The crown jewel of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel dining scene is stunning in every aspect, from the unique decor to the exotic dishes to the superb views. The restaurant is set on its own tiny island. Guests walk on a stone path, crossing the stream on a tiny bridge. Once there, it's easy to see and hear the Pacific Ocean located just a few hundred yards away. Signature items include the Lobster Tempura appetizer, the Seared White Peppered Ahi and the Grilled Lemon Pepper Scallops.
Hawaiians have been enjoying Roy Yamaguchi's innovative recipes for more than a decade. This restaurant located at the Kings' Shops is one of a half-dozen in the state. It serves artistic, flavorful, complex Pacific Rim cuisine, featuring the best local ingredients and eclectic preparations. Signature dishes include "Town & Country" Island Style Poke and Steamed Hawaiian Onaga. The wine list features varieties from around the world, plus a few from Roy's own label.
Located at 2764 feet (842.47 meters) in the small ranching town of Waimea, this boutique brewery holds the distinction of being the highest brewery in Hawaii. Locals know this place as an extension to the ever-popular Tako Taco Mexican café. Located in the very heart of Waimea, the brewery was a long time in the making. The vats are anchored to the rear of the restaurant in an old barn with a variety of brews that are too long to list. There is live music three times a week, and that ever-popular Tako Taco menu of salads, burritos and quesadillas is ready for the asking.
Oenophiles will rejoice at this fantastic offering within the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel that gives as much attention to the food served as to the wine itself. The daily changing food menu centers around the restaurant's superb wine list, with the chef concocting excellent Hawaiian-inspired specialties with a creative bend. The restaurant boasts of an Enomatic wine storage system which allows patrons to sample pretty much every wine on the list by the glass; a sheer delight for wine lovers. The wine list itself is pretty diverse and throws up some great choices from the best wine producing regions. The restaurant changes character in the mornings to become a lively breakfast destination. The restaurant benefits from the hotel's stunning location and offers breathtaking water views from pretty much every seat. The light-filled outdoor area is an excellent choice for a romantic sunset meal.
Depending on what evening you come, this might be a Chinese, Japanese or Italian restaurant. Buffets are served on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The a la carte menu features such specialties as Pepper Roasted Free Range Chicken and Citrus Basted Mahi Mahi. There is always a salad bar. The lunch menu is equally impressive, serving up gourmet wraps, salads and the signature Hualalai Gazpacho. While this restaurant isn't as formal as Pahu i'a, it is definitely upscale, and proper dress is requested. Live music plays every night except Monday and Tuesday.
Located at the Four Seasons Resort at Kaupulehu, this restaurant is certainly one that should not be overlooked. Alan Wong is one of Hawaii's premier chefs, and this restaurant is his Hawaii showplace. The setting is upscale in a subdued island way, where service is attentive and not smothering, and presentation is elegant and creative. The menu features fresh island produce and fish. Selections include short ribs done with a distinctively Asian twist, braised in a konbu and shoyu sauce with a unique Chinese mustard crust. Also recommended is the fresh island fish, especially the Opakapaka with an edamame puree.
Located at 2764 feet (842.47 meters) in the small ranching town of Waimea, this boutique brewery holds the distinction of being the highest brewery in Hawaii. Locals know this place as an extension to the ever-popular Tako Taco Mexican café. Located in the very heart of Waimea, the brewery was a long time in the making. The vats are anchored to the rear of the restaurant in an old barn with a variety of brews that are too long to list. There is live music three times a week, and that ever-popular Tako Taco menu of salads, burritos and quesadillas is ready for the asking.
Depending on what evening you come, this might be a Chinese, Japanese or Italian restaurant. Buffets are served on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The a la carte menu features such specialties as Pepper Roasted Free Range Chicken and Citrus Basted Mahi Mahi. There is always a salad bar. The lunch menu is equally impressive, serving up gourmet wraps, salads and the signature Hualalai Gazpacho. While this restaurant isn't as formal as Pahu i'a, it is definitely upscale, and proper dress is requested. Live music plays every night except Monday and Tuesday.
Located at the Four Seasons Resort at Kaupulehu, this restaurant is certainly one that should not be overlooked. Alan Wong is one of Hawaii's premier chefs, and this restaurant is his Hawaii showplace. The setting is upscale in a subdued island way, where service is attentive and not smothering, and presentation is elegant and creative. The menu features fresh island produce and fish. Selections include short ribs done with a distinctively Asian twist, braised in a konbu and shoyu sauce with a unique Chinese mustard crust. Also recommended is the fresh island fish, especially the Opakapaka with an edamame puree.
Located in the luxurious and upscale Fairmont Orchid at the Mauna Lani resort, this open-air lounge is a wonderful place to gather with friends, enjoy live music and soak up the sea breezes and sunset views. Located just off the main lobby on the upper level, the lounge offers both patio seating and indoor seating. Hardwood floors and spice toned walls and fabrics add to the atmosphere. The bar offers a menu of pupus, or small plates, along with live entertainment each evening. - Lottie Tagupa
The crown jewel of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel dining scene is stunning in every aspect, from the unique decor to the exotic dishes to the superb views. The restaurant is set on its own tiny island. Guests walk on a stone path, crossing the stream on a tiny bridge. Once there, it's easy to see and hear the Pacific Ocean located just a few hundred yards away. Signature items include the Lobster Tempura appetizer, the Seared White Peppered Ahi and the Grilled Lemon Pepper Scallops.