Halekulani Corporation has announced the reopening of one of Waikiki’s most iconic and popular venues, House Without A Key, following a complete revitalization and expansion. House Without A Key has long been celebrated as a premier oceanfront destination for live Hawaiian entertainment, traditional hula performances and sunset cocktails. The indoor/outdoor restaurant has been completely transformed to complement the sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Diamond Head and the hotel’s 135-year-old Kiawe Tree, while paying homage to Hawaii’s golden age of travel. The announcement was made by Peter Shaindlin, chief operating officer of Halekulani Corporation.
With a new entry experience adjacent to the sea, House Without A Key will feature a new shaded outdoor bar, Earl's, named in honor of the acclaimed 20th-century novelist, Earl Derr Biggers, author of “House Without A Key.” A rare first edition of the 1925 novel will be on display to welcome guests. Additional enhancements include an exhibition-style glass kitchen and custom Marra Forni brick oven created in Italy exclusively for Halekulani.
Halekulani’s Executive Chef Christian Testa and House Without A Key’s Chef Jarrin Otake will oversee a completely updated menu reminiscent of Hawaii’s golden age of travel, featuring new dishes such as the House Without A Key Laulau, a deconstructed version of traditional laulau with the flavors of pork and butterfish, served on a bed of coconut stewed luau leaves and a side of fresh local poi. Additional menu items, both made using the new brick oven, include Char Siu Coconut Baby Back Ribs, with a hoisin and Chinese five spice honey glaze, and the Flat Bread “Skizza” Country Comfort, a fresh take on the classic Margherita pizza, island style. Newly conceived cocktails joining the hotel’s signature Mai Tai include the Yellow Umbrella, with fresh Lilikoi Juice, Coconut Matcha Syrup, Tequila and Mezcal; Coconut Cake Martini, an ode to Halekulani’s world-famous coconut cake; and Sweet Persea, a spirit-free avocado-based cocktail.
The newly reopened venue also offers a nod to the legendary Ernest Hemingway, who honeymooned at Halekulani in 1940 with his bride, acclaimed journalist Marsha Gellhorn. Hemingway—one of the many luminaries who frequented the restaurant—preferred a specific table near the ocean with a direct view of Diamond Head. This table will now be distinguished as ‘Table 97,’ available only by advance reservation. House Without A Key will also reintroduce the classic Daiquiri to the menu, Hemingway’s favorite tropical libation.
Contemporary furnishings complement the setting from which to take in Hawaii's most spectacular seascapes and sunsets. Notable additions include new large-scale lounge furniture and a custom Charles Loomis Branch Sculpture designed using the hotel’s iconic Kiawe Tree. Newly refreshed landscaping incorporates vivid, colorful hues from flowering plants and foliage as well as indigenous and local Hawaiian species, including the King Kalakaua spider lily and extremely rare Dwarf Rainbow Plumeria.
House Without A Key’s legendary musical entertainment will continue each night starting at 5:30 p.m., featuring live Hawaiian music paired with hula dancing from former Miss Hawaii and Miss Hawaii USA winners.
House Without A Key is accepting reservations for daily breakfast (7-10:30 a.m.), lunch (11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), sunset cocktails and dinner (5-8:30 p.m.).
For more information, visit www.halekulani.com.
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