Halekulani Hotel Honolulu, Hawaii
More photosThe Halekulani Resort, whose name translates to “House Befitting Heaven,” is a legendary oasis on the shores of Waikiki Beach. The property’s story began in 1883 with a private residence, later transforming into a hotel in 1917. Its architecture is deeply influenced by the late C.W. Dickey, a master of Hawaii’s “plantation-mansion” style, famous for high-pitched roofs designed to capture cooling trade winds.
One of the resort’s most striking features is its iconic swimming pool. A true work of art, it is lined with over 1.2 million pieces of custom-made Italian glass tiles in varying blue hues, forming a magnificent mosaic of a cattleya orchid at its center. This serene pool, along with the resort’s century-old kiawe tree that still shades the beachfront, anchors the property in its rich Hawaiian heritage.
The resort is a sophisticated blend of history and luxury. Beyond its elegant rooms, the hotel is home to *House Without A Key*, an outdoor dining venue named after a Charlie Chan novel inspired by the property itself. It remains a classic spot to enjoy sunset cocktails accompanied by traditional Hawaiian music and hula under the stars.
Situated in the heart of Honolulu, the Halekulani provides guests with effortless access to both relaxation and local culture. The resort even offers a “For You, Everything” program, granting guests complimentary access to nearby landmarks such as the historic ‘Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum, and the Honolulu Museum of Art, making it a perfect base for exploring Oahu.
Expert reviews
“This is one of Waikiki’s most luxurious hotels; its name means ‘house befitting heaven’. Of all the hotels in Waikiki, this one feels the most peaceful, abetted by lovely, personable service. It’s a true escape.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Hawaii.
“It’s known for opulent style, with the Halekulani Suite famously decorated by Vera Wang and the heated pool’s floor set with 1.2 million pieces of glass tile to form an orchid-shaped mosaic. Most rooms offer exclusivity — private gardens, plunge pool, butler, even interactive cooking lessons with a Halekulani chef.”
“The Halekulani, a storied Hawaii hotel that began in 1917, provides warm hospitality and a sense of calm throughout its elegant oceanfront property in the midst of Waikiki. Its outdoor restaurant House Without a Key is a popular gathering place for mai tais, nightly live Hawaiian music, and hula by some of Hawaii’s most renowned dancers.”
“Located on the beach at Waikiki, Halekulani exudes an understated tropical elegance and exceptional service, making it unforgettable. Guest rooms are supremely sumptuous with deep soaking tubs and large lanais that temp you to laze the days away from the comfort of your accommodation.”
“Evincing modern sophistication, this family-owned resort lives up to its name, which means ʻHouse Befitting Heaven.’ It’s an all-encompassing experience of gracious living, not merely a place to crash.”
“The luxurious Halekulani exemplifies the translation of its name—the “house befitting heaven”—and from the moment you step into the lobby, the attention to detail and impeccable service wrap you in privilege at this beachfront location away from Waikiki’s bustle.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Oahu, Hawaii.
“Venerable Halekulani celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2017, but it’s a far cry from its original five-cottage format offered at $6 (£5) a night. Today the five-star property’s two room towers, tropical interior lawn, Italian-glass tiled pool and seaside dining offer unmatched Waikiki luxury.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Ocean views
- Boutique style
- Top location
- Excellent Wifi
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
15 September 2025
A stunning, impeccably clean property with exceptional staff, superb dining and spa services, and a serene atmosphere—ou
The property was stunning—immaculately clean with the warmest, most welcoming staff I’ve ever encountered. I truly never wanted to leave. The restaurants were outstanding, and the spa services superb. Conveniently located near shopping and within walking distance of local dining, yet just beyond the busiest areas, it offered a serene escape free from heavy foot traffic. The peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect, magical beginning to our anniversary trip.
The only minor drawback—though hardly significant—was that the pool occasionally ran out of chair covers.
14 September 2025
Awesome views, comfy rooms, best hotel team ever ❤️
Cozy luxury in the heart of Waikiki. The pool, the view of the ocean mixed with comfy luxury design. It’s our second year back to celebrate our honeymoon. The hotel crew went out of their way to give us an unforgettable experience. Hands down the best hotel ever.
7 September 2025
Expensive but worth it
High quality service with lovely public areas
1 September 2025
Incredible place to stay, well worth it.
It’s well appointed, incredibly designed and the staff are amazing. Its location is close to everything.
Nothing
30 July 2025
One of my best hotel experiences anywhere and House Without a Key was truly incredible.
Immaculate property, remarkably quiet feel for the location, superb pool and privateish beach access, upscale onsite shopping, and most of all the accommodating service and delicious food at House Without a Key.
Nothing. My only challenge was finding my way back to room through the courtyard a time or two.
17 June 2025
Vintage building but an exceptional all round experience.
Early flight so arrived at the hotel about 11am - they provided a nice space to relax and change while waiting for the room.
16 June 2025
Perfect start to our Hawaii honeymoon adventure
Beautiful hotel in most amazing setting
Serene atmosphere
Staff so lovely and we felt went above and beyond for us celebrating our honeymoon
4 June 2025
Excellent- I highly recommend this resort!
Everything, the service, food, and location were phenomenal!
Everything was perfect.
11 May 2025
It was perfection!
Perfection. Service, staff and property were all of the highest quality.
6 May 2025
My stay was absolutely amazing and fantastic. I know I’m definitely coming back. With staff like Sara and Derin breakfas
Everything was superb, the staff were so cautious and respectful. The cleanliness is top notch. Everything works in this property and honestly if there was anything more than five stars, this hotel deserves to have that rating.
Dinner at la mer was poor
28 April 2025
Perfect in every way
Everything was great, a very pleasant experience
23 April 2025
Perfect in every way
Everyone was lovely
12 April 2025
A true luxurious experience
Every detail is perfection here! This property is a slice of heaven. Amazing staff, great drinks and food! Beautiful plants and view of Diamond Head from the resort.
31 March 2025
World class property, experience and service!
We travel all over the world.
This was an exceptional experience from start to finish.
Every member of the staff was amazing and the level of training was perfect. This gets 11 out of 10. We shall return!
26 March 2025
Wonderful stay, very relaxing in the room and i would book again
Great location. All the staff were very friendly. Room was VERY clean and housekeeping did a GREAT job of keeping it that way throughout our stay.
Nespresso and free water was also appreciated.
Fitness room could have been better.
16 March 2025
Gorgeous hotel, beautiful view, will be back!
very attentive staff, clean, beautiful location
expensive
5 March 2025
Beautiful hotel. Beautiful stay.
Location was great.
N/A
11 February 2025
The hotel is lovely and service is exceptional.The restaurants are slightly less professionally managed
Exceptional service, clean beautiful resort.
At the restaurant a server spilled my drink upon delivery no compensation or apologies from management.
5 February 2025
Beautiful property with exceptional facilities and wonderful staff
The room was beautiful with a lovely view. The facilities were excellent. Staff were all very friendly and helpful. The pool area is great to relax in with a tiny beach nearby for an ocean dip. The Orchids restaurant has beautiful food.
The hotel is obviously very popular so there was a wait for the bar at times, but it is well worth it for the musicians and the best Mai Tais. There was a group there for work which sort of changed the Aloha holiday vibe but that's not the hotel's fault - everyone at Halekulani was extremely helpful.
17 January 2025
Best in Waikiki for me
Clean and friendly hotel, pool area was great. Little small beach nearby was our favorite as the main waikiki beach was too crowded during winter holidays. Loved the luxury feeling and how staff treated us. We tried other hotels in the area but would definitely go back only to Halekulani if ever decide to stay in Waikiki area.
How hula show was organized. A bit chaotic.
15 January 2025
Absolutely the best resort in Honolulu! Highly Reccommend!
Beautiful property and perfect location. Staff is absolutely the best at all levels!
Ice in the room always has to be ordered and delivered.
16 December 2024
Great place to start Hawaiin adventure.
Location great. Well within walking distance of all things Waikiki. Great food at restaurants excellent service.
26 November 2024
Very nice hotel
Excellent
Location was fantastic
16 November 2024
Wonderful, relaxing stay in luxury.
Staff are amazing and very friendly. The pool and the private beach are also wonderful.
I feel that there should have been a little store in the hotel. Even though there is an ABC store across the road, it is nice to have a little store in the hotel to grab something quickly without having to go across the street.
24 October 2024
5 star accommodations and professional and friendly staff .
5 star treatment .
Pool
Restaurant :orchids
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Packed lunches
- - Car hire
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
- - Lockers
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Windsurfing (additional charge)
- - Canoeing (additional charge)
- - Snorkelling (additional charge)
- - Beachfront
- - Evening entertainment (additional charge)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Haircut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
- - Beach
- - Temporary art galleries
- - Tour or class about local culture
- - Live music/performance (additional charge)
- - Aerobics
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Outdoor pool (all year)
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
- - Raised toilet
- - Lower bathroom sink
- - Visual aids: Tactile signs
Pool and wellness
- - Heated pool
- - Salt-water pool
- - Pool bar
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
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