The Kahala Hotel & Resort, a top-tier Hawaiian hotel favored by celebrities.
Located in the exclusive Kahala residential area, it is a hotel where numerous dignitaries—kings, presidents, prime ministers—as well as celebrities stay.
The lobby features a large chandelier, luxurious furnishings, and elegant displays from high-end brands.
Facilities are extensive, including a dolphin lagoon, a souvenir shop selling macadamia nut chocolates, and well-known restaurants such as Arancino and Plumeria Beach House.
Even if you are not staying here, you can tour the property, making it a pleasant sightseeing spot.
Dolphin Lagoon – A Free Spot to See Dolphins
The Kahala Hotel & Resort is a popular attraction in Hawaii where you are guaranteed to see dolphins.
Many dolphins swim leisurely in the hotel’s Dolphin Lagoon.
You can see them swimming up close, making you feel as if you were on a dolphin tour.
There are many other fish species as well, so it feels almost like visiting an aquarium.
It’s very satisfying, so even a short stop can be thoroughly enjoyable.
Dolphin Quest – Open to Non-Guests
Many people are content just watching the dolphins up close, but there are also hands-on programs that let you interact with them.
A popular program is the “Encounter Deluxe”, which lets you play with the dolphins for over 30 minutes.
It’s a real luxury, especially since many dolphin tours in Hawaii offer only a few seconds of viewing.
Advance reservation is required, but if you register early it’s easier to secure a small-group or priority time slot.
Although it is paid, non-guests can participate, so it is a good sightseeing option.
Part of the proceeds goes to dolphin conservation and research, so the program is praised for combining recreation with education and conservation.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort’s Macadamia Nut Chocolate
This macadamia nut chocolate is extremely popular as a souvenir.
It uses large macadamia nuts from the Big Island coated in premium French chocolate, and is undoubtedly one of the most delicious macadamia nut chocolates in Hawaii.
The chocolates come in four base flavors: dark, milk, white, and blonde.
In addition, there are seasonal flavors such as Kona coffee.
If you ask the staff, you can sample all varieties, so be sure to find the one you like.
Plumeria Beach House – Recommended for Breakfast and Lunch
The open-air Plumeria Beach House along Kahala’s pristine white beach is also very popular.
You can relax while looking out at the ocean — it’s the quintessential Hawaiian experience.
Prices are a bit high, but enjoying delicious food while soaking in Hawaiian surroundings is a special perk.
It opens at 6:30 a.m., and the menu makes it best suited for breakfast or lunch.
They also serve dinner, but the sun can be quite strong, so bring sunglasses and a hat.
Arancino – Recommended for Dinner
When it comes to authentic Italian restaurants in Hawaii, Arancino often comes to mind first.
The house-made uni pasta is the most famous, but the pizzas and game dishes are also delicious.
By the way, it was awarded Best Italian Restaurant by Honolulu Magazine from 2018 to 2021.
It’s a popular restaurant that requires reservations, but arriving around 5 p.m. right after opening tends to be quieter, and you can enjoy theatrical dishes like tableside pasta.
Outdoor patio seats are particularly popular, so if you want one, request “patio seating” when making your reservation.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort – Basic Information
| Name | The Kahala Hotel & Resort |
| Address | 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 |
| Map | |
| Hotel class | 5-star |
| Rooms | 338 rooms |
| Parking | Available (paid) |
| URL | Official site |
Recommended Transportation to The Kahala Hotel & Resort
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