Quick background: On our recent vacation we visited Beverly Hills and Oahu, with hotel stays at two iconic hotels. Earlier this week, I shared a Look for Less plan inspired by the Beverly Hilton. Today, I’m sharing design picks inspired by The Kahala Hotel and Resort.

Before I go further, let me share a brief history of the hotel.

The Kahala opened in 1964 as the Kahala Hilton. The original design was by architects Edward Killingsworth, Jules Brady and Waugh Smith. The Kahala quickly became a go-to destination for all kinds of celebrities. According to their website, “Weekend afternoons around the pool were a veritable who’s who of the silver screen, with the likes of John Wayne and Frank Sinatra lounging in chaise lounges with sunglasses and cool drinks.” Their website also mentions that “Every U.S. president from Lyndon Johnson to George W. Bush has stayed at the resort.”

As an added bonus, the hotel as an on-site dolphin lagoon. And you can book a swim with them!

Alright, now that we’re all up to speed, let me dive in. The Beverly Hilton was gorgeous—shiny and luxe with a modern edge. However, I definitely preferred the decor at The Kahala. It had an elegant yet relaxed feel with heavy tropical overtones. The lobby in particular was stunning. Also—all pictures are from their site and social channels. I was too gobsmacked to take any of my own. Oops.

This picture from their site doesn’t quite do it justice. The chandeliers are more gorgeous in person—filled with rainbow colored glass pieces. 28,000 glass pieces, to be exact. This one might be a little better at showing it.

With a lot of hotels, it seems that the lobby is the crown jewel and the rooms are just so-so. That’s definitely not the case here. Below are two room shots from their site.

Personally, I think the second photo has some Ralph Lauren meets Mark D. Sikes vibes.

Ok. I got off topic there. Back on track. My picks are below.

Post contains affiliate links

Fun fact: this is the exact china pattern used at The Veranda restaurant on the property. Yes—I am nuts enough to have peaked under my plate to check what it was.

A few additional picks are linked on my LIKEtoKNOW.it page. Check it out here.