No trip to Hawaii is complete without a sunset mai tai and traditional hula performance at iconic Waikiki venue House Without A Key.

Now the beachside resort has just launched a new pool bar, which is one more reason to add it to the itinerary.

Named after House Without A Key novelist Earl Derr Biggers, Earl’s bar is located next to the hotel’s grand oval pool, which features a magnificent mosaic of a Cattleya orchid. It’s the perfect place to kick back with a post-swim cocktail and watch the sun go down over the water.

Mixologist Tuda Grehan is behind the splashy new cocktail menu. Signature sippers include the Yellow Umbrella, a tropical tipple made from tequila and fresh lilikoi (passionfruit) juice and the Coconut Cake Martini, inspired by Halekulani’s lighter-than-air coconut cake. Yes, you can still order the famous mai tai, which is made from three types of rum and garnished with a sugarcane stick and Vanda orchid.

There’s a new food menu as well. Halekulani’s Executive Chef Christian Testa and House Without A Key’s Chef Jarrin Otake have put together a selection of easy breezy snack plates. Top orders include the char siu coconut baby back ribs cooked in the custom Marra Forni brick oven as well as the wrap-your-own laulau, with pork, butterfish, taro, and coconut-stewed luau leaves.

The whole area has been decked out in contemporary outdoor furniture surrounded by landscaped gardens made up of vibrant flowering plants, including native species such as the King Kalakaua spider lily and rare Dwarf Rainbow Plumeria.

If you haven’t already read “House Without A Key”, you’ll be able to view a rare 1925 first edition on display. More of a Hemingway fan? Earl’s will also pay tribute to the famed American novelist who honeymooned at Halekulani in 1940. Diners will be able to book Hemingway’s preferred table, which has a direct view of Diamond Head. You’ll also be able to sip his favourite libation, Earl’s Daiquiri, which is made from a blend of rum, lime and yuzu.

House Without A Key’s legendary live music sets will continue each night, featuring traditional hula performances by former Miss Hawaii winners.

For more details on House Without A Key and Earl’s bar head to halekulani.com.

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