Best 5 Star Hotels Honolulu Near Me

4worldlovers: Long before Waikiki was developed as a tourist destination, it was a favorite residence and recreational center for Hawaiian kings and chiefs. King Kamehameha I had his home where The Royal Hawaiian stands today, and Queen Kaahumanu’s Summer Palace was previously located on what is now the resort’s Coconut Grove.

Foreign visitors began to visit Waikiki in the 1830s, and a road was constructed in the 1860s. With an anticipation of an increase in visitors, our sister resort the Moana Hotel opened in 1901.

Simultaneously, the territorial government in 1907, under what it called the “Waikiki Reclamation Commission,” planned for greater commercial and tourism development by widening streets, building bridges, and draining the duck ponds, rice paddies, and taro patches that formed Waikiki’s aquaculture. Development accelerated after World War I.

During the times of the Charleston and Prohibition, the method of transportation to Hawaii was aboard a Matson steamship, providing a rather unattractive and unappealing method of travel for the rich who could afford overseas luxury and adventure. It became known as the gateway to the exotic faraway destinations of the South Pacific and the Orient.

On February 1, 1927, The Royal Hawaiian Hotel opened – a $4 million investment by the Matson Navigation Co., the brainchild of Ed Tenney, who headed the “big five” firm of Castle and Cooke and Matson Navigation, and Matson manager William Roth. It was made to be a luxurious resort for Matson passengers.

The first general manager of the hotel, Arthur Benaglia, presided over a staff of 300, including ten elevator operators and lobby boys dressed in “Cathayan” costume. At the grand opening’s black-tie gala celebration, members of the Honolulu Symphony entertained over 1,200 guests at the $10-a-plate event-of-the-year. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin described the newly opened hotel as “the first resort hostelry in America.”

Built on 15 acres of beautiful beach frontage, the luxurious hotel with its distinctive Moorish-style architecture, painted pink, was promoted world-wide as a premier visitor destination. Elaborate opening ceremonies and festivities included dinner and dancing, concerts, and pageants.

The era of opulence came to an abrupt end on the morning of December 7, 1941 when Japanese planes flew alongside Waikiki Beach on its way to the US fleet berthed at Pearl Harbor. The Navy recreation and morale office leased The Royal Hawaiian, transforming the resort into a major rest and relaxation center for the Navy personnel. The resort was restored to its pre-war elegance in 1947.

In the 1950s, many new moderately priced hotels were built in the Waikiki area, including SurfRider and Princess Kaiulani, built by the Matson Company. As larger and faster planes reduced the flying time from the mainland to Hawaii, fewer and fewer vacationers wanted to spend 4.5 days aboard a Matson ship each way. Although more than half of all the tourists who came to Hawaii in 1955 stayed in one of Matson’s four hotels, only a fifth came by ship.

By 1959, jet service had reduced the flying time even more, which further eroded the steamers’ business. That same year, after 32 years in hotel business, the company sold its first hotels (Moana, Royal, SurfRider and Princess Kaiulani) to the Sheraton hotel chain for $17.6 million.

4worldlovers: The Kahala Hotel & Resort is Oahu’s reigning luxury resort. Set on a secluded beach, this legendary hideaway in Honolulu’s plush Kahala district is a favorite with presidents, international royalty, and celebrities. From the moment you arrive, you will know you are somewhere truly special.

Indulge in five-star service and timeless Hawaiian hospitality. We offer a complete resort experience. From the family getaway to the digital nomad, our tropical beach resort is built to suit your needs.


We crafted special offers that will ensure you make the most of your stay. Our oceanside oasis has everything you could possibly wish for in a tropical beach resort, and much more.


Join us at The Kahala Hotel & Resort as we celebrate our diamond anniversary, marking 60 years as a premier luxury destination. Experience timeless elegance, captivating views, and impeccable service throughout 2024 with a series of special events and promotions.


Stay longer, save more! Book our Ocean View Lanai category or higher, and receive every 5th night free


Escape the everyday and up the ante on your next staycation with exclusive savings and free parking for kama‘aina.


Immediately embracing, rooms and suites offer lavish comfort, fine finishes, and a choice of scenic, dolphin lagoon, and full ocean views.

Our elegant and spacious guest rooms offer panoramic views of the white-sand beach, dolphin lagoon, tropical scenery, or the majestic Koolau Mountains.

Our suites are second to none, where luxury meets sweeping vistas. Choose from three majestic ocean view categories.

When only the very best will do. Experience the sophisticated elegance; each Signature Suites offers a unique and breathtaking experience.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy - experience life at The Kahala Hotel & Resort.

A feast for your taste buds, experience the restaurants at The Kahala Hotel & Resort whether you are looking for date night at Hoku’s, working lunch at Plumeria Beach House, lounging poolside lunch at Seaside Grill, or cocktails at The Veranda, we have a dining experience for your occasion.

Our signature offerings and seasonal events help you unwind and relax in the most tranquil of surroundings. Whether you want to pamper yourself in the sumptuous spa, take part in children’s or cultural activities, or enjoy live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.