OK - so I'm a bit far out but I like researching and having plenty of time to refine my ideas.

As we are going to UK in September it's unlikely I'm going to be able to do much more research before November. Then it's close to Christmas (and Thanksgiving) when everyone is busy with family, so that's partly why I'm thinking rather far ahead.

As an average Aussie couple with very little 5 star dining experience, where could we enjoy good food and service for a 25th wedding anniversary in Waikiki?

Bearing in mind we arrive on our anniversary (having cruised from Sydney), we would need to be able to book over the net some 3 weeks in advance or be able to secure a table on our arrival.

Is it likely our hotel (when we decide) could do this for us? I know how famous Americans are for their service, I'm not sure if I'm presuming too much.

Aussies are pretty laid back, but I do like to have things like this planned in advance rather than take a chance to find somewhere when we arrive.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Congratulations on your anniversary--what a wonderful way to spend it!

Check out Chai's Island Bistro http://chaisislandbistro.com/index.html
They have absolutely wonderful food and service, without being at all stuffy or intimidating (forgive me if I am misinterpreting, but when you said you had little 5 star dining experience, I thought you meant you wanted someplace where it is easy to feel comfortable). They also have some of the best Hawaiian musicians. You have a marvelous meal along with an intimate concert. We made reservations pretty far in advance and had no problems at all. It is not right in Waikiki, but only a short distance away.

Thanks Aloha (are you a local by any chance?)

We are considering Waikiki Parc is it far to walk from there?

I'm not a Hawai'i resident, but I love to go to Hawai'i. I live in Missouri. Last summer we spent 10 days in Waikiki and a week on the North Shore of O'ahu, and I am hoping to get back to Hawai'i in 09

Mapquest says it is 3.5 miles from Waikiki Parc to Chai's. So it depends on how much you like to walk, but to me that's more of a hike than a stroll;-) The bus system is easy to use so that would be an option. We took a bus from Waikiki to Chai's, but took a cab back to our hotel, and I think it was $15. We really enjoyed Chai's, and felt it was good value...we did have appetizers and dessert, no entree, but that was plenty of food.

There are so many restaurants in Waikiki, you will have lots of choices there. Anything within Waikiki will be in easy walking distance, or you can always catch a bus to get from one end of Waikiki to the other if you're tired.

If you get a balcony table at Hula Grill www.hulagrillwaikiki.com/ you will be overlooking the beach--gorgeous view.

Have you considered the restaurant at the Halekulani, across street from Waikiki Parc?

Aloha, also you didn't misinterpret at all re us and 5 star. We just prefer comfort and charm along with good food of course.

We are after local experiences but would like something special for our 25th.

I have heaps of material to trawl through from other posts, but personal recommendations are always good.

Will tap into tourist stuff as well on other days, but like to get a 'feel' for the local lifestyle, if you get what I mean. In other words, we get a taste for what's on offer to tourists, but like to explore on our own and talk to the locals.

Haven't considered anything much - there's sooooo much to choose from. This is like another world! (Well it is really You have such a huge travel market in the US!

Having moved from London to Sydney 30 years ago, I've become accustomed to this market (Australia) with occasional visits back to the UK to 'keep in touch'. But I can see I'm going to be blown away with our visit to Hawaii.

Now that we are able to afford this sort of travel (kids grown up and all that) I'm feeling really excited at the prospect of realising some of my dreams.

Congratulations on your anniversary!

Oooooh, I have never had a bad meal at Chai's. check out a sample menu & his entertainment calendar at www.chaisislandbistro.com and some of his recipes at www.chefchai.com

He's sort of a celeb chef since he has his own TV show and is known for spearheading charitable events here in Hawaii. You won't be able to walk, though. You definitely need to get a cab from Waikiki; try calling the restaurant to see if they have such arrangements, too. Also feel free to shop first. There are coupons at www.alohatower.com/promotions.html


Another popular 5 star restaurant is Alan Wong's. His restaurants do not have live entertainment, though.

Michel's is also lovely. If you get a table with a view, that's even more special! It is at the other end of Waikiki and better by taxi as well.

Lived in Honolulu off and on for 14 years with military assignments. Returned with kids for 25th anniversary. Ate at Le Mer at the Halekauani and felt it was worth the $. Enjoy!

Thanks gladtotravel - will add to my list to investigate.

Thanks MelissaHI - have taken cursory look at Chai's website. After aloha and you have given big rap, it's looking promising.

Will have to remember what you call Entree is our main meal and your Starters looks like what we call entree !

Happy Anniversary.

For a memorable meal try 3660 On the Rise or Alan Wongs. Both restaurants have very inventive, fresh and excellent food. Enjoy.
Jo Jo

We had our anniversary dinner at Alan Wong's and it was the finest meal we ever had, no doubt.

It isn't on the beach and doesn't even have too much of any kind of view.

We told them it was our anniversary and we got the royal treatment from the moment we stepped inside.

www.alanwongs.com/kingstreet/king_street.html

They gave us special menu's with our names printed on them, signed by all of the staff. We got special desserts too.

My DH just walked in as I was typing this and said, "no question, Alan Wong's; it is inequitably the BEST restaurant we have ever eaten in." He also said to tell you we "like good eats" so you know we aren't talking out of school.

Deb

Dear Vaycee:

Check out this recent thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35150655

Good luck & congrats!!

MY

We've visited and dined in Honolulu/Waikiki many times, but our favorite restaurant of them all, is Orchids, open-air on the beach, with view of Diamond Head and the ocean. It's located at the famous Halekulani Hotel. I can dine in office buildings in Los Angeles, when in Hawaii, I want the view as well. It's first cabin in every way


http://www.halekulani.com/dining/orchids/

I assume the office building refers to Alan Wong's. Actually we had a very nice view of a mountain and city lights. It isn't on the beach or a water view, but the view across the table worked well for each of us.
Deb

Here's another vote for Chai's. We ate there a couple of years ago and really enjoyed our dinner. Chai himself seated us and the entertainment was superb.