Visit Oahu Island: Our Family's Fabulous Staycation at the Kahala Hotel and Resort

The majestic lobby at the Kahala Hotel and Resort.

Our family had the best staycation on the other side of Waikiki at the gorgeous Kahala Hotel and Resort.  Just ten minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, the resort sits on a secluded beach overlooking Diamond Head and Koko Head craters.  

Beautiful views surround the resort. 

As soon as I set foot into the lobby, I could feel my daily worries lessen.  I was swept away from the noise of life and as I took in the scenic views that surrounded me, I gained a little bit of clarity: the importance of quality time with family.      

Guests can enjoy the serene ocean view.

When my daughter turned 8, she decided she rather have a family staycation than a birthday party.  It was at that moment, I realized how easy it is to lose sight of time.  With full time jobs and extracurricular activities filling up the weekends, the months just fly by.  We thought we were spending lots of family time together.  But to my eight year old, it wasn't the kind of time she wanted.  She wanted real family time with no distractions.  Our staycation at the Kahala was the remedy.

The birthday girl enjoys a bit of time rocking in the chair.

The first thing we noticed in our room was the stunning ocean view.  After we took in the view for several minutes, we excitedly explored the rest of the room.  The bathroom was large and equipped with his and her vanities, a shower, and a bathtub.  I especially liked that there was a separate shower and tub because my daughter could take a shower while I gave my son a bath.  Other amenities included a refrigerator, in room safe, Wi-Fi, and coffee maker.  Microwaves are available upon request.        

The ocean view immediately caught my eye.

Stunning!

Rooms are large and include a chaise lounge, a small table, and a desk.

My kids enjoyed playtime in the bathtub.

Separate shower and sinks make getting a family ready a breeze.

The WiFi accommodates up to four devices.  Perfect for families. 

On the grounds of the resort, you will find a waterfall, lush gardens and a dolphin lagoon!  It was amazing to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins swimming and playing in the resort's natural lagoon.  Guests have the option to interact with the dolphins through Dolphin Quest.   

The lagoon is 26,000 square feet!

A portion of the fees from Dolphin Quest serves marine education, conservation and research.

There is so much to do at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, but our family's favorites involve water play at the pool and beach.  I love watching my kids splashing at the pool, but I must admit, it's so much better with a frozen cocktail from Kahala's Seaside Grill.    

The Kahala has a kids' pool, but my children can swim and preferred the regular pool.  Still, it was remarkably kid friendly.  We have stayed at Waikiki hotels where we had to constantly remind our children to keep their voices down so as not to bother other hotel guests.  However, the pool was full of families playing together and the mood at the pool was playful and happy.  This was definitely a weight off my shoulders.  For the first time in a long time, I talked, laughed, and had fun at the pool with my children instead of constantly scolding them.

Coco-jito Freeze was refreshing for a hot day. 

Armed with goggles and floaties, the kids had a blast. 

All smiles!

We also loved the beach at the Kahala.  Not only is the sand soft and the beach gorgeous, but there are rock barriers that keep the waves gentle enough for young children to play and for beginners learning to surf and standup paddle.  Another highlight is that the beach is not crowded and just secluded enough that our family could play alongside other families without any distractions.  I felt that my children could play safely here.     

Beach for days.

Hotel guests can enjoy the beach from chairs or request cabana service.

Lots of room to play. 

Waves are gentle enough for little kids to play safely. 

We finished off our family's staycation with the breakfast buffet at the Plumeria Beach House leaving the resort behind with new memories, full tummies, clear minds, and happy hearts. 

Happy Birthday Lauren!

Proof the birthday girl got her birthday wish. 

Thank you to the Kahala Hotel and Resort for our complimentary room.  All gratuities were paid on my own.  All opinions are entirely my own.