The Other Side of Honolulu

The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Kahala, Honolulu, Hawaii
Island Classic, $$$$

Waikiki has its charms, but sometimes the best way to enjoy Honolulu is to stay just outside the action. Set on a secluded white-sand beach in the residential Kahala neighborhood, The Kahala Hotel & Resort feels far removed from the city's busiest stretches, even though Waikiki is only about ten minutes away. The result is a proper Hawaiian beach resort that comes with easy access to Honolulu when the mood strikes.

The Kahala, today a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has been doing this since 1964, when it opened as the Kahala Hilton and quickly became a hideaway for Hollywood stars, presidents, royalty, and other boldface names. Six decades later, the appeal is less about being seen than settling in: days by the ocean, dinner overlooking the Pacific, treatments at the spa, and plenty of room to spread out. Couples can easily disappear into their own romantic Hawaiian idyll, while a children's pool, cultural activities, and an 800-foot beach give families plenty to do on site.

Dining is unusually ambitious for a resort, with five restaurants ranging from beachfront casual to Alan Wong's, where the celebrated Hawaii-born chef serves the Hawaii regional cuisine he helped pioneer. Add spacious rooms, a full-service spa, and Diamond Head in the distance, and The Kahala makes a convincing case for staying on the quieter side of Honolulu.

At a Glance

The Vibe: Old-school Hawaiian glamour without the Waikiki bustle.

Standout Detail: A secluded, white-sand beach.

This Place Is Great For: Couples seeking romance and families who don't want to choose between kid-friendly and grown-up.

Rooms: The 338 options include 306 rooms and 32 suites, with views spanning the Pacific, Ko'olau Mountains, neighboring golf course, and dolphin lagoon. Generously sized rooms start at 550 square feet and have recently been refreshed; many have private lanais. Suites range from spacious one- and two-bedroom configurations to four distinctive Signature Suites, including beachfront options steps from the sand.

On Site: An expansive white-sand beach, swimming pool and children's pool, hot tub, water sports, complimentary bicycles, daily fitness and Hawaiian cultural classes, and children's activities. Treatments at Kahala Spa incorporate Hawaiian traditions, while the 24-hour CHI Health & Energy fitness center has ocean views, fitness classes, Peloton bikes, sauna, steam room, and hot tub.

Food + Drink: Alan Wong's celebrates Hawaiian cuisine with local ingredients and the many culinary influences that have shaped the islands. Plumeria Beach House serves all-day, open-air dining overlooking the ocean; Arancino specializes in Italian cuisine; Seaside Grill handles casual lunches and tropical drinks by the beach; and The Veranda pairs cocktails, afternoon tea, and light bites with live music. Kaffe Kahala covers coffee, pastries, and grab-and-go provisions.

Round of Applause: The Kahala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture and the Arts (KISCA) supports local nonprofits and reinforces the hotel’s commitment to steward Oahu's āina (life-sustaining land). Since 2018, the hotel has planted over 13,000 trees on the North Shore of Oʻahu.

What to Do Nearby

Head into Waikiki for shopping, dining, and people-watching; hike Diamond Head; snorkel at Hanauma Bay; or follow the coast toward the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail. Downtown Honolulu and Pearl Harbor are also within easy reach, while golfers have Waialae Country Club right next door.