The grand opening of Halekulani’s first overseas property was celebrated in Honolulu on July 25 with a festive reception held just hours after the Halekulani Okinawa opened for business in the resort area of Onna. Halekulani Waikïkï’s general manager Ulrich Krauer hosted the reception for Hawai‘i travel and tour industry representatives and other guests, introducing them to some Okinawan-inspired dishes and awamori spirits from Kuba Awamori. Krauer also arranged for some Okinawan entertainment, including dances by Chinagu Eisa Hawaii and Tamagusuku Ryu Senjukai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo, with music by Ryukyu Koten Afuso Ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai Hawaii.
Hawaii United Okinawa Association president Jocelyn “Jo” Ige offered a Karii! toast to the new hotel. Halekulani’s hula dancer Kanoe Miller and musicians Danny Naipo, Ocean Kaowili and Eric Lee flew to Okinawa to be a part of the opening festivities.
Halekulani Okinawa is located 90 minutes from Naha Airport. It has its own multipurpose Hau Terrace, fashioned after the Waikïkï venue. The hotel has 360 guest rooms, including 308 standard rooms and 47 suites, as well as a three-room “Cliff Villa” and a two-room “Halekulani Cliff Villa.” The resort also boasts four signature restaurants and bars. It has spa facilities, five pools (including one with Halekulani’s iconic orchid design on the pool floor), a fitness gym, a shop and a kids room.
