetic mirror and Navasana Collection bath amenities.   

When you book a Voyager 47 Club room or suite, you will gain exclusive access to the private club lounge with spectacular ocean views. A daily Hawaiian style breakfast is offered in the morning and in the evening guests can enjoy pupus and drinks while they catch the sunset. For breakfast, we enjoyed offerings of scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt and more. In the evening, we snacked on lemon grass chicken, potstickers, kalbi beef skewers, and beef japchae. Food selections were tasty and the service was wonderful.    

Comfy outdoor seating while you take in the views.

Shaded areas and also indoor seating is available.

Guests can help themselves to the many food stations

Outrigger has longstanding partnerships with many Hawaii organizations including the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the Friends of Hōkūle‘a and Hawai‘iloa. The Outrigger Reef's A‘o Cultural Center is run by cultural director Aunty Luana Maitland and is home to Hawaiian artworks and programming around sea voyaging and other traditional Hawaiian practices.  Guests can engage in a variety of cultural activities like lei making, hula, wood carving, and more.  

Cultural director Aunty Luana Maitland making a lei.

Calabash - one of the many exhibits on display in the center. 

Hawaiian name tag making class.

Thank you for my beautiful lei.

Cade and I in front of I Ka Wa Ma Mua, Ka Wa Ma Hope (Through the Past is the Future) - a mural by Kamea Hadar.


As I mentioned, the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort is just steps away from the beach where we walked out to enjoy the sunset. We also spent some time at the large pool. Chaise lounges are available around the pool, but if you prefer you can reserve a daybed that comes with two chaise lounges or your own private cabana.

Beach access steps away from the A'o Cultural Center.

Daybeds are available to rent.

Back floating in the large pool.

Warm up in one of three hot tubs.

  
The resort does not have its own fitness center, but provides access to the fitness center at Embassy Suites with reservations. Other great perks included in the resort charge are complimentary admission (for two adults) to the Honolulu Museum of Art and discounted admission to the Waikiki Aquarium and Bishop Museum. 
 
It was much too short, but we truly enjoyed our stay at the resort.  We enjoyed time at the pool and beach, learning at the A'o Cultural Center, relaxing at the Voyager 47 Club, and taking in the views from our suite. It was a wonderful first time stay for us and we would definitely recommend the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort!

Thank you to the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort for their Aloha and suite upgrade, complimentary use of the daybed, and access to the Voyager 47 Club.  









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June 7, 2022

Hilton Hawaiian Village Celebrates the Return of Friday Night Fireworks with Kama'aina Package!

This past Friday, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort relaunched their weekly Friday Night Fireworks and Hawaii Mom Blog was invited to celebrate!  Did you know the Friday Night Fireworks show has been a tradition since 1988?  That's 34 years it’s been a Waikiki tradition that locals and visitors alike have loved. 

To celebrate the return of the Friday Night Fireworks and the start of summer, Hawaii residents are invited to take advantage of Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Kama'aina Package:

Rates starting at $219 per night, plus tax (two-night stay minimum required on Fridays)

Complimentary self-parking for one car ($57 per night value) 

Complimentary resort charge ($50 per night value) 

20 percent off the Adventure Sail on the Spirit of Aloha Catamaran 

Discounts at Mandara Spa 

Kamaaina discounts at select restaurants  

To book, visit: www.HiltonHawaiianVillage.com/Kamaaina


Our ohana stayed in one of the oceanfront corner rooms and connecting room in the Rainbow Tower and had an exceptional view of the fireworks!  We noticed other families like us enjoying their dinner on the lanai and watching the beautiful sunset in anticipation of the 8 o’clock firework show.  And what an amazing show it was!  It was a fantastic way to start off the weekend.


Oceanfront corner room

Connecting room with 2 double beds

Enjoying the sunset
An unforgettable view!

Over the weekend we enjoyed dining at Tropics Bar and Grill and Bali Oceanfront.  Both restaurants have newly updated menus.  Guests can enjoy live performances at Tapa Bar and Tropics Bar & Grill throughout the week.  There’s so much to do on property with five pools, ranging from the 10,000-square-foot Super Pool to the Paradise Pool with one of the only waterslides in Waikiki; the five-acre salt water Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon; and the beach that is just steps away! It's never a dull moment as the resort features more than 80 shops and services, and 18 restaurants, lounges and bars.


Poke Bowl from Tropics Bar and Grill

Street Avo Toast served all day at the Tropics Bar and Grill 

Pork Belly Benedict from Bali Oceanfront

Pretty outside seating at Bali Oceanfront

SUP, kayak, and pedal boats available for rental at the lagoon.  Ask for the 10% kama'aina discount!

Bird's eye view from the room!

Thank you to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort for hosting our stay. We had the perfect weekend and enjoyed our super fun staycation. We look forward to enjoying the weekly Friday Night Fireworks all summer!








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