For three decades, Waikiki Parc has grown up in the shadow of Halekulani, its more famous and elegant sister property across the street. Travel agents and wholesalers expect that to change next fall, when Waikiki Parc completes a multimillion-dollar renovation and reopens as Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani.
While the 450-room Halekulani is a luxurious resort hotel, the 288-room Halepuna (which translates to “house of welcoming waters”) promises to be an innovative boutique accommodation, according to general manager Julie Arigo.
“Halepuna will draw on the history of the land it sits upon and the history of Halekulani, while bringing a new wave of travelers and amenities,” Arigo said.
Set on a serene side street, Halepuna will appeal to clients seeking a quiet boutique hotel with easy access to the destination’s action.
Credit: 2018 Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani
Both hotels will emphasize top service and offer cross-signing privileges at restaurants and SpaHalekulani, although some of their lures — such as the pools — will remain separate.
Designed by New York-based studio Champalimaud, Halepuna will feature a lobby with vaulted ceilings, teak finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows and artwork honoring Hawaiian sensibilities. Hotel highlights will include a restaurant with an open-air kitchen and signature chocolates, as well as an eighth-floor deck with a lap pool, a Jacuzzi, cabanas, a bar, a fitness center and a hospitality lounge.
Travel professionals voiced optimism about the news.
“Halekulani is one of the most iconic hotels in Waikiki,” said Marilyn Clark of Lighthouse Travel in Huntington Beach, Calif. “It sounds like Halepuna will follow in its footsteps, but with its own unique style and character.”
Since many of Clark’s clients prefer smaller hotels away from the hustle and bustle, she anticipates plenty of interest in the refurbished property, which is removed from Waikiki’s busy thoroughfares.
Brian Harris of Aspen Travel Advisors in Aspen, Colo., says the renovation addresses a need for luxury, high-design hotels in Hawaii, which he calls “especially absent in and around Waikiki.”
“I receive more and more requests for properties that aren’t generic, cookie-cutter, tropical resorts and that feature authentic Hawaiiana,” he said. “By selecting Champalimaud, which did an amazing job on the renovation of Little Nell here in Aspen, they’ve ensured that this renovation will be elegant and refined but still intriguing and inspiring.”
Recent upgrades of other Waikiki hotels have resulted in upscale products that are extremely popular with clients, notes Jack Richards, president of Pleasant Holidays.
“Travelers always like new resorts, so we expect Halepuna to be successful,” Richards said.
The hotel opening will increase competition and bring more attention to Waikiki, says Lindsay Murata, product development manager for Hawaii and Tahiti for Classic Vacations.
“As a sister property of Halekulani, it can benefit from the tie between the two via branding,” Murata said.
Before Halepuna’s debut, its sales team will visit agents to help them sell it, according to Arigo. She also says to stay tuned for information on fam trips, agent discounts and booking incentives.
Nightly rates at Halepuna will start at approximately $300, Arigo says. As the opening of the booking window approaches, the hotel will announce introductory rates and packages.
The Details
Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani
www.halepuna.com
