The Kahala Hotel and Resort - No Resort Fee

I stayed about 2 months ago, and still have not heard back from management regarding the problems I had while at this resort. I'm finally leaving a review on my stay.

I booked this resort because it was one of Forbes Top Picks. It was my first time in Honolulu, and I wanted to have a great time.

The resort is extremely run down. They will respond to this review stating that they have a huge construction project in the works. This does not negate the fact that is is CURRENTLY extremely run down.

I was embarrassed to send photos of this resort. I had literally bragged to my family about spending a lot of money at a Forbes resort so that I could relax. When they were eager to see photos, I couldn't send them. No matter the angle I took, it looks like absolute crap, like a motel 6. If you have ever been to run down areas in Florida, this is what it looks like. It looks like concrete apartment jungle, and you expect to see a 6-pack and wifebeater shirts on every balcony.

The room was tragic. I tried 3 rooms total before finally settling on the least-tragic one. They all smelled like mold, one of them was so strong that I became light-headed. They attempted to cover it with floral scents. It did NOT work.

The walls are paper thin. There are children everywhere, and yes... you will hear them.

It is VERY FAR from anything that you would like to see as a tourist in Honolulu. The beach is outside, and it's a good beach, but NOTHING in comparison to other spots. Because of the isolation, the resort creates a sub-business with its restaurants. I was tired on the first night, and choose to dine in the Italian Restaurant. I paid $16 for a tiramisu the size of my pink nail finger (I'm not joking) and the pasta had 3 forkfuls of food in it, plus a hair. Sigh.

All in all, I was hyper disappointed. I filled out their survey, spoke to the front desk, nothing was done. I would have avoided this review if something was done. But no one cares, at all, they just highlight themselves as being a resort celebrities choose... without highlighting the fact that they offer celebrity comps... meaning free stays in exchange for being able to say they stayed there.

This resort sucks, for anyone who has any feeling of what relaxation/luxury look like... you are MUCH better staying off in a motel. I wish I was kidding.

The dolphins outside are sad, but I understand the attraction. You DO NOT need to stay at this resort to participate in Sea Quest Dolphin Adventures. You can come on property anytime to check them out, as it is a separate company.