2026.02.12
topics
Halekulani Okinawa Earns Forbes Travel Guide 2026 Five-Star Rating
Halekulani Okinawa is honored to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious Five-Star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026, the highest recognition in global hospitality. Our hotel has earned Five Stars for the fifth consecutive year, and our spa for the third consecutive year. As the only beach resort in Japan to receive Five Stars in both the Hotel and Spa categories, we are proud to uphold this exceptional distinction.
As the only sister property to Hawaii’s iconic “Halekulani,” beloved for over a century, Halekulani Okinawa is a 360-room luxury beach resort located within the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park in Onna Village in Okinawa. Embracing the harmony between Okinawa’s rich natural beauty and the legacy passed down from Hawaii, we welcome guests with a truly one-of-a-kind standard of hospitality.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future: Balancing Environmental Stewardship and Luxury
Guided by our mission to “harmonize with the local community” and “contribute to the conservation of the global environment,” Halekulani Okinawa is accelerating initiatives aligned with the SDGs. As part of these efforts, we have introduced amenities made from Ocean-Bound Plastic—recycled materials recovered from marine-bound waste. While reducing environmental impact, we make no compromise on quality, offering amenities enriched with carefully selected moisturizing ingredients that provide a deeply comforting experience. We continue to integrate sustainability and luxury at the highest level.
An Elevated Culinary Experience
Under the leadership of our new Executive Chef, Shingo Hayasaka, who joined in 2025, our culinary experience continues to evolve. Our signature restaurant now welcomes acclaimed consulting chef Ken Sakamoto of the Michelin-starred Kyoto restaurant cenci, bringing a fresh perspective to Okinawa’s gastronomic culture. Across four uniquely concepted restaurants and one bar, we craft memorable dining stories using the finest ingredients from Japan and around the world, paired with imaginative cocktails and mocktails available exclusively at Halekulani Okinawa.
A Spa Experience that Nurtures Mind and Body
The award-winning SpaHalekulani, recipient of Five Stars for three consecutive years, has launched the "Wellness Journey," a sensorial experience designed to awaken one’s innate radiance. Offering new programs such as sound meditation therapy and three innovative spa cuisine–inspired treatments, we deliver deeply personal experiences tailored to restore both physical and emotional well-being.
The Enduring Spirit of ‘Ohana’
The warm sincerity woven into every moment of grace reflects the spirit of “Ohana,” the Hawaiian word meaning of family that Halekulani has cherished for generations. The unwavering belief in caring for our guests, our local community, and every member of our team as family creates the gentle sense of comfort that envelops our entire resort. This atmosphere of genuine reassurance continues to captivate even the most discerning global travelers. We remain committed to nurturing this deep foundation of trust.
Message from Kenji Fukunaga, General Manager of Halekulani Okinawa
“We are truly honored that in 2026, the 7th anniversary of our opening, Halekulani Okinawa has once again been recognized with Five-Star ratings in both the Hotel and Spa categories by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide—five consecutive years for the hotel and three consecutive years for the spa. We have continuously devoted ourselves to understanding and elevating the essence of luxury hospitality. Our Ohana will continue to work as one to create new value and ensure that we remain a hotel cherished by guests for years to come.”





