Big Island Restaurants

Pahuia at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Pahuia at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Review

Pahuia means aquarium, so it's fitting that a 9- by 4-foot aquarium in the entrance casts a dreamy light through this exquisite restaurant. Presentation is paramount, and the cuisine is first rate. Asian-influenced dishes stand out for their layers of flavor. Chef Jacob Anaya creates something spectacular with each plate. Opt for a tasting menu of up to seven small items or go for a full entrée-you'll be happy with whatever you choose. The chef changes the menu four times a year and focuses on showcasing local ingredients. You're likely to find unique preparations of your favorite dishes, such as baby abalone, white shrimp, Keahole lobster, Big Island moi, Hawaiian snapper, lamb, and prime beef. Breakfasts are superb; the lemon ricotta pancakes are so good they should be illegal. Reserve a table on the patio and you may be able to spot whales while dining. Pricey, but worth the splurge, at least once.

    Restaurant Details

  • Credit cards accepted.
  • No lunch.

Member Reviews

  • Golnarsarge, from Orange County, CA
    5/8/07

    You need reservation for dinner (and if you're not staying at the hotel, the guard checks your name on the reservation list before letting you on the premises).
    If you want a table on the oceanfront patio, book well in advance like we did and take a hat--most of it is unshaded.
    Service is truly magnificent, professional, and unpretentious. The food is also very good--the only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is that the sauce on a portion of my shrimp dinner was extremely salty to the point of making my gums burn.
    We eat out at high end restaurants a lot and have no problem shelling out big bucks for great food (I have posted excellent reviews on this site for way more expensive restaurants.)
    However, I felt compelled to give it a 2 for value because my shrimp dinner cost almost $40 and there were THREE shrimp on my plate.

    Ratings details: Food: 4 | Atmosphere: 5 | Service: 5 | Value: 2
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