The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Resort hotel · Kahala ·
Luxury resort with private beach, dolphin lagoon, and fine dining
Luxury resort with private beach, dolphin lagoon, and fine dining
"One of the Readers’ Choice Award winners clustered in Honolulu, the Kahala Hotel & Resort sits at the foot of Diamond Head and is presented as a top choice for visitors looking to stay near the capital’s iconic sights." - Rachel Cheng
"When you want Honolulu minus the crowds, this is the go-to: a blissfully quiet beach, friendly, personal service, and four high-end restaurants delivering some of the island’s best cooking. Activities abound—scuba, surfing, and stand-up paddle lessons are standard—and a family of dolphins lives in an on-site lagoon under the care of trainers and marine biologists. Opened a little over a half-century ago in an upscale neighborhood on the far side of Diamond Head, its opulence and audacious location quickly made it the place to stay, hosting entertainers, heads of state, and every American president since Lyndon Johnson." - Michael He
"After a dramatic jump in the rankings this year, this upscale Oahu property drew raves from readers, including calls of it being a favorite among travelers who’ve visited every island, reflecting strong enthusiasm for its overall guest experience." - Hannah Selinger Hannah Selinger Hannah Selinger is a James Beard Award-nominated lifestyle writer based in Boxford, Massachusetts. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A celebrity favorite since the 1960s, The Kahala Hotel and Resort has hosted numerous famous guests. It features a small secluded beach, a saltwater pool, and rooms with modern conveniences. Guests can enjoy dining at Hoku’s with Pacific views, and the hotel offers ADA-compliant rooms and a shuttle service to Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Kahala Mall." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"The resort positions stewardship and Hawaiian culture at the center of its guest experience: general manager Joe Ibarra (a native Hawaiian) emphasizes the Ahupuaʻa principle that land and sea are interconnected and resources must be balanced and returned. Since launching its KISCA (Kahala’s Initiative for Sustainability, Culture & the Arts) program in 2018, the property has offered easy ways for visitors to give back—guests can opt into a $10 donation at check-in (about 75% participate), attend beachside Sunset Seminars about protecting the islands, and return leis to the poolside tree as a gesture of gratitude. The executive chef’s considered sourcing and partnerships with local nonprofits underpin efforts to protect Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems and culture so future generations can experience them." - Katie Chang