Pros: This property is 10-minutes away from Waikiki and set on its own beach which is rarely crowded and very calm. This is the closest you'll come to a true resort on Oahu's South Shore. The service is, in general, quite good at the Kahala. It is one of the only architecturally interesting properties in the islands, with a neat angular look that still feels quite modern even though it was build 40-plus years ago. For kids, there is tons to do. The dolphin attraction is a wow and there is enough room to roam to keep high spirited little ones busy. The relatively new, oceanfront spa is very well done with nice services and treatments. Hoku's, the on-property high-end restaurant, is very top notch. Other food options are excellent, including one of the best afternoon teas in the islands and three-choice curry lunch buffet in the lobby restaurant that is a total steal. The lanai off the lobby is a wonderful, relaxing place to sit and enjoy life and a cocktail or three. Many ground-level rooms in the Lagoon Wing are rated “Garden View” but actually have ocean views from their lanai patios.

Cons: Service has been on the decline of late, after the hotel owners ditched the Mandarin affiliation. The Kahala has a number of nasty nickel-and-dime fee structures. I mean, daily parking costs more than $20? That's insane. The resort also crowds pricey pool cabanas into the already crowded and mediocre pool area, pushing the envelope on relentless commercialism. While the resort was completely renovated only a decade ago, its already showing its age. Kahala is wetter than Waikiki and the beautiful parquet floors in some rooms are buckling. Mold complaints are becoming more of a problem and wallpaper is peeling. In reality, due to its location and the property age, full interior renovations should probably occur about once a decade to keep this place fresh. A lot of this is evidenced by the recent TripAdvisor ratings, where the resort has recorded a shocking number of one and two-star ratings in the past six months. Food service has slipped considerably. The Plumeria Cafe is extremely pricey given its largely a big buffet and Hoku's service is hit-or-miss far too often, considering the price tag. The beach is wonderful but the water there has always been a little bit on the murky side, so don't expect perfect, clear blue water. The resort also has continued to jack up its prices, making it one of the most expensive in all of Hawaii, despite the aforementioned failings. It's still one of the two best on Oahu but it's clearly fallen behind Four Seasons properties on the Outer Islands.

The Bottom Line: This is still a fabulous property. It's classy, easy on the eye, and great for families. The food is excellent, the setting spectacular, and the combination of urban proximity and relative seclusion is perfect for people who love cities and the beach. That said, the price tag may be too steep for what appears to be something of a declining asset.

Kahala Hotel & Resort
(808).739.8888 / Map
TripAdvisor Rating: 15 of 101 hotels in Honolulu
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Image via Expedia

—Alex, 11/29/06