Courtesy of Halepuna Waikiki
On the coronary heart of Waikīkī, you’ll discover Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani – a serene escape designed for vacationers in search of luxurious and award-winning hospitality. Behind its easy operations and standout service is Jay Kitashima, the resort’s Director of Operations, an O‘ahu native who brings a lifetime of native perspective to each visitor’s expertise.
Kitashima’s love for the land, tradition, and group of Oʻahu is woven into his private {and professional} life. After spending a number of years dwelling in Las Vegas and Utah, he returned residence with a renewed appreciation for Hawai‘i’s distinctive lifestyle. “Rising up, our household liked going to the seaside and having fun with the surf across the island,” Kitashima stated. “Again then, I didn’t know Hawai‘i used to be residence to a few of the most stunning seashores and the very best surf on the planet. Right now, I don’t take that without any consideration. I now surf with my children as usually as attainable.”
Director of Operations Jay Kitashima. Courtesy of Halepuna Waikiki.
That reverence for residence and the enjoyment of sharing it with others is central to Kitashima’s function at Halepuna. Since its full renovation in 2019, Halepuna has redefined boutique luxurious in Waikīkī. All 288 visitor rooms and public areas had been remodeled totally, permitting the resort to reopen as Waikīkī’s first luxurious boutique resort. Lush interiors, impeccable service, and a way of calm class make it a favourite for vacationers searching for a extra intimate island keep.
However what actually units the expertise aside is the intentionality of the individuals behind the scenes, like Kitashima. For him, sharing Hawai‘i’s magic with visitors is greater than a job. It’s a strategy to give again to the place that raised him.“Hawai‘i’s year-round good climate makes it a prime vacation spot,” he stated. “You may surf in the summertime and winter and golf any day of the week. Above all, although, Hawaiʻi’s individuals and tradition actually are the the explanation why this place is liked by so many.”
Three Stress-free Days in Waikīkī with Halepuna Waikiki as Your Hub
For vacationers eager to expertise Waikīkī like an area, Jay Kitashima, Director of Operations at Halepuna Waikiki, shares his prime must-visit spots and favourite methods to embrace the island spirit whereas sustaining some much-needed relaxation and rest. From Hawaiian cultural historical past to sundown crusing, right here is his curated information to the proper escape alongside Oahu’s South Shore.
Day 1: Dinner and Drinks
Night: Sundown Sips, Recent Island Flavors, and Stay Jazz
- After checking in at Halepuna and capturing your first picture from the lanai, head throughout the road to House Without A Key for sundown cocktails. This iconic oceanfront restaurant at Halekulani units the scene with dwell Hawaiian music, hula performances, and beautiful Diamond Head views. Stroll-ins are welcome for the hula present, however reservations are extremely really helpful for dinner. Strive the Ahi Tataki and the Tutu Ma Asian Braised Quick Rib – a nostalgic nod to chef de delicacies Jarrin Otake’s childhood in Waialua.
- Cap off your night at Lewers Lounge listening to dwell units from famend jazz artists, whereas sipping on jazz-inspired cocktails like That Was My Coronary heart, a nod to Ella Fitzgerald and a tropical tackle the traditional Negroni.
- Professional tip: Make a cease at Foodland Farms, a one-stop store for all the things, and ideal for stocking your resort mini-fridge with snacks! Be sure you strive their number of poke, musubi, and different native favorites.
Lewers Lounge. Courtesy of Halekulani
Day 2: Outside Adventures and Cultural Historical past
Morning: Pastries First, Paddle Later
- Begin the day with a cease at Halekulani Bakery, recognized for its vast collection of candy and savory pastries, freshly brewed Kona espresso, and island-inspired treats. Vacationers suggest the Pabana Croissant, Large Island Macadamia Nut Chocolate Croissant, and Lilikoi Meringue Tart, all crafted by pastry chef Michelle Baldomero, who has been with Halekulani for 26 years.
- After breakfast, channel your inside surfer with a complimentary demo via the Art of Surfing, studying the fundamentals of paddling and wave etiquette towards the beautiful backdrop of Waikīkī Seashore. For a extra customized expertise, get a beginners surf lesson, the place seasoned instructors information visitors via all the things from their first pop-up to mastering the proper trip.
Afternoon: Arts and Island Tradition
- Take pleasure in Hawaiʻi’s historical past and tradition with Halepuna Entry, a resort program providing complimentary admission to the Honolulu Museum of Art or Bishop Museum. If you wish to enterprise additional, lease a automotive, cruise alongside Oʻahu’s beautiful shoreline, and ask the Halepuna visitor relations group for the very best routes and scenic stops.
- Refuel with a cease at both Rainbow Drive-In for a traditional plate lunch or Aspect Avenue Inn for family-size parts of native consolation meals. For a candy, nostalgic deal with, Waiola Shave Ice provides the proper style of an area Hawaiʻi custom.
- After your journey, return to Halepuna to unwind on the Vitality Pool and Solar Deck, the place sunshine and cocktails await.
Night: Sundown Sail and Superb Eating
Take pleasure in a panoramic sundown from the ocean with native small enterprise Sail Honu Hawaii. Vacationers rave in regards to the hospitable and educated employees and the attractive views.
Afterwards, savor a refined dinner at UMI by Vikram Garg, conveniently situated within the Halepuna foyer. Chef Garg masterfully blends island flavors with international influences, creating dishes celebrating Hawaiʻi’s freshest substances.
Bishop Museum. Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Journey Authority.
Day 3: Brunch and Looking
Morning: Stretch and Savor
Begin the ultimate day with a complimentary yoga class in The Backyard, on Halepuna’s eighth ground. Afterward, recharge with Halepuna’s Glowing Sunday Brunch at Orchids, the place beautiful ocean views and a formidable lineup of choices such because the seafood bar, carving station, and ice cream sundae bar set the stage for an ideal farewell.
Orchids. Courtesy of Halekulani.
Afternoon: Royal Hawaiian Middle & Departure
After testing, retailer your suitcase with Halepuna and stroll to Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī’s premier retail, culinary, and cultural vacation spot. Discover over 90 outlets, the place visitors can discover all the things from traditional Aloha shirts by Kahala to luxurious items at flagship shops like Hermès, Fendi, and Saint Laurent. Because of low native taxes and regional pricing, it’s a wise cease for trend lovers, particularly with cult favorites like Stüssy, KITH, and Yumi Kim within the combine.
Lastly, earlier than heading residence, seize an acai bowl from Island Vintage Coffee or a well-known deal with from Penny’s Malasadas for the street – a scrumptious strategy to savor the island one final time.
