At the Halekulani properties in Waikiki, Hawaii, travelers can find two resorts that appeal to different sets of guests: the luxury beachside Halekulani and its sister property, the more budget-conscious, boutique hotel Waikiki Parc.
While they are steps away from each other and both of the hotels’ guests have access to Halekulani’s spa and restaurants, the hotels each have their own distinct feel. Halekulani, which began in 1907 as a small, beachfront home with five bungalows now spans five buildings and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Guests can choose from one of the guestrooms or suites ranging from jr. ocean suite to a premier suite, like the Halekulani Suite, designed by Vera Wang, featuring 24-hour butler service and decor from Wang’s collections.
Meanwhile, Waikiki Parc features Nobu Waikiki in the lobby with a full-service sushi bar, as well as a rooftop pool with skyline views and nighttime fire pits. Guestrooms here feature a modern look with views of the ocean and city.
We caught up with Liana Mulleitner, director of marketing at Halekulani Corporation, to find out more about the properties and how you can market them to your clients, whether they may prefer the 453-room oceanfront Halekulani, or the intimate 297-room Parc Waikiki with its more urban setting.
Lane Nieset (LN): What can guests expect when visiting both the properties and the destination?
Liana Mulleitner (LM): Since its re-opening in 1983, Halekulani continues to welcome guests from all over the world, creating personal experiences and stories that have become folklore. It is for this reason that our guests continue to return year after year, generation upon generation, many of whom consider Halekulani to be their home-away-from-home. Halekulani, also known as the “House Befitting Heaven,” is consistently ranked as one of the world’s finest hotels. Halekulani is more than a brand; it embodies a profound lifestyle experience of immeasurable hospitality that fuses the indigenous cultural qualities of Hawaii, with personalized service.
Waikiki Parc Hotel offers a sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere with gracious hospitality and personalized service. Home to the acclaimed Nobu Waikiki, the hotel is steps away from Halekulani, providing convenient access for guests to enjoy Halekulani’s award-winning restaurants and SpaHalekulani. With PARC ACCESS, guests can take advantage of complimentary entry to Honolulu’s elite arts and cultural destinations. Day or night, the rooftop pool—PARC BLUE—offers stunning views of the ocean and sleek city skyline, creating a relaxed oasis that is both vibrant and chic.
LN: What is the typical clientele at these properties?
LM: Halekulani welcomes some of the most discerning travelers and is known for its ability to cater to our international clientele, who routinely visit Halekulani from countries all over the world.
Waikiki Parc attracts young singles, as well as couples and value-conscious individuals, all of whom are seeking an active lifestyle, affordable luxury, as well as access to the facilities and restaurants of Halekulani.
LN: Do you see a trend in multigenerational travel?
LM: Multigenerational travel is definitely a trend we are seeing in Hawaii. Grandparents and grandchildren are traveling together without the parents, to celebrate a milestone, such as a 16th birthday. In part, this is a result of baby boomers wanting to be active in their grandchildren’s lives. During the summer and holiday seasons, it is also common for matriarchs of families to bring their children and their grandchildren on vacation.
LN: Do you have any programs for travel agents? How can they make the most of marketing these products to their clients?
LM: We work hand-in-hand with our esteemed network of agents, and as such, agents are ensured the rare ability to completely entrust clients with Halekulani. Our clients will come home and say they had a fabulous vacation, which in turn, establishes repeat clients for our agency partners. By entrusting clients with the best Oahu has to offer—Halekulani Hotels and Resorts—repeat bookings and satisfied clients are a guarantee.
Rates start at $490 for a Garden Courtyard View room at Halekulani, and $995 for a Junior Ocean Suite. Rates at Parc Waikiki start at $200 for a Parc room and $291 for a Deluxe Ocean View room. For more information, visit halekulani.com or waikikiparc.com.
