It’s always a joy to return to the Kahala in Honolulu. While little has changed from my two prior reviews, I was upgraded to a beautiful suite during my recent visit, which merits an updated review.
You can read my full 2016 review here and 2018 review here. I’ll share about this experience more colloquially than my usual trip reports.
The Upgrade
All credit for the upgrade goes to my business partner, who pushed hard for an extra category upgrade at check-in. Since we are (relatively) frequent guests, have a long history of stays, and our stay was only for one night, we were granted an upgrade to an ocean front suite, room 813 for a nominal fee. As usual, we booked via American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Don’t expect a similar upgrade if you book a base room.
The Suite
Inside, a spacious living room included a couch, chairs, and an outdoor balcony. The bedroom/bathroom is exactly the same as a normal guest room. There’s also a second bathroom with shower, but no tub.
I noticed a couple differences from last year, though I am not sure whether it was due to the suite or a hotel-wide change. First, Bulgari amenities were in the bathrooms. Second, in addition to the normal (nasty) Keurig machine, there was a Nespresso machine that at least makes somewhat acceptable coffee.
The views from the balcony were beautiful as always. It was a very hot day, but picturesque.
Lunch at Plumeria Beach House
We arrived at the hotel around noon and our suite was not ready immediately, so we had lunch first at Plumeria Beach House. I had a grilled mahi mahi sandwich with macadamia nut pesto aioli while John had filet mignon. Both were served with French Fries.
Did I mention it was hot? I’ve never been to Honolulu with such heat and humidity.
We returned for lunch the next day and each ordered cheese pizza off the kid’s menu. This has to be the best deal on the menu…the pizza was perfect. Even the cancerous bird wanted some…
The Veranda
Walking back through the timeless lobby, I noticed it was set up for afternoon tea. Not something I’m into, but an endearing tradition at this hotel.
As much as I love minimalism, this hotel is so much more my style. I just love that this lobby has not changed in decades.
Dinner in Hoku’s
The package from American Express included a $75 dining credit in Hoku’s, the Kahala’s fine dining restaurant. I enjoyed a delightful toasted goat cheese salad followed by scallops while my business partner had another filet with French Fries. The Mai Tais are recommended, but the real winner was the scallops.
Insomnia
We were busy with work and jetlagged, meaning sleep was quite limited. I was awake early enough to catch the sunrise, but it was totally clouded over and drizzling…a first for me at the Kahala. It ended up raining the entire day.
Breakfast at Plumeria Beach House
Breakfast is such a treat at the Kahala. I love the high-quality and delicious breakfast buffet, which included a wide range of food suitable for picky eaters from around the world.
The best thing is the rolled pancakes drenched in butter. Sinfully taxing to the waistline, but oh so delicious.
Breakfast was included, including gratuity, with the AMEX packages, but cappuccinos (very suitable) ran $7/each.
Fresh-squeezed orange juice is also not included. I attempted to make some myself and ended up just having a good laugh with the waitress about my eccentric beverage demands.
The Familiar Faces at the Kahala
The highlight of the stay was the beautiful familiar faces that always greet us at this property. The bellman and valet attendants are always the same. The front desk staff…the same. The waiters and waitresses in the restaurant…the same. I love the longevity of the staff at this hotel: it always makes the stay more pleasant.
A special shout out to Lynne at the Seaside Grill. She’s such a wonderful lady and we ended up chatting about a wide variety of topics after laughing at my orange juice escapade. She has taken care of us over the years and is always delightful.
CONCLUSION
I don’t have anything bad to say about this property. It is why I am happy to avoid Hyatt properties when in Honolulu in order to stay here. I cannot wait to return with my son and show him the dolphins.
Even with the rain, the pictures and the place look beautiful.
Got married there 3 weeks after 9/11 in 2001 when it was mostly deserted and operated under the wonderful Mandarin Oriental brand. Loved it so much we went back again a few months later. All the serenity of a remote resort with easy access to Honolulu. Loved reading on the balcony with the breeze through the palm trees while the dolphins played in the lagoon. Thanks for the pics – brought back fond memories.
So funny, Tory, I also got married there, in 1999, when it was The Mandarin. That marriage didn’t last though! But still, fond memories and, yes, it’s such a special place.
Well that’s one more thing we have in common, Stuart: my marriage didn’t make it either. Not a great track record for such a beautiful place 🙁 But the wedding itself was wonderful, a package completely arranged by the hotel on the beach at sunset at a very reasonable cost.
I enjoy the Kahala as well. But you know the upgrades you receive here are far outside the norm? They very strictly follow the one category upgrade rule on FHR bookings.
We did not book a base room and did pay a small upgrade fee. I wont’ disclose it publicly, but do want to again credit the negotiation skills of my business partner. It was too good to pass up.
I think it’s important not to create unrealistic expectations based on experiences that far outside the norm.
No one booking an FHR rate should expect more than a one category upgrade at the Kahala. If the next highest room category is not available, there will be no upgrade.
Note also that the “Ocean View” rooms here are not desirable, as they actually overlook valet parking. I prefer the Mountain View (with balcony) to those.
Fair enough. I did not mean to imply that anyone can expect a suite upgrade by booking the base rate with FHR. I also agree that I’d rather have a mountain view than parking lot view.