We booked through Expedia, got a great deal, were pleasantly surprised at the luxuriousness and quality of the Kahala. Rooms were lovely, private beach is lovely, service is extremely attentive and solicitous. Location is well away from the noise and traffic of Waikiki but close enough to Honolulu that all the great restaurants and other attractions are easily accessible by car.

Environs are quiet and peaceful (except for the occasional construction noise--they were renovating the lobby Veranda at the time).

Only downsides: The bar is small and not enough seats. Plumeria restaurant has a terrific breakfast buffet, but it's a bit pricey ($30). Spa prices are very expensive.

We didn't try Hoku, the restaurant, though it came highly recommended. It, too, is expensive.

Did we mention they have dolphins?

We'd come back to the Kahala for a nice relaxing peaceful vacation next time we're in Honolulu if we can get a similar deal.

We were originally due to stay here for a week - so glad we didn't - changed hotels (to the Four Seasons on Maui - luxury!) after 3 nights we had to stay without losing our deposit. Our room - it was tired and had seen better days. TV was mounted onto a side wall as if an after thought and no DVD. Bathroom was similarly tired and old. The room really needed an upgrade and at this sort of price (US$600 p/ n for a standard double/ US$1,200 p/ n for a junior executive) guests should be entitled to expect and receive more. Service was only passable. It seemed to me that the hotel hosts so many weddings and other events that they do the minimum - certainly Concierge and Front Desk were very poor - failing to follow-up with us on requests we left with them or being less than helpful. Pool - totally disappointing. We had no inclination to swim in it and the beach is weak too. Best part of the hotel - the dolphin pool. Location is on the other side of Diamond Head so a bit remote too. Cannot recommend.

Top luxury hotel in secluded quiet location just a short ride to Honolulu private beach. Wonderful open air breakfast buffet. We stayed here twice it used to be a Mandarin Oriental. It changed management has slipped a little in service and wear but still very high quality. There are nicer resorts on other islands but if you have to stay on Oahu and want luxury stay here

Heavy construction with all day jackhammering on veranda area weekdays and weekends with no sound barrier. No warning on web site. Heard rumor pool deck and pool itself next. Staff and food good as always but place seemed dingy and stingy; beautiful lobby flower arrangement gone, worn carpets with stains, stained lanai furniture with holes. Also pool heater not working entire 5 day visit! I was told they were "waiting for a part from the mainland"...Really? tried Fedex? So be ready for a 70* chilly dip. Also $25 fee to rent a beach umbrella and stingy measures like no welcoming chocolates or at turndowns, completely empty mini bar, and morning coffee service now ends at 7:30 am. I heard a guest ask at the breakfast buffet ($77.00 for 2) what happened to the macadamia nuts..I laughed.