Oahu Revealed - Halekulani

453 rooms, pool, free fitness room, free Wi-Fi in rooms, 24-hour room service, free valet parking, 6 shops, 6 conference rooms, 3 restaurants, children’s program (seasonal), 42-inch hd tvs, 24-hour business center/hospitality suite, day spa.

Wow, where do we start? This is an awesome place. Comprising 5 buildings (the tallest is 17 floors), this is less of a tower resort than most of their neighbors. Services are unmatched here. For instance the check-in: Forget the desk—just have the greeter take you on a tour, then to your room and give you a box of chocolates and an excellent fruit platter. They track your preferences and try to anticipate your future needs. If you order coffee first thing in the morning, next time you stay, they’ll already have it covered. This is the way a resort should be run. You want it; you’ll get it. Don’t like your pillow? They’ll get you a different kind. Want to eat at their top-of-the-line fine dining restaurant but left your nice clothes at home? What size do you wear, sir? There is no nickel and diming here. Most things other resorts charge extra for are free, such as room safes, local calls, valet parking, cribs, resort-wide entertainment. Oddly, self-parking is $22 (vs. free valet—gee, that’s a no brainer). Laundry is valet only. Room amenities are high, from the deep soaking tubs to the dvd players and Wi-Fi. The motif is white and pale blue—designed to resemble their name: Halekulani means house befitting heaven. There is a whole host of attractions around Honolulu, like ‘Iolani Palace and the Honolulu Symphony, that you can get into for free because the Halekulani is a sponsor.

Halekulani’s food services are incredible, and everything is created on the premises—pastries, ice creams, breads—you name it, except the chcolates. Their spa is so relaxing, you’ll think they removed your bones when you weren’t looking. It’s hard to find much fault here.

Biggest ding? Their beach occupies the thinnest part of Waikiki—much of it lined by a seawall. (That may change over time as the government steps up a beach replenishment program.)

For what you get, rooms are reasonably priced. You’ll be pampered here and may literally weep when you have to leave. The resort exudes a tranquility that’s hard to match in Waikiki. Rooms (519 sq. ft.) are $500–$810, Jr. suites (720 sq. ft.) are $945–$1,030. suites (1,050–1,620 sq. ft.) are $1,240–$3,000. If money is no object, their Royal Suite (4,066 sq. ft.) comes with a personal butler, a baby grand piano, an airport limo ride and breakfast in your room daily for a mere $7,000 per night. Their Vera Wang Suite (2,135 sq. ft.) is $5,500–$7,000, is perfect for a honeymoon, and comes with many amenities. And don’t forget the 2,365 sq. ft. Orchid Suite (also $7,000), which is located oceanfront with a private lawn, butler service, bath with steam shower, deep steeping therapy pool and a cold plunge tub, and many other amenities. Many packages are available.