Star Attraction
In January 1964, The Kahala Hotel & Resort opened its doors on prime beachfront next to the famous Waialae Country Club private golf course. The rest is history, with five decades worth of illustrious guests, from royalty to heads of state and Hollywood stars. Join us as we stroll down memory lane.
Inspired by the great homes of the Hawaiian monarchy, with its elegant and grand residential feel, the hotel was originally designed by architects Edward Killingsworth, Jules Brady and Waugh Smith of Long Beach, California.
Then known as the Kahala Hilton, the resort cost $12 million to build, and was the first major resort to have air-conditioning in all rooms.
In a few months, the resort capitalized on its relatively removed location, thanks to its entrée to the Hollywood community. Not long after the resort’s opening, the management of NBC booked every room for its annual affiliates meeting and brought in a bevy of Hollywood stars.
Recognizing its potential as a celebrity hideaway, an advertising campaign targeted film and television luminaries. Word quickly spread of this elegant and exclusive resort, and the Kahala Hotel & Resort was soon placed on the map for discriminating world travelers. By 1967, it achieved a remarkable 90 percent occupancy rate and sealed its reputation as a watering hole for the extremely wealthy and hugely famous.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort attracted countless film and television stars with its exclusive setting, exemplary service, and regard for privacy. Weekend afternoons around the pool were a veritable who’s who of the silver screen, with the likes of John Wayne and Frank Sinatra lounging in chaise lounges with sunglasses and cool drinks.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort also became the hotel for royalty, heads of state, and legends of the sporting, musical and literary worlds. Despite its reputation for attracting the rich and famous, the resort also became a legendary gathering place for Honolulu’s local society.
In the last decade, the Kahala Hotel & Resort has become a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and continues the privileged position among celebrities and islanders.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort Facts
More than 100 coconut palms were planted and 18,000 yards of fine sand were barged from Molokai island to pad the 800-foot stretch of beach.
Two man-made peninsulas were created at each end of the resort beach, to prevent tidal action from washing away sand.
The resort has one of the largest rooms in Hawaii at more than 550 square feet, with his-and-her bathroom vanities and walk-in closets.
The hotel’s floors contain three acres of Thai-teak parquetry, while lobby chandeliers feature 28,000 multi-colored pieces of Italian fused glass.
Every U.S. president from Lyndon Johnson to George W. Bush has stayed at the resort. President Obama stays at a private residence when he returns to Honolulu, where he grew up. President Obama has enjoyed dining at the award-winning Hoku’s restaurant.
A beach bar was opened as the location for ‘Rick’s Bar’ in the TV series Magnum P.I. The bar is now The Kahala O Ke Kai, a beautiful oceanfront function room.
Distinguished Guests of The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Throughout the years, The Kahala Hotel & Resort has hosted 20th century icons such as John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jack Lemmon, musical legends such as The Who, The Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder, dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth, Emperor and Empress of Japan and modern day A-listers such as Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, Sean Penn, Drew Barrymore and Michelle Pfeiffer. Below names just a few of our famous guests.
- Adam Sandler
- Angelina Jolie
- Burt Reynolds
- Christopher Walken
- Dean Martin
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Whitney Houston
- Frank Sinatra
- Glenn Ford
- Henry Fonda
- Jerry Bruckheimer
- Jerry Lewis
- Janet Jackson
- Julie Andrews
- Justin Timberlake
- Lionel Richie
- Liza Minelli
- Martin Sheen
- Queen Elizabeth II
- Robert Redford
- Rolling Stones
- Sammy Davis Jr.
- Sir Elton John
- The Dalai Lama
Join Our Legacy
Follow the footsteps of our esteemed guests and experience life at The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the world of luxury hotels and resorts, particularly the historical and cultural significance of iconic establishments, I am thrilled to delve into the captivating narrative of The Kahala Hotel & Resort. My extensive knowledge stems from a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of hospitality, architecture, and celebrity culture.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort, inaugurated in January 1964, stands as a testament to opulence and exclusivity in the realm of Hawaiian hospitality. Crafted by architects Edward Killingsworth, Jules Brady, and Waugh Smith, the resort exudes the grandeur of the homes of the Hawaiian monarchy, offering an elegant and residential ambiance. The $12 million investment in its construction marked a milestone, as it became the first major resort to provide air-conditioning in all rooms, showcasing a commitment to luxury and comfort.
What truly sets The Kahala Hotel & Resort apart is its magnetic appeal to celebrities, dignitaries, and discerning travelers. The strategic location, coupled with a deliberate foray into the Hollywood community, catapulted the resort into the limelight. An NBC affiliates meeting, during which every room was booked and Hollywood stars graced the premises, marked a pivotal moment in its trajectory. The subsequent advertising campaign targeting film and television luminaries solidified its reputation as a celebrity hideaway.
The resort's allure lies not only in its exclusive setting but also in its meticulous attention to privacy and exemplary service. Weekend afternoons around the pool witnessed a parade of silver screen luminaries, with the likes of John Wayne and Frank Sinatra leisurely enjoying the Hawaiian sun. The Kahala Hotel & Resort became a sanctuary for royalty, heads of state, and legends across various domains, achieving a remarkable 90 percent occupancy rate by 1967.
In recent years, the resort has earned its place among The Leading Hotels of the World, maintaining its privileged position as a haven for both celebrities and islanders. Boasting impressive milestones, including over 100 coconut palms, 18,000 yards of fine sand from Molokai island, and spacious rooms adorned with Thai-teak parquetry, the resort embodies a harmonious blend of luxury and natural beauty.
One cannot discuss The Kahala Hotel & Resort without acknowledging its guest list, a veritable who's who of the 20th and 21st centuries. From iconic figures like John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, and Queen Elizabeth to modern A-listers such as Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, and Justin Timberlake, the resort has been a witness to the convergence of greatness.
Furthermore, the resort's historical significance extends to political realms, with every U.S. president from Lyndon Johnson to George W. Bush having stayed within its distinguished confines. Even President Obama, a native of Honolulu, opts for a private residence in the vicinity when returning to his roots.
In essence, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is not just a luxury retreat; it is a living chronicle of the convergence of history, celebrity, and hospitality. Its legacy is etched in the fine details of its architecture, the whispers of its palm trees, and the footprints of the countless luminaries who have graced its shores. To experience life at The Kahala Hotel & Resort is to step into a realm where luxury and legacy intertwine, inviting guests to follow in the footsteps of the esteemed figures who have contributed to its storied history.
