Waikiki Beach will soon become the stage for a real-life literary adventure. On August 20, luxury resort Halekulani and Ballantine Books will join forces to celebrate the milestone of over one million copies sold of Something in the Water, the #1 New York Times bestselling debut by Catherine Steadman. The event invites locals, travelers, and book lovers to dive into a one-of-a-kind treasure hunt in the waters of Gray’s Beach, steps away from the hotel’s iconic oceanfront setting.
The challenge is simple yet thrilling. At 10 a.m. HST on August 20, Halekulani’s Instagram (@halekulanihotel) will reveal the exact location of the key drop. No registration is necessary — participants can head straight to the marked zone on Gray’s Beach, where signs will guide the search. A brightly colored key will be floating in the water, possibly drifting toward shore. Whoever finds it can bring it to Halekulani to open a safe and claim an exclusive grand prize.
A $1,000 bookstore gift card
A two-night luxury stay in an ocean-view room at Halekulani, with daily breakfast
A complete signed collection of novels by Catherine Steadman
The event is part of Halekulani’s commitment to curating experiences that merge cultural enrichment with exceptional hospitality. Known as Hawaii’s “House Befitting Heaven,” the resort offers 453 guest rooms and suites in its signature seven shades of white, fine dining at La Mer, casual oceanfront indulgence at House Without A Key, and a reimagined SpaHalekulani focused on bespoke wellness. The treasure hunt adds an element of playful adventure to its legacy of refined escapes.
For Something in the Water, this celebration marks not only commercial success but also the novel’s enduring global appeal. Named one of the year’s best books by Glamour and Newsweek, the psychological thriller has captured readers in more than 30 territories and earned praise from Reese Witherspoon, The New York Times, and Kirkus Reviews.
Gray’s Beach offers a picture-perfect backdrop for the event, combining Hawaii’s natural beauty with Halekulani’s century-long history as a haven for sophisticated travelers. By hosting this literary treasure hunt in one of the world’s most iconic beach destinations, Ballantine Books and Halekulani have crafted an experience that blends the thrill of discovery with the luxury of world-class hospitality.
Those lucky enough to find the key will walk away with more than just a prize — they’ll carry a story worth telling, in true Steadman fashion.
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