Secluded presidential cove
A discreet mid-century oceanfront retreat where residential calm replaces Waikiki bustle, surrounded by manicured lawns and gentle surf.
“Rooms have a preppy beach house vibe—raffia ceiling fans, linen loveseats—and many come with heart-stopping sea views.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Sixty years of continuous hospitality, hosting heads of state and island milestone celebrations.
Notable
Discreet beachfront hospitality anchored by private ocean cabanas and a 2,200-square-foot Presidential Suite.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Readers' Choice Awards 2025
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
When it opened, a little over a half-century ago, the Kahala immediately turned heads, as much for its opulence as for its audacious location.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Tucked along a quiet beach in residential Kahala, bordered by the manicured fairways of Waialae Country Club.
The rooms
Ivory and coffee tones accented by handwoven textiles and tropical ceiling fans, with lanais framing ocean or mountain views.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa and gym
Private spa suites have dedicated deep soaking tubs, and the fitness center adds a steam room and dry sauna.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Venues range from Italian dining at Arancino to open-air cocktails and live evening music on The Veranda terrace.
Tucked away in an affluent residential neighborhood at the base of Diamond Head, The Kahala Hotel and Resort is a secluded alternative…
How it began
Designed by Edward Killingsworth in 1964, the property has hosted nearly every American president since Lyndon B. Johnson.
Good to know
Stay here
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Oahu
More like this
Halekulani
“Understated oceanfront heirloom”
The Royal Hawaiian Resort
“Coral-pink beachfront landmark”
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
“Victorian oceanfront beacon”
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
“Waikiki surf institution”
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
“Twin-tower Waikiki stalwart”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.