The Kahala Hotel and Resort Review: A Romantic Hawaiian Getaway

Looking for the ultimate Hawaiian escape? Let me introduce you to The Kahala Hotel & Resort, a true gem on Oahu’s southeastern shore.

As the host of Hawaii’s Best Podcast, I’ve explored countless resorts, but this one stands out for its private beach, luxury rooms, and world-class dining.

Just 20 minutes from Daniel K. Inouye Airport, it’s the perfect mix of seclusion and convenience.

Whether you’re relaxing by the dolphin lagoon, enjoying a sunset dinner at Hoku’s, or exploring nearby attractions like Diamond Head, The Kahala offers an unforgettable experience.

Ready to discover why this resort is Hawaii’s best-kept secret? Keep reading, or tune in to my latest episode about my stay at The Kahala!

Is The Kahala Hotel & Resort Worth Staying At?

Yes, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is absolutely worth staying at. It’s a luxury beachfront getaway on Oahu, just 20 minutes from Daniel K. Inouye Airport (Honolulu Airport).

This peaceful retreat offers a private beach, spacious rooms and suites with ocean views, and top-notch dining, including fine dining at Hoku’s.

Guests can enjoy unique features like the Dolphin Quest Lagoon, a world-class spa, and nearby activities like hiking and snorkeling.

With no resort fees, free Wi-Fi, and a tranquil setting far from Waikiki’s crowds, it’s perfect for a romantic Hawaiian escape.

Location of The Kahala Hotel & Resort

5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

I love how easy it is to reach Kahala Hotel from anywhere in Honolulu. This peaceful oasis sits just 20 minutes from Honolulu Airport, making arrivals and departures stress-free.

It’s just a relatively quick 10-15 minute drive from bustling Waikiki to this serene beachfront location.

Kahala Beach offers a perfect mix of convenience and seclusion. A short 20-minute walk leads to Kahala Mall and Whole Foods for any shopping needs. Diamond Head State Monument stands nearby, creating a stunning backdrop for beach walks and sunset views.

My favorite part about this spot? It feels worlds away from tourist crowds while staying close to major attractions.

Overview of the Kahala Hotel and Resort

The Kahala Hotel and Resort welcomes guests to a peaceful stretch of Oahu’s southeastern shore. Since opening in 1964 as the Kahala Hilton, this luxury escape has hosted countless stars like George Clooney and Princess Diana in its 338 rooms and 32 ocean-view suites.

The warm staff treats every visitor like royalty, just as they did when President Lyndon Johnson stayed here.

You’ll find your own slice of paradise on the resort’s private beach, far from busy Waikiki. Dolphins play in their lagoon while guests unwind in spacious rooms that blend Hawaiian style with modern comforts.

The views of the Pacific Ocean stretch endlessly from the oceanfront setting. With no hidden resort fees and a stellar 9.1/10 guest rating, the Kahala stands out among Hawaii’s top hotels.

The excellent restaurants and caring staff make sure each stay feels special. When the sun sets over the water, you understand why this spot has charmed visitors for nearly 60 years.

Accommodation Options

The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers 338 luxurious rooms and suites, each with private lanais that open up to stunning ocean, mountain, or dolphin lagoon views – I’ll share more details about these amazing spaces in the next section.

Room types and amenities

My favorite rooms at the Kahala blend comfort with stunning ocean views, making each stay feel special.

• Ocean View Rooms span 550 square feet, featuring plush king beds or two doubles, marble bathrooms, and private lanais perfect for sunset watching
• Dolphin Lagoon View rooms offer front-row seats to daily dolphin shows, plus upgraded amenities like Nespresso machines and L’Occitane toiletries
• Mountain View rooms save you money while still providing luxurious touches like deep soaking tubs and twice-daily housekeeping service
• Signature Suites range from 1,100 to 2,200 square feet with separate living areas, dining rooms, and wrap-around lanais
• Presidential Suite sits at the top floor, boasting a full kitchen, private butler service, and panoramic views of Diamond Head
• Every room includes free Wi-Fi access, though speeds can run slow during peak times
• Standard amenities feature 40-inch flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth speakers, mini-fridges, and in-room safes

Oceanfront views and luxury suites

The oceanfront rooms at Kahala Hotel stretch across 550 square feet of pure bliss. Each space opens to stunning views of the pristine white sand beach and crystal-clear Hawaiian waters.

The resort’s 32 luxury suites stand out as the crown jewels of this Hawaiian paradise.

These suites come packed with special perks that make stays extra special. The signature Lomi Lomi massage package adds a touch of Hawaiian healing to the experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the ocean right into your room, while private lanais offer perfect spots for morning coffee or sunset views.

The soft white sand beach sits just steps away, making these oceanfront spaces true gems for beach lovers and romance seekers.

Dining Experiences

The Kahala Hotel brings top-tier dining to life with three standout restaurants, each offering a distinct taste of Hawaii’s finest flavors – from fresh-caught seafood at Hoku’s to casual beachside bites.

Hoku’s fine dining

Dining at Hoku’s is a remarkable experience at one of the resort’s finest establishments. The 4 and 8-course tasting menus offer a culinary journey that delights the taste buds, featuring fresh island ingredients in both the Grand Tasting and Vegetarian options. It’s a dining destination worthy of a solid 9.0/10 rating.

Each dish is crafted by skilled chefs, blending local flavors with modern techniques to create unforgettable meals.

The atmosphere is elevated by live music, elegant décor, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase breathtaking ocean views, enhancing every bite. Menu highlights include freshly caught seafood and locally-sourced produce, all prepared with signature Hawaiian touches.

Courses arrive with impeccable timing and are presented beautifully, turning every dinner into a special occasion that feels well worth the splurge.

Plumeria Beach House buffet

The Plumeria Beach House serves up a fantastic breakfast buffet. Fresh tropical fruits, made-to-order omelets, and local Hawaiian specialties fill the bright, airy dining room each morning.

The ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows create the perfect backdrop for starting your day in paradise.

The buffet options rotate daily but always feature classic breakfast staples alongside island favorites. My top picks include the taro pancakes drizzled with coconut syrup and the Portuguese sweet bread French toast.

Seaside Grill by the beach

Grabbing lunch at the Seaside Grill on Kahala’s private beach is a relaxing treat. This casual spot offers fresh salads, flavorful tacos, and refreshing cocktails that are perfect after a morning swim.

The open-air setting provides a front-row view of the waves, making it easy to enjoy crispy chips and a mai tai while soaking in the scenery.

With its beachside location, the grill is ideal for a quick bite between activities. Palm trees sway gently overhead as guests dine at umbrella-shaded tables, embracing the laid-back atmosphere. The menu keeps things simple yet satisfying, focusing on beach-friendly dishes that perfectly complement the oceanfront vibe.

Unique Features of the Resort

The Kahala Hotel stands out with features you won’t find at other resorts. I love watching guests light up when they spot dolphins playing in the private lagoon, while the secluded beach feels like your own slice of paradise away from Waikiki’s crowds.

Recommended Oahu Tours Nearby

Dolphin Quest Lagoon

I spotted six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins gliding through the crystal-clear waters at Kahala’s Dolphin Quest lagoon. This private lagoon sits right next to the resort’s beach, offering guests close encounters with these amazing creatures.

My role as a Hawaii destination expert has taken me to many dolphin programs, but this one stands apart. Guests can choose from different dolphin experiences, from basic viewing to hands-on encounters.

The dolphin program raises some concerns from animal welfare groups like PETA. As someone deeply involved in Hawaii’s sustainable tourism, I must point out both sides of this activity.

While the dolphins receive top medical care and training, some experts question keeping marine mammals in captivity for entertainment. The lagoon provides educational value about marine conservation, yet visitors should make their own informed choice about participating.

Private beach and tranquil setting

The Kahala’s private beach stands as a peaceful escape from Waikiki’s busy shores. My morning walks along the soft white sand feel like stepping into a private paradise. The shallow turquoise waters create perfect swimming conditions, while the calm waves make this spot great for families and couples alike.

The beach earned a stellar 9.2/10 access rating, thanks to its easy pathways and clean shoreline.

This tranquil setting offers a rare mix of luxury and natural beauty away from the usual tourist bustle. Palm trees sway gently in the breeze, creating natural shade spots perfect for afternoon reading or beach picnics.

The resort’s beachfront spans a quiet stretch where guests can spread out without feeling crowded. Seaside loungers and beach umbrellas dot the coastline, adding comfort to the already peaceful atmosphere.

Activities and Amenities

Pool and spa services

I love spending time at Kahala’s pool and spa area during my visit.

• An oval-shaped swimming pool sits at the heart of the resort, featuring crystal-clear waters and a separate wading area perfect for kids.
• Kahala Spa provides world-class treatments in private rooms equipped with personal whirlpool tubs for ultimate relaxation.
• Massage services include Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, deep tissue, and couples treatments in oceanfront cabanas.
• A modern fitness center stays open 24 hours daily, stocked with cardio machines and free weights for workout enthusiasts.
• Fitness classes run throughout the day for $25 per session, ranging from yoga to high-intensity training.
• Private spa suites come with steam showers, changing areas, and relaxation lounges stocked with healthy refreshments.
• Spa packages combine multiple services like facials, body wraps, and massages for a full day of pampering.

Nearby snorkeling and hiking options

The Kahala Hotel sits close to some of Hawaii’s best outdoor spots. Adventure seekers will find amazing spots for both water and land activities right near the resort.

• Hanauma Bay offers world-class snorkeling just 10 minutes from the hotel. Guests must make reservations to swim with colorful fish and sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters.
• Diamond Head Crater presents an exciting hiking trail with stunning ocean views. The moderate 1.6-mile round trip takes about 2 hours to complete.
• Complimentary hotel bikes make exploring the quiet Kahala neighborhood a breeze. Guests can pedal along scenic coastal paths and discover hidden beaches.
• Koko Head trail delivers a challenging workout with 1,048 stairs to the top. Early morning hikes provide the best views of sunrise over the ocean.
• Makapu’u Lighthouse trail features whale-watching spots during winter months. The paved path stretches 2 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain.
• Sandy Beach Park attracts bodyboarders and experienced surfers. Strong currents make this spot better for watching than swimming.
• Kuliouou Ridge Trail leads through dense forest to mountain views. The 5-mile round trip hike shows off Oahu’s lush interior landscape.

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