The Kahala Hotel & Resort is one of the most lovely hotels on Oahu. Set in the residential neighborhood of Kahala, it's secluded but still close to everything. A favorite among local families and visitors. Don't forget to visit the spa and enjoy afternoon tea ^_^
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Location
The majority of hotels on Oahu are in Waikiki (including Halekulani Hotel, Queen Kapiolani Hotel, The Twin Fin Hotel, and Kaimana Beach Hotel).
There are also a few hotels in Ko Olina (like Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa).
The Kahala is special because it's set away in the quiet residential neighborhood of Kahala. What's extra nice is that it's only a 15 minute drive from Waikiki so you're not too far from anything.
There's not a lot to do in the immediate area, and not much you can walk to aside from the beach...but that's part of the appeal!
Rent a car if you plan to explore the island. Or you can just enjoy the hotel (there's plenty to do without leaving) and have a truly relaxing holiday.
What Makes The Kahala Hotel Special?
The Kahala Hotel has been around since 1964. It was a big part of our lives growing up in Hawaii. So many things took place here. Birthday parties, graduation celebrations, family vacations. During junior year of high school I remember many colleges hosting presentations at this hotel!
The Kahala was a Hilton hotel when it first opened. Then in the 1995, it turned into the Kahala Mandarin Oriental (many people consider this the golden era of the hotel).
In 2005, it became The Kahala Hotel & Resort (and an independent hotel). Most recently, the hotel was purchased by Resorttrust in 2014 (a hotel group that operates luxury resorts in Japan).
Cool fact: Every US president from Lyndon B. Johnson to Barack Obama has stayed at The Kahala.
Dining
Plumeria Beach House
Plumeria is the main restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's on the ground floor of the hotel, nice oceanfront setting!
I like the tables that are two tables set away from the outermost tables (pictured below) because the birds can get aggressive.
Breakfast is a fun buffet. Pricey but has a fun selection including their popular thin pancakes (like halfway between regular pancakes and crepes). In addition to classic breakfast staples they also have mochi waffles, Hawaiian sweetbread French toast, and lots of local fruit. They don't have a separate bakery/cafe in the hotel but you can purchase pastries to-go if you don't want to commit to a full breakfast. They also have an a la carte breakfast option.
Lunch is often busy with visitors and locals (it's a popular spot for ladies who lunch, business meetings, and birthday lunches). Menu includes many local dishes like saimin, loco moco, and miso butterfish...I always order the miso butterfish.
Dinner is nice especially if you book it for sunset time (views are gorgeous). They have a seafood dinner buffet on Friday and Saturdays. They recently launched a Hawaiian food buffet on Sunday nights! I definitely want to check that out soon, it sounds delicious. Note: Plumeria is closed for dinner on Tuesday and Wednesdays.
P.S. The Kahala is famous for bread pudding (which I've been enjoying for over two decades...including back when they used to have a dessert buffet!) The bread pudding is not on all their menus, so if you see it, make sure to order it.
Hoku's
Hoku's is The Kahala's fancy restaurant. Tasting menu dinners and big Sunday brunch buffet. I haven't been back in years so will be sure to update this section when I do ^_^
The Veranda
This is where you can have afternoon tea. Love the bright and breezy open air feel and high ceilings. Definitely one of my most visited dining venues at The Kahala. I've been having afternoon tea here since middle school.
The afternoon tea has gone through many changes and it's been so neat to see it evolve over the years. Here's a recap of The Kahala's afternoon tea service (make reservations in advance).
They also serve a light lunch and dinner menu at The Veranda. And on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights they have live music from 6-9pm (here's the music lineup schedule). There's no cover charge and it's a nice and relaxing way to spend the evening.
Seaside Grill
This is The Kahala's poolside bar and restaurant. Think mai tais (very tasty) and burgers and poke bowls served poolside. People usually dine here only when they are staying at the hotel though the Seaside Grill is open to everyone.
Arancino at The Kahala Hotel & Resort
We love Arancino! Italian but with Japanese sensibilities. Arancino has multiple locations but the one at The Kahala is our favorite. A beautiful and welcoming spot and the housemade focaccia is awesome. They are also kid friendly.
My favorite dishes: the uni pasta (perhaps their most popular pasta), cacio e pepe (kids love this one because it's finished tableside in a cheese wheel), and the salt-crusted sea bass. Get the tasting menu if you want to try their greatest hits. It's a good spot for family dinners, date night, and special occasions.
Rooms
There is a wide range of rooms and suites at The Kahala. In terms of views you can pick between golf/mountain views and ocean view.
We booked a golf/mountain view this time. It's one of their more affordable rooms and the prices were fair with the kama'aina rate. We paid about $400/night.
The rooms are large (which is really nice because lots of new/hip hotels tend to have smaller rooms) but they are dated. I heard they're doing renovations soon, so will be sure to come again after renovations.
Fun note: the chocolate the give at turndown service is made by Maui Ku'ia Estate Chocolate. It's one of my favorite local chocolate companies.
Spa
Hotel spas in Hawaii are great. And it's not only tourists who go! Locals also love going for a special treat. Each hotel spa experience is very different and at The Kahala I like how each guest has a large private treatment room (changing and treatment happens in the same room). The spa rooms are actually former hotel suites.
Only downside is that they don't have much in the way of facilities to relax in post-treatment. Here's a recap of a visit with my friend Steph. We did a combo facial and massage treatment for her birthday followed by lunch at Plumeria. It was wonderful ^_^
Traveling With Kids
A definite yes! This trip was my first time staying at The Kahala with a baby and they were very welcoming.
The hotel rooms are on the older side but they are also on the larger side. Which means...plenty of room for a crib. I requested a crib in the reservation notes but it wasn't in the room when we checked in. So I just called and they brought it up shortly after. There's no charge for a crib.
They also gave baby a little stuffed dolphin. He loved it and carried it around the hotel our entire stay. Now it's part of our stuffed animal collection.
There's also a kid's pool which my son loved. The pool was busy and noisy (a lot of families with little kids stay at this hotel), but it also fun for him to socialize with other kids.
They also have a couple of kid specific activities that are free (see section below).
Now I feel like I should revisit all the Hawaii hotels so that I can update my hotel posts with baby/kid info and tips heheh.
Pool and Beach
They have two pools (one for everyone and another for little kids) and one hot tub. The pools were fairly busy our entire stay (except for one rainy morning which is when I took the photo above), though we were always able to get a lounger. Loungers are first come, first serve. Cabanas that are available for rent.
The Kahala is a beachfront property and the beach here is nice and secluded (unlike the beaches in Waikiki). If having quiet beach time is a priority, this alone is a good reason to pick Kahala over a Waikiki hotel.
Guest Activities
Many luxury hotels offers a range of complimentary activities for guests. They usually post the schedule in the lobby. If you don't see it, just ask the front desk.
We joined several activities including lei making and lauhala weaving. They also have classes like coconut husking and hula.
For those with kids, they offer keiki art class for kids 5 and up and an ocean education class (which takes place in a dedicated kid's rooms, very cool).
The classes are free. You can just walk in to most of the classes, but some require reservation.
Gift Shop
I love hotel gift shops and the one at The Kahala is awesome! They're celebrating their 60th anniversary this year so have tons of new / limited edition items. From totes to stuffed animals and clothing, it's all pretty cute ^_^
Parking
Overnight hotel guests: The hotel offers valet or self parking for $50 per day. Don't forget to tip the valet. Sometimes you can get parking included in the room rate if you book a package/special offer.
For guests visiting for an event or a meal like breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, etc: The hotel offers 4 hours free parking (valet or self parking) with a minimum $50 purchase.
Downsides
- The rooms are older and a bit worn down.
- The pool area is always packed and noisy, lots of kids (which can be a good thing if you're also traveling with kids, but can be a downside if you were looking for peace and quiet).
The Kahala Hotel: Insider Tips
- Are you kama'aina? They often special kama'aina pricing (which is how we booked our stay). Parking is usually included the kama'aina deals which is super helpful.
- The spa also offers a special kama'aina rate on spa services (and products). If you're not local, they also have monthly promotions and specials. Check online or call the spa to ask about the promotions before booking.
- Try to book your stay so that at least one night falls on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. That way you can enjoy the live music at The Veranda (from 6-9pm).
- Free coffee and tea for hotel guests is offered every morning from 6-8:30am. Self-serve with tea selection from a local company (the set up is on the ground floor, right when you get out of the elevators).
- Celebrating a special occasion or birthday? Let them know in your reservation notes, they often include a complimentary sweet treat.
- Guest activities (like lei making, lauhala weaving, etc) is also free to kama'aina! I feel like many people don't know this...we definitely didn't before this staycation. Such a good way to connect with the community.
The Kahala Hotel: Info
- www.kahalaresort.com
- The Kahala - Instagram account
- 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816
- (808) 369-9471
Mahalo for Reading!