Kahala Hotel & Resort is favored Hawaii hideout for presidents and dignitaries

HONOLULU, HI (August 19, 2008) – Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama recently visited The Kahala Hotel & Resort, joining a distinguished group of VIPs who have trod The Kahala’s red carpet. Since its opening in 1964, The Kahala has been the preferred hotel in Hawaii for visiting US presidents, royalty and heads of state.

Every U. president since Lyndon B. Johnson has stayed at The Kahala. Richard Nixon visited in 1972, Gerald Ford stayed at the hotel on his way to China, and Jimmy Carter dined here. Ronald Reagan swam at the hotel’s beach in 1984. George H.W. Bush arrived via helicopter on the neighboring Waialae Country Club golf course to avoid interrupting traffic with a motorcade. The hotel staff’s children greeted Bill Clinton with a lei. George W. Bush rested at The Kahala during a brief stopover from Asia.

VIPs stay in the 1500-square foot Presidential Suite, with views of Koko Head Crater, the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. It is being redesigned in an elegant Hawaiian residential style and will have a spacious office, living room and master bedroom when it reopens in December 2008.

Other distinguished guests of The Kahala include Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Emperor Hirohito, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, Indira Gandhi and the Dalai Lama. Prince Charles and Princess Diana booked 100 rooms for their party’s stopover in 1985.

“The Kahala is in a secluded, prestigious residential neighborhood, and our VIP guests treasure the privacy and feeling of security at our hotel,” said managing director John Blanco. “Our endearing staff, impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and unique beachfront location make The Kahala the perfect Hawaiian hideaway.”