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    Looking Back

    Several landmark moments shaped the development of The Kahala Hotel & Resort, both before and after it opened its doors in 1964. Here are some of the most important milestones that helped to make The Kahala Hotel & Resort what it is today

    1947

    City planner David Wolbrink devises a plan for the best use of Bishop Estate lands in Waialae-Kahala, suggesting to retain the golf course and build a world-class hotel on a beach site to enhance and maintain the ambience of the neighborhood.

    1959

    Real estate investor Charlie Pietsch obtains a lease on the site from Bishop Estate, including the golf course with an extension of 15 acres on the opposite end. Pietsch flies to Los Angeles and puts together a 50/50 deal with friend Conrad Hilton.

    1961

    Charlie Pietsch signs a contract with Hilton International and architects Killingsworth, Brady, and Smith of Long Beach. Construction begins the following year, with Hawaiian blessing ceremonies.

    1964

    Hotel opens. Reverend Abraham Akaka officiates the blessing ceremony that also includes pastors of many faiths. Inaugural luncheon is held with a menu that reflects a taste of the islands.

    1968

    The Hawaii Five-O debut brings many celebrities to the hotel, including Helen Hayes, Broderick Crawford, Geraldine Page, Luther Adler and Hume Cronyn, as well as Loretta Swit, Mike Farrell, Martin Sheen, Pat Morita and Ed Flanders.

    1971

    Management sends trainer Randy Lewis to Gulfport, Mississippi, to bring three dolphins (Uku, Nihoa, and Kui) to the hotel’s lagoons.

    1973

    Hilton sells its shares in the hotel to mortgage holder Massachusetts Mutual life, but retains management contract.

    1981

    Plumeria Beach House opens at a construction cost of $350,000.

    1984

    Twentieth anniversary party is held and hotel welcomes Presidential visit by Ronald and Nancy Reagan.

    1985

    Royal visit by the UK’s Prince Charles and Princess Diana requires an entourage of 100 rooms.

    1996

    Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group assumes 40% ownership and management of The Kahala Hotel & Resort. The hotel is closed and undergoes a $75 million renovation which include the creation of a new signature restaurant, Hoku’s.

    2000

    Grand opening of The Veranda.

    2002

    Major renovations to pool and surrounding area, including the opening of a beachside eatery, Seaside Grill.

    2003

    The Kahala Spa officially opens and is named the Best New Hotel Spa in America by Departures Magazine.

    2005

    The Kahala Hotel & Resort is purchased by Kahala Hotel Investors, LLC, and becomes an independent hotel under the Leading Hotels of the World flag.

     

    2007

    The Kahala Hotel & Resort embarks on a two-year, $52 million full room renovation.

    2013

    Napoli-style Italian eatery, Arancino at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, opens.

    2014

    The Kahala Hotel & Resort celebrates its 50th anniversary on Wednesday, January 22, 2014.

    2014

    Resorttrust, the operator of 48 luxury resorts throughout Japan acquired The Kahala Hotel & Resort for $290 million on October 14th. The purchase marks the first step in the company’s global expansion. Resorttrust expects The Kahala Hotel & Resort to serve as its flagship international property as it forges ahead with plans to extend its portfolio of upscale overseas properties across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

    2015

    The Kahala Hotel & Resort was recognized by the state of Hawai‘i with the 2015 Governor’s Green Business Award for its sustainable efforts.

    2016

    For the first-time in Hawaii, The Kahala Hotel & Resort partnered with Wine Spectator to offer a celebration of wine weekend on October 7 and 8.

    2017

    Signature at The Kahala, a logo store featuring branded resort wear, gifts and delectable food items opens.

    Completed refurbishment of the front desk, concierge, retail outlets and The Kahala Spa reception. A spectacular Lythraceae wood carving “Harmony of Paradise” is installed in the lobby. The artifact is 13 feet high by 7 feet wide and it weighs 2,200 pounds.

    2018

    Hoku’s at The Kahala Hotel & Resort underwent an extensive renovation with a brand-new restaurant and a tantalizing menu featuring global Hawaiian cuisine.

    2019

    The Kahala Hotel & Resort names Joe Ibarra General Manager.

    Jonathan Mizukami joins The Kahala Hotel & Resort as Executive Chef.

    2020

    The Kahala Hotel & Resort appoints Pualani Fernandez as Resort Manager.

    Honolulu’s Gracious Retreat… The Kahala Resort

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    The Kahala Hotel & Resort is deeply committed to preserving Oahu’s land, ocean and culture. Together with the community, guests and local non-profit organizations, we believe it is all of our kuleana to work together toward preserving our island home for generations to come. We invite you to be part of our journey to a brighter tomorrow.

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    Families are Forever

    With plenty of onsite activities, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is the perfect island getaway for you and your keiki (children).

    Day 1: Fun In The Sun

    • Soak up the warm Hawaiian sunshine at our outdoor pool and hot tub. Rent a cabana for the day so you can lounge peacefully while the kids make a splash. With pool toys available for purchase, they’ll never run out of things to do! When you get hungry, there’s no need to go far. Enjoy a light meal at our poolside restaurant, Seaside Grill.
    • In the afternoon, get to know the playful Bottlenose Dolphins who live in our natural water lagoon. This experience is fun for the whole family, and you’ll get to feed, play and swim with these amazing creatures. Learn more about our partner, Dolphin Quest.
    • End the day with an oceanside dinner at Plumeria Beach House. Enjoy fresh island-inspired cuisine as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.

    Day 2: Explore Waikiki

    • In the morning, let the kids indulge their creativity at our weekly Hawaiian Culture Classes, which include lei making, lauhala weaving and more.* View the calendar.
    • While they learn, why not treat yourself to a relaxing Couples Massage at the Kahala Spa? We are proud to partner with Aloha Sitters to offer child-sitting services so you can give yourself a much-deserved break. View spa services.
    • After a quick lunch at Plumeria Beach House, hop on our complimentary shuttle to the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. From there, it’s a short walk to the Waikiki Aquarium or Honolulu Zoo where your family can spend the afternoon marveling at the creatures of the deep or meeting friendly beasts from around the world.
    • Head back to your room to freshen up and enjoy cocktails and dinner service at The Veranda. Enjoy live music from local musicians every Thursday - Saturday from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Learn more.
      *Activities are subject to change. Please see our events calendar for more information.

    Day 3: Snorkel & Beach Adventure

    • Wake up bright and early to go snorkeling at the legendary Hanauma Bay. Please note that reservations must be made in advance to enter the park.
    • Return home to spend a golden afternoon on the secluded beach in front of our hotel, where the gentle waves are safe for all ages. For your convenience, we offer beach gear including snorkels and fins, bodyboards, kayaks and paddle boards.
    • Create lasting memories with a sunset photo session on the beach. As a guest, you can book a 45-minute photo shoot on our grounds with Pacific Dream Photography. Learn more.
    • Afterward, tuck into a delicious meal at Arancino’s, voted Best Italian Restaurant in Hawaii.

    Sunset Sweethearts

    The Kahala Hotel & Resort is a top destination for honeymoons and anniversaries. Celebrate your love with a romantic retreat to paradise.

    Day 1: Discover Kahala

    • Wake up to the relaxing Hawaiian tradewinds blowing through your suite and stunning views of the mountains or sea.
    • Don’t let this luxury go to waste. Order our Grand Breakfast service delivered to your door for one-of-a-kind breakfast in bed. View menu.
    • In the afternoon, rent a pair of our cruiser bikes to explore the beautiful neighborhood of Kahala and soak in the gorgeous views. Stop by Kahala Mall to browse the stores and recharge with a light meal or beverage, or see a movie.
    • Rest a while and freshen up, then change into your evening attire and make your way to The Veranda, our open-air dining room. Visit Thursday - Saturday to sip delicious Mai Tais while listening to live entertainment by Hawaii’s top local talent.

    Day 2: Indulge Your Senses

    • On your second day, rent a car at our on-property car rental desk and head west for a leisurely drive around Diamond Head. If it’s a Saturday, stop by the KCC Farmer’s Market to sample fresh produce and browse handcrafted gifts. Afterward, continue on to the eclectic neighborhood of Kaimuki, known for its vibrant art and food scene.
    • After returning for a short nap, head to the Kahala Spa for our signature Romance Treatment, which includes a customized full-body massage, a deep soak tub with rose petals and a soothing facial.
    • At sunset, head down to Hoku’s for a decadent four-course dinner. With views of the ocean and a selection of wine fines, it’s the perfect place end a night a paradise.

    Day 3: Lover’s Retreat

    • On your last morning, indulge in a late start to your day.
    • After brunch at Plumeria Beach House, head to the Honolulu Museum of Art for a guided tour of Shangri La, a historic Islamic-inspired estate perched on Black Point.
    • Return back home to rest, or read a good book by the pool.
    • At golden hour, take a romantic walk on our stunning shoreline, hand-in-hand. Have your cocktails hand-delivered from Seaside Grill as you enjoy happy hour on the beach.
    • For dinner, book a table for two at Arancino’s and savor the elegant flavors of Italy over a bottle of wine.