Kahala Hotel & Resort, Oahu, Hawaii

The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers a wide variety of activities, many free and some for a fee. The most obvious freebie is that the resort is situated on an 800-foot stretch of white, sandy beach with calm surf. It also has a main swimming pool and a children's pool. The resort offers a selection of complimentary activities such as:

• Surfing 101: A complimentary surfing and body board class.
• Scuba Classes: The basics of scuba diving. All you need is a swim suit.
• Bicycles: Bike your way around the island, or perhaps to the nearby famous Diamond Head Crater.
• Pool Desk: Boogie boards, snorkel gear, books, magazines, audio books, CD Player and CDs, croquette set, hand-held TV.
• Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and classes such as hula and basket making.

In addition, water sports rentals are available including kayaks, rafts, sailboats, skin diving and snorkeling equipment. The resort has a fully equiped fitness center. Tennis and golf is also available within a reasonable distance.

Children's activities include reef walking, snorkeling, legend storytelling, bamboo pole fishing, lei making, hula, crabbing, observing Hawaiian marine life and Hawaiian Art to name just a few.

The most famous activity (and attraction) available at the resort is situated in the hotel's 26,000 square foot natural lagoon which is home to four Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins named Hoku, Liho, Kainalu and Ni'ele. The resort's Dolphin programs are operated by Dolphin Quest whose trainers offer daily Dolphin Encounters where guests experience an up-close encounter and supervised swim.

Participants in a Dolphin Quest program receive education about the dolphins and their environment while at the same time having fun by experiencing personal interaction with the dolphins. I participated in a one-hour Dolphin Adventure which we'll report on separately. Take note, however, that these dolphin encounters book quickly. Be sure to book your space well in advance, preferably before you depart for Hawaii.

The resort's Spa Suites were chosen by Departures Magazine as the "Best New Hotel Spa in America" in their January/February 2003 issue,

The Spa Suite concept focuses on the individual and offers the ultimate in privacy and rejuvenation within each of its five spacious treatment areas. Each Spa Suite is 550 square feet and features a personal relaxation area, changing area, private shower, signature infinity-edged soaking bath and landscaped courtyard of native Hawaiian flora.

My wife Eileen was able to experience a full body spa treatment on our visit. From the moment you enter your Spa Suite, everything is designed towards relaxation from the decor to the custom blended Hawaiian herbal tea that soothes you. Unlike many spa treatments, the experience does not end with the massage. Ample time is provided for you to relax in your own courtyard and prepare to re-enter the real world.

Clearly targeting the more affluent traveler, the Kahala Hotel & Resort offers a peaceful and scenic alternative to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, yet remains close enough to Waikiki and downtown Honolulu that visitors can still enjoy the numerous local attractions and entertainment.

With its beautiful location, lovely decor, impeccable service and top notch restaurants and activities, the Kahala Hotel & Resort is well worth consideration when planning your next visit to Oahu.

Note: Our visit and review was completed when the hotel was operated by Mandarin Oriental and named the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel. We have not visited the hotel since its ownership, name and management changed in early 2006.