Nestled on five acres of lush gardens fronting Gray’s Beach, the Halekulani (“house befitting heaven”) has long been synonymous with gracious Hawaiian hospitality. From humble beginnings a century ago, the hotel grew into a sophisticated destination for discerning guests like Clark Gable and Doris Duke and has remained the standard for polished service. Guests can lounge by the freshwater pool, which shimmers with a mosaic of 1. 2 million pieces of blue South African glass, indulge in a traditional Lomi Lomi massage and dine at La Mer, the hotel’s much-praised French restaurant. The rooms, most with ocean views, are located in five buildings connected by courtyards.