Welcome to Kahala
This exclusive enclave is just minutes from the active resort of Waikiki, but seemingly worlds away in its serenity, Kahala is the iconic grand neighborhood for luxury living on the island of Oahu. In addition to the Hawaii-style luxury, Kahala’s allure lies in its immediate access to quiet, secluded beaches along Kahala Avenue. With various activities and a mix of longtime homeowners and newer arrivals, there’s a sense of belonging and an affluent feel that makes every day feel just a little more special.
What to Love
- Iconic understated luxury homes
- Privacy and exclusivity
- Secluded, sandy beach and oceanfront
- Versatile lifestyle amenities
- Access to world-class resort and golf course
Local Lifestyle
Celebrities, business moguls, and luxury seekers are drawn to Kahala, known as the “Beverly Hills” of Hawaii. The grand homes here are estate-like, with extensive grounds and waterfront access. Making life easier, the neighborhood features conveniences, such as grocery stores, while also offering a variety of dining and spa options at the iconic Kahala Hotel & Resort and an adjacent members-only, 18-hole golf course. For those seeking a small-town ambiance with easy access to downtown, Kahala provides the best of all worlds.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Freshen up your wardrobe during a day of shopping at the Kahala Mall, conveniently set right in this beachfront neighborhood and offering more than 100 locally-owned shops, major retailers, and restaurants. From custom burgers to ramen, surfwear to chic shoes, you’ll find it here.
Residents of Kahala have easy access to the esteemed Kahala Hotel & Resort, acting as a private beach club of sorts for the neighborhood. Private memberships at the spa and wellness center allow for indulgent body therapies, nail and hair services, and more anytime you want to arrange it. The dining options at the resort are top-notch, including the casual, open-air Plumeria Beach House and Seaside Grill; The Veranda, with its live music and craft cocktails; Arancino, named Hawaii’s best Italian restaurant; and haute cuisine at Hoku’s. The latter is an exquisite spot for a celebratory meal. Savor French-influenced cuisine with fresh, local flavors from Chef Jonathan Mizukami, who has trained in Michelin-starred restaurants all over the world.
Other neighborhood favorites include Brug Bakery, where you can pick up mochi donuts and the shop’s specialty Japan-style loaf bread; Kuru Kuru Sushi, one of the only sushi spots in Kahala; and the bistro-style Assaggio, where you really should try the chicken anchovy olio.
Things to Do
Tiptoe to the well-hidden Kahala Beach, a favorite of neighborhood locals. It’s a tad bit hard to find for those who aren’t in the know, so you’re likely to have the place (mostly) to yourself. The water is clear and calm and great for swimming and snorkeling.
Tee off on the creative and expertly designed Waialae Country Club Golf Course, masterminded by golf architects Seth Raynor and Charles Banks. Several of the holes are designed after famous holes around the world, including those from the Biarritz Course in France and the Road Hole at St. Andrews in Scotland. The members-only course has been updated over the years by Robert Trent Jones, Tom Doak, and others, resulting in a mature, lushly landscaped, and player-friendly championship course.
Admire your neighbor’s oceanfront mansions along Kahala Avenue, one of the world’s most prestigious waterfront neighborhoods. Contemporary and older estates are home to presidents, royalty, and big Hollywood names seeking a quiet, casual Hawaiian locale.
If you’re feeling restless, the Diamond Head Summit Trail is right in your backyard. Tackle this iconic hike up switchbacks along the crater wall, up steep stairs, and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel for a postcard-perfect view of the southeastern Oahu shoreline from Koko Head to Waianae (keep an eye on the horizon during the winter months, and you just might glimpse migrating humpback whales).
Schools
Students from Kahala attend highly desired schools, including:
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Kahala Elementary School, PK-5, a well-rated public elementary school
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Mayor John Wilson Elementary School, PK-5, a well-rated public elementary school
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Kalani High School, 9-12, highly rated public high school
