An Oasis on Oahu

The Kahala Hotel & Resort at dusk

Amid the hustle and bustle of Waikiki—which, of course, is fun at least for a while—it is difficult to think of Oahu in terms of a quiet tropical haven. The busy luxury shops, the modernism of the high rises, the animation of the boulevards and the frenzy of tourists certainly make for an entertaining spectacle. But if after a while you are a bit dizzied by the throngs, there is an escape. Only ten minutes from the heart of Honolulu there is a place where you can actually get back to nature. You'll be awed by what a difference just a few miles can make when you reach the grounds of the The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Waialae-Kahala.

It's almost possible to believe you have reached another island, remote and mercifully overlooked by modern tourism. Conrad Hilton obviously had a fantastic intuition about location when he decided in the 1960s to erect a getaway for the beautiful people along this isolated stretch of beach.

A Presidential Suite living room	Oceanfront room

The first reaction to Hilton's venture was: It's too far from Waikiki. But that sentiment didn't last. For Hollywood stars in quest of tranquility, from John Wayne and Frank Sinatra to Julie Andrews and Jack Lemmon, Waikiki was already far enough—the resort's secluded location was a bonus. The Kahala soon became home to Hollywood glitterati, royalty and heads of state.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Emperor Hirohito, Juan Carlos and the Queen of Spain slept there. Prince Charles and Diana booked 100 rooms for a party they threw at the Kahala. Every U.S. President since Richard Nixon has visited and enjoyed the Presidential Suite. And even today one is still likely to bump into a big name celebrity.

Renovated by the Mandarin Oriental group before being taken over once again by a new management company, the Kahala boasts 331 rooms and 33 suites with views looking onto the famous Diamond Head, the Koolau Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The naturally-lit, oversized accommodations are reminiscent of the past with their mahogany four-poster beds and furniture, and teak wood floors, while the bathrooms reproduce the look of an old Hawaiian home with traditional faucets and porcelain handles.

The Koko Head Gazebo	Infinity edge bath in the Spa Suites

One of the hotel's newer draws are the residential-style Spa Suites (550 square feet each) set in tropical gardens. Another great place to relax is The Veranda, where you can sip a cup of one of the many teas available or while watching the dolphins playing in the lagoon. (This same beautiful view is also available from most guestroom balconies). You can also swim with the dolphins in the company of an instructor. The beach is pristine and secluded, right at your feet—unless you prefer to relax around the pool. As for dinner, you need not drive too far. Just walk across the Veranda to Hoku's, one of the best restaurants on the entire island.