In the Know
Get the inside track on what to see and do straight from the experts—the concierges working in Waikiki.
Frank Hernandez
Chef Concierge, Les Clefs d’Or
Halekulani
Years working in Waikiki: 12
Three words that describe Waikiki: Engaged, colorful and metropolitan.
What do you think makes Waikiki such a unique place?
Waikiki is the heart of Honolulu; there is something for everyone—all the amenities of a modern city but still a refined essence of our Hawaiian paradise culture.
Where is your favorite place to eat?
Personally, I love Ocean House for breakfast, Taormina for lunch and Orchids at Halekulani for dinner. Ocean House at the Outrigger Reef Hotel offers a beautiful ocean view, assured quality service and the best tofu and kale frittata on O‘ahu! Taormina features a ‘best of Taormina’ lunch menu which is perfectly portioned and paired with the best they have to offer… the linguine frutti di mare is my favorite! Orchids at Halekulani is where everything slows down to the timing of our beautiful Waikiki sunsets. Executive
Chef Vikram Garg has created a menu that features the finest of local endemic ingredients. The steamed onaga “Orchids Style” is truly my favorite, and of course, followed by Halekulani’s legendary coconut cake!
Photo: Courtesy Halekulani
What is your favorite activity to do in Waikiki?
I love to visit the Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo! The aquarium features some of the most stunning collection of tropical corals and our zoo features an amazingly beautiful collection of birds!
What do you love best about your job?
I am the Chef Concierge at Halekulani, and every day I have the opportunity to share with our guests all the reasons I love Hawai‘i. Guests turn to concierges for assistance with not only dining reservations, tours and excursions, but also when they are in need of assistance; a lost phone, passport, flight cancellation, etc., and I am honored to be the one available to help them. As concierges, we have the opportunity to connect with our visitors, to meet them and create experiences for them that will resonate with them forever.
What’s the best memory you’ve had while working in Waikiki?
I have been given the opportunity to experience so much, but one moment I will never forget is when I helped paddle an outrigger canoe off shore to scatter the ashes of one of our many-time return guests in to the ocean. This guest was an amazing spirit, and I am honored [and] humbled to have experienced what only a few did with me that morning.
In the Know features members of The Concierge Association of Hawaii, which provides educational and professional growth among its members and those aspiring to pursue a future in the concierge profession. The Concierge Association of Hawaii has developed a professional network among hotel concierges, the surrounding communities and local businesses to improve the Hawai‘i guest experience and stimulate a consistent level of service excellence.
