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August 20, 2008

Obama Follows Presidential Tradition to Kahala Hotel in Hawaii

By Pardhasaradhi Gonuguntla

HONOLULU, HI – 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 a preferred hotel in Hawaii for
visiting U.S. presidents, royalty and heads of state.

Every U.S. 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 in 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 1,500-square foot Presidential Suite, with views of Koko Head
Crater, 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 at $8,888 a night.

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,” says
managing director John Blanco. “Our endearing staff, impeccable service,
luxurious accommodations, and unique beachfront location make The Kahala the
perfect Hawaiian hideaway.”

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