Restaurant Insider with Anne Lee: The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Ahi Poke Musubi (contact for cost)

The Kahala Hotel & Resort’s 60th Diamond Anniversary is a celebration of iconic foods, such as the ahi poke musubi, delicate thin pancakes, broiled misoyaki butterfish and wok-fried whole fish. The signature Kahalasada, the hotel’s version of a malasada, periodically appears at Plumeria Beach House’s breakfast buffets.

In 2024, Hoku’s will have an additional course menu featuring Malie Restaurant classic dishes and some special cocktails with a classic 1960s twist.

Misoyaki Butterfifish (contact for cost)

When you step foot inside the lobby, you’ll be flooded with nostalgic memories of Hawaiian music that filled the room, as this was the venue that helped put Hawaiian entertainers on the map. Today, The Veranda offers nightly music with local entertainers and events throughout the year.

There are a few fun facts that many may not know about the property. More than 100 coconut palms were planted here, and 18,000 yards of fine sand were brought in from Molokai to pad the 800-foot stretch of beach. Two man-made peninsulas were created at each end of the resort’s beach to prevent tidal action from washing away sand. The resort has one of the largest rooms in Hawaii at more than 550 square feet, with his-and-her bathroom vanities and walk-in closets. The hotel’s floors contain three acres of Thai-teak parquetry, while lobby chandeliers feature 28,000 multi-colored pieces of Italian-fused glass.

Pancakes (contact for cost)

Every U.S. president from Lyndon Johnson to George W. Bush has stayed at the resort. President Barack Obama stays at a private residence when he returns to Honolulu, where he grew up, but has enjoyed dining at the award-winning Hoku’s restaurant.

In honor of the celebration, here are some of the anniversary promotions that guests can take advantage of this year:

New Year’s Eve Diamond Celebration

Highlights include live music, a dazzling show by Sky Elements Drones, and dining specials from Hoku’s, Plumeria Beach House and The Veranda. Cost is $250 per person.

60th Anniversary Diamond Gala

The event will take place 5:30-8 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Maile Ballroom, and formal attire is required. Guests can expect an elegant evening with live entertainment and a course menu by executive chef Jonathan Mizukami. The menu will be an ode to the Maile Room and features miso butterfish en feuille de brick, hand-rolled Hawaiian sweet potato agnolotti, prime beef tenderloin and Kona abalone, and a chocolate soufflé, to name a few. (Menu is subject to change.)

Proceeds from the gala will support two remarkable organizations that are representative of The Kahala’s 60-year legacy and its commitment to a brighter future into the next 60 years: Protect and Preserve Hawai‘i, a nonprofit committed to the revitalization of a 330-acre native ecosystem in East Honolulu’s Pia Valley, and World of Aloha Charitable Foundation, an organization that continues to help local nonprofits at the wish of Hawaii’s late Ambassador of Aloha, Danny Kaleikini. Through the latter, proceeds will be donated to Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center.

For more information on how to sponsor and attend, contact Mark McGuffie at 808 756-4420 or mark.mcguffie@ulumau.com.

Six Diamond Experience Vacation Package

Highlights include $60,000 ultimate vacation package including a six-night stay in a signature suite, daily spa sessions, private wellness activities, a private dinner with Mizukami and a $10,000 shopping spree at Hildgund Jewelry shop within the resort.

60th Anniversary Room Package

Highlights include daily breakfast buffet for two, $60 resort credit, commemorative keepsakes like a 60th anniversary tote bag and keychain.

Diamond Wedding Package

Highlights include a $60,000 wedding package including a three-night stay in The Kahala’s signature suite, breakfast, rehearsal dinner, wedding day coverage, photography, videography, dinner for 40, spa treatment and dinner at Hoku’s.

1964 Four Diamond Glow Facial and Body Treatment

Highlights include a couples massage experience with the spa’s Signature Hoomaka Foot Ritual, exfoliating body scrub, a soak in the infinity bath and an 80-minute customized massage. Cost is $1,964.

Room Enhancements

The resort has initiated room enhancements with new island luxury stylings.

For more information or bookings, contact The Kahala Hotel & Resort at 808-739-8888 or toll-free at 866-318-4579, or visit their website at kahalaresort.com.