Halepuna Waikiki’s Jay Kitashima Shares His Supreme Three-Day Itinerary

Courtesy of Halepuna Waikiki

On the coronary heart of Waikīkī, you’ll discover Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani – a serene escape designed for vacationers looking for luxurious and award-winning hospitality. Behind its clean 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 neighborhood of Oʻahu is woven into his private {and professional} life. After spending a number of years residing in Las Vegas and Utah, he returned house with a renewed appreciation for Hawai‘i’s distinctive lifestyle. “Rising up, our household cherished going to the seaside and having fun with the surf across the island,” Kitashima mentioned. “Again then, I didn’t know Hawai‘i used to be house to a few of the most stunning seashores and one of the best surf on the planet. As we speak, I don’t take that as a right. I now surf with my children as usually as potential.” 

Director of Operations Jay Kitashima. Courtesy of Halepuna Waikiki.

That reverence for house 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 have been remodeled completely, permitting the resort to reopen as Waikīkī’s first luxurious boutique resort. Lush interiors, impeccable service, and a way of calm magnificence make it a favourite for vacationers in search of a extra intimate island keep.

However what actually units the expertise aside is the intentionality of the folks behind the scenes, like Kitashima. For him, sharing Hawai‘i’s magic with friends is greater than a job. It’s a approach to give again to the place that raised him.“Hawai‘i’s year-round good climate makes it a prime vacation spot,” he mentioned. “You’ll be able to surf in the summertime and winter and golf any day of the week. Above all, although, Hawaiʻi’s folks and tradition actually are the the explanation why this place is cherished by so many.”

Three Stress-free Days in Waikīkī with Halepuna Waikiki as Your Hub

For vacationers eager to expertise Waikīkī like a neighborhood, 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 leisure. 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, Contemporary Island Flavors, and Dwell Jazz

• After checking in at Halepuna and capturing your first photograph 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 reside Hawaiian music, hula performances, and gorgeous Diamond Head views. Stroll-ins are welcome for the hula present, however reservations are extremely really useful for dinner. Attempt 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 reside 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 every thing, and ideal for stocking your resort mini-fridge with snacks! Make sure to 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, identified for its broad number 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 by means of the Art of Surfing, studying the fundamentals of paddling and wave etiquette towards the gorgeous backdrop of Waikīkī Seaside. For a extra customized expertise, get a beginners surf lesson, the place seasoned instructors information friends by means of every thing 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, hire a automotive, cruise alongside Oʻahu’s gorgeous shoreline, and ask the Halepuna visitor relations staff for one of the best routes and scenic stops. 
• Refuel with a cease at both Rainbow Drive-In for a traditional plate lunch or Aspect Road Inn for family-size parts of native consolation meals. For a candy, nostalgic deal with, Waiola Shave Ice affords the proper style of a neighborhood 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 wide ranging sundown from the ocean with native small enterprise Sail Honu Hawaii. Vacationers rave in regards to the hospitable and educated employees and the beautiful views.

Afterwards, savor a refined dinner at UMI by Vikram Garg, conveniently situated within the Halepuna foyer. Chef Garg masterfully blends island flavors with world influences, creating dishes celebrating Hawaiʻi’s freshest substances.

Bishop Museum. Courtesy of Hawaiʻi Journey Authority.

Day 3: Brunch and Searching

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 gorgeous ocean views and a powerful 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 Heart & Departure

After trying out, retailer your suitcase with Halepuna and stroll to Royal Hawaiian Center, Waikīkī’s premier retail, culinary, and cultural vacation spot. Discover over 90 retailers, the place friends can discover every thing from traditional Aloha shirts by Kahala to luxurious items at flagship shops like Hermès, Fendi, and Saint Laurent. Due to low native taxes and regional pricing, it’s a wise cease for vogue lovers, particularly with cult favorites like Stüssy, KITH, and Yumi Kim within the combine.

Lastly, earlier than heading house, seize an acai bowl from Island Vintage Coffee or a well-known deal with from Penny’s Malasadas for the street – a scrumptious approach to savor the island one final time.

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