Kahala, located just south of Diamond Head, enjoys a longstanding tradition as Oahu’s most prestigious neighborhood. Well-known for its multi-million dollar homes and beachfront properties, Kahala features some of the most expensive real estate in Hawaii. It conveys a quaint, intimate “next door” feeling through its secluded yet publicly accessible beaches, but it is also home to many business moguls and celebrities.
Enjoying Life’s Pleasures
While luxury is clearly the operative word in this small yet exclusive district, Kahala offers other amenities to pique the interest of any visitor or resident. Ocean and beachfront estates grace the shoreline while interior streets are lined with a mixture of elegant residences and charming island homes. One of the only places in Honolulu that is relatively flat in topography, biking, walking and jogging are favorite activities. A stroll down any of the multiple public beach access paths makes it easy to enjoy oceanfront and beachfront activities including kayaking, surfing, wind surfing and the popular sport of stand-up paddling. Homes in Kahala range from approximately $1.7 Million for an interior neighborhood fixer-upper to above $25 Million for a beachfront estate.
The avenue stretches for 1.5 miles from Diamond Head Road and ends at the esteemed world-class Kahala Hotel & Resort known for its clientele of presidents, movie stars, and international royalty. Fine dining, a world-class spa, and the dolphin lagoon are top draws for this resort just 10 minutes from Waikiki. Another Kahala neighborhood highlight is the world-famous Waialae Country Club, home to the PGA Sony Open Golf Tournament held annually in January and helps to showcase this beautiful area of Oahu. Close by is Hawaii’s second largest shopping center, Kahala Mall, with Macy’s, Whole Foods grocery store, Apple, Banana Republic, boutique shops, restaurants and a multi-plex theater.
The exclusive Black Point peninsula area of Kahala is a gated community of private residences, many of which have hillside locations offering spectacular ocean views. Neighbors in this enclave share a unique saltwater swimming pool fed by ocean tides. The former Doris Duke oceanfront estate known as “Shangri-La” is a landmark in the neighborhood and is currently open to the public for tours through the Honolulu Museum of Art.
For more information about the Kahala area, take a look at the following websites:
- Kahala Mall Shopping Center – www.kahalamallcenter.com
- The Kahala Hotel & Resort – www.kahalaresort.com
- Waialae Country Club – www.waialaecc.com
- Beaches in Kahala – www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/November-2013/Hidden-beaches-of-Kahala-and-Portlock/
- Waialae Beach Park – www.vthawaii.com/OAHU/Beaches/103-Waialae-Beach.html; www.yelp.com/biz/waialae-beach-park-honolulu-2
- Doris Duke Estate, Shangri-La – www.shangrilahawaii.org
- Public Schools – www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/EnrollingInSchool/SchoolFinder/Pages/home.aspx?fx=true&fr1=Oahu|&fk=kahala#k=kahala%20owstaxIdIsland%3AOahu