{"id":123884,"date":"2025-07-12T06:00:31","date_gmt":"2025-07-12T16:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/?p=123884"},"modified":"2025-08-19T12:34:44","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T22:34:44","slug":"halepuna-waikikis-jay-kitashima-shares-his-ideal-three-day-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaii.com\/halepuna-waikikis-jay-kitashima-shares-his-ideal-three-day-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Halepuna Waikiki’s Jay Kitashima Shares His Ideal Three-Day Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Halepuna<\/a>

Courtesy of Halepuna Waikiki<\/p><\/div>\n

At the heart of Waik\u012bk\u012b, you\u2019ll find Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani<\/a> \u2013 a serene escape designed for travelers seeking luxury and award-winning hospitality. Behind its smooth operations and standout service is Jay Kitashima, the hotel\u2019s Director of Operations,\u00a0 an O\u2018ahu local who brings a lifetime of local perspective to every guest\u2019s experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kitashima\u2019s love for the land, culture, and community of O\u02bbahu is woven into his personal and professional life. After spending several years living in Las Vegas and Utah, he returned home with a renewed appreciation for Hawai\u2018i\u2019s unique way of life. \u201cGrowing up, our family loved going to the beach and enjoying the surf around the island,\u201d Kitashima said. \u201cBack then, I didn\u2019t know Hawai\u2018i was home to some of the most beautiful beaches and the best surf in the world. Today, I don\u2019t take that for granted. I now surf with my kids as often as possible.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Director<\/a>

Director of Operations Jay Kitashima. Courtesy of Halepuna Waikiki.<\/p><\/div>\n

That reverence for home and the joy of sharing it with others is central to Kitashima\u2019s role at Halepuna. Since its complete renovation in 2019, Halepuna has redefined boutique luxury in Waik\u012bk\u012b. All 288 guest rooms and public spaces were transformed entirely, allowing the hotel to reopen as Waik\u012bk\u012b\u2019s first luxury boutique hotel. Lush interiors, impeccable service, and a sense of calm elegance make it a favorite for travelers looking for a more intimate island stay.<\/span><\/p>\n

But what truly sets the experience apart is the intentionality of the people behind the scenes, like Kitashima. For him, sharing Hawai\u2018i\u2019s magic with guests is more than a job. It\u2019s a way to give back to the place that raised him.\u201cHawai\u2018i\u2019s year-round perfect weather makes it a top destination,\u201d he said. \u201cYou can surf in the summer and winter and golf any day of the week. Above all, though, Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s people and culture truly are the reasons why this place is loved by so many.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three Relaxing Days in Waik\u012bk\u012b with Halepuna Waikiki as Your Hub<\/b><\/h3>\n

For travelers wanting to experience Waik\u012bk\u012b like a local, Jay Kitashima, Director of Operations at Halepuna Waikiki, shares his top must-visit spots and favorite ways to embrace the island spirit while maintaining some much-needed rest and relaxation. From Hawaiian cultural history to sunset sailing, here is his curated guide to the perfect escape along Oahu\u2019s South Shore.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Day 1:<\/strong> Dinner and Drinks<\/span><\/p>\n

Evening:<\/strong> Sunset Sips, Fresh Island Flavors, and Live Jazz<\/span><\/p>\n