Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most renowned luxury resorts. During a recent visit, I explored three member properties of the Leading Hotels of the World — ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki, Halekulani, and The Kahala Hotel & Resort — located on the island of O’ahu. As part of a prestigious collection of independent luxury hotels, each showcases a distinct take on Hawaiian hospitality and culture, ranging from ultra-private residential to historic beachfront stays.
Halekulani
Halekulani combines more than a century of history and world-class dining in one of the most iconic settings on Waikiki Beach. Originally established in 1907 as the Hau Tree Hotel, the property has evolved into the iconic resort it is today.
Situated on five oceanfront acres, the 454-room resort is distinguished by its understated design, featuring a palette of seven shades of white, abundant natural light, and sweeping views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean.
One of Halekulani’s most recognizable features is its iconic mosaic swimming pool, crafted from 1.2 million hand-set glass tiles imported from South Africa and showcasing a stunning 30-foot Cattleya orchid design. The resort also offers SpaHalekulani, a wellness sanctuary inspired by Hawaii’s healing waters, with private spa suites, treatment rooms, salon services, and personalized wellness experiences.
Dining has long been central to the Halekulani experience. Creativity abounds at La Mer, which presents exceptional French cuisine infused with local Hawaiian ingredients in a breathtaking oceanfront setting. The adjacent L’Aperitif offers an intimate cocktail experience — inspired by cocktail culture of the late 19th Century and executed in close collaboration with the legendary Ritz Paris, it is adorned with Belle Époque objects d’art acquired in Paris.
Orchids serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, while House Without A Key remains one of Waikiki’s most beloved gathering places, where guests enjoy sunset cocktails (try the coconut cake martini, inspired by the famous Halekulani coconut cake), nightly Hawaiian music, hula performances, and island-inspired comfort food beneath the resort’s historic kiawe tree.
For more evening entertainment, Lewers Lounge has earned a reputation as one of Honolulu’s premier jazz venues, over the years hosting legendary performers like Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Jack Jones, Eddie Henderson, and Robert Cazimero. Enjoy the intimate setting paired with handcrafted cocktails and gourmet bites.
Also to note, Halekulani recently expanded its luxury accommodations with two new premier suites — The Bungalow and The Penthouse.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Only a few minutes from Waikiki, The Kahala Hotel & Resort provides a tranquil escape where Hawaiian culture and secluded oceanfront luxury create a peaceful getaway, removed from the city’s bustle.
Since opening in 1964, the legendary resort has welcomed every American president from Lyndon Baines Johnson to Barack Obama, royalty, celebrities, dignitaries, and even the Dalai Lama, earning its rank as one of Hawaii’s most storied destinations.
The resort features 338 elegant guestrooms and suites overlooking either the Pacific Ocean or the Ko’olau Mountains.
The Kahala Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and beauty services inspired by native Hawaiian healing traditions. Guests can also relax at the oceanfront swimming pool and whirlpool or unwind along the resort’s secluded white-sand beach.
One of the resort’s draws is its 26,000-square-foot Dolphin Lagoon and surrounding tide pools, where Dolphin Quest offers educational marine encounters for children and adults. The Kahala also embraces Hawaiian culture through immersive experiences such as lei-making and Hawaiian language classes, allowing visitors to connect with the islands’ traditions.
The resort’s culinary offerings include the recent opening of Alan Wong’s at The Kahala. Founded by the James Beard Award-winning chef, the restaurant celebrates Hawaii’s cuisine. The Bully’s Drink will set the tone for the evening — it’s a “Wong Way” pineapple martini with Dole pineapple infused with Pau Vodka. Standout dishes include Chef Wong’s signature “Soup and Sandwich,” made with chilled tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich with Kalua pig and foie gras to start, or the ginger-crusted onaga, longtail red snapper as an entree.
ESPACIO The Jewel Of Waikiki
ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki delivers an exclusive, residence-style experience with highly personalized service in the heart of Waikiki.
Opened in 2019, ESPACIO is one of Hawaii’s most exclusive luxury hotels. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Omotenashi — wholehearted hospitality — the boutique property features just nine suites, with each occupying an entire floor to ensure complete privacy.
Every 2,250-square-foot suite includes three bedrooms, three Italian marble-lined bathrooms, a chef’s-grade kitchen, a private elevator entrance, an in-room dry sauna, and an oceanfront lanai complete with a Jacuzzi overlooking the lively Waikiki Beach. The experience is elevated by 24-hour butler and concierge service, access to luxury vehicles, a rooftop infinity pool, a full-service spa, and curated amenities tailored to each guest’s preferences.
Located directly across from Kuhio Beach on Kalakaua Avenue, ESPACIO offers the rare combination of privacy and immediate access to Waikiki’s shopping, dining, and beaches. It’s perfect for multigenerational families or travelers seeking a home away from home with top-of-the-line service.
ESPACIO’s acclaimed restaurant, Mugen, reopened in 2024 under Executive Chef Colin Sato. The intimate 34-seat restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from Hawaii and around the world, creating dishes that reflect the islands’ culinary heritage. Guests can choose from three customizable tasting menus — Jade, Emerald, and Sapphire — ranging from five to seven courses, each with optional wine pairings.
Looking for a private chef experience? That too can be arranged. Enjoy a bespoke Kaiseki affair, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner.
Beyond fine dining, ESPACIO enhances the guest experience with exclusive offerings including rooftop sunset Champagne and caviar service or an afternoon tea featuring premium teas and handcrafted pastries. Personalized spa treatments are available either in the spa or in the privacy of each suite.
Explore
While you’re in town, make sure to check out some local attractions such as Bishop Museum, the Honolulu Museum of Art, the Iolani Palace (the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii), enjoy Cirque du Soleil’s “‘Auana Show,” and a dinner at the renowned Roy’s Waikiki.
