The Kahala Hotel & Resort

The beach was quiet and hardly crowded, and the hotel itself was tucked away from the city, so it was very peaceful. We had a wonderful stay. The place has loads of charm, but what really made it special was the attentive, kind, accommodating staff. They looked after us so well, even cleaning and organizing our room while we were out. One of the best hotels we’ve stayed at.

The dolphin enclosure was the part that gave me pause. It was interesting to see the dolphins up close, but also a little heartbreaking: they’re smart, social animals, and the swimming area didn’t seem very large or deep. Their backs were exposed much of the time, and it felt like such a small space for them. Aside from that, we loved staying at The Kahala Hotel. The property is gorgeous and peaceful, and our ocean-view room gave us beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I imagine the golf course views are lovely too. The food was great, and the breakfast buffet was unmatched. Plumeria Beach House was our favorite, with delicious food and lovely indoor-outdoor seating beside the private Beach. The place feels posh but relaxed, the staff were amazing, and turn-down service was a nice touch.

It was the people who made us want to return to The Kahala Hotel & Resort. Every person we met, from the valet when we arrived to the poolside and beach service staff, was smiling and seemed joyful. The front desk team were extremely helpful, and Carolyn in particular made us feel like family. I don’t remember another hotel where everyone remembered my name. The hotel itself is beautiful, and walking into the lobby felt like pure luxury. I’m not interested in trying another hotel in the Waikiki or Kahala area.

The room felt old but had a lot of character, and the location was very peaceful. The kids loved both the dolphins and the pool. Staff were friendly, and when we ate at the pool bar they kindly set up a table for us in a cabana. The lobby restaurant was a letdown, though. They ran out of high chairs for our toddlers, the food was mediocre, and even though they couldn’t provide seats for the kids, they still automatically charged us 20% gratuity.