Revisiting “Halekulani Okinawa” celebrating its 2nd anniversary

Written by Takanori Nakamura

At Waikiki Beach in Hawaii100A prestigious brand with a history of more than 20 years,Halekulani Hotel. The second Halekulani Okinawa opened.2019About the summer of 2016. Recently opened happily2It's the anniversary.And I decided to visit this hotel for the first time in a year and a half.This time, we will introduce this luxury hotel that symbolizes Okinawa.We will explain the appeal of the hotel and how to enjoy it, including its location, facilities, andI would like to report on it from four perspectives: food and hospitality.

A location facing the East China Sea that tickles your wanderlust

First of all, it's the location. Halekulani Okinawa isIt is located in Onna Village, facing the East China Sea in the central part of the main island.The surrounding coastline is designated as Okinawa Coastal Quasi-National Park.It is an area where beautiful nature is protected.The hotel is built on a cape that juts out towards the coast.The view from the hotel and the natural environment can be said to be one of the best in Okinawa.This time, I rented a car from Naha Airport and headed along the east coast.The drive itself is very comfortable. It was a prologue that tickled the travel spirit.

One of the major features of Halekulani Okinawa is that the guest rooms are divided into two, the ``Beachfront Wing'' and the ``Sunset Wing.'' All of the 360 ​​guest rooms on both sides have ocean views, but each of the two guest rooms has a different character, ease of use, and charm, so much so that you might think of them as separate hotels. Therefore, when making a reservation, I think it is best to make a selection based on your own purpose, preferences, and travel conditions.

The ``Beach Front Wing'' on the Shirahama Beach side has three pools and is designed and presented with an open feel. I think this wing more closely reflects the friendly atmosphere of Hawaii. Personally, I would recommend this side if you are spending time with friends or family.

On the other hand, the "Sunset Wing" on the cliff top side,It gives off a very mature atmosphere.The scenery is also more like Okinawa.It kind of reminds me of the Hawaiian islands.The ocean terrace pool located here also faces the sea,It's a great location with a beautiful sunset view. Dare16It is also limited to people over the age ofI think this is a consideration for guests who want to spend a quiet time. II stayed here again like last time,For lovers or guests who want to spend a quiet time,Or write a manuscript like me,If you have a style of working remotely, definitelyI would like to recommend Sunset Wing.

Beautiful views and innovative dining experiences

When talking about the appeal of this hotel, the bar and restaurant cannot be overlooked. Halekulani Okinawa has one bar and four restaurants. At Sunset Bar Spectra, you can literally enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun set over the East China Sea, so be sure to stop by at least once before your meal. There are four restaurants to choose from, depending on your taste and mood, including all-day dining, steak, and Japanese cuisine. And I highly recommend the innovative ``SHIROUX''. The reason is that the restaurant is supervised by chef Hiroyasu Kawate of Florilege in Jingumae, Tokyo.

There is no need to explain ``Florerege'' again, but it is popular both domestically and internationally as an innovative French restaurant run by Chef Kawate. It holds two stars in the Michelin Guide Tokyo, ranks 50th in the latest 2021 ranking of Asia's 7 Best Restaurants, and is ranked 10th in the 5 ranking of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, which will be announced in Antwerp, Belgium on October XNUMXth. , is expected to be ranked in the world for the first time.

When you hear about “innovative French cuisine” in Okinawa,Although it may be difficult to imagine,Okinawa is rich in seafood, vegetables, herbs,It is also a treasure trove of ingredients such as locally produced pork and fruits.Chef Kawate has an outstanding talent for seeing through the true nature of ingredients, and heNow, under the supervision of Chef Kawate,We incorporate local ingredients into simple and unique dishes.It's a matter of taste. A taste experience you've never had before,You should be able to discover even unknown charms of Okinawa.

A travel story called Halekulani Okinawa that appears in Onna Village, Okinawa.

Lastly, what deserves special mention is the hospitality of the staff. In Okinawa, where new hotels are being planned one after another due to the tourism boom, it may not be easy to secure talented staff, but I honestly feel that they have managed to maintain this level of quality. At 360 rooms, the number of guest rooms is relatively small for a hotel of this type, and the way the staff in each position interact with the guests is just right. I think the longer you stay, the more you will appreciate the value.

There are great expectations for Okinawa's tourism industry, but the challenge is the same as in other regions of Japan: how to make travel itself more upscale. It's not just a question of unit price, but one of the themes of how to create a story about a trip or a long-term stay. The existence of hotels is extremely important for this, and Halekulani Okinawa will no doubt become a touchstone in that sense as well. In this context, I have great expectations for the future maturity of this hotel.

Halekulani Okinawa

1967-1 Nakama, Onna Village, Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture