The Kahala Hotel & Resort - Honolulu, Hawaii - A Grand Tradition in Hotel Splendor

To celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2009, the Kahala Hotel & Resort underwent a $52 million renovation. The result is a return to the legendary splendor that once made this Oahu's preeminent luxury resort.

As a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the property is located on a secluded beach, about ten minutes from Waikiki, where it has been a favorite of U.S. presidents, international royalty, sports figures and celebrities. In its Dolphin and Tower wings, the resort features 306 spacious guestrooms and 32 opulent suites, including ten Spa Suites of 550 square feet each.

The Diamond Head and Koko Head guestrooms bear an island-style influence, with ivory and coffee color tones and hibiscus-patterned wall-to-wall carpeting. The suites are decorated with window-box framed nautilus shells and ruffle-edged mirrors, complemented by Ipe (Brazilian walnut) wood flooring and hand-woven dhurrie rugs in tropical flower patterns. The overall effect is what locals call "Kahala Chic.''

Apart from a cosmetic makeover, the hotel has made technological upgrades, too, adding wireless Internet access, 40'' flat-screen LCD televisions, and alarm clock radios with iPod hook up and cordless phones. New Memory Foam Pillow Top beds, Italian Frette linens, plush chenille robes, and Floris of London bath amenities come standard.

One of the largest and most private units here is the newly refreshed Kahala Suite, finished in the dark woods and earth tone fabrics of Nicole Miller furniture. At 1,250 square feet, it is large enough for entertaining up to 50 guests and has its own outdoor barbecue grill.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Suite commands the top floors of the hotel. It stylishly covers 1,500 square feet reflecting Hawaiian royal grandeur, from a canopied king-sized bed and a master bath with whirlpool and glass-encased shower to a separate powder room for guests.

There are five stylish restaurants on the premises. Hoku's serves contemporary island cuisine; Tokyo-Tokyo delivers the flavors of Japan; and the Seaside Grill offers open-air seating and a casual menu. For anytime dining, Plumeria Beach house is the choice, and the Veranda delivers not only great views, but also afternoon tea, pupus (Hawaiian-style hors d'oeuvres) and evening cocktails.

The Kahala Spa goes beyond the definition of pampering. Its world-class treatment rooms each occupy 550 square feet, with personal relaxation areas, changing areas, private showers, and access to a courtyard of native Hawaiian flora. Services include body massages and facials, manicures, pedicures, teeth-whitening, and a gentleman's shave.

Also available to guests are a number of leisure facilities, including the revamped CHI Health & Energy Fitness Center, an outdoor pool and secluded white sand swimming beach, Hawaiian cultural classes, and the Keiki Club for supervised children's activities. The resort's 26,000-square-foot natural lagoon is also home to six bottlenose dolphins, which are available for close-up encounters through the resident agent of Dolphin Quest.

The lush tropical gardens here make a great venue for receptions, and the Kahala Hotel & Resort has been Honolulu's choice for weddings and social gatherings since 1964. Over 11,500 square feet of meeting and ballroom space has been re-carpeted and made ready for galas and conferences upon request. A fully equipped business center can be found here, too.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort is located at 5000 Kahala Ave Honolulu, HI 96816-5498. It can be reached from the airport or downtown Honolulu by taking the H-1 Freeway east to Waialae Avenue Exit 26B, and turning right onto Hunakai Street to Kahala Avenue, which ends at the resort.