Oahu - Hawaii with Kids - page 90

TO THE EAST: KAHALA
Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii This is the place to relax in lux-
ury, far from the crowds of Waikiki. A veritable who's who of celebrities have
stayed here, including several U.S. presidents. The Kahala offers the peace and
serenity of a neighbor-island vacation, but with the conveniences of Waikiki just
a 10-minute drive away. The lush, tropical grounds include an 800-foot cres-
cent-shaped beach and a 26,000-square-foot lagoon (home to two bottle-nosed
dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish).
Families will be quite happy in the guest rooms, which feature 19th-century
mahogany reproductions, teak parquet floors with hand-loomed Tibetan rugs,
overstuffed chairs, canopy beds covered with soft throw pillows, and works by
local artists adorning the grass-cloth-covered walls. Views from the floor-to-ceil-
ing sliding-glass doors are of the ocean, Diamond Head, and Koko Head. The
resort offers a “keiki club” for kids, with activities ranging from lei making to
snorkeling. Plus there's an educational program which allows kids (and adults)
to feed and swim with the in-house resident dolphins. All of the restaurants fea-
ture keiki menus and go out of the way to make sure the little ones are happy at
every meal. Other extras that make this property outstanding: Hawaiian cultural
programs, shuttle service to Waikiki and major shopping centers, a kids-only
swimming pool, and a staff that goes above and beyond the call of duty to help
families during their Hawaii vacation.
5000 Kahala Ave. (next to the Waialae Country Club), Honolulu, HI 96816. & 800/367-2525 or 808/739-
8888. Fax [phone]. www.mandarinoriental.com. 369 units. $295-$700 double; from $600 suite. Extra
person $140. Children 17 and under stay free in parent's room. Cribs free, rollaway beds $40. AE, DC, DISC,
MC, V. Parking $15. Amenities: 4 restaurants (see Hoku's on p. 108); bar; large outdoor pool; nearby golf
course; tennis courts; great fitness center w/steam rooms, Jacuzzis, and dry sauna; watersports equipment
rental; bike rental; children's program; game room; concierge; activities desk; car rental desk; multilingual
business center; shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service;
dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe.
THE WINDWARD COAST
KAILUA
Pat O'Malley of Pat's Kailua Beach Properties, 204 S. Kalaheo Ave., Kailua,
HI 96734 ( & 808/261-1653 or 808/262-4128; www.patskailua.com), books a
wide range of houses and cottages on or near Kailua Beach. Rates start at $70 a
day for a studio cottage near the beach and go up to $500 per day for a multi-
million-dollar home right on the sand with room to sleep eight. All units are
fully furnished, with everything from cooking utensils to telephone and TV,
even laundry machines.
Sheffield House Unlike many other B&Bs, Sheffield House welcomes chil-
dren. The owners, Paul Sheffield and his wife, Rachel, have three kids, so they
can help you with where to go, what to do, and the best family restaurants in
Kailua. There are two units here, a one-bedroom and a studio (which is fully
wheelchair-accessible), each with a private entry (through elaborately landscaped
tropical gardens), with full kitchen. The two units can be combined and rented
as a two-bedroom/two-bathroom unit, which is great for families.
131 Kuulei Rd. (at Kalaheo Dr.), Kailua, HI 96734. & /fax [phone] units. $65 double studio (shower
only); $85 double apt (some lower rates depending on the season). Rates include 1st day's continental break-
fast. Extra person $10. 3-night minimum. AE, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 56 or 57. In room:TV, kitchen,
fridge, coffeemaker.