Kahala Resort and Beach

There's a quiet, lagoon-like beach at Kahala Hotel and Resort, which is away from the crowds in a residential neighborhood. The beach is alright for swimming though the water is not very clear and the sand is a little corally. To the west of the beach is a little rock island that adds atmosphere. To the east of the beach is a gorgeous promontary where you can walk at night. Sit on one of the benches, made private by the abundant landscaping, and look out to sea. Palm trees sway wildly above in the tradewinds. Look out over Maunalua Bay all the way to Koko Head.

Behind the beach there is a pond full of turtles and a lagoon that is home to dolphins! Stand on the bridge and watch the dolphins swim under you, looking inquisitively up at you with one eye! Sometimes there is a dolphin show that you can watch for free. Continue over the bridge and cuddle your lover by the lit-up waterfall. Go upstairs and you will often find live music playing in the little bar by the entry turnaround. It is a gracious open-air room with high ceilings. Once I danced with my husband there while a torrential rainfall poured down just meters from us through the tall columns. It was magic!
Famous Hollywood stars and royalty have enjoyed the seclusion of this hotel over the years. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Emperor Hirohito, Juan Carlos and the Queen of Spain, Ghandi, and the Dalai Lama have all stayed here. Imelda Marcos often came here for lunch while in the islands. Every president since Nixon has stayed in the Presidential Suite.
From the resort you can walk to Waialae Beach Park, where you will find expansive lawns dotted with palms and a bridge across a stream. Park here when visiting the resort to avoid parking at the hotel (see below).
If you're hungry, head to Kahala Mall. The Yen King restaurant has some good spicy Szechuan (Chinese) food. Upstairs, above Kahala Mall, there's an attractive and happening Barnes and Noble bookstore. For the best food nearby, eat at Olive Tree Cafe on the corner of Kilauea Ave and Pahoa Ave. Their reasonably-priced Greek food will wow you.
An even better rainy day activity is Children's Discovery Museum, with so many fun things for kids to explore.

Directions

From Waikiki, go south on Kalakaua Ave to Diamond Head Rd. Turn right on Diamond Head Rd. It becomes Kahala Ave. Continue on Kahala Ave. Cross a bridge and park for free to the right at Waialae Beach Park. Walk to the east along corally Waialae Beach to the Kahala Resort Beach. Or continue on Kahala Ave and park in the Kahala Resort parking lot. If you buy a drink you can probably have your parking validated.

Click on map for interactive view