See our List of:
Favorite Overall Resorts


Our FAVORITE RESORTS for:
BEACHES
SPAS
SERVICE
ROOMS
GOLF
SNORKELING
DINING
SHOPPING
NIGHTLIFE





The Kahala Hotel & Resort


The Kahala Hotel & Resort is a dazzling, luxury resort located on a quiet beach in the plush Kahala district, just east of Diamond Head. The Kahala is famous for the Presidents and celebrities who have visited the property. The Kahala is a great option if you are looking for a quiet, secluded luxury property that is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of historic Waikiki, but close enough (Waikiki is only 10 minutes away) to enjoy the many attractions that Honolulu has to offer. At the Kahala you can get the best of both worlds; quiet, luxurious seclusion with all the glitz and glamour (and shopping) of Waikiki just a short ride away.

Here's our lowdown on The Kahala Hotel & Resort


- Our Favorites -

SERVICE - Cookies at Mild AlohaThe service at the Kahala was exceptional in all phases. The service at the beach is quick and efficient. The beach attendant was always attentive to our needs whether it be a cool glass of water, a tropical drink or fresh towels as we requested. The service in the restaurants and lounges was excellent and met all our expectations of a luxury resort. When we checked in I asked for a spa treatment the next morning. The spa was booked, but within an hour the spa had called me back and said they had worked a way to accommodate my request. This type of service was typical of the Kahala. If you love great service, you should love the Kahala

Kahala Spa Suites
Kahala Spa Suites - My FAVORITE!

SPA - The Kahala Spa Suites is my favorite Spa experience! You enjoy your treatment in your own personal suite that is spacious (550 sq. ft!) and magnificently appointed in traditional Hawaiian style with wood flooring, plantation shutter doors and island-style ceiling fans. The suites are just beautiful and give you a warm and inviting feeling ... traditional Hawaiian style. The Spa offers many treatment options, I chose the Lomi Lomi signature massage and it was perfect in every way. The Spa at Kahala does not have a relaxation room or common shower facility, but you can pay extra and enjoy your suite as your own private relaxation room. When you go to the Kahala Resort, DO NOT MISS a relaxing treatment at the Spa Suites. It will be one of the highlights of your stay!

Hoku Restaurant
Hoku

DINING - The food at Kahala was exceptional and worthy of a 5 star luxury resort. The Kahala boasts five restaurants, Hoku's, Tokyo-Tokyo, Plumeria Beach House, Seaside Grille and the Veranda. We enjoyed a drink at Veranda and the atmosphere, drinks and service were all excellent. Seaside Grille is a great open air, casual place to get some lunch or a tropical cocktail. Hoku, Toyko-Toyko and Plumeria Beach House all have their own vibe, but the constant among them all is great food. Each restaurant gives you a unique dining option; whether it's Sushi from Toyko-Toyko or Contemporary Island Cuisine at Hoku's or more traditional favorites at Plumeria Beach House. Whatever you look for in a dining experience, the Kahala gives you plenty of great options.

Dolphins Swimming DON'T MISS :
Dolphin Quest
- The Kahala has a 26,000 square foot lagoon that is home to six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. At Kahala you have the chance to interact with these amazing creatures up close and personal through their Dolphin Quest program. It's really an amazing program that provides the unique opportunity to interact with these dolphins in a very personal way. Even if you choose not to participate in the Dolphin Encounter, you can admire the dolphins and their "show" from many places around the lagoon. Whatever you do, don't miss taking some time to watch these amazing dolphins; you will be glad you did. For more info, click on: Dolphin Quest at the Kahala Hotel and Resort

- Other Good Stuff -

Beach - Beach at The Kahala Hotel & ResortThe beach at Kahala is an excellent place to lounge and soak up some Hawaiian sun. We had an attendant who helped us get set up and they were there to help us all day. The service was very good and worthy of a luxury property. The water in front of the hotel is calm, so it makes it very comfortable to take a quick dip and cool off from the hot sun. While it was not crowded when we were there, with the number of chairs it looks like it could get a little busy during the high season. But with the high caliber of service and the beautiful views, I would think that any minor issues would not cause for concern. Just sit back, enjoy the sun, scenery and service.

Kahala Resort Oceanview Room
Oceanview Room

Room - The rooms at Kahala were well appointed and very comfortable. The bathroom was large with nice amenities and a soaker tub which is something I always enjoy. There are many different room options, so you need to be careful to make sure you get the view you want. We stayed in a dolphin lanai room and the room was nice, but it's only 2 stories and only looks out on the lagoon. When we go again we will look at a room with more of a view, even if it's on the golf course side. But the room was very comfortable and the bed was comfy as well. Overall, we were very than happy with the room at the Kahala.

- And Our Not So Favorite Things -

Pool - For a resort of this size, the pool is very small and the lounges were close together. I guess there's not a lot the resort can do about this because they are space constrained. The service at the pool was good, but it just did not give you that luxury feel that we expect from 5 star hotels. The good thing is the beach is just a few feet away, so you could enjoy both. Still, the pool was not up to expectations. If you are really a pool person who wants an awesome, over the top pool experience, check on the hotel website to look at the pool so you are not surprised.

Price/Value - We found the rooms prices at the Kahala to be a bit high relative to the overall resort. What you do get at the Kahala is quiet and solitude which is somewhat unique for a resort in busy Honolulu. The great thing about Kahala is you are self contained with a beach, golf, many dining options, and good places to get a drink in the evening. Perhaps you pay a little more for the seclusion of Kahala, but the price is just something we found noteworthy. Once you get to the resort and begin to enjoy the luxury that the Kahala has to offer, you will only think of the beautiful, Hawaiian spirit of Aloha that Kahala captures so well.


Resort Information

The Kahala Hotel & Resort - [Link to Hotel Website] The Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816-5498

Hotel Photos
Room Rates
Guest Room Features
Special Offers


Resort Room Prices
When we travel, we always look for the best deal and do not mind traveling during the off season to get the lower prices. This means you may not get to travel at the optimal times based on Temperatures and Rainfall (see charts below). During the Holiday season, prices at The Kahala Hotel & Resort (like most properties) tend to increase. We usually find prices higher in Oahu (as well as all of Hawaii) during the summer months, but prices are dependent on occupancy rates. When we plan our trips, we usually assume higher prices in the summer months and try to avoid these and holiday periods, if possible.

Specials & Packages - Many times you can save some money by taking advantage of special offers from the resort. To see the latest packages that Kahala Hotel & Spa is offering, please click the following link: Specials & Packages.


Map of The Kahala Hotel & Resort

View Larger Map


Weather in Kahala on Oahu

The weather in Kahala, on the island of Oahu is your typical, tropical weather ... mild and beautiful year round. The weather on Oahu is diverse; it can be cooler and wet in the mountains right above Kahala, while the sun is warm and dry and inviting at the Kahala resort. Since Kahala is on the leeward side of the island, it tends to get less rain than other parts of Oahu. The most frequent forecast for Honolulu is cloudy or partly cloudy; this is because at some point in the day, you are probably going to get some clouds. But not to worry, this forecast is common for many areas in the tropics and doesn't necessarily mean rain. So be prepared for great weather at the Kahala Resort, and remember if you do get some rain it usually doesn't last very long.

We have been to Oahu many times and rarely have we had trouble with the weather. We like to go in early December and the weather is usually very nice. Any rain is usually just showers and many times we would be back out on the beach in an hour or so. We have always found the weather in Oahu to be great. If you go in the winter months, just realize you have a greater chance for rain, but remember, the sun is usually not far behind.

Chart of Rainfall in Kahala
Click to See Larger Chart

Rainfall - Whenever we go on vacation, trying to avoid rain is always high on our list. My husband is especially fanatical about this. In Hawaii, you get the most rain in the winter months from November to March. But even during the wet seasons, any rain does not usually last long. Also, there are so many micro climates on Oahu; you can have rain in one area and dry weather in another. Kahala is on the leeward side of the island that gets less rain than most places on Oahu. Kahala only averages about 28 inches of rain per year, so you have a good chance of getting dry weather if you choose Kahala. If you really want to avoid the chance of rain, the summer months offer the lowest rainfall of the year. It can cost more to travel during the high season summer months, but if you really want to avoid rain, this might be a good option for you.

Chart of Temperature in Waikiki
Click to See Larger Chart

Temperature - The chart at the right shows the average temperatures for Waikiki which is only 5 miles or so from Kahala. As you would expect the average temperatures (as well as the humidity) increase fairly significantly in the June-October time frame. The trade winds that blow from the northeast provide some relief from the heat, but it can still get fairly hot in the summer. It can get a little cooler during the winter months on Oahu, so it is a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket. Otherwise, sit back and be prepared to enjoy the magnificent Hawaiian weather. Don't forget your sunscreen.

Before you go to Oahu, or anywhere in the Hawaiian Islands, it is always wise to keep a watch on the weather.

Check out the latest weather for Honolulu on Oahu:



Hurricanes are not common for the Hawaiian Islands. Still, it is always good to keep watch on the weather before you leave for your tropical vacation.

To check for storms around Hawaii and the Central Pacific, please click the following link: National Hurricane Center: Central Pacific.

Or check the Accuweather Hurricane Center


[return to top of page]

Resort Pages
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Cap Juluca
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay
Halekulani
CuisinArt Resort & Spa
Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
Pink Sands Resort
The Royal Hawaiian
The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
Turks & Caicos Club
Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa
Turtle Bay Resort