Halekulani Okinawa

Beautiful, clean, lots of different options for pools. Breakfast quality was high. Service excellent. Nothing too much trouble. Very relaxing.

There appear to be too many bedrooms for the number of breakfast rooms. The queuing system isn’t ideal and the way the reservations for dinner work didn’t make any sense to me. We struggled to get tables at the times we wanted despite it appearing there was plenty of room when we arrived just a little later. Obviously people come and go but that wasn’t it.

I really enjoyed the overall ambiance and relaxed atmosphere. The room was very spacious and well designed. No excessive clutter or detail. Very easy on the eyes and well thought out. The bed and pillows were super comfy and so were the bathrobes and lounge wear for the beach and pool. The amenities were also great starting with the smart TV guides for the hotel giving you insights over various useful information like the availability of lounges at the pool or when one of the excellent coin laundry machines becomes free to use. Another noteworthy aspect is the overall cleanliness of the common areas and the well designed greenery making it look like a neat and lush paradise escape. The program of the hotel includes a good variety of activities too. I took a diving experience session and the instructor Ito-San was very good at showing you the ropes of how to dive. The breakfast buffet was incredible and had a wide variety of well prepared and presented foods. One of my favorites were the daily changing small pastries with different toppings. The Beach was also just a short stroll from the hotel and offered lounges sunscreen, after sun, life wests and fresh cooled water for free. The ocean water was very clear with almost no waves. Snorkeling and swimming in a designated zone ensured no Jellyfish or harmful critters too. I saw quite a few colorful fish (even some clown fish) when free diving there. The restaurants similar to the buffet had very tasty food too. I enjoyed the incredible shabu shabu course in the Japanese style restaurant a lot. But when on holiday the craving for comfort food after a long day swimming can also be well satisfied in one of the other restaurants. When you get the cabin fever there are a few restaurants and kombini within walking distance from the hotel. And a short drive away is Kouri Island with a beautiful long bridge and some cute small cafes for a day trip too.

Only a minor issue. The reservation system for the breakfast buffet is a bit troublesome. Should you not wake up early and reserve, it’s very likely to be a longer wait before you can get a seat.

What I liked most was the sense of peace the resort offers. The stunning ocean views, crystal-clear waters, beautifully designed property, and impeccable service made it the perfect place to disconnect and unwind. I also truly appreciated how the culinary team thoughtfully created a dedicated vegetarian menu upon request, making us feel genuinely cared for. Every staff member we interacted with was warm, courteous, and eager to help, making the hospitality feel personal rather than transactional.

There wasn't much to dislike, but there are a few areas that could be improved. The pools close quite early, which limits the opportunity to enjoy them in the evening. The resort is about an hour from the airport, and taxi fares are expensive, so a complimentary airport shuttle would be a valuable addition. Also, if you're visiting in late July, be prepared for intense heat and humidity, which can make outdoor sightseeing and even spending extended time outside the resort less enjoyable during the day.

Beautiful place but Not foreigners friendly. And if you have tattoos (even the smallest one) don’t come. You’re not welcomed. Not for tourists.

As said before. Not foreign friendly. Kids friendly only for locals. The pressure was not needed during holidays. We really didn’t feel welcomed.