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The Kahala Hotel & Resort

February 14, 2023

The Kahala Hotel & Resort is a luxury hotel on the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii. It first opened in 1964 as the Kahala Hilton. Developed as an exclusive retreat away from Waikiki, the resort became a popular destination for celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Elton John; foreign dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II, the Reverend Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama; and eight United States presidents.[1][2] In the mid-1990s, it was renamed the Kahala Mandarin Oriental and was later known simply as The Kahala. The resort has had captive dolphins or porpoises in its private lagoon since its first year of operation.[3][4][5]

The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Former names
  • Kahala Hilton
  • Kahala Mandarin Oriental
  • The Kahala
General information
LocationHonolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
Address5000 Kahala Avenue
CoordinatesCoordinates: 21°16′19″N 157°46′26″W / 21.2719°N 157.7738°W / 21.2719; -157.7738
Website
www.kahalaresort.com

History

 
The Dolphin Lagoon at the Kahala Hotel & Resort

Before the hotel was built, the residential neighborhood of Kahala, a 12-minute drive from Waikiki, was still relatively unknown to tourists.[6] In 1959, the land next to the Waialae Country Club was leased from the Bishop Estate by developer Charles J. Pietsch Jr., who partnered with hotelier Conrad Hilton,[7] and commissioned the architectural firm of Killingsworth, Brady and Smith of Long Beach, California.[2] Architect Edward Killingsworth designed the main building as a modernist 10-story structure in the shape of two rectangles.[8] Elevated on two-story-high concrete pillars set in a man-made salt-water lagoon,[2] the building has been called "a work of art distinguished by its overall 'elegant informality'."[8]

When the Kahala Hilton opened in January 1964, it had 302 rooms, including rooms within suites,[9] built at a cost of $12 million.[7] In the early months, the hotel openly provided "comps" (complimentarys, free of charge) to well-known personalities who helped to build its image.[6] A 1964 article in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin noted that famous guests at the Kahala Hilton had included heiress Barbara Hutton; actors Kirk Douglas, James Garner, and Henry Fonda; adventurer Lowell Thomas; ex-Princess Suga of Japan; financier David Rockefeller; actress and singer Rhonda Fleming; and TV comedian Steve Allen.[6]

A major turning point came when NBC booked every room at the Kahala Hilton for its annual meeting of affiliates, and brought in major stars including singer Andy Williams.[7] The Kahala soon became known for its famous guests, including world leaders, Hollywood and TV stars, rock-and-roll artists, and wealthy business executives.[10][11] Every American president from Lyndon B. Johnson to Barack Obama has been a guest at the hotel.[12]

Starting in 1967, singer Danny Kaleikini was the headline entertainer at the Hala Terrace at the Kahala Hilton,[12] with a popular nightly show featuring Polynesian dancers.[13] Within five years, it became the "best drawing Hawaiian show in the islands",[14] and continued for 28 years.[15]

Initially part of the Hilton Hotels Corporation, the Kahala Hilton was spun off in March 1968, and was taken over by Hilton International.[10] It closed in 1995, and for a period became the Kahala Mandarin Oriental.[16] In 2006, it changed owners again and became known as The Kahala.[17] In 2014, the Kahala Hotel & Resort was sold for nearly $300 million to Resorttrust Hawaii, a Japanese-owned company.[18][12] Initially, the new owners considered turning the resort into a timeshare.[12] Resorttrust opened a sister property in Japan, Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama, in 2020.[19]

Facilities

 
The lobby at the Kahala Hotel, 2016

The 6.5-acre (2.6 ha) property includes 800 feet (240 m) of beach, with sand imported from the island of Molokai.[20] The Kahala Hotel is located on a private road, bordered by the neighboring golf course and the ocean.[5] Guests are greeted with flower leis.[1] The lobby has 30-foot (9.1 m) floor-to-ceiling windows, and two gigantic chandeliers made of multi-colored stained glass.[20] Across from the check-in area is the hotel's often-photographed "Orchid Wall" featuring more than 100 varieties of orchids.[2][21]

The resort has an onsite spa, a fitness center, an outdoor sauna, and a large lagoon with several Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.[1][5] Visitors can pay to swim with the dolphins, which are cared for by Dolphin Quest Oahu.[22][23] The property is also home to sea turtles and stingrays.[1][a]

The hotel has several restaurants, including Hoku's and Arancino, recipients of Ilima Awards in 2021 and 2019 respectively,[24][25] as well as the Veranda and Plumeria Beach House.[26][24]

The "Wall of Fame" inside the Kahala Hotel features photographs of famous guests from over the years, including royalty such as Emperor Hirohito of Japan, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and Prince Charles and Princess Diana of the United Kingdom; actors such as Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, John Wayne, Sidney Poitier, Bob Hope, and Robin Williams; and musicians including George Harrison, Rod Stewart, and Michael Jackson.[2]

Dolphins

 
Three dolphins in the Dolphin Lagoon at the Kahala Hilton

In 1964, Sea Life Park asked the Kahala Hilton to temporarily host two porpoises.[7][3] Hotel executive Charlie Pietsch agreed, and the porpoises became an "instant hit" with hotel guests and local patrons.[7][4] The Hilton later acquired three dolphins of its own from Gulfport, Mississippi.[7]

In 2017, the Hawaii State Legislature considered resolutions urging Hawaii facilities to stop breeding and keeping dolphins and other cetaceans in captivity; the resolutions stalled.[27] In May of that year, protesters participating in international Empty the Tanks Day called for Dolphin Quest at the Kahala Hotel to release its captive marine animals.[27] Dolphin Quest responded that its zoological facilities at the Kahala and at the Hilton Waikoloa Village supported vital scientific research related to marine life.[27]

Further reading

  • Sheehan, Ed (1990). The Kahala: The Hotel That Could Only Happen Once. Honolulu: Kahala Hilton. ISBN 9780962816703

Notes

 
Two penguins at the Kahala Hilton, 1994
  1. ^ Two penguins were kept at the Kahala Hilton between 1984 and 1995. (Ryan 2008)

References

  1. ^ a b c d Murray, Meghan Miner. "Review: The Kahala Hotel & Resort – Honolulu, Hawaii, United States". The Telegraph. from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved September 4, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e Meacham, Steve (October 18, 2018). "Kahala Hotel & Resort: Hawaii's hotel that's most famous for hosting US presidents". Traveller Magazine. from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  3. ^ a b Sherman, Eddie (December 28, 1964). "Side Glimpses". The Honolulu Advertiser. p. B3. from the original on September 9, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b Sakamoto, Ed (June 26, 1965). "Playful Pooch Prefers Porpoises". The Honolulu Advertiser. p. 1. from the original on September 9, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c Towle, Mimi (March 26, 2014). "Kahala at 50". Marin Magazine. from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c Knaefler, Tomi (October 10, 1964). "Kahala Hilton Low in Occupancy, But High in Quality". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved August 31, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Sheehan, Ed (1990). The Kahala: The Hotel That Could Only Happen Once. Honolulu: Kahala Hilton. pp. 18–19, 44–46. ISBN 9780962816703.
  8. ^ a b Woo, Elaine (July 15, 2004). "Edward Killingsworth, at 86; created simple, elegant homes". The Record. Special from The Los Angeles Times. from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  9. ^ Schneider, Emil A. (March 4, 1965). "Kahala May Add Cottages Around Lagoon". The Honolulu Advertiser. from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Lynch, Russ (March 8, 1984). "Kahala Hilton Builds a Lot of Loyalty in 20 Years". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved August 31, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Ryan, Tim (July 7, 2008). "Kahala seeks to reclaim its glamorous reputation". Travel Weekly. from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d Schaefers, Allison (August 1, 2014). "The Kahala Hotel Sells for $300m". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved August 31, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Ash, Leonard D. (March 2, 1971). "The Polynesia Spirit". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. p. III-11. from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ Wood, Ben (March 29, 1972). "Night Life Hawaii Style". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ Berger, John (December 13, 1994). "Pau hana time for Danny Kaleikini". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. pp. B1, B5. from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ Harada, Wayne (March 10, 2019). "Former Kahala Hilton employees stay connected with upcoming reunion". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved August 31, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Wentzel, Marty (June 26, 2006). "The next chapter: new owners, same class act at The Kahala". TravelAge West. Vol. 41, no. 13. from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022 – via Gale OneFile.
  18. ^ Ubay, Jason (December 17, 2014). "Japan-based Resorttrust hopes to return Hawaii's Kahala Hotel to its former prestige". Pacific Business News. from the original on January 26, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  19. ^ Dicus, Howard (September 23, 2020). "The Kahala Hotel is now a chain after opening a sister resort in Japan". Hawaii News Now. from the original on September 9, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  20. ^ a b Bixby, Grant (February 15, 2008). "The resort offers family friendliness and 5-Star treatment". The Orange County Register. from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  21. ^ Webb, Michael (2013–2014). "The Architecture of Optimism" (PDF). Kahala Magazine. Vol. 8, no. 2. p. 48. (PDF) from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  22. ^ Daly, Natasha (June 2019). "The Wildlife We See, The Suffering We Don't". The National Geographic. Vol. 235, no. 6. from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022 – via EBSCOHost.
  23. ^ Tsutsumi, Cheryl Chee (February 17, 2002). "Swim with dolphins and learn local lore on a Waikiki getaway". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. p. F6. from the original on September 9, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ a b Galdeira, Kyle (March 31, 2022). "An Elevated Experience". Where Hawaii Eats. from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  25. ^ "2019 'Ilima Awards Restaurants: A-C". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. October 13, 2019. from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  26. ^ Lee, Anne (May 9, 2021). "Restaurant Insider with Anne Lee: The Veranda". Where Hawaii Eats. from the original on September 26, 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
  27. ^ a b c Schaefers, Allison (May 19, 2017). "Of research and dolphins". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. pp. A1, A10. from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.

External links

  • The Kahala Hotel & Resort (Official website)

February 14, 2023
kahala, hotel, resort, luxury, hotel, island, oahu, state, hawaii, first, opened, 1964, kahala, hilton, developed, exclusive, retreat, away, from, waikiki, resort, became, popular, destination, celebrities, such, frank, sinatra, elton, john, foreign, dignitari. The Kahala Hotel amp Resort is a luxury hotel on the island of Oahu in the state of Hawaii It first opened in 1964 as the Kahala Hilton Developed as an exclusive retreat away from Waikiki the resort became a popular destination for celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Elton John foreign dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II the Reverend Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama and eight United States presidents 1 2 In the mid 1990s it was renamed the Kahala Mandarin Oriental and was later known simply as The Kahala The resort has had captive dolphins or porpoises in its private lagoon since its first year of operation 3 4 5 The Kahala Hotel amp ResortFormer namesKahala HiltonKahala Mandarin OrientalThe KahalaGeneral informationLocationHonolulu Hawaii U S Address5000 Kahala AvenueCoordinatesCoordinates 21 16 19 N 157 46 26 W 21 2719 N 157 7738 W 21 2719 157 7738Websitewww wbr kahalaresort wbr com Contents 1 History 2 Facilities 3 Dolphins 4 Further reading 5 Notes 6 References 7 External linksHistory Edit The Dolphin Lagoon at the Kahala Hotel amp Resort Before the hotel was built the residential neighborhood of Kahala a 12 minute drive from Waikiki was still relatively unknown to tourists 6 In 1959 the land next to the Waialae Country Club was leased from the Bishop Estate by developer Charles J Pietsch Jr who partnered with hotelier Conrad Hilton 7 and commissioned the architectural firm of Killingsworth Brady and Smith of Long Beach California 2 Architect Edward Killingsworth designed the main building as a modernist 10 story structure in the shape of two rectangles 8 Elevated on two story high concrete pillars set in a man made salt water lagoon 2 the building has been called a work of art distinguished by its overall elegant informality 8 When the Kahala Hilton opened in January 1964 it had 302 rooms including rooms within suites 9 built at a cost of 12 million 7 In the early months the hotel openly provided comps complimentarys free of charge to well known personalities who helped to build its image 6 A 1964 article in the Honolulu Star Bulletin noted that famous guests at the Kahala Hilton had included heiress Barbara Hutton actors Kirk Douglas James Garner and Henry Fonda adventurer Lowell Thomas ex Princess Suga of Japan financier David Rockefeller actress and singer Rhonda Fleming and TV comedian Steve Allen 6 A major turning point came when NBC booked every room at the Kahala Hilton for its annual meeting of affiliates and brought in major stars including singer Andy Williams 7 The Kahala soon became known for its famous guests including world leaders Hollywood and TV stars rock and roll artists and wealthy business executives 10 11 Every American president from Lyndon B Johnson to Barack Obama has been a guest at the hotel 12 Starting in 1967 singer Danny Kaleikini was the headline entertainer at the Hala Terrace at the Kahala Hilton 12 with a popular nightly show featuring Polynesian dancers 13 Within five years it became the best drawing Hawaiian show in the islands 14 and continued for 28 years 15 Initially part of the Hilton Hotels Corporation the Kahala Hilton was spun off in March 1968 and was taken over by Hilton International 10 It closed in 1995 and for a period became the Kahala Mandarin Oriental 16 In 2006 it changed owners again and became known as The Kahala 17 In 2014 the Kahala Hotel amp Resort was sold for nearly 300 million to Resorttrust Hawaii a Japanese owned company 18 12 Initially the new owners considered turning the resort into a timeshare 12 Resorttrust opened a sister property in Japan Kahala Hotel amp Resort Yokohama in 2020 19 Facilities Edit The lobby at the Kahala Hotel 2016 The 6 5 acre 2 6 ha property includes 800 feet 240 m of beach with sand imported from the island of Molokai 20 The Kahala Hotel is located on a private road bordered by the neighboring golf course and the ocean 5 Guests are greeted with flower leis 1 The lobby has 30 foot 9 1 m floor to ceiling windows and two gigantic chandeliers made of multi colored stained glass 20 Across from the check in area is the hotel s often photographed Orchid Wall featuring more than 100 varieties of orchids 2 21 The resort has an onsite spa a fitness center an outdoor sauna and a large lagoon with several Atlantic bottlenose dolphins 1 5 Visitors can pay to swim with the dolphins which are cared for by Dolphin Quest Oahu 22 23 The property is also home to sea turtles and stingrays 1 a The hotel has several restaurants including Hoku s and Arancino recipients of Ilima Awards in 2021 and 2019 respectively 24 25 as well as the Veranda and Plumeria Beach House 26 24 The Wall of Fame inside the Kahala Hotel features photographs of famous guests from over the years including royalty such as Emperor Hirohito of Japan King Juan Carlos of Spain and Prince Charles and Princess Diana of the United Kingdom actors such as Elizabeth Taylor Lauren Bacall John Wayne Sidney Poitier Bob Hope and Robin Williams and musicians including George Harrison Rod Stewart and Michael Jackson 2 Dolphins Edit Three dolphins in the Dolphin Lagoon at the Kahala Hilton In 1964 Sea Life Park asked the Kahala Hilton to temporarily host two porpoises 7 3 Hotel executive Charlie Pietsch agreed and the porpoises became an instant hit with hotel guests and local patrons 7 4 The Hilton later acquired three dolphins of its own from Gulfport Mississippi 7 In 2017 the Hawaii State Legislature considered resolutions urging Hawaii facilities to stop breeding and keeping dolphins and other cetaceans in captivity the resolutions stalled 27 In May of that year protesters participating in international Empty the Tanks Day called for Dolphin Quest at the Kahala Hotel to release its captive marine animals 27 Dolphin Quest responded that its zoological facilities at the Kahala and at the Hilton Waikoloa Village supported vital scientific research related to marine life 27 Further reading EditSheehan Ed 1990 The Kahala The Hotel That Could Only Happen Once Honolulu Kahala Hilton ISBN 9780962816703Notes Edit Two penguins at the Kahala Hilton 1994 Two penguins were kept at the Kahala Hilton between 1984 and 1995 Ryan 2008 References Edit a b c d Murray Meghan Miner Review The Kahala Hotel amp Resort Honolulu Hawaii United States The Telegraph Archived from the original on September 4 2022 Retrieved September 4 2022 a b c d e Meacham Steve October 18 2018 Kahala Hotel amp Resort Hawaii s hotel that s most famous for hosting US presidents Traveller Magazine Archived from the original on September 5 2022 Retrieved September 5 2022 a b Sherman Eddie December 28 1964 Side Glimpses The Honolulu Advertiser p B3 Archived from the original on September 9 2022 Retrieved September 9 2022 via Newspapers com a b Sakamoto Ed June 26 1965 Playful Pooch Prefers Porpoises The Honolulu Advertiser p 1 Archived from the original on September 9 2022 Retrieved September 9 2022 via Newspapers com a b c Towle Mimi March 26 2014 Kahala at 50 Marin Magazine Archived from the original on September 5 2022 Retrieved September 5 2022 a b c Knaefler Tomi October 10 1964 Kahala Hilton Low in Occupancy But High in Quality Honolulu Star Bulletin Archived from the original on August 31 2022 Retrieved August 31 2022 via Newspapers com a b c d e f Sheehan Ed 1990 The Kahala The Hotel That Could Only Happen Once Honolulu Kahala Hilton pp 18 19 44 46 ISBN 9780962816703 a b Woo Elaine July 15 2004 Edward Killingsworth at 86 created simple elegant homes The Record Special from The Los Angeles Times Archived from the original on September 29 2022 Retrieved September 5 2022 via Gale OneFile Schneider Emil A March 4 1965 Kahala May Add Cottages Around Lagoon The Honolulu Advertiser Archived from the original on September 5 2022 Retrieved September 5 2022 a b Lynch Russ March 8 1984 Kahala Hilton Builds a Lot of Loyalty in 20 Years Honolulu Star Bulletin Archived from the original on August 31 2022 Retrieved August 31 2022 via Newspapers com Ryan Tim July 7 2008 Kahala seeks to reclaim its glamorous reputation Travel Weekly Archived from the original on September 22 2022 Retrieved September 16 2022 a b c d Schaefers Allison August 1 2014 The Kahala Hotel Sells for 300m Honolulu Star Advertiser Archived from the original on August 31 2022 Retrieved August 31 2022 via Newspapers com Ash Leonard D March 2 1971 The Polynesia Spirit Honolulu Star Bulletin p III 11 Archived from the original on September 1 2022 Retrieved September 1 2022 via Newspapers com Wood Ben March 29 1972 Night Life Hawaii Style Honolulu Star Bulletin Archived from the original on September 5 2022 Retrieved September 5 2022 via Newspapers com Berger John December 13 1994 Pau hana time for Danny Kaleikini Honolulu Star Bulletin pp B1 B5 Archived from the original on September 1 2022 Retrieved September 1 2022 via Newspapers com Harada Wayne March 10 2019 Former Kahala Hilton employees stay connected with upcoming reunion Honolulu Star Advertiser Archived from the original on August 31 2022 Retrieved August 31 2022 via Newspapers com Wentzel Marty June 26 2006 The next chapter new owners same class act at The Kahala TravelAge West Vol 41 no 13 Archived from the original on September 29 2022 Retrieved September 1 2022 via Gale OneFile Ubay Jason December 17 2014 Japan based Resorttrust hopes to return Hawaii s Kahala Hotel to its former prestige Pacific Business News Archived from the original on January 26 2017 Retrieved September 9 2022 Dicus Howard September 23 2020 The Kahala Hotel is now a chain after opening a sister resort in Japan Hawaii News Now Archived from the original on September 9 2022 Retrieved September 9 2022 a b Bixby Grant February 15 2008 The resort offers family friendliness and 5 Star treatment The Orange County Register Archived from the original on September 5 2022 Retrieved September 5 2022 Webb Michael 2013 2014 The Architecture of Optimism PDF Kahala Magazine Vol 8 no 2 p 48 Archived PDF from the original on September 5 2022 Retrieved September 5 2022 Daly Natasha June 2019 The Wildlife We See The Suffering We Don t The National Geographic Vol 235 no 6 Archived from the original on September 4 2022 Retrieved September 5 2022 via EBSCOHost Tsutsumi Cheryl Chee February 17 2002 Swim with dolphins and learn local lore on a Waikiki getaway Honolulu Star Bulletin p F6 Archived from the original on September 9 2022 Retrieved September 9 2022 via Newspapers com a b Galdeira Kyle March 31 2022 An Elevated Experience Where Hawaii Eats Archived from the original on September 29 2022 Retrieved September 28 2022 2019 Ilima Awards Restaurants A C Honolulu Star Advertiser October 13 2019 Archived from the original on December 4 2021 Retrieved September 28 2022 Lee Anne May 9 2021 Restaurant Insider with Anne Lee The Veranda Where Hawaii Eats Archived from the original on September 26 2021 Retrieved September 28 2022 a b c Schaefers Allison May 19 2017 Of research and dolphins Honolulu Star Advertiser pp A1 A10 Archived from the original on September 29 2022 Retrieved September 9 2022 via Newspapers com External links EditThe Kahala Hotel amp Resort Official website Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title The Kahala Hotel 26 Resort amp oldid 1136389396, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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