The Kahala, Oahu, Hawaii

Location

Set on an 800 feet stretch of ivory sand, the resort is located on the elegant Kahala southeastern strip, 10 minutes outside of Waikiki. A complimentary shuttle service is available. Relax in a cabana or sun lounger and look out to the brilliant blue of the Pacific. Outside the resort, there’s a full range of golf courses nearby along with plenty of opportunities to get wet with snorkelling, whale watching, surfing and parasailing. If you want to travel under your own steam, guests have free use of the resort’s bikes while there’s also a range of jogging routes and scenic hiking trails nearby. Enjoy cliff-top views back over green interiors freckled with palm trees and lush vegetation.

Accommodation

All 338 rooms and suites feature only the finest mattresses and linens, soft chenille robes and oversized showerheads. Light tropical tones give the rooms an exclusive, residential feel while en suite bathrooms come with deep-soaking tubs and vanity sinks. Choose between lush mountain, dolphin lagoon and ocean views as you’re spoilt by Oahu’s impressive scenery. Suites are a particular joy with hand-carved wooden panels and furniture adorned with fine fabrics.

Dining

Under the watchful gaze of executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi, the resort’s restaurants serve a compelling blend of Hawaiian delicacies and diverse cultural influences. Hoku’s serves innovatively contemporary Island cuisine with dishes such as banana leaf and herb smoked beef tenderloin accompanied by a coconut curry sauce. For oceanfront dining and American classics head to Plumeria Beach House whose signature Kahala Burger comprises angus ground beef topped with a fried egg, white cheddar cheese, guacamole and bacon. Then, for afternoon tea and a Mediterranean inspired menu of small bites, there’s The Veranda. Lastly Arancino dishes up classic Italian cuisine while the beachside Seaside Grill lives up to its name.

Facilities

The resort puts on a range of welcome, complimentary services. There are surfing and stand up paddleboard clinics Wednesday to Friday along with morning teas and coffees, beach towel and furniture rentals and a jogging station, complete with bottled water, cold towels and route maps. You’ll also find WiFi not only by the pool but on the beach itself. For extracurricular fun, look to the world-class spa and the 26,000 square foot natural lagoon, home to a pod of playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.