Kahala Milestones & Memories
Looking Back
Several landmark moments shaped the development of The Kahala, both before and after it opened its doors in 1964. Here are some of the most important milestones that helped to make The Kahala what it is today
1947
City planner David Wolbrink devises a plan for the best use of Bishop Estate lands in Waialae-Kahala, suggesting to retain the golf course and build a world-class hotel on a beach site to enhance and maintain the ambience of the neighborhood.
1959
Real estate investor Charlie Pietsch obtains a lease on the site from Bishop Estate, including the golf course with an extension of 15 acres on the opposite end. Pietsch flies to Los Angeles and puts together a 50/50 deal with friend Conrad Hilton.
1961
Charlie Pietsch signs a contract with Hilton International and architects Killingsworth, Brady, and Smith of Long Beach. Construction begins the following year, with Hawaiian blessing ceremonies.
1964
Hotel opens. Reverend Abraham Akaka officiates the blessing ceremony that also includes pastors of many faiths. Inaugural luncheon is held with a menu that reflects a taste of the islands.
1968
The Hawaii Five-O debut brings many celebrities to the hotel, including Helen Hayes, Broderick Crawford, Geraldine Page, Luther Adler and Hume Cronyn, as well as Loretta Swit, Mike Farrell, Martin Sheen, Pat Morita and Ed Flanders.
1971
Management sends trainer Randy Lewis to Gulfport, Mississippi, to bring three dolphins (Uku, Nihoa, and Kui) to the hotel’s lagoons.
1973
Hilton sells its shares in the hotel to mortgage holder Massachusetts Mutual life, but retains management contract.
1981
Plumeria Beach House opens at a construction cost of $350,000.
1984
Twentieth anniversary party is held and hotel welcomes Presidential visit by Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
1985
Royal visit by the UK’s Prince Charles and Princess Diana requires an entourage of 100 rooms.
1996
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group assumes 40% ownership and management of The Kahala. The hotel is closed and undergoes a $75 million renovation which include the creation of a new signature restaurant, Hoku’s.
2000
Grand opening of The Veranda.
2002
Major renovations to pool and surrounding area, including the opening of a beachside eatery, Seaside Grill.
2003
The Kahala Spa officially opens and is named the Best New Hotel Spa in America by Departures Magazine.
2005
The Kahala Hotel & Resort is purchased by Kahala Hotel Investors, LLC, and becomes an independent hotel under the Leading Hotels of the World flag.
2007
The Kahala embarks on a two-year, $52 million full room renovation.
2013
Napoli-style Italian eatery, Arancino at The Kahala, opens.
2014
The Kahala celebrates its 50th anniversary on Wednesday, January 22, 2014.
2014
Resorttrust, the operator of 48 luxury resorts throughout Japan acquired The Kahala Hotel & Resort for $290 million on October 14th. The purchase marks the first step in the company’s global expansion. Resorttrust expects The Kahala Hotel & Resort to serve as its flagship international property as it forges ahead with plans to extend its portfolio of upscale overseas properties across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
2015
The Kahala Hotel & Resort was recognized by the state of Hawai‘i with the 2015 Governor’s Green Business Award for its sustainable efforts.
2016
For the first-time in Hawaii, The Kahala Hotel & Resort partnered with Wine Spectator to offer a celebration of wine weekend on October 7 and 8.
2017
Signature at The Kahala, a logo store featuring branded resort wear, gifts and delectable food items opens.
Completed refurbishment of the front desk, concierge, retail outlets and The Kahala Spa reception. A spectacular Lythraceae wood carving “Harmony of Paradise” is installed in the lobby. The artifact is 13 feet high by 7 feet wide and it weighs 2,200 pounds.
2018
Hoku’s at The Kahala Hotel & Resort underwent an extensive renovation with a brand-new restaurant and a tantalizing menu featuring global Hawaiian cuisine.
2019
The Kahala Hotel & Resort names Joe Ibarra General Manager.
Jonathan Mizukami joins The Kahala as Executive Chef.
2020
The Kahala Hotel & Resort appoints Pualani Fernandez as Resort Manager.
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