With its crescent beach framed by iconic state monument Diamond Head, Waikiki has captivated visitors for decades and inspired countless dreams of the islands—a slice of tropical paradise whose magic never fades. In fact, the postcard-beautiful city of Honolulu itself remains a timeless destination where the allure of 1960s Hawaii—a place of Mai Tais and Aloha spirit—still lingers if you know where to look and stay. So, should a serene retreat a block from the Waikiki bustle appeal, consider Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani or “The House of Welcoming Waters.” Named after a nearby fresh water source where Hawaiian Royalty once came to bathe and relax, the 284-room boutique hotel underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation by New York City-based interior design firm Champalimaud, officially opening in 2019, but after a brief Pandemic pause reopened in 2021.
In addition to a showstopping floral centerpiece, which is created new each week by the hotel’s in-house florist, the elegant kanso-style lobby (rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics, kanso emphasizes minimalism and functional beauty) also reveals pieces from Halepuna Waikiki’s impressive public art program. Look for mixed-media installation Fallsby John Okulick near the Helumoa entrance and abstract oil on canvas Composition by one of Hawaii’s most accomplished artists, Tadashi Sato, beside the front desk. Surf and underwater prints by Hawaii-based photographers, including John Hook and Wayne Levin, also feature across guest rooms and suites.
Location, Location, Location
City breaks and beach vacations are two distinct travel experiences, but Halepuna Waikiki blends the best of both worlds beautifully with the stylish sophistication of an urban hotel and idyllic atmosphere of a tropical resort. Central yet tucked away from it all between Helumoa and Kalia Roads on the east side of Waikiki, it’s located directly across the street from sister property, the iconic Halekulani Hotel, where guests enjoy several reciprocal privileges (although more on those in a moment). The setting lends itself perfectly no matter what your focus – whether that’s getting those feet in the sand or exploring boutiques and restaurants along the nearby Waikiki Beach Walk promenade and glossy Royal Hawaiian Center.
Chic Rooms & Suites
Featuring plenty of refined elements inspired by its wonder-of-nature setting, guest rooms at Halepuna are elegant affairs defined by clean, minimalist lines and a palette of crisp whites, blue ombre tones, and warm wood accents. Categories range from standard to mountain, ocean, and deluxe ocean and come with full or partial balconies. The hotel’s most requested accommodation is its Grand Ocean Suite (2302) on the top floor, which boasts a connecting lanai and the largest bathroom in the entire building, plus superb Pacific Ocean views from every window. Regardless of which room you check into, though, beds are neatly made up with Mascioni Elba Italian sheets, while luxurious marble bathrooms are equipped with deep soaking tubs, Japanese Toto washlets, and SpaHalekulani bath products. You’ll also find a decent-sized fridge, tea kettle and coffee machine. For a perfect first morning, slip into your Halepuna bathrobe, pop a K-cup in the Keurig, raise the remote-controlled window shades, and watch the waves breaking on Waikiki Beach from your balcony before breakfast.
There’s Destination Dining
And with two ‘when in Waikiki’ dining venues under its roof, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to breakfast. If the Keurig doesn’t appeal, make Halekulani Bakery your first port of call for a morning brew. Located next door to the Halepuna lobby (on Kalia Road) and open from 6:30 am Wednesday through Sunday, guests from both hotels line up early for the mouth-watering array of French-style pastries (try the Pabana Croissant, filled with a lightly sweetened lilikoi, mango and banana cream), artisan breads and specialty coffees. Many of the ingredients used here are sourced from across the Hawaiian Islands, and it’s not unusual for items to sell out before mid-morning. Savories and sandwiches are available to-go and are perfect for a picnic lunch later at the beach or grab a slice of the Halekulani Hotel’s famous coconut cake to enjoy later with a cup of tea.
For a more leisurely sit-down affair, linger over breakfast on at least one morning at Halepuna’s fine-dining establishment, UMI by Vikram Garg. Its dining room showcases several multimedia works by artist Taiji Terasaki, with the most striking piece being Gratitude for Oceans, a large-scale artwork on Japanese shoji paper that includes an augmented reality component best viewed through Terasaki’s Instagram filter. Garg’s inventive take on Indian cuisine has made him a firm favorite among Honolulu foodies for years, and while his dinner menu celebrates the ‘bounty from the sea,’ during breakfast, dishes like the ‘Mai Tai’ Pancake, topped with caramelized pineapple and a rum coconut essence is a guest favorite. The masala omelet and umi fried rice are excellent choices on the savory side, but a small plate of locally grown pineapple with Hawaiian salt is a refreshing palate cleanser.
And an Elegant Pool Deck
After a long flight or day of sightseeing, Halepuna’s eighth-floor Vitality Pool provides a serene and tranquil space to unwind. At its center, an infinity lap-style swimming pool flanked by luxury cabanas, sun loungers, and a jacuzzi – order cocktails like the Puna Mai Tai and small plates from the poolside bar, or sit back and take in those ocean views. The hotel’s well-equipped fitness studio and open-air lana’i garden (which features a reflexology path designed to stimulate the feet while balancing mind and body) are also located here. Functional fitness and movement classes are held every morning at 8 am (except Wednesdays) and range from an energizing stretch session to cardio and strength training on the beach.
Plus, Stellar Guest Perks
The hotel’s public art program features commissioned works by local artists, but Halepuna encourages its guests to explore art and culture across town too, and one of several exclusive perks is complimentary entrance to the Bishop Museum and The Honolulu Museum of Art (present your room key upon entry for free admission). And if ridesharing doesn’t suit your style, then try the exclusive Tesla Experience at Halepuna. In partnership with Envoy Hawaii, the program provides an opportunity to rent the latest Tesla Model Y or Model X by the hour, day, or week, giving plenty of flexible options to suit your needs – whether that’s museum-hopping around Honolulu or heading up to Oahu’s North Shore for the day.
One of the toniest guest perks at Halepuna Waikiki has to be access to top-tier amenities across the street at sister property Halekulani, including its recently refreshed and stunning SpaHalekulani. Originally opened in 1907 as a rustic bungalow-style hotel, whose name means “House Befitting Heaven,” it was one of the first in Waikiki and quickly became a favorite among well-heeled travelers and famous names of the day, including Clark Gable and Doris Duke. Fronting Gray’s Beach and framed by dreamy views of Diamond Head, today it’s home to some of Honolulu’s most coveted dining and entertainment experiences, like open-air restaurant House Without A Key.
Named for author Earl Derr Biggers’ 1925 murder mystery “House Without a Key,” live Hawaiian music and hula dancing by former Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii-USA winners are performed every evening under the beloved 135-year-old Kiawe tree. Best enjoyed with pupus and sunset cocktails, like the signature mai tai, although the new list by the hotel’s talented mixology director Tuda Sarian has plenty of tempting creations, including a Coconut Cake Martini inspired Halekulani’s famous confection. For an after-dinner nightcap and live jazz, head inside the hotel to Lewers Lounge around 8 p.m., an ideal time to snag a table at this hidden gem cocktail lounge that transports you to 1920s Manhattan. Inspired by some of jazz’s most iconic entertainers, the list features sophisticated, spirit-forward creations such as Smoke Rings – a nod to “King of Soul” Sam Cooke, composed with Whistle Pig Piggyback 6-Year Rye, Amaro Angeleno, and grapefruit bitters with a cherry wood smoke garnish – that makes a perfect late-night sipper.
Room rates at the Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani range from $350 per night and suites start at $1,100 with no resort fees; halepuna.com.
