Halekulani Hotel, The House Without a Key
2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
808-923-2311

I have been visiting the Hawaiian Islands on a regular basis since I was three years old. I am now 41 and in the past 10 years I have been traveling to Hawaii on average every four months. I have sampled Mai Tais on every island at every restaurant and bar that I can find and in all these years, no Mai Tai comes close to the sublime work of art that is to be enjoyed at "The House Without a Key".

The Mai Tai is served in an outdoor setting overlooking Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. At night, classic Hawaiian music is performed by a trio of expert musicians and singers while the most exquisite Hula dancer, Kanoe Miller, performs her artistry, under a 100 year old kiawe tree. At sunset, this is perfection personified.

But then the Mai Tais are served. They are presented by waiters in crisp white linen jackets who deferentially present the classic drink to you with subtle care. The Mai Tai itself comes in a classic tumbler adorned with just the right amount of amenities: a simple orchid and a unique touch exclusive to the Halekulani, a squared-off stick of sugar cane that can be used as a swizzle stick. The all-important "float" of the dark rum over the light rum can be viewed through the tumbler. Mixing it with the sugar cane stick adds to the enjoyment.

Served with each Mai Tai, is a basket of incredible Maui potato chips. This combination of atmosphere, expert service by the highly polished staff, and divinely created Mai Tais, brings this writer as close to heaven as is humanly possible. I have no personal connection to The Halekulani; these thoughts I share are absolutely genuine. I have long since understood the Hawaiian meaning of Halekulani: The House Befitting Heaven.

Taste: *****
Atmosphere: *****
Date Visited: December 2, 1999
Reviewed By: Wayne

Ah, the famed House Without a Key. No place in Waikiki had as much great word-of-mouth as this place. An elegant, romantic setting with Mai Tais which are fawned upon by the masses. A recipe for disappointment, right? Wrong!

Our $8 Mai Tai was served in a large old-fashioned glass with an orchid, mint sprig, a lime slice, and a stick of sugar cane. The dark yellow liquid was topped with a small float of dark rum. The Mai Tai featured a sea of crushed ice like there should be in a Mai Tai, along with the freshly squeezed lime slice in the drink. This was a smooth cocktail, though a bit too much lime - - it tasted just a bit too sour. Nonetheless, that's just a bit of nit. Overall, this was a very good Mai Tai: great taste and great presentation.

The elegant setting of the House Without a Key is well-chronicled. The restaurant features highly efficient, old-fashioned service (right down to the white gloves!). This is a great, quiet setting in the late afternoon. Cool breeze, the pleasant sound of the ocean waves lapping nearby, and just steps from the pool, this is a great place to relax. At night, the torches and candles make this a romantic setting as well. The view of Diamond Head might just be the best on Waikiki.

The House Without a Key is a place where you can sit under the palm trees or dine "inside" the restaurant which features accordion-style walls which retract to let in the cool breezes. In addition to our Mai Tai, we sampled an excellent Pina Colada and munched on Maui potato chips which were also very good.

While we didn't rate this Mai Tai at the maximum rating, it sure was close! Nobody should miss the Halekulani House Without a Key when you visit Honolulu!

Taste: ****
Atmosphere: *****
Date Visited: October 28, 1999
Reviewed By: Kevin Crossman

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Before

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After

The review by John Robertson was spot on. My wife and I where in Hawaii in March/April this year and a friend from Australia recommended the place specifically for the Mai Tai.  

Having never tasted one before it was without a doubt fantastic.

Needless to say we spent many a night there. They provide a hula dancer and a band between 6 - 9.30pm every night on the waterfront. As well as a complementary basket of chips! A couple of Mai Tais and you're floating away!

Mark was kind enough to send us some photos!-Ed.


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Taste: *****
Atmosphere: *****
Date Visited: March/April 1999
Reviewed By: Mark Dimech

Aloha! I am writing from Hawaii (born and raised here) and have been interested in your website. Recently, I have read the review on the Halekulani hotel's "House Without A Key" bar, and would like to add my two cents... This place is classic in every sense of the word. The Mai Tai is absolutely perfect - bar none; and the other drinks are excellent as well! One can enjoy it in the early evening at sunset while sitting under the ancient Keawe tree and listening to the sounds of a Hawaiian Trio playing Hawaiian music in the old style. I've also tried their Tropical Itch - a potion not to bear in the mid-afternoon swelter. The Hale Passion and other drinks are also fantastic! Personally, I would opt for the Mai Tai and wait to see the infamous "green flash". Two of these and you'll never want to leave. One thing I noticed in the review was that it failed to mention that the drink is served with a stick of Sugar Cane. Anyhow, if you are fortunate enough to come to Hawaii and would like a taste of the classic Mai Tai then try the Halekulani - I guarantee it is worth it!!!

Mahalo Nui Loa!!!

Taste: *****
Atmosphere: *****
Date Visited: unknown
Reviewed By: Nelson

If you plan to visit Oahu in the near future, your search for the perfect Mai Tai will come to an abrupt end.

Mentioned in other reviews and generally known throughout the Mai Tai world is the Halekulani beachfront hotel. It could be one of, if not the most, elegant hotels on Oahu and exudes class all the way. Attempting to describe the hotel and its beautiful surroundings would not do it justice, so I won't even try.

Besides, that's not why you'll be heading there in the first place! The Mai Tai is the real reason. Two words best describe the Halekulani Mai Tai: Authentic and Consistent. Mai Tai after Mai Tai they all came equally wonderful as the previous. In the realm of cost, which can make a borderline Mai Tai appear bad if overpriced, the Halekulani Mai Tai is a steal at $6.00. In fact, I'd pay more...gladly. Don't tell the Halekulani that, however.

The Halekulani Mai Tai has, literally, a perfect balance of ingredients and the presentation is classic Trader Vic's. Right down to the mint sprig on top and half a squeezed lime in the potion. The Halekulani does add a very appropriately sized slice (slim) of pineapple and, for a little splash of "Waikiki", an orchid on top. Come on...this is Waikiki! However, there is nothing cheap or tacky about this presentation because it's class all the way.

The servers are wonderful and very polite and professional. To top off the experience, the food and views equal the quality of the Mai Tai. Furthermore, the Halekulani is about the only place in the world where I'd pay $13.50 for a hot dog and not complain.

A must visit in my books!

Mai Tais Forever,
John Robertson

Taste: *****
Atmosphere: *****
Date Visited: July 6, 1999
Reviewed By: John & Angela Robertson