The Kahala

Honolulu, Oahu

PLATINUM HOTEL
Simply the best. All Platinum hotels are hand-picked by our experts to provide only the finest amenities, food, service and accommodation. Go on, you know you’re worth it.
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

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

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 (2796)
  • Very good (621)
  • Average (212)
  • Poor (96)
  • Terrible (81)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A memorable stay and an Accounting hiccup

Jul 21, 2021 gingla Los Angeles, California

We had a memorable stay in May highlighted by Dean in Concierge . He was pleasant and helpful . My Dolphin experience was delightful and kudos and a big shout out to Meg . I had giggles the whole time . Dining at the Plumeria was also great food and service . We appreciated the peace and quiet of the resort . The big letdown though is at the… Read more
We had a memorable stay in May highlighted by Dean in Concierge . He was pleasant and helpful . My Dolphin experience was delightful and kudos and a big shout out to Meg . I had giggles the whole time . Dining at the Plumeria was also great food and service . We appreciated the peace and quiet of the resort . The big letdown though is at the end . I had my bill printed the night before and morning after so I can review charges . I kept both copies . In June 7th I called to question a discrepancy of the credit card vs the bill I have . I asked for a review . It was only a week later after I called that I was transferred to Accounting . I spoke to Gordon and he was irritated to begin with . The bill I saw twice was missing a night charge. There was no apologies for the error and no explanation why it happened twice . I felt just dismissed . This was a late review and was compelled after receiving an email to come back . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Exceptional Resort and Hospitality

Jul 20, 2021 travelteachread

My husband and I enjoyed a relaxing and luxurious stay at the Ka’Hala Resort in July. Immediately upon our arrival, we received a warm Hawaiian welcome from Kelly S. We were impressed by the hotel’s beautiful décor and intimate atmosphere. All of the staff members were friendly, accommodating, and attentive to detail. Our room was clean, spacious… Read more
My husband and I enjoyed a relaxing and luxurious stay at the Ka’Hala Resort in July. Immediately upon our arrival, we received a warm Hawaiian welcome from Kelly S. We were impressed by the hotel’s beautiful décor and intimate atmosphere. All of the staff members were friendly, accommodating, and attentive to detail. Our room was clean, spacious and made it clear we were in paradise. The resort is located near many local sights and activities. The Ka’Hala resort exceeded our expectations and we cannot wait to visit again. Shoutout to Kelly S. for making us feel so welcome! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Breathtaking and Relaxing

Jul 20, 2021 NewJerseyTone Dumont, New Jersey

What can I say? Just AMAZING! The Kahala is the way to go if you want to be away from the noise from Waikiki . The resort is in a world of its own and is absolutely breathtaking. There’s the dolphin lagoon on one side, pool and beach on the other. The staff is the friendliest I’ve ever encountered. Housekeeping goes above and beyond!!!! I… Read more
What can I say? Just AMAZING! The Kahala is the way to go if you want to be away from the noise from Waikiki . The resort is in a world of its own and is absolutely breathtaking. There’s the dolphin lagoon on one side, pool and beach on the other. The staff is the friendliest I’ve ever encountered. Housekeeping goes above and beyond!!!! I left my sweater on the couch and she folded it so nicely. Everyday she came in and cleaned and we noticed the difference when we walked in from the beach or wherever. The restaurants on premise are amazing too! Everything was delicious! We didn’t have reservations for one of them and they did their best to get us in for dinner our first night here. They are a bit pricey but you do get what you pay for. The drinks anywhere in Hawaii seem to average about $20 each…..i may as well have gotten a virgin drink Bc you truly don’t taste any alcohol at all. But the drinks ARE delicious !!! You have to catch a cab for wherever you want to go. Cab rides were the way to go. Averaged anywhere about $30-35 each way. And the drivers were very friendly and informative… it was like having our own tour of the island each time. We recommend Charlie’s Taxi or The Kahala Cab. They are cheaper than Uber. I didn’t see any buses anywhere. The Kahala doesn’t have a shuttle bus, not sure if it’s due to covid or they just don’t offer it. The rooms are quiet. The rooms are big, along with the bathroom. It was great having my own vanity so I didn’t have to share it or wait for the husband to be done. The toilets have heated seats and they are Toto washlets. We were on the lagoon side and waking up to the view of the dolphins every morning was a plus! These dolphins are treated with the utmost respect and they are so spoiled too. You can tell that they are very happy where they are. Our room was situated steps away from the beach if you went to the left and steps away from the pool and seaside grill if you went to the right. I definitely recommend room 1231!!! The best of both worlds!! The beach is also very quiet and very clean. You do get others outside of the hotel, as it’s a public beach or the locals walking their adorable dogs on the beach. We did not mind this at all. We loved watching the dogs run into the ocean playing. They were friendly, and very well behaved. The sun is super strong and hot. So make sure you bring at least 50spf, nothing less and reapply often!! Covid protocols are in place. We don’t want to leave, as this is our last day here. We will definitely be back!!! Our stay here will be forever unforgettable! Mahalo Kahala !! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best stay at hotel

Jul 19, 2021 Rossko56

The experience at the Kahala hotel for our anniversary was the best we've ever had. Every single employee was helpful, friendly and went above and beyond to make our experience amazing. We are excited to make this an annual trip for our anniversary, so we will be back next year.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great resort

Jul 19, 2021 jmont428 Laguna Hills, California

First time staying at this resort and I can say that it was an overall great experience. Only thing I would say could use improvement is the quality of the drinks sold at the seaside grill. When looking at the lunch menus at the seaside grill and the plumeria restaurants, for the price you pay it’s not that great. Other than that it was a great… Read more
First time staying at this resort and I can say that it was an overall great experience. Only thing I would say could use improvement is the quality of the drinks sold at the seaside grill. When looking at the lunch menus at the seaside grill and the plumeria restaurants, for the price you pay it’s not that great. Other than that it was a great experience. Would definitely return. Read less