CITY Issue 53

PARC YOURSELF THERE IS A BEACH ON THE MAIN ISLAND OF HAWAII Once simply a surfer’s paradise, the Honolulu neighborhood of Waikiki is bustling with new, beachside hot spots. CITY’s Carole Dixon checks into the latest must-stay: the revamped Waikiki Parc Hotel. that is known as the ideal spot to learn how to surf. With waves at time forgiving, at times thrilling, it’s where Olympic champion and grandfather of surfing Duke Kahanamoku used to practice. Now, the well-traveled stretch of sand of Waikiki has found a new source of attention: a hotel scene that some say could soon rival Miami’s South Beach. Anchoring this trendy Honolulu neighborhood is one of the island’s grand dame hotels: the Halekulani, a benchmark of luxury for decades that has kept up with the Ritz-Carlton’s and Four Seasons’ of the world by adding over-the-top offerings like a Vera Wang suite. But while you might get married at a place like the Halekulani, you’ll want to throw the afterparty at its newly revamped sister boutique hotel, Waikiki Parc. “We’re one hotel [group] surrounded by big luxury brands,” says Halekulani Corporation COO Peter Shaindlin. “We need to be more original and creative.” In a word, different. Not just another over-the-top property, the Parc attracts art aficionados and gourmands in equal measure with long-board lovers and sun worshipers. The main draw is the new hip, urban-tropical philosophy and design. “After 20 years we wanted to reinvigorate the neutral, nondescript look from the late ’80s,” explains Shaindlin. In bringing the destination up to chic-speed, Shaindlin hoped to avoid some of the pitfalls that come with many other designer-focused properties. “I noticed three things they all have in common,” he says. “First, it’s all about the designer because they tend to attract press—and then it’s not about the guests; [second,] triumph of design over functionality; and finally, no service.” He sat down with his staff and asked, What if there was a design hotel with service? The staff could provide the top-notch guest attention, but in stepped ADI Design Group to bring the hotel an understated look that still provides “a series of delightful small surprises” around every corner, says Shaindlin. The Halekulani Corp. is a large benefactor of the arts, so several great surprises can be found in the artwork CITY 49

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of CITY Issue 53

CITY Issue 53 Contents Letter from CITY Our Friends Action Wanted City Moment In Rogue Fast Food The Amused Bouche Fit Unnatural Wonders Paradise Found Gold Standard Parc Yourself Get Wet Naughty or Nice Raise the Roof Luxury Is... Bird of Prey Hardwear To Die For Twisted Sisters Basic Instinct Where To Buy It Socials Icon

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