Paradise is the best word to describe this place. Where to start. They treat you like royalty as soon as you arrive.
The hotel is in a great area of housing all valued between 1m and 35m or so im told, it feels safe and sophisticated. It's not in Waikiki, it's in a quieter area and that's what appealed to us. They provide shuttle bus pretty frequently to certain areas including Waikiki and a taxi return is about 25dollars including tip so you don't feel isolated.
Upon check in we were told that we had been upgraded to a room with a balcony which we were really pleased about as we love spending early evening with a glass of wine on the balcony.
We went to the room and straight to the private beach. This was around 2pm and plenty of beds around the pool and on the beach. Standard beach beds are free and extremely comfortable. you can pay extra for bigger cabana beds if you wish. As you would expect the beach is beautiful and private not to busy or noisy just relaxing. The pool is heated and also have a outdoor jacuzzi this isn't a huge area but perfect for the size of the hotel.
Upon returning to the room we had been left a bottle of Champagne and two glasses to wish us a happy honeymoon and they followed this up with a call to check we liked the Champaign and to ask if they could do anymore for us, class touch from a classy hotel and something we really appreciated.
The room is very spacious, we had the mountain view which can be windy but still a beautiful view with a waterfall just below us. They provide a empty fridge that you can stock which is another classy touch instead of raiding you for evey penny with a mini bar like most hotels. Tea and coffee facilities also provided and replenished every day.
The toilet well, it seemed to do more than my computer. I'll let you figure this one, reminded me of the ballagio fountains in Vegas.
Maids are excellent and also provide a turn down service leaving chocolates and water in the evenings.
We only visited one of the restaurants in the hotel but will review that separately as don't want anything to take away from what is a brilliant hotel.
We did use the snack bar which was very good, a shame it wasn't open in the evening as it would have been lovely with the surroundings.
Also you know your staying somewhere good when Pierce Brosnon is in the suite next door.
They had weddings every day but they did not intrude on your stay and were not loud. In fact it was nice to see.
This place just has class written all over it, is the only place we could imagine staying on the island. We are already saving for a return visit. It isn't cheap but is worth every penny and you pay for luxury. Thanks you for the perfect honeymoon.
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Date of stay: July 2016Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded Jul 12, 2016
Mahalo for choosing The Kahala Hotel & Resort for your recent visit to Oahu. We are so delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Our resort is known for the impeccable service that we provide and we are so pleased to hear that our staff delivered that to you. The location is unique and the only resort on Oahu with resident dolphins. We are delighted you were able to enjoy all the resort has to offer.
Mahalo again for staying with us and we really look forward to being of service to you during your next visit!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beautiful resort. From the check in to the fruit platter in the room for our 33rd anniversary everything was top notch. We had a room overlooking the golf course and the ocean on an angle. The lanai/ terrace was great to sit outside and have a drink or read a book. The dolphin lagoon was pretty cool and if I had young kids they would love it. The pool bar was a great place to grab a bite by the beach. The concierge desk was wonderful and made us reservations same day for Pearl Harbor and snorkeling at the Bay. We borrowed bikes(complimentary) and rode to Diamond Head. I was worried about being away from Waikiki but turns out it was a great location. Thank you would highly recommend the Arancino Restaurant on the grounds.
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Date of stay: October 2014Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Ask for a room on a high floor Ocean view unless you want to hear and see the dolphins up close...
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aloha! Im not sure where to start from but without a doubt one of our favorite resort that we have visited so far. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by the lovely Carolyn at the front desk with a Lei and Oshibori towels which was so refreshing after a nine hour flight from Auckland, New Zealand and spending further two and half hours at Honolulu customs. We arrived at the hotel around 1pm and even though the check in time was 3 pm, Carolyn very kindly checked us in around 2pm. As per our package we were checked in a scenic room with beautiful mountain views and golf course. Upon request and to our utter delight we were upgraded to the Oceanfront room with a balcony the very next day. Carolyn definitely went the extra mile with a smile 😊 and incredible customer care. Mahalo very much Carolyn. All the staff at the hotel right from the front desk, the bell boys, housekeeping and at the concierge desk too were extremely friendly and helpful. Nozomi and Wendy at the concierge desk were so flexible, helpful, patient and informative. They so patiently answered all our million questions about places to visit and helped us book all the activities and things to do in Honolulu. You guys deserve a special THANK YOU, MAHALO VERY MUCH. The gracious housekeeping staff always kept our room very well equipped with all that we required and very clean and turn down service provided fresh towels, a full ice bucket and chocolates everyday. We were spoilt rotten😝😂🍫😍🤤 The daily buffet breakfast at The Plumeria beach House was fit for a king topped with a million dollar view of the Pacific ocean. What a feast! Needless to mention, they have a great dinner and signature cocktail menu too. We had the famous Mai Tai cocktail at different places in Honolulu but Plumeria you pour the best Mai Tai ever.🍹 You guys take the prize. ❤👌Would also recommend their Kahala Sunrise and Coco Jito Freeze cocktails . 👏❤❤ Alongside the Plumeria beach house restaurant is a semi private beautiful Kahala beach, swimming pool and the famous Kissing Point.😍😘😝 Balmy shallow water, a fantastic place to relax and chill with a cocktail🍹 in hand watching the mesmerizing million dollar view of the sunset is a real treat for naked eyes. I must say the location of the resort is absolutely stunning and highly recommend it if one wants to avoid the noisy and busy Waikiki. Will definitely revisit this property again. Mahalo to Joe Ibarra and the whole team at The Kahala for making our stay so comfortable and giving us an incredible memorable experience.You all are outstanding. Happy Valentine's Day❤Much love to you all 🤗😘😊❤⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded Feb 18, 2020
You are so kind! Much aloha! We will be sure and share your most gracious feedback with our staff. We strive to help everyone get out of travel mode and into relaxing 'aloha spirit' as quickly as possible. Mahalo. Until we next meet!
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Upon arrival at the hotel - the bellman stand and valets are attentive and friendly - unfortunately it ends there. With a difficult check in process and arrival at a room that we were not happy with - we called the front desk were a very short tempered man told us to come back down to switch rooms - if not for the great bellman we may have left the hotel - as it was the bellman that reasoned with the front desk to keep us from going back downstairs.
The situation did not really improve and when we went to breakfast in the morning we were asked if we had a reservation and where then turned away to the bar for first come first serve even though there were open tables. 2 people in our party of the 4 were on a breakfast included plan ! I don't mind making a reservation but one should be told at check-in. The only excuse giving whenever we asked for things was that it was spring break and the hotel was extremely busy??
The beach is narrow and the pool fairly small but it is very close to the ocean so not necessary. The dolphins are very fun - the hotel also seemed to be having multiple weddings on the property it was always tough to get thru the lobby. The rooms are well appointed and after we moved to a room with a lanai it was fine. The double sinks and double closets was a very nice bonus!
upon check-out we were told that we could see a final bill or what credit card was used because the computer system was down! I did speak to the manager who very graciously listened to our complaints. It would just seem that the Kahala has some work to do to get from average to great!!
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Date of stay: April 2015Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:One with a lanai and don't waste money on an ocean view many of those rooms are above a...
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded Apr 14, 2015
Aloha,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. I apologize that we did not meet your expectations during your stay with us.
I have shared your comments with our senior leadership. We appreciate the feedback and will use it to improve on these areas.
We hope that you will allow us the opportunity to improve and welcome you back for a future visit to share the gracious hospitality and services for which The Kahala is known.
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We have stayed at the Kahala several times previously, and it is definitely a gorgeous property. We love the lobby, rooms, and pool area. This time, we splurged with family and stayed in the presidential suite. Again, the room is beautiful, comfortable, and a fantastic place to enjoy Hawaii. The housekeeping service was prompt and excellent as well as very courteous. We also enjoyed the very warm, professional service at the pool/beach area.
With this said, we were disappointed with a few areas of service, and when you are paying several thousand dollars a night, we thought it should be perfect. First our room was not ready at 4:00 pm. They finally took us to the room at 4:20, but even then housekeeping took 20 more minutes to clean before we were allowed into the second bedroom.
Our other disappointment was with food services. We were supposed to receive drinks and snacks every evening. It took over an hour each evening to receive the food. It was delicious, but delayed. We tried to make breakfast reservations twice, and were placed on hold for over 15 minutes each time.
Basically, if want to enjoy a gorgeous hotel--this is the place for you. Unfortunately, I don't think the service is what it once was.
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Date of stay: January 2013Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
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Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Responded Feb 16, 2013
Thank you for staying with us again and for taking the time to share your experience. I was delighted to see that your family was very comfortable in your suite and you found the performance by our Housekeeping staff to be exceptional. However, I was concerned to read of the disappointing service lapses you experienced in some other areas, and thank you for bringing this issue to my attention. I have followed up directly with the appropriate departments,and please accept my sincere apology. Although it was a particularly busy period for the resort, there is no acceptable excuse for failing to meet our own high service standards. My staff and I are looking forward to welcoming you back and ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay for all of you. Aloha and best wishes.
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It's about 3.5 to 4 feet at the one end and perhaps 5.5 to 6 feet at the other end. it is a salt water pool, and is heated to 70 degrees thereabouts. The pool attendants are amazing in meeting your needs and helping people like me into and out of the pool if needed. They even have a motorized lift for handicapped if necessary to get them in and out. I didn't need it. But it's there if needed. towels, set up, drinks, etc they are right there to help you. It was never crowded at all when we were there.
Dolphin Lanai rooms have views of the Dolphin Lagoon. Some Ocean View rooms / suites in the tower wing will also have a view down to the lagoon. Scenic rooms generally do not have dolphin lagoon views.
