Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / United States / Honolulu / The Kahala Hotel & Resort
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States · The Kahala · Core Luxury
The Kahala Hotel & Resort opened in January 1964 as the Kahala Hilton, a $12 million Conrad Hilton favorite and the first major Oahu resort outside Waikiki, and the first with air-conditioning in every room. Liz Taylor and Richard Burton hid in a cabana after their 1964 wedding, eight U.S. presidents have stayed, and dolphins have lived in its private lagoon since the first year.
- 338 rooms
- Opened 1964
- Neighborhood: Hawaii/Honolulu
- Rooms from 550 sq ft (51 m²)
- Architect: Edward Killingsworth & Jules Brady & Waugh Smith
About The Kahala Hotel & Resort
- The resort opened in January 1964 as the Kahala Hilton, cost $12 million to build, and was the first major luxury resort on Oahu outside Waikiki.
- Liz Taylor and Richard Burton hid out from the paparazzi in a cabana here after their first wedding in 1964.
- Eight United States presidents have stayed, along with Frank Sinatra, Elton John and Queen Elizabeth II.
- The private lagoon has held dolphins since the resort's first year, and it offers free surf and paddleboard lessons.
- Entry-level rooms start at 550 sq ft (51 m²).
The setting
4 miles from Honolulu Zoo.
Restaurants and bars
- Alan Wong's — Restaurant
- Plumeria Beach House — Poolside · Island-inspired cuisine
- The Veranda — Restaurant
- Seaside Grill — Restaurant
- Arancino — Restaurant · Italian
- Hoku's — Restaurant
- Arancino at The Kahala Hotel & Resort — Restaurant · Modern take on classic Italian
Experiences
- Adult Dolphin Quest Encounter — Interactive shallow-water encounter with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins in the Dolphin Lagoon, for guests ages 11 and older, supervised by animal behaviorists.
- Signature Romance Treatment — Customized full-body massage, a deep soak tub with rose petals and a soothing facial at the Kahala Spa.
- Kids' Aquatic Adventure — Educational programme for small groups of children ages five to 10 with dolphins, tropical fish, stingrays and turtles.
- Hawaiian Culture Classes (KISCA) — Weekly classes including lei making and lauhala weaving, presented through KISCA (Kahala Sustainability, Culture and the Arts).
- Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay — Early-morning snorkel trips to Hanauma Bay; reservations must be made in advance.
- Sunset beach photo session — Guests can book a 45-minute photo shoot on the hotel grounds.
Amenities
- Spa
- Pool
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Kids' club
- Tennis
- Beach
- Water sports
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- AAA Four Diamond (2026)
- Forbes Travel Guide Recommended (2026)
- Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards (2025)
- Hawaii's Leading Hotel 2025 (World Travel Awards) (2025)
Open The Kahala Hotel & Resort in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
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