The Kahala

Honolulu, Oahu

Virgin rating

Diamond Head Ocean View Room
Hoku's
Diamond Head Ocean View Room
Hoku's

The hotel

The Kahala has always been one of Hawaii's top hotels, with a celebrity guest list that's included nearly every president since Richard Nixon! Even Cond Nasté Traveller thinks it has the 'Best Rooms and Restaurants in the US'. And when you get there you'll see why. Your spacious room will overlook either the ocean, mountain or lagoon. There's a beautiful pool area to relax by and even the fitness centre has ocean views to give you a boost. When it comes to eating here, you can choose between four stylish restaurants - the award-winning Hoku's, with its innovative fusion menu, comes highly recommended.

Amenities

  • Scuba Diving
  • Windsurfing
  • Kids Club
  • Wheelchair access
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Valet parking

Where is it

Nestled on an exclusive crescent ivory sand beach, just east of Diamond Head on the island of Oahu.

Hotel information

338 rooms on 10 floors with 3 lifts. Newly renovated rooms all with air-conditioning, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, telephone, plush bathrobes, large bathrooms with Floris amenities, and hairdryer. Scenic Rooms sleep maximum 2 adults and 1 child (up to 17 years). Only rooms on the ground floor have a terrace.

Ocean View Rooms and Partial Ocean View Rooms, Ocean Front Rooms have a Juliet balcony. Ocean View Lanai Rooms, Ocean Front Lanai Rooms, Scenic with Lanai Rooms and Partial Ocean View Lanai Rooms, have full balconies with furniture and sleep maximum 2 adults and 1 child (up to 17 years).

4 restaurants: Hoku's (fine dining), Plumeria Beach House (à la carte and buffet), The Veranda (afternoon tea) and Seaside Grill. Swimming pool. Use of beachside chi health energy fitness centre with steam rooms, Jacuzzi and dry sauna. Award-winning spa suites. Water sports* including surfing* and scuba diving*. Keiki kids' club*. Guests are welcomed with a cool towel and Aloha lei at check in. Business centre. There is a free shuttle service to Waikiki with its shops, bars and restaurants. Valet or self-parking $32 plus tax per day (payable locally, subject to change).

Wheelchair accessible rooms available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page

*Denotes local charge.

Please note: There's a $8 daily donation for the Koa Tree Planting Fund (payable locally, subject to change).

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (3430)
  • Very good (701)
  • Average (247)
  • Poor (117)
  • Terrible (93)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The one of a kind Kahala! (With caveats.)

Apr 7, 2024 ImLivingMyDream San Francisco, California

The Kahala never fails to deliver! We just returned (our 5th!) and truly feel this is one of Oahu’s most special hotels. Perfectly sized, and tucked away in a lovely ocean front paradise, it’s a world away from the buzz of Waikiki. Unlike many other properties on Oahu, the lost art of customer service is alive and well at the Kahala. Almost… Read more
The Kahala never fails to deliver! We just returned (our 5th!) and truly feel this is one of Oahu’s most special hotels. Perfectly sized, and tucked away in a lovely ocean front paradise, it’s a world away from the buzz of Waikiki. Unlike many other properties on Oahu, the lost art of customer service is alive and well at the Kahala. Almost everyone we encountered was helpful and friendly, addressing us by our last name at every turn, inquiring about our stay, offering tips to better enjoy our visit. Without fail, at every turn, the staff and service at the Kahala is superior to properties elsewhere in Oahu. BUT THERE ARE SOME CAVEATS that may be deal breakers for some vacationers. First, the pool is modest in size with very limited chaise lounges and was overrun by screaming kids our entire stay, all day long. They left no room in the pool to have an adult experience (ie. free from toys, splashing, screaming in my face.) We decamped to the on-site beach but lost access to the wait staff for drinks, food, towels. At this point, we gave up on returning to the pool/beach area and went off property for our water/sun activities. Second caveat: the diminished condition of the rooms. While generous in size, with spectacular views and outfitted with every luxurious room amenity possible, there is a worn-out and slightly shabby feel to the rooms. At this price point, the carpet stains, threadbare upholstery, scratched walls and scuffed furniture is really disappointing. We enjoy the Kahala so much but have to wonder how much longer we can overlook these shortcomings for a proper Hawaiian vacation. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Our stay

Mar 31, 2024 thejohnsons556 Amberg, Germany

We decided to visit this hotel for a staycation outside Central Oahu. Parking was easy enough in the self park garage and check in was quick and so courteous. We strolled the property and then decided to swim. Well. That didn’t happen. Pool was packed and overrun with kids running back and forth between the smaller Keiki pool and the larger adult… Read more
We decided to visit this hotel for a staycation outside Central Oahu. Parking was easy enough in the self park garage and check in was quick and so courteous. We strolled the property and then decided to swim. Well. That didn’t happen. Pool was packed and overrun with kids running back and forth between the smaller Keiki pool and the larger adult pool. We found a few empty loungers and I was surprised that no staff member confirmed we were guests. We watched the dolphin quest participant show for awhile and it was very cute. Checked out the spa and the rest of the stores. Had dinner at Plumeria House and it was okay; the seafood buffet is Friday and Saturday. It’s $90pp but the food quality/selection is reminiscent of a $50 buffet and you’re paying for the view/ambience. I can’t really recommend the buffet because there’s better food for much less. Pool is 24 hours so we decided to try again later in the evening. Around 630, the pool was deserted; it was a nice swim, quiet and the water was warm. Later in the evening I wasn’t feeling well and visited the front desk. The sundries shop closed at 6, but they will open it for guests in need. They were very kind to open the door so I could get some OTC medication and charged to our room. The next morning we walked the beach and watched the dolphins. The pool is really quiet in the AM also. Overall we enjoyed the stay but I wouldn’t stay again, unfortunately. The room was a little rundown, thought I’m sure there are nicer rooms. The carpet was stained, tiles chipped, bathroom mirror was dirty, the little things. I think if you’re coming here for vacation and are looking for a nice spot outside crowded Waikiki, this is a good option. My review is based on experience for the price, only. There’s good and bad and in relation to the price, I found it average. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Quiet and beautiful place to stay

Mar 31, 2024 Sato Y Nagoya, Japan

I have visited as a honeymoon trip. We enjoyed food at all restaurants. Especially breakfast was great in beautiful ocean and gentle breeze. The hotel and room was well maintained and prepared. We spent a good time in traditional atmosphere.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Luxury at its Best

Mar 29, 2024 Kristeen808

Our room was directly on the beach. Outstanding. Staff were all cordial & pleasant. Valet is extremely efficient managing patrons from the restaurants, golf club, and hotel guests. Met my expectations in every way.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Treated Like Family

Mar 27, 2024 KJCjeff Waipahu, Hawaii

Thank you so much to the Kahala Staff (for the best staycation experience0 for my Family and I. Jock at the front desk, provided an AMAZING upgrade and my two sons were able to watch the dolphins from our balcony and we were a stairway away from the beach. We felt so special because of the room and friendly staff. Special doesn't fully describe… Read more
Thank you so much to the Kahala Staff (for the best staycation experience0 for my Family and I. Jock at the front desk, provided an AMAZING upgrade and my two sons were able to watch the dolphins from our balcony and we were a stairway away from the beach. We felt so special because of the room and friendly staff. Special doesn't fully describe how awesome we felt... we were treated like family!!!! THANK YOU Read less