The Kahala- a luxury resort just outside Waikiki

During My Vacation Lady’s last visit to Oahu in December 2011, we had the opportunity to visit the Kahala Hotel and Resort and we were very impressed.  Located on along stretch of  white-sand beach, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is an oasis only 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.  Located at the end of a residential neighborhood, with Diamond Head in the backdrop, The Kahala is the perfect escape with a casual yet elegant atmosphere.   Almost 60 years old but certainly not showing its age, the Kahala opened in 1964 and has hosted celebrities and dignitaries for decades.

The lobby is a show case and only gives you a brief idea of what is to come next.  From the dazzling chandeliers to the Orchid Staircase (well not exactly but the carpeting has huge orchids on it), the lobby itself is a show stopper.  Step out on to the terrace to see one of the best pool areas in all of Oahu!

Spend an afternoon of pampering yourself in a Spa Suite at the world-class Kahala Spa.  The spa rooms are likely the largest spa rooms we have ever seen and there is a good reason for that.  The property took the guest rooms in the least desirable locations and turned these 550 square foot rooms into the largest spa treatment rooms on the island!  Down to the dark wood flooring the rooms are elegant and comfortable with  a personal relaxation area, changing area, private shower, overlooking a landscaped courtyard.

While the views might not have been up to the Kahala’s guest room standards, the view from the Spa Suites is certainly serene and the perfect backdrop for the treatments.

Just in case you aren’t up to a spa treatment, you might want to try an unforgettable encounter with the resident dolphins which offer opportunities to get in the pool with them (for an additional fee of course).  For those guests who are true dolphin enthusiasts, there are guest rooms that are steps from the dolphin pool.

Talking about the guest rooms, the resort is not huge- only a bit over 300 guest rooms but every guest room is virtually the same.  The differences are the views and that only some of the guest rooms have lanais so make sure you check on the room category booked to be sure you book the right room.   The guest rooms are large, 550 square feet, with a fabulous bathroom.

While we didn’t see each room view, we did see the mountain view rooms and the view in the evening of the twinkling lights going up the mountain, might be a good choice for those guests who might be stretching the budget for the ocean view rooms.

Of course, you can’t beat the ocean views from your private lanai and the corner ocean view room views were fabulous, including thepools, beach and Diamond Head!

 

Four restaurants offer a variety of dining experiences, ranging from contemporary island cuisine at oceanfront Hoku’s to casual beach-side lunches at Seaside Grill.  A 5th is set to open in the summer of 2012- a new Mediterranean inspired restaurant.   The resort also offers a number of recreational activities, including a fabulous fitness center and some wonderful outdoor fitness space.  The pools are expansive including the dolphin pools and a sea life and turtle lagoon.  Their beach is long and expansive and was quite empty when we visited.

Would I recommend The Kahala to my clients?  I already did and have honeymooners staying there later on this year.