The Kahala Hotel & Resort

The hotel's location is ideal in a quiet neighborhood away from the hustle of Waikiki. The private beach is lovely. Staff was attentive though not as knowledgeable of their own offerings as you might expect of a top-flight hotel. I had a spa pedicure which was excellent. The hotel is a bit dated, and our room was in need of a DEEP clean, but a conversation with a very kind front-desk manager remediated the issues as best as could be expected in the short-term. We were told that guest rooms were all getting an "update" but not, unfortunately, full-blow renovations. Our room was one that had not been "updated." Restaurant offerings on-site were good. Reservations a must even as a hotel guest. The hotel MUST consider eliminating their captive Dolphine program. Despite what they say, it is not a "rescue." These animals are bred for sport and entertainment. The entire island of Maui has banned such exhibits/encounters with good reason. In an ideal world, the resort would be ages 14+. There is no way I would use the pool (which needs an update as well) with so many little kids, in diapers, around. Overall, a nice place to stay. A bit pricy considering some of the short comings but better than staying in hectic Waikiki.

My husband and I (just married) spent a single night here at the Kahala and it was a beautiful experience. We felt very spoiled, receiving a room upgrade at check in. We loved having the dolphins on site and visible from our room. We enjoyed the buffet, as well as the ability to use the pool and beach 24/hr. My husband cannot stop raving about our experience, and although we only spent a single night here, it was incredibly quiet and peaceful. The kindness and attention to detail that the Kahala staff impressed us. Thank you for making our honeymoon special

Pros: -Iconic hotel in close proximity to Honolulu (there is a bus shuttle service however we didn’t use it) -Pleasant beach with sand , enough sun loungers on both beach and green area -Spacious room, comfortable bed and large bathroom with two sinks; rooms felt clean and recently refurbished -Cleaning staff were top notch, bell desk was extremely helpful around logistica of new year and travel -Check in was efficient -Provided woth baby cotbed Cons: Overall there were no major issues during our stay however given the price tag expected a bit more overall. -There was one outdoor swimming pool and it felt too busy (a lot ot children in pool, no adult only swimming pool) -Beach service was inconsistent (some staff asked you to go to cabana for sunbeds when it was clear they were avoiding helping) -Could have had more information around activities for children

Kahala Resort is a fabulous hideaway from the craziness of Waikīkī beach. Charming old colonial style decor with lots of island flares. Surprisingly the food has improved.

Our stay at The Kahala was far from the luxurious experience we anticipated. With its long-standing reputation, we expected a top-tier resort, but what we got felt outdated, overpriced, and lacking in true hospitality. While the lobby had a certain charm, the overall ambiance was tired rather than elegant. The rooms were the biggest disappointment—worn-out furniture, faded decor, and carpets that had clearly seen better days. A musty smell lingered, making it hard to feel comfortable. What was even more frustrating was the so-called “oceanfront” view, which was mostly obstructed by a large parking lot. Hardly the serene, picturesque setting they advertise.Whatever picture you see, is taken from a different angle. In reality you will see parking lot before seeing an ocean. Another major issue was the room setup. Most rooms are connecting, and we faced a noise complaint because of our 3-month-old. Instead of handling the situation with empathy, the hotel simply moved us from the 10th floor to the 8th, which felt more like a forced downgrade than a real solution. It left a sour taste in our mouths. Service was hit-or-miss—some staff members were warm and welcoming, while others seemed indifferent. Breakfast was mediocre at best, certainly not what you’d expect for the price they charge. For the cost of staying here, everything should be exceptional. Instead, The Kahala seems to be riding on its name rather than delivering a true five-star experience. Until they invest in serious renovations and a better approach to guest care, I wouldn’t recommend it. There are far better options in Oʻahu.