How to Plan an Enchanting Evening at this Iconic Waikīkī Hotel
Halekūlani is a cherished resort that has been welcoming guests to for more than a century. Tucked in a peaceful cove in Waikīkī, it’s celebrated for its luxury amenities and top-tier service.
What has always delighted me about Halekūlani is that you can easily spend an entire evening visit its unique collection of restaurants and lounges. Whether you’re a local or a guest—even if you’re staying at a nearby resort—this simple itinerary takes you through an evening at Halekūlani.
House Without A Key
Photo: Grace Maeda
Watching the sun setting below the Pacific from House Without A Key is a good way to start a dreamy evening at Halekūlani. The alfresco restaurant hosts nightly Hawaiian music and beautiful hula performances, with Lēʻahi, Waikīkī Beach and a century-old kiawe tree as the backdrop.
As you settle in for sunset, you can sip on cocktails, including the bar’s signature mai tai or a coconut cake martini inspired by the famous Halekūlani dessert. In between sipping your cocktail and swaying to the music, you can snack on pūpū like fresh poke and sashimi and loaded furikake fries.
Reservations are not accepted and sunset cocktails. Entertainment starts at 5 p.m. with hula performances from 6 to 8 p.m.
L’Aperitif at La Mer
Photo: Grace Maeda
Located in the restaurant La Mer on the second floor of the hotel, L’Aperitif is an elegant lounge with a creative cocktail menu that fuses French spirits, sherries and cognacs with culinary creations. The beverages are thoughtfully crafted to complement La Mer’s dining menu but are equally impressive all by themselves. The menu includes favorites like the Fête Framboise, made with Citadelle Gin, raspberry shrub, aquafaba and lavender bitters, and the Soleil Levant, mixed with Suntory Toki whisky, shochu and housemade jasmine tea soda. If you’re unsure about what to order, take a tip from one of the knowledgeable bartenders. And if you’re lucky, you might even meet Henry, who’s been a bartender and pillar of the bar for more than 40 years.
Lewers Lounge
Photo: Courtesy of Halekūlani
This sophisticated spot isn’t just a place for a nightcap. Lewers Lounge is an intimate hideaway known for its impressive nightly jazz performances. The lounge serves impeccable libations, pūpū and Halekūlani’s famously fluffy coconut cake.
For more information about Halekūlani, visit halekulani.com.
Grace Maeda is the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.
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