The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.
Why Go
The Kahala Hotel & Resort features beautiful beaches, tropical gardens, a natural lagoon, sports facilities and proximity to shopping and entertainment of Waikiki Beach. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, which was until recently known as Kahala Mandarin Oriental, overlooks Diamond Head and Koko Head craters on Oahu.
One of the unique features of the resort is the 26,000 square foot natural lagoon which is home to four Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, tropical fish and Hawaii Green Sea turtles. The Adult Dolphin Encounter program includes a shallow water encounter and swimming in the Kahala Dolphin Lagoon. The program lasts about 30 minutes and costs US $185.
Things to Do
Guests can choose from a number of activities at the resort, including a complimentary surfing and body boarding class, scuba diving classes, yoga, snorkeling and bicycling. Complimentary daily classes are offered to guests interested in lei making, lauhala weaving, Hula dancing and Hawaiian quilting. Golf and tennis are available nearby.
Family Vacation Ideas
Kahala Mandarin Oriental has a program for kids ages 5 to 12 at the Keiki Club. In addition, children ages 5 to 12 can participate in the Kid’s Quest For Knowledge, a hands-on 2-hour program with emphasis on education about dolphins, fish, turtles, rays and predators. This program costs US $185.
Rooms & Suites
There are 371 guest rooms and suites decorated in turn-of-the-century style with mahogany furniture, teak parquet floors, hand-loomed Tibetan area rugs, grass cloth wall coverings, and a blend of rich fabrics.
Where to Eat
There are a number of dining options to choose from. The resort signature restaurant, Hoku's, serves ethnically diverse cuisine and features panoramic views of the Pacific. Plumeria Beach Cafe offers casual dining beachside. Honu Bar and Terrace is situated next to the turtle ponds and offers casual dining. Tokyo-Tokyo is a modern Japanese restaurant.
Kahala Mandarin Oriental is 10 minutes by car from Waikiki Beach and 15 minutes by car from Honolulu's business district.
Plan this Vacation
Hawaii is a great vacation destination year-round and most popular in the winter months. The Kahala Hotel & Resort is about 20 minutes by car from Honolulu International Airport, however, the trip will take longer during rush hour. Room rates start from US $325. Call 808-739-8888 or book online.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, 808-739-8888, www.kahalaresort.com
