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The Kahala Review

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The Kahala

Address: 5000 Kahala Ave., Kahala, Honolulu, HI, 96816 | Map It
Phone: 808/739-8888; 800/367-2525
Fax: 808/739-8800
www.kahalaresort.com

Price range: $$$$
Location: Honolulu Beyond Waikiki

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.4/5

Fodor's Review:

Hidden away in the wealthy residential neighborhood of Kahala (on the other side of Diamond Head from Waikiki), this elegant oceanfront hotel has played host to both presidents and princesses as one of Hawaii's very first luxury resorts. The Kahala is flanked by the exclusive Waialae Golf Links and the Pacific Ocean—surrounding it in a natural tranquility. Pathways meander out along a walkway with benches tucked into oceanfront nooks for lazy viewing offering an "outer island" experience only 10 minutes from Waikiki and Honolulu. The expansive oceanfront Chi Fitness Center offers outdoor yoga and Pilates. Fine dining is available at Hokus, or the poolside bar and grill will serve at your lounge chair on the beach. The reef not far from shore makes the waters here calm enough for young kids. You can also sign up for dolphin interactions in the 26,000-square-foot-lagoon. The rooms, decorated in an understated Island style with mahogany furniture, are spacious (550 square feet), with bathrooms with two vanities, and lanai big enough for a lounge chair. If you're a golf-lover visiting the second week of January, ask for a room overlooking the course for a bird's-eye view of the PGA Sony Open from your lanai. Pros: Away from hectic Waikiki, beautiful rooms and public spaces, heavenly spa. Cons: Waikiki is a drive away.

Hotel Details: 306 rooms, 32 suites
In-room: safe, refrigerator, Internet.
In-hotel: 5 restaurants, room service, bars, children's programs (ages 5-12), pool, gym, spa, beachfront, bicycles, parking (paid).
Credit Cards: AE, D, DC, MC, V

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by esernel from los angeles, cali on 3/2/09
Just returned from a wonderful 5 days at the redecorated Kahala and had a terrific time. We had a lanai room in the Koko Head wing overlooking the pool and the dolphin lagoon and the ocean which was spectacular. Our flight arrived very late and when we got to the hotel we had been pre-checked in so we were addressed by name, given our key and went to our room which had a good bottle of champagne and chocolate strawberries awaiting us. Having stayed at this wonderful property regulary over the years since it was the Kahala Hilton and watching it decline and come back up, I can happily say that this is the best place in Oahu. We did go to Waikiki and spent some time at the Halekulani which is nice, but it is always a pleasure to get away from the maddening crowd (although the downturn in economy has certainly hit Honolulu as it has hit elsewhere and it certainly wasn't as crowded as in the past), and we look forward to our return to the Kahala again soon

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Room: 5.0 Atmosphere: 5.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 5.0

Reviewed by AaronZZ from Faraway on 2/9/07
Not much has changed since Mandarin Oriental stopped managing the Kahala. Service is certainly better now and the staff seem genuinely happier than before. The place is in a bit of a time-warp but we like that aspect and the food has improved too. Rooms are getting a little shabby but are still quite comfy. We stayed a few days at the Hilton for convenience due to some commitments downtown but it was nice to get back here after that experience.