Celebrate Earl Derr Biggers’ birthday at “Earl’s,” the new Halekulani beachside bar!

This month we celebrate Ohio Author and Charlie Chan creator Earl Derr Biggers’ 139th birthday (August 26, 1884) heading to Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and the Halekulani Hotel’s newest edition: Earl’s Beachside Bar inside their famed House Without A Key Restaurant.

The Halekulani Hotel (translation, “place befitting heaven”) is among the world’s finest and most acclaimed independent luxury hotels, with many awards, accolades and exquisite venues (La Mer and Orchids for fine dining, Lewer’s Lounge for Jazz, Spa treatments and more.) It also marks the site where Author Earl Derr Biggers vacationed for his health in the 1920s, and while relaxing–of course–thought of the perfect way to commit a murder! That murder he later scribed in his mystery novel, The House Without a Key (1925), set in Honolulu, Hawaii and introducing Detective Charlie Chan of The Honolulu Police.

As If their House Without A Key restaurant wasn’t enough tribute to Biggers’ mystery, the Halekulani Corporation recently renovated and among their many upgrades last September added an alluring beachside bar, befittingly named…Earl’s!

“With a dramatic new entry experience adjacent to the sea, House Without A Key will feature a new shaded outdoor bar, EARL’S, named in honor of the acclaimed 20th century novelist, Earl Derr Biggers, author of “House Without a Key.” A rare first edition of the 1925 novel will be on display to welcome guests to one of the most famous and desirable settings in the world. Additional enhancements include a state-of-the-art exhibition-style glass kitchen and custom Marra Forni brick oven created in Italy exclusively for Halekulani.”

Bonnie Bise, Public Relations Manager

Along with the renovations and addition of Earl’s, continuing is the Hawaiian music shows and hula beneath the century old Kiawe tree. And Earl’s bar features some very special signature drinks. Among others (like their coconut cake martini) are these new libations:

Earl’s Daiquiri.
Plantation 3-Star White Rum, Lime, Yuzu Citrus, Salted Demerara Syrup. What better way to honor Earl Derr Biggers than with a new libation toasting his name…Cheers!

The Kimball.
House Vanilla Bean Infused Pau Vodka, Fresh Lemon Juice, Pineapple Cordial, Sparkling Water, Strawberry Campari. This refreshing cocktail gets its namesake from the family that ran Halekulani in its early days.

Table 97.
Makrut Lime Infused Bombay 86 London Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Kula Strawberry Syrup, Aquafaba, Absinthe Essence. Named for the table Ernest Hemmingway preferred during his honeymoon stay in Hawaii. Available with advanced reservations.

I’d be remiss not to share how tranquil and yet exciting an evening spent at the Halekulani’s House Without A Key is. And with the addition of Earl’s I can’t wait to visit! For many years living and working in Honolulu, my Wednesday or Thursday night ritual was to destress at this excellent venue. With their famous Mai Tai and delicious pupus at hand, I’d listen to the 3-piece Hawaiian slack key band, watch the last surfers trying to catch that final wave, enjoy the Hula show featuring Kanoe Miller (former Ms. Hawaii) and glimpse dolphins or sometimes whales far off-shore in the Pacific. And finally at twilight, that moon–Oh, that big gorgeous moon! Brighter than I’ve ever seen, it would rise above Diamond Head staged for the perfect picture with palm trees swaying in the foreground. It all seems surreal now; perhaps like something out of a romance-mystery novel.

But don’t take my word for it, hop aboard a flight to Paradise. Better yet (as in days of old) why not a 7-day voyage across the Pacific to what was once the Sandwich Islands. Or for a really relaxing adventure, why not go all in for a 16-day round-trip voyage from San Francisco, with stops at Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Hawaii, Hilo, and Ensenada Mexico ports on the The Ruby Princess (unbelieveable at just $1,199) to get some sand between your toes!

There’s an old Buddhist saying, “you only get one shot at life.” (well, maybe not Thee Buddha.) And should your future plans include a trip the islands, I highly recommend you put the Halekulani and Earl’s at The House Without a Key restaurant atop your list of “once in a lifetime” adventures! See more @halekulanihotel!

“The man who sits in well, sees little of the sky”

The Black Camel, 1929, Chap 11