The Kahala Hotel & Resort

I have not been to the Kahala Hotel in FOREVER. It was «our place» with an ex-​fiancée from a billion years ago, and where we ate the night he proposed. I was 18.
We did not make it to the altar.
Right.
On my most recent visit, I did not actually stay in a room and have no idea what the rooms look like. With that said, this is what I DID do:
–CHECK OUT THE CREATURES:
Have you had a stingray swim up to you and check you out? Have you viewed sea turtles being fed from 2 feet away? Have you had dolphins pop their heads up a foot and a half in front of you and wait for you to take their pictures?
You have? Since you live on an island?
WELL. Have you seen a 500-​something pound dolphin leap out of the water onto some wet mats and hang out for a while as people pour water over it and place a funnel thing on its spout? Eh? EH!!!
No. No you haven’t. Shhh, you haven’t.
But I have because I was at the Kahala Hotel on Monday, and it was grand.
I should feel bad for the dolphins? I know. But it was still really cool.
–EAT AT THE PLUMERIA BEACH HOUSE
I was full after the crusty mini ciabatta bread basket.
Then I was more full after the tomato-​basil soup.
Then I was excessively full after the chicken breast and mashed potatoes and finally, during the three sorbet dessert I gave up and stopped eating because my shorts were becoming too tight.
I also drank at least three and a half tall glasses of iced tea and was BLAZING WITH KNOWLEDGE AND PURPOSE because I never, ever drink caffeine. I blame the impeccable wait service that continuously filled my glass without me knowing. I didn’t need that. I needed an obnoxious waiter saying «Well, you’ve have at least two full glasses, are you sure you want another one? You don’t seem like you metabolize caffeine well.»
Everything tasted great with the exception of my children’s vanilla ice cream, which tasted like a freezer. But they still ate it. They don’t have the most discerning palates when it comes to frozen dairy.
–LOSE MY DANG VALET TICKET
I have a small purse.
I have a monstrously gigantic cell phone that I deeply regret purchasing.
The combination of those two things made me, at some point, lose my valet ticket. I was probably trying to take a picture of a turtle.
This caused much panic in my over-​caffeinated body as the sign at the valet desk very threateningly claims they will fine you $ 60 for a lost ticket. I did not want to pay $ 60 because I took a turtle photo. I wanted to pay NO dollars and have my car brought to me and then tip $ 6 and feel slightly generous.
Fortunately, the friend that threw the thing that brought my children and I down to the hotel were actual, legit guests and that made it very easy to straighten out.
Valet desk: «What kind of car?»
Me: «Um. Decrepit white Toyota Camry? ’95? Dusty? A car probably unlike all other cars parked in your garage?»
Valet desk: «Okay, I think we got it»
And they did and I did not have to pay $ 60 and they were super nice and non-​judgmental and said they have crappy cars all the time that are much, much worse than my car.
I take that as a compliment.
So YES. I enjoyed my day at the Kahala Hotel and would absolutely go there again.
I am also a fan of their very high ceilings. «So often high ceilings can be effective»
If you know that quote, I love you.
The End.

I had a massage here and was a little disappointed to pay $ 160 and find the amenities in a separate area. There is no «easy flow «to get from hot tub (which is separate from spa in a locker room) to the massage. After your jacuzzi, you have to walk through the hotel (and get dressed again) to get the massage.
There is no area to sit after either in robe /​have tea ect.
The massage was ok and room was beautiful but it’s not a nice few hour experience (with lounging /​relaxation).
Maybe the spa has a different set up now. This is a few months ago.
I assumed the shower /​jacuzzi /​massage /​tea after would all flow together like the other high end spas in town.

As the other reviews suggest; great service, high end, pricey, and located in a quiet part of the island. The surrounding area is the «Beverly Hills of Honolulu. My concern in the Dolphins that are locked in a closet of a «swimming pool». These Mammals travel 15 – 25 miles a day. But are housed in tiny pools where they are penned in most of the time. The «performance» pool is open only when they are working.
The irony is the ocean in only a hundred yards away from their prison. As the pimp would say about his ho’s, «yeah they love it.» They are well taken care of as he counts the dollars they bring. $ 125 for 10 minutes with the dolphin to $ 310 for 1.5 hours. Per Person.
Their brochure states «be inspired make a difference». I agree. Stop the abuse of marine life for our photo ops. They offer all the photo ops in the beautiful ocean where they were meant to live.
Please let them know, that photo op they provide to your family, is at the cost of taking families apart and locking them in area comparable to you being locked in a broom closet for the rest of your life. 25 – 50 years depending on species.
The property is beautiful. I returned this year after two decades, but was quickly sadden by watching these majestic creatures in prison. I will not return due to the abuse of these poor Dolphins.

Great service and wonderful ambiance. Only thing to change is the valet parking area could be farther away from the lounge.
Music is wonderful and food at all restaurants is divine.

Went for high tea and it was wonderful. Tea choices great and the finger sandwiches were tasty! The desserts were awesome and delicious! Being able to also enjoy the great weather too!
Please go there with your friend or family member!

Wow! Thats the thought that crept in my head as my wife and I rolled into this place. This was, by far, probably the nicest hotel I have ever been to. This was no ordinary trip, it was my honeymoon, so we had to go all out… and thats what the kahala is, all out!
The grounds are beautiful, the rooms are huuuge, and they even come around and give you chocolates and waters throughout the day. This hotel only had one flaw for me (which also was its biggest draw) … it is set outside waiakiki beach, and if you do not have a car, you have to take a cab back and forth (15mins or so) which can become kind of a pain. If you plan on just hanging in one spot, this is your place. Everything was incredibly beautiful and well done.

We are staying here in Hawaii for 9 nights, so we chose this hotel because we like a calm, quiet and relaxing place for our honeymoon. The staff is so friendly. The view from our room is amazing!!! The room is very spacious. The restroom has a his and her side. I love how they have a separated bath tube and shower. Thanks to the staff at Kahala!!!

My wife and I stayed here for our honeymoon and it was incredible. For being my first time on the island, the place exceeded any expectations I thought I had.
PROS:
1) Staff was extremely welcoming – we were greeted with leis and our check-​in process went smoothly. Thanks for the partial ocean view upgrade!
2) Our room was beautiful and comfortable. They welcomed us with a bottle of wine and a card congratulating us on our wedding.
3) The hospitality suite was very convenient – it was steps away from our room and offered free beverages, a computer workstation, and lounge areas.
4) The breakfast buffet (a more detailed and separate review) was the highlight of our stay.
5) The grounds was beautiful and we spent a couple days not leaving the resort because of the convenience of the quiet beach steps away from our room.
6) The location of the hotel was beautiful and we loved that it was away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, but close enough of a drive if we wanted to drive out there.
7) Not so many kids! Although it’s family friendly, it definitely didn’t have tons of children running around. Perfect for couples.
CONS:
1) The toilet in our room was dirty when we checked in, but housekeeping immediately came to clean it upon request.
2) The sound of shuttles/​buses beeping as they backed up was heard from time to time. It was overlooking the front of the hotel with a partial ocean view. But it wasn’t a big deal.
3) A lightbulb for one of the lamps in the room might have been out – but it didn’t ruin our stay.
4) Parking is pricey – $ 32/​day for self-​parking or valet. But the lot is very close by.
This was the perfect place for our honeymoon. I can’t say enough good things about this place. We wouldn’t hesitate to return here for another vacation.

The hotel is a 5 star resort, impressive entrance, valet service or self park if you like. We went here for a outdoor wedding, passing the pool, the honu, and dolphins along the beach front back drop, drizzled but it was only a Hawaiian blessing. The staff was very attentive, immediately upon returning to the hotel they offered a drink, we had the lava flow, our host to this event spared no expense, open bar and pupus while we waited to enter the dining room. The buffet was amazing along with the desert selections. $$$$

We just had our 30 people wedding there, Joseph is our on-​site coordinator and he did a fantastic job, always staying on top of everything and responding in-​time.
Don’t be scared by the $$$$, the wedding package is actually quite reasonable compared with other places, given the fact that you will have a guaranteed awesome services. I’d suggest you stick to the vendors they recommended since they deliver service with good quality, plus knowing the people in the hotel and familiar with the setting is very helpful.
Other than that, great service, totally worth the money that you put down!

Amazing Hotel. Honolulu classic. Great spot amazing restaurants. Away from all yet still a cab away from some of the greatest restaurants around.
I love this place.

We’ve just returned home after stay at the Kahala. Here’s what makes it a 5 star experience:
1. Service: from the lei greeting at valet, to the front desk staff, housekeeping, bartenders, and restaurant servers, even the guys at the pool desk — our needs were met and exceeded. My favorite service moment was when the guys at valet asked how my surf lesson was the day before. How lovely that they remembered! Always sent us off with water and towels, and encouraged our safe driving in the rain. When we came back with supplies from the ABC store from our trip into Waikiki, they shared that there was a Whole Foods market for anything else we needed.
2. Beautiful spacious room, elegant bathroom: we were upgraded to a golf course, facing partial ocean view. It’s the kind of hotel room that feels like home, huge closets, robes, slippers, tons of drawer space, plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable. Amazing tub, loved that the shower had a line to dry our swimsuits.
3. Peace & quiet: on the outside of Diamond Head, the Kahala feels like a sanctuary. No hustle and bustle, no crowds and luaus. It’s open and welcoming and a place to relax and enjoy. So charming to see many weddings taking place during our stay, and the set up and photos went with the flow. Nothing was disruptive about it.
Note: we dined at The Verandah for drinks and snacks one night and had room service another night, otherwise we ate off property as we love to explore and find the neighborhood gems. No complaints, but certainly not as lovely as the resort itself.
We also participated in one of the Dolphin Quest experiences, which the concierge booked for us in advance of our stay — Dolphin Quest is operated independently of the Kahala. We enjoyed it fully and were well taken care of in all of our communications with the hotel in making the arrangements.
The Kahala is not for everyone, but it most definitely works for me.

Dolphins? Check. Turtle? Check. Sting Ray? Check. Amazing ocean view? Check. Amazing food? Check. This is a 5 star property, it is older, but the amenities here are top notch.
This is a great alternative to get away from the busy Waikiki Beach area. Fri/​Sat amazing seafood buffet. Well worth the money. And during the day the French ‘maui onion’ soup is out of this world. Don’t think I’ve had better french ‘maui onion’ soup.
The new Arancino restaurant is top notch Italian.
If you have never been this is well worth the visit, and the drive from Waikiki is pretty gorgeous, go the scenic route along the ocean instead of around diamond head, and you’ll see some gorgeous oceanfront properties on the way to kahala hotel
The parking is almost always full, and the open spots that you do find are for valet only, so save yourself the hassle and time, and just valet park it. Spend a little money on the food and drinks and you can get 4 hours of parking validation!

The Kahala is a classic hotel hotspot for celebrities in Honolulu but unfortunately it was our least favorite of the 3 we stayed in Hawaii.
The outside structure is extremely unmemorable but the lobby is stunning. The service was impeccable and everyone greeted us with a smile and a helping hand. While we waited for our room, we stopped at the lounge where they have computers and beverages.
We finally got our room a few hours later. They «upgraded» us to a balcony room but it was facing the entryway so there were cars driving in and out at all times of day. The room was very large but extremely antiquated. I get that sometimes you want to maintain a certain feel but I think you also need to keep up with the times. Someone brought up a complimentary bottle of champagne, which was very nice. There’s also turn-​down service.
The grounds were lack-​luster. There is ONE pool (and a teeny tiny kids pool). The beach was eh. Barely any loungers or umbrellas to shield yourself from the sun. There were a few very expensive restaurants on the grounds. We ate at Plumeria one day which was decent but not worth the hefty pricetag.
There is literally nothing around the hotel. Yes, its secluded from the hustle and bustle from Waikiki but there was nowhere to escape without the shuttle, a taxi, or a very long walk. Even the local mall was a 20 minute walk and it was not a good mall. The shuttle only comes at most once an hour and also has to be reserved which is inconvenient when you don’t know how long you need at a place you’ve likely never been before. On our first day, the shuttle failed to pick us up from the Ala Moana center so we had to take a cab back, but they were nice enough to credit the ride.
The one cool thing was the dolphins and other sea life at the resort. The trainers always answered your questions. You could just walk past the dolphins at any time of day and watch them. However, they charge an arm and a leg if you want to play with the dolphins inside the lagoon.
I have no doubts that this hotel was amazing in its prime 10 – 20 years ago but now with so many upscale hotels, they really need to step up its game a notch.

A quiet and calm haven for those searching for a reprieve from the busy Waikiki. You’re greeted at the entrance with a lei before you step into an open lobby with high ceilings and large windows that face the pool/​ocean. Immediately relaxing and calming. The rooms are large and spacious and include turn down service. The private pool and beach are just a few steps from the rooms, which is highly convenient. We loved passing the dolphin and sea turtle lagoon on our way to and from the rooms. The private beach is amazing — I didn’t truly appreciate this until we stayed in Waikiki a few nights later. Seriously take advantage of the uncrowded waters!
The only drawback I saw was the limited number of food options around. You basically have the 3 or 4 restaurants on the property, but I guess this is the trade off for being in a more private and remote area. So bring lots of snacks with you for snacking throughout the day!
All in all, such a relaxing and romantic place to stay. The service is top notch, as expected, and the sunset views are the perfect extra touch. Hope I get to come back here again soon! Mahalo!

Friend’s wedding on Thursday, 4÷2÷15 (first time visiting)
I took Über to reach this hotel for my friend’s wedding and the drive from Waikiki Beach was amazing. We passed by the beach, beautiful residential houses, and a small beach with a picnic area.
This review will not be for the hotel stay since we were only here for the wedding.
Upon arrival to Kahala hotel, you’ll see the large lot of buildings to accommodate guests. It looks peaceful and extravagant although a bit outdated. We walked through the hotel past the swimming pool towards the ocean for the wedding ceremony situated outside some of the hotel rooms where guests were admiring the newly weds.
After the ceremony, we waited by the waterfall next to the reception room where they served us appetizers and drinks. It’s a nice background for pictures and for guests to relax and chat. The ballroom was a bit small with 8 tables but everything fit in just fine. There was a decent-​sized dance floor, an L-​shaped buffet table for dinner and dessert, a table for two reserved for the bride and groom, and a guest sign-​in table at the entrance.
Throughout the night, the servers were friendly and attentive. The venue was clean and was presentable for pictures.

We have been here before. In October 2014 the resort was sold to a Japanese businessman. This time we came December 26-​January 5 and currently we are still here but feel compelled to write since this place has severely deteriorated in service, food and property!
Pool: no one sets up lounges with towels. When we asked for help we were told to go to the beach and get our own towels. Pool tiles and lip off edge are chipped and missing tiles. Please see the pictures I’ve attached.
Room service: Every time something is missing or wrong. For example: other person’s meal missing, salad arrives without dressing, omelet arrives with wrong or no cheese, toast ice cold that butter won’t melt, items forgotten, etc.
Attitude: New Years Eve security harassed us and would not let us through doors leading outside to get to our lanai room. After arguing he let us through yet never once asked to see a key or proof. If he was security he wasn’t doing his job and he was nasty to guests.
All restaurants now use same chef and kitchen! Hoku’s used to be a foodie fish restaurant. It now serves the same catch of the day, same preparation, same presentation as the coffee shop downstairs. Today New Year’s Day there was a brunch buffet in all restaurant. Seating was not available to us as hotel guests since they overbooked guests from outside the hotel! By comparison, Sandy Lane on Barbados would never let this happen! See picture!
One used to compare this hotel and resort to the Four Seasons on Maui. Now– no comparison!
BTW: employees are annoyed when asked questions. Operator sighs and is annoyed to transfer call. Receptionist at breakfast has no smile!
By the way: the one star star is for the waitress at the pool today. She has got it together and was terrific!
Update: Masa a front manager spoke to us. Took care of most of our issues and apologized for others. This was genuine and was very welcome! He is a keeper!
Still: pool needs repair, pool and beach lounges need repair and cushions are thinner than they used to be, pool towels old, stained and ripped, food at all restaurants is poor quality with limited menus, buffet breakfast priced 5 star resort yet mediocre, workout faculty is old and only water from a cooler with cone cups! This is not a five star resort anymore!

This was my husband birthday and our
10 year anniversary so I thought it would be a great place to go boy was I wrong…
December Christmas Day you would think that almost a thousand a night you would hire extra service staff or try to train your employees on the busy time of the year it
Was over 20 minute wait for a beach chair the gentleman didn’t seem happy to be at work it was as if you are bothering the beach employee!
Then we left hotel in our rental car that was parked at the kahala valet parking to go to longs drug store for about one hour no one in valet informed us that you could not get back in to park because they had very special vip guest visting and security told me it was not the hotel fault that I could thank my USA government so we had to lug all of our packages from the self parking area that is not close at all to the room!
After I went and told Joe the front desk supervisor he told me sorry everything was
Sold out and I could not leave but I would Not be getting my prepaid money back but if I didn’t like it I could leave but you will get nothing! No sorry what can I do for you it was only until I blew up did he say sorry!
So then my husband and I went to lunch
At the hotel Italian restaurant went up stairs
For one second to get something in my room while coming back downstairs I was chased by Joe because again they where blocking the area just as I stepped my foot out the door then joe chased me down and escorted me to the restaurant I found this odd and rude!
Next day Dec 26 everything was fine leave to go to dinner come back and we where told again sorry you can’t park in valet again
It was only for drop off!!! Why can’t they have unregistered guest park in self park???
Then at ten pm at night my husband and I where laying in bed husband sleeping both naked and I here loud knock on my door
I say who is it now they have 3 security guards and the front desk person say
Something was burning in our room
And they had reports asked if we had anything burning and basically accused of
Us for smoking I the room and was as a matter of fact with him my ms you we have already paid so it looks like they find every reason to make your stay hell!!!
Then this morning go to eat and they have a large group of tourists that where not staying at the hotel in line for breakfast. We had to wait until the hostess could sort out the tourists. This is ridiculous considering what we are paying and that we had been to the restaurant 4 times before and been greeted by the same hostess each time.
The service at this hotel seems to be better if you are not a registered guest. I recommend that it’s a place to visit not a place to stay.
Everything is someone else’s fault or you are challenged to leave with no refund. What kind of answers are these. My husband called the general manager of the resort two days ago and he still has not returned his call. This lack of response is what drives the service. Shame on him, I will make sure that every person that will listen to me will know how we have been treated!!!

Not including the magnificent view and the cool dolphins… This place has impeccable service.
When entering before checking in, they greet your with shell leis why may for a great souvenir as well. They offer morning papers as well in case you are interested and have daily free activities such as lie making, hula lessons, etc.
We spent 2 nights here relaxing and eating good food. The view from our room was amazing. The ocean view was so calming. There were 2 lounge chairs on the balcony where you could read, eat, or drink and enjoy the scenic views. In fact, every way you looked the view was fantastic! I loved that I could just go down the the lagoon and see the dolphins playing. I captured se great photos and videos of it. I love dolphins so this was a great plus. They have an option to swim with them I think but we had already done the one in the ocean.
One day we weren’t able to make the breakfast due to an early excursion that we planned. It was no worries be uses the hotel made sure we were able to get room to our door before we left for the day which was very accommodating.
Overall, it was an amazing experience and I’ll never forget it!

I didn’t stay here but stopped by the grounds at my mother’s insistence that I needed to see this place. My first tip is listen to your mother she knows best.
Next tip is you need to pay to park here, like $ 5.00 every 20 minutes or spend $ 28.00 at the resort and get free 4 hour validation. Enjoy a nice dinner or enjoy a few cocktails and park for free.
Let’s cut to the chase. They’ve got live dolphins in a large pond. You can get pretty close to them. It’s awesome. Words cannot describe how cool this is.
Also on the ground is a beautiful waterfall. See my picture below. Just looking at the waterfall (the white water on the black lava rocks) and hearing the sounds of rushing water is so relaxing.
The beach here is just on the other side (east) of Diamond Head and away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. You need a close quite beach. Found one.
I’m going to save up and stay here one day. I look forward to posting that review in my future.