The Kahala: Where Presidents Go to Paradise

When presidents traveled to Hawaii, they wanted privacy as much as sunshine, and for four decades they found both just beyond the bustle of Waikiki.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

The Kahala opened in January 1964 on Oahu's south shore as the Kahala Hilton, the name most of its presidential guests knew; it became the Kahala Mandarin Oriental in the mid-1990s and took its current name in 2006. Its elegant design was inspired by the great homes of the Hawaiian monarchy. It sits far enough from Waikiki to feel exclusive, yet close enough for an easy evening in town, and that balance made it the presidents' choice. Every president from Lyndon B. Johnson to George W. Bush stayed here. George H.W. Bush reportedly arrived by helicopter on the neighboring golf course to avoid snarling traffic around the hotel. Barack Obama, who grew up in Honolulu, stays at a private residence when he returns, though he has dined at the resort's Hoku's restaurant.

Inside, three acres of Thai teak parquet floors and lobby chandeliers made of thousands of pieces of Italian glass set the tone. Outside, there's a private beach, a lagoon, and some of the most serene sunsets on the island.

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About this guide: Presidential connections are drawn from public sources, including official White House schedules, presidential and historical archives, and reputable news outlets, as well as the hotels' own published histories. Hotel names, ownership, and amenities may have changed since publication. This information is provided for general interest, is not guaranteed, and should be independently verified. Hotelaholic is not affiliated with or endorsed by any U.S. president or government agency.