Kahala Hotel & Resort

In one of Oahu's most prestigious residential areas, the Kahala offers the peace and serenity of a neighbor-island vacation, but with the conveniences of Waikiki just a 10-minute drive away. After 11 years under the helm of the Mandarin Oriental Group, this grand old hotel changed management firms in 2006.

All guest rooms currently feature the ultimate in luxury: 19th-century mahogany reproductions, teak parquet floors with hand-loomed Tibetan rugs, overstuffed chairs, canopy beds covered with soft throw pillows, and works by local artists adorning the grass-cloth-covered walls. Views from the floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass doors are of the ocean, Diamond Head, and Koko Head. In-room amenities include two-line phones, 27-inch TVs, large bathrooms with vintage fixtures, free-standing glass showers, large soaking tubs, and "his" and "her" dressing areas.

The lush grounds include an 800-foot crescent-shaped beach and a 26,000-square-foot lagoon (home to two bottle-nosed dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish). Other extras that make this property outstanding: Hawaiian cultural programs, shuttle service to Waikiki and major shopping centers, free scuba lessons in the pool, daily dolphin-education talks by a trainer from Sea Life Park, and a great year-round children's program. A must-do indulgence is the recently added spa, which features treatments in former guest rooms redesigned for individualized massages, body scrubs, rubs, wraps, and other pampering therapies.

Facilities: 5 restaurants (including Hoku's); 4 bars (including Veranda); babysitting; complimentary use of bikes; year-round children's program; concierge; nearby golf course; great fitness center w/steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and dry sauna; large outdoor pool; room service; tennis courts; watersports equipment rentals

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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