I had the pleasure of staying at Halekulani Okinawa as part of a five-week tour of Japan. While I originally booked Halekulani as a short personal break, I was completely blown away by the experience.
From the moment I arrived, the service was exceptional. The front desk team made check-in effortless, even during a busy time, and every team member I encountered from housekeeping to the breakfast staff, pool team and beyond was warm, professional, and genuinely kind. The level of consistency across the board was truly remarkable.
But it was the team at SHIROUX that left the deepest impression. I dined there twice and can confidently say it was one of the best culinary experiences of my life. The dishes were imaginative, perfectly balanced, and deeply thoughtful—worthy of Michelin star recognition. The service was flawless on both visits, with special thanks to the exceptional Dave and the warm reception team who made every moment feel personal.
A particular highlight was the bar experience, where Mai Seike crafted cocktails that rival the very best I’ve had anywhere—London, New York, Tokyo, you name it. Her creations were complex, original, and utterly unforgettable.
Halekulani has proven that even a large-scale resort with over 300 rooms can still deliver five-star hospitality with soul. I would highly recommend a visit.