Marianna

We would love some restaurant recommendations for Honolulu (Waikiki area) and Kauai (Poipu area and along the east coast - we will have a car). We enjoy great food, a pleasant atmosphere and decor, nice views and excellent service. Any recommendations? Mahalo.

china_cat

I loved the Roy's in Waikiki. The food was excellent, and service very good. It's a big, noisy place with no view, but definitely worth it for the food.


In Kauai, the only place I can recommend along the east coast (because we stayed in the north) is Hukilau Lanai which is on the shore in Kapa'a. Excellent food, reasonably good service (the bar was slow, but otherwise it was fine), and a very nice ambiene.

Dave0099

Cuisine in Oahu has a long way to go, but there are some stand outs.

Roy's in Waikiki for sure
Alan Wong's on King Street
Sansei Sushi (amazing)
La Mer (super expensive/dress code)
Cheesecake Factory (best bang for the buck)
Dukes's... (great informal lunch/dinner place on beach)

Anyone ever eaten at Neiman Marcus dining room? Menu looks great, but never have heard anything about it good or bad

suze

For "pleasant atmosphere" you can't beat dinner at sunset along Waikiki beach somewhere... Ocean House, Shorebird, Duke's, one of those. They are *right* in off the sand so a spectacular view. Casual to midrange, relaxed places.

wbpiii

I thought Alan Wong's (on King St.) was the best meal I ever had on the Islands. No view, but the food was excellent and a good wine list. Dave mention Sensei Sushi, haven't eaten at the Oahu site but I liked Maui's and the BI's.

In Poipu, I liked the Beach House, wonderful food and great view. My wife liked Roy's. For lunch you must try Puka Dogs. I also like Hukilau Lanai but I would describe the food as solid and a value as opposed to Foodie Quality.

Marianna

Thanks. This is great! Keep them coming - the more the better - you can never have too many restaurant recs!

GBC

In Poipu the Beach House is everything you are looking for. Reserve early (before your trip) to be there for the sunset.

Marianna

I have read both positive and negative comments about the food at the Beach House. All comments said the sunset views are gorgeous though!

Hoping to get more suggestions! Thanks.

auntiemaria

Po`ipu has many options -- with Merriman's being the new "premier spot" for dinner (upstairs) and lunch (only served downstairs) in the Kuku`ilua Center. Had dinner there just last night, and can highly recommend the food, service, and views (no charge for the whale show we saw!).

Kapa`a has something for everyone's budget -- from fast food joints to exceptional seafood. Our favs are Wahooooo (for seafood), Hukilau Lanai (we love their meatloaf), Kaua`i Pasta (for...well...pasta! and they're now open for lunch, too), Olympic Cafe (huuuuuge fresh salads -- open for B/L/D, with great ocean views too), King & Thai (cheap, fresh, good).

Marianna

Thank you, auntiemaria, for all the suggestions. My list is getting longer!

Erin74

On Kauai:

The Beach House (in Poipu)- wonderful food and ambiance. Make a reservation around the time the sun is setting for beautiful views.

Bubba's Burgers (in Kapa'a)- very casual, one of the better burgers I've eaten. All local, grass-fed beef.

Poipu Tropical Burgers (in Poipu)- casual, great breakfast options. Loved the banana macadamia nut pancakes.

Hamura's Saimin Stand (in Poipu)- casual place where the locals eat. So popular you may have to stand in line for a bit to get in. Affordable, delicious and an authentic local experience.

Jo-Jo's Shave Ice (in Waimea)- don't miss it! Jo-Jo's has the best shave ice on the island.

Polynesia Cafe (in Hanalei)- their motto is "gourmet food on paper plates." The menu is inventive and the food delicious. If you're on the north side of the island, definitely stop for lunch.

chevre

I too would recommend Alan Wong's. I visit Honolulu to see friends and this is their favortie splurge restaurant. It is in a very non-descript place. The room is small but beautiful with an open kitchen. The service was fantastic and food fabulous. You'll need reservations.

Kal

Shitake meatloaf at HukiLau
Love the calamari appies there too...

Bull Shed still has some good beef.

Tree Lounge behind the Coconut Marketplace next to The Islander.

Dinner only. Good Kauai Steak, Cajun fries (poss THEE best fries I ever had), Delta ribs and some red beans and rice that was Onoliscious!

Ditto Oly Cafe.
We had a lunch and dinner at Kauai Pasta. Still good and they now have a cocktail lounge in the back.
We remember when it was a BYOB place.

Monico's in the Kinipopo Plaza up from the Shell station in Kapaa.
Kintaro's still good...and almost next door to Monico's.
Brick Oven Pizza has a Kapaa location now across from Kinipopo Plaza.

There's a new Ital resto across the street from Oly Cafe, Casa Bianca. We didn't get a chance to go but some local pals spoke highly of it. Eastside Cafe too.

Java Kai has good coffee and coffee drinks-pastries.
Kalaheo Cafe in <surprise> Kalaheo was as good as the word we got. Wish we could have made it there for b'fast. Supposedly even better than lunch.

Kalypso in Hanalei had decent grub and good prices.

Had a few beers at the westside's Waimea Brewing Co.
Good beer and the cafe there looked like it was plating some good food. Looks like someone is finally putting some $ into the place???

Since we didn't "do" Poipu this trip we missed 2 of our fave places, Puka Dogs and Joe's on the Green at the Kiahuna Golf Course.

346 to go......

Marianna

This is great! Thanks Erin, chevre and Kal - too many places and not enough time. We should have added on a third week.

MBnancy

In Kauai: Tidepools in the lagoon at the Grand Hyatt Resort in Poipu.

Plantation Gardens out on the verandah, overlooking the orchid gardens.

Kal

M....you ALWAYS have to leave something to come back to!

Marianna

Now that I am almost over a bout with bronchitis (it has been over a week of coughing and fever), I am starting to get some energy back to start thinking of packing for the trip. My appetite is returning as well, so I am back to thinking about dining in Honolulu and Kauai. Can hardly wait - a little sun and warm weather should help to knock this bronchitis totally out of me!

Any other recommendations will be greatly appreciated. And, Kal, I will definitely leave one restaurant/bar for the next trip!