Murray On Travel

The Halekulani Hotel is one of the best resort hotels not just in Hawaii, but the world. It is often ranked at or near the top of the annual "best of" travel lists. So it's not surprising that one of the best oceanfront lounges, House Without a Key, would be located at the Halekulani Hotel.

I visited the House Without a Key last night and it featured classic Hawaiian music played outside by a three piece combo and accompanied by former Miss Hawaii's Kanoe Millera an excellent hula dancer. This is a must do / see spot. As we have many times over the years we visited this Waikiki landmark last night to enjoy the sunset, one that was sadly cloud covered, but the entertainment made up for the absent sunset. This experience is not unlike the sunset rituals that occur worldwide, like in Key West FL.

The guest can sit at low cocktail tables, great for drinks and pu-pus (appetizers) or standard tables better suited for enjoying the light dinner menu.

If your planning a visit arrive early, it fills up fast. Call for times, right now the entertainment runs from 5:30-8:30. Dress is toward the higher end of resort casual. Drinks and food are a bit expensive, but it is worth it to enjoy this one-of-a kind experience known worldwide as Sunset At The House Without A Key.

Official House Without a Key Website - Halekulani Website

Note: The Halekulani also is home to two award winning restaurants, Orchids and LaMer. I've dined at both and they are excellent.

Inside Tip: If your considering a desert toward the end of the evening at House Without A Key you may want to consider something that is not on the menu... Ask your server if they could get you the manager. Ask the manager if it would be at all possible for you to have a souffle delivered from the nearby LeMer kitchen. This is very much outside the norm, sometimes the kitchen can't accommodate, but most times they can. Nothing beats soft music, gentle Hawaiian breezes, and a warm souffle.

My faith has been restored in major chain hotels! Last months crappy room at the Vegas Hilton, makes today's room at the Waikiki Beach Marriott seem like paradise. Well maybe it's because I'm in Paradise / Hawaii.

(NOTE: This is posting #1 - Don't miss part 2)

Check-in was smooth at the Marriott. The reservation was made by my travel agent, via Pleasant Holiday's. It included a welcome lei at the airport, 5 nights in a partial ocean view room, $25 per day resort credit, and a car for 5 days. Cost me $1200 including tax, and the taxes here in Hawaii are steep. Not a great price, but a good one.

Why the Marriott? My Wife and I lived here on Oahu for almost 4 years and we have been all over the Islands. And two of our favorite restaurants are right here in the Marriott, DK Steakhouse and Sansei.

The front desk said our room was "recently upgraded", last time I heard that line I was very disappointed, but today it was true. Our room is very comfortable and well appointed with a view of Diamond Head and the slice of the Pacific and Waikiki Beach.

Kelea's is a women-only retreat on the North Shore of Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands.

In addition to hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling they also offer surfing classes. After a day in the sun enjoy a relaxing yoga class followed by a message and facial. Kelea Surf Spa's guests are located in a beautiful Hawaiian Villa on the North Shore of Oahu.

NOTE: Due to the high surf conditions found along the North Shore during the winter months, and the lack of surf during the summers. Kalea's only operates during the months of February, March, and April. Visit his website at www.hyattsurfacademy.com.

For more details visit www.keleasurfspa.com/Hawaii/. They also offer a Costa Rica location, details at www.keleasurfspa.com/CostaRica/ If your staying on Waikiki Beach get in touch with Dane Kealoha, based out of the Hayatt Reegency Waikiki Resort and Spa. Dane is a pro Hawaiian surfer and grew up in Waikiki and learned to surf here. For more details visit his website: www.hyattsurfacademy.com.

Photo By: Bruce Murray