We visited Okinawa during one of the busiest tourist weeks possible, and multiple properties were sold out. In fact, Halekulani didn't have availability on the Fora booking platform, so I had to email the sales manager directly. The one and only option available for our family of 4 (2 adults + 2 kids) was a 1-bedroom suite adjoining to a twin room. I really wanted to book accommodations with club-lounge access, but they were completely sold out. And unlike Ritz Carlton, there is no way to "buy" access to the lounge. Halekulani keeps lounge access VERY tightly controlled.
We were in the beachfront wing, and we found it lovely. That said, the Sunset Wing would be better for those stunning sunset views. The Sunset Wing is also where the bar, 2 fancier restaurants, club lounge, and sunset pool are located. Our beachfront wing had direct access to the main Orchid pool, kids pool, one of the adult pools, as well as the 2 less fancy restaurants. The Beachfront wing was overrun with families, whereas the Sunset wing felt a bit more sublime and peaceful.
The rooms were modern, well appointed, and comfortable. To maximize the view lines, they sacrificed some privacy in the bathroom. I'd say if you are quite modest, you might be apprehensive about the bathroom situation. The toilet room doesn't lock and the bathroom doesn't have any walls to enclose it, only sliding shutters. Sounds and smells are not well contained.
As was common in 3 out of 4 luxury hotels we experienced in Japan, there was a Nespresso machine in the room but no milk. While room service offered to deliver milk for $10+ dollars, the buffet restaurant was kind enough to let me pick some up (gratis) every day before breakfast.
Speaking of breakfast, there are 3 options: a comprehensive buffet offering not only Japanese and Western items, but several Okinawa specialty items as well. Then there were more formal Japanese and western table service options as well. My family enjoyed the buffet so much we never tried the table service options. Nota Bene: the buffet can have as much as a 90 minute wait during peak times...join the waitlist via QR code provided at check-in, or visit one of the table-service options - those rarely had any wait. I believe club-level and/or suite guests are allowed to reserve breakfast times in advance.
We tried House Without A Key (the most informal restaurant), and Kingdom Wine & Steak. HWAK was very boring and bland; would not return. Kingdom was very delicious and enjoyable, but punishingly expensive at $200 per person for steak. Another nota bene: there are only a handful of off-property restaurants within walking distance. Pay attention to the online reviews. We went to one that was 3.7 and that felt VERY generous.
Despite Halekulani being regarded as the best property on the island, with both Forbes 5-star and Michelin 2-Key ratings, we did not feel like there was any "above and beyond" service like we have come to expect at 5-star Asian properties. Halekulani offered what felt like generic, impersonal western service, but with the strict Japanese cultural rules attached. One might say it was the "worst of both worlds." We definitely experienced better service at hotels with only 1 Michelin Key or even none! Candidly, I can't see what makes Halekulani a 2-Key property.
But don't get me wrong - it was not at all a bad experience. It just wasn't particularly special or memorable. Given that Okinawa is Japan's most impoverished prefecture and how overrun it can get with tourists, I'm not sure anything better exists on the island.
Book it without hesitation, knowing in advance what Okinawa offers - and perhaps more importantly, what it doesn't.
