The Kahala Hotel and Resort

Hotel Description

You know what? I’ve stayed at a lot of fancy places in Hawaii, but The Kahala honestly feels different from the get-go. It’s tucked away in this residential area on the southeast side of Oahu – not in the touristy Waikiki madness, which is exactly why it works. When you pull up, there’s this immediate sense of calm that hits you. The lobby opens right up to these gorgeous views, and I mean, you can actually hear the ocean without all the street noise and crowds you get at other resorts.

The thing about Kahala is that it attracts people who’ve been around the block, you know? I’m talking about guests who appreciate that the pool area isn’t packed with screaming kids (though families do come – it’s just a different vibe). The beach here is practically private, and honestly, it’s one of the better stretches of sand I’ve found on the island. You’ve got this protected lagoon where they keep dolphins and sea turtles, which sounds touristy but is actually pretty magical when you’re sitting there with your morning coffee. The restaurants are legit too – I mean, the sushi bar overlooks the water and the fish is as fresh as you’d expect, but the service feels personal rather than stuffy.

What really sold me on this place is how it handles the details without making a big show of it. Check-in was smooth, parking is easy (and free, which is rare these days), and the rooms have this understated elegance thing going on. The beds are seriously comfortable – like, I-want-to-take-this-mattress-home comfortable. And here’s something I appreciated: the walls are actually thick enough that you’re not hearing your neighbors’ TV or conversations. The location gives you easy access to Hanauma Bay if you want to snorkel, and you’re close enough to Honolulu when you want city dining or shopping, but far enough away that you feel like you’re in your own little world. It’s pricey, sure, but when you factor in that 9.1 rating and the fact that it consistently delivers on the experience, it makes sense why people keep coming back.

Rooms

• Mountain View with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 double beds for 3 adults, 2 children
• Lagoon View Room with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 double beds for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 double beds for 3 adults, 2 children
• Suite with Partial Ocean View with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Suite with Ocean Front View with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean Front with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 double beds for 3 adults, 2 children
• Beach Front Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 double beds for 3 adults, 2 children
• Mountain View Balcony with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 double beds for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean View Balcony with 2 double beds, or and 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Ocean Front Balcony with 2 double beds, or and 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Tower Suite 2 Doubles with 2 × 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Tower Suite 1 King with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Imperial Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Kahala Kai Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Kahala Beach Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Lior from Israel (10/10)

  The hotel lobby is gorgeous, the scent of the hotel is wow! We loved the restaurants and the hotel staff is one of the best.

• Kimberly from United States (9/10)

  I thought it was wonderful! We came from the Four Seasons in Oahu Kona and we thought the property was very comparable for a great price… We thought the Italian restaurant was a wonderful. The rooms were adorable and they did major upgrade since the last time I had been there. The staff is very sweet and kind and of course we adore the dolphins! Absolutely come again and recommend it to my clients as a travel agent!!!

• Maximo from Brazil (9/10)

  Excellent location, comfort, staff friendliness. Amazing and beautiful place. Amazing breakfast.

• Luke from United Kingdom (10/10)

  The resort is perfect. It is in a beautiful location, the rooms and hotel was spotlessly clean, and the staff are all incredible. Slightly further out of Waikiki which we were initially worried about, but there is a free shuttle which runs throughout the day. Direct access to a wonderful beach, and the pool area is also great.

• John from United States (10/10)

  Iconic hotel, gorgeous beach, lovely view, world-class professional service.

• Michael from United States (8/10)

  As a return visitor, I love the Kahala for its open and airy spaces, wonderful neighborhood, friendly and prompt service, and standout hotel bathroom.

• Leona from United States (10/10)

  The Kahala is like and old friend,;warm, kind, and beautiful! She is environmentally conscious and sustainable. And…she has a dolphin lagoon!

• Erwin from Germany (9/10)

  We had a larger and top floor room, that was great. We could even spot a turtle in the shallow water from there.
  
  The Dolphin encounter was expensive but worth it.

• Charles from China (8/10)

  Location

• Maria from United States (10/10)

  PEOPLE extremely friendly and effecitient

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities