Once home to Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki quickly became renowned around the world once it started developing hotels and welcoming visitors at the start of the 20th century. This two-mile strip along the south shore of Oahu provides irresistible Pacific views, access to pristine beaches and proximity to Kalākaua Avenue, which is filled with high-end shopping, dining and entertainment.
It is no surprise that most of Waikiki’s hotels are built to accommodate the masses. Though impressive, the main thoroughfare is often congested with tourists on the sidewalks and traffic in the streets. If you prefer boutique hotels and want to experience Waikiki in a more peaceful way, try a stay at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki. Beyond a bit of serenity, here are five other reasons you’ll love a stay here.
The Rooms
The aptly named ESPACIO (which translates to “space”) is composed of nine 2,250-square-foot suites — each one takes up an entire floor of the Waikiki hotel. This means you have your own designated entryway, and there is a separate elevator discreetly tucked away for housekeeping.
Each accommodation is inspired by different precious and semiprecious stones (such as Jade and Diamond) or is a reference to the ocean (like the Coral and Azul suites). The décor in each unit is unique, curated with rare, globally sourced works of art along with details like hand-knotted Persian carpets, Moroccan-crafted chandeliers and dining room tables made from imported Italian marble.
In every suite, you’ll find two or three bedrooms, three bathrooms, an expansive balcony and an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Pacific. The bedrooms also have Stearns & Foster king-sized mattresses and exquisite organic cotton Tenerita sheets. The spa-inspired bathrooms come with private dry saunas, luxurious organic cotton robes and Bvlgari bath products.
The kitchen is a home cook’s dream, featuring a full-sized stainless-steel refrigerator stocked with snacks and beverages, beautifully curated dinnerware and glassware, high-quality pots and pans, Noritake cutlery, a Henckels knife block set, a wine refrigerator and much more.
The Food
ESPACIO’s Five-Star Mugen restaurant was recently relaunched with a new executive chef and culinary concept. Chef Colin Sato, a rising star in Hawaiian fine dining, created the menu in consultation with iconic Hawaiian chef and restaurateur Alan Wong to convey a sense of place through contemporary artistry. Soto has designed a six-course menu to celebrate hyper-seasonal and local ingredients from Oahu and its neighboring islands. Enjoy beautifully composed dishes like grilled he’e (Hawaiian octopus) with Kupu Place nasturtium wasabi pesto and Kona kampachi with Ho Farms tomato nam pla (a Thai fish sauce), kaffir oil, avocado and sea asparagus. Pastry chef Jamon Harper also uses local produce to craft desserts like Meyer lemon meringue with olive oil cardamom sponge, fruit concassé and passion fruit perfume.
In addition, Mugen offers a decadent breakfast menu, which you can enjoy in the dining room or the privacy of your suite. Classic Hawaiian loco moco is elevated with Miyazaki wagyu A5 steak, veal jus and quail eggs, while eggs Benedict can be ordered with Ibérico ham, lobster, black truffle pearls or smoked trout caviar.
Each Saturday, the boutique hotel puts on a tea service in the lounge, with only 12 spots available by reservation. Guests are welcomed with champagne and caviar while they select from an array of teas for their teapot. Meticulously crafted miniature sandwiches, scones and pastries arrive at the table in glass globes hung from a tree for a stunning presentation.
Mugen features exceptional cocktails designed by mixologist Ricardo Barajas, whose signature creations include the Dragon Wings, made with Koloa Rum from Kauai, papipi pua (dragon fruit), freshly pressed sugar cane and calamansi (a citrus). The Waikiki restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of rare Japanese whiskies and a heralded wine program overseen by sommelier Douglas Preisel that includes more than 500 bottles from all over the world.
The Location
ESPACIO is in the heart of Waikiki, which means a visit to the beach is as easy as crossing the street. But before you head out, stop at the bell desk first for towels, sunscreen, chairs and umbrellas (which staff can also set up for you). The Oahu hotel also has numerous partnerships with local activities operators, who provide everything from stand-up paddle boarding and surf lessons to scuba diving and helicopter tours.
The hotel is just a short walk from Waikiki’s premier shopping district with boutiques from Prada, Gucci, Balenciaga, Chanel and Tiffany & Co. On Sundays and Mondays, when Mugen is closed, you can stroll along Kalākaua Avenue to eateries, like Restaurant Suntory or Island Vintage Wine Bar. Or walk to Four-Star Halekulani’s House Without a Key to try its Halekulani, a bourbon-based tiki drink created here in the 1930s, or head to Hilton Hawaiian Village, where the Blue Hawaii was crafted in the 1950s.
The Amenities
As if the sprawling suites themselves aren’t enough of a draw to stay at ESPACIO, some amenities also sweeten the deal here. Make a reservation to swim at the tiki-lined private rooftop infinity pool, which has an incredible view of Waikiki’s beaches and main strip. (And while you’re there, don’t be surprised if the thoughtful team surprises you with a delivery of your favorite snacks.) You also can book the rooftop pool deck for a sunset champagne and caviar experience.
While there isn’t a gym onsite, ESPACIO has partnered with Fit Waikiki at Alohilani Resort to provide guests with day passes. Just a block from the hotel, the spacious fitness center has state-of-the-art cardio and weight-training equipment, a yoga studio, access to tennis courts and more.
ESPACIO’s spa consists of two peaceful treatment rooms with twinkling, starry ceilings. You can get unique Hawaiian treatments such as the Kaiholo (lomi lomi) Massage and the Hawaiian Violet Clay Massage, which combines the aromatherapeutic elements of lavender, pine, lemon cypress and ylang-ylang into the service. Depending on what’s in season and available, you may personalize your wellness experience with rare flora and ocean botanicals as well.
The Hospitality
Hawaiians are known for their warm hospitality, and the staff of ESPACIO takes this to new levels. From the moment you enter, you’ll receive outstanding service that’s always accompanied by a kind smile from the valet, bell desk and reception staff. The team goes above and beyond to communicate with you and one another to make sure your stay is as seamless as possible.
ESPACIO offers transfers to and from the airport, complimentary car service throughout Waikiki in its sleek Tesla and free valet parking for guests who have their own vehicle. You can also request laundry services and butler services for grocery delivery, securing childcare or just about anything else you may need. The Honolulu hotel even has a program called Design on Demand, whereby guest services will outfit your suite with seasonal décor or have it styled for any occasion you desire.
