Special Dinner in Waikiki
Aug 28th, 2009 | 11:56 AM
#21
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,201
Likes: 12
mahalo curiousgeo & elkhound!
That sounds great to me. I knew it was an older place (from a friend who grew up in Honolulu, it's where her family went for special occasions when she was a child), that was closed and reopened. I understand and won't expect spectacular for the food, but the overall atmosphere and experience looks like it might be very "island". I am happy to hear it's popular with local folks. And assume I could just catch a taxi from Waikiki? Again, many thanks, and to Warren for letting me tag on his thread. This forum is the best!
That sounds great to me. I knew it was an older place (from a friend who grew up in Honolulu, it's where her family went for special occasions when she was a child), that was closed and reopened. I understand and won't expect spectacular for the food, but the overall atmosphere and experience looks like it might be very "island". I am happy to hear it's popular with local folks. And assume I could just catch a taxi from Waikiki? Again, many thanks, and to Warren for letting me tag on his thread. This forum is the best!
Aug 28th, 2009 | 01:22 PM
#22
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 667
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I agree with DebitNM about the food at Alan Wong's. It is fabulous. My choice would be to have cocktails at sunset at the Halekulani or the Moana, and then go to Alan Wong's for dinner.
Also, I agree with GBC about Duke's. The food is not good and it is loud and crowded. It is my least favorite place in Honolulu.
Also, I agree with GBC about Duke's. The food is not good and it is loud and crowded. It is my least favorite place in Honolulu.
Aug 28th, 2009 | 06:35 PM
#24
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,158
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I would recommend Michel's.
Suze, I go to the Willows a lot for parties since a buffet seems to be the best option. True, the food isn't fab, but it's not bad! It's a good place to go with a lot of family in town. I'm not sure if I would schedule a GTG there or anything, though!
Suze, I go to the Willows a lot for parties since a buffet seems to be the best option. True, the food isn't fab, but it's not bad! It's a good place to go with a lot of family in town. I'm not sure if I would schedule a GTG there or anything, though!
Aug 28th, 2009 | 08:53 PM
#25
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,420
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I too highly recommend either La Mer or Orchids at Halekulani. We took local friends/colleagues to La Mer for a special celebration dinner several months ago. It is upstairs, while the other restaurant is downstairs (where we have mostly gone for (fabulous) lunch). Both are gorgeous, with good food, fabulous service and views. La Mer is pricier and more foodie style. We still remember the dinner we had there 20 years ago when we lived on Oahu. Also it's nice to listen to Hawaiian music trio and have drinks/pupus in the outdoor "House without a Key" before the meal at either restaurant.
Aug 28th, 2009 | 11:23 PM
#26
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
It depends on the kind of atmosphere your lady enjoys most. The Hau Tree Lanai is one of my favorite places to take people who like being in "spitting distance" of the beach and outdoors. The prices are reasonable.
Alan Wong's is my favorite restaurant, but it is very expensive and has no view.
La Mer is a little stuffy and expensive, but the service is impeccable, as is the food. I find it condescending when the wait help explains every little item though.
For very upscale and close to the beach, my other favorite is Michel's -- perfect service always.
Alan Wong's is my favorite restaurant, but it is very expensive and has no view.
La Mer is a little stuffy and expensive, but the service is impeccable, as is the food. I find it condescending when the wait help explains every little item though.
For very upscale and close to the beach, my other favorite is Michel's -- perfect service always.
Aug 29th, 2009 | 09:19 AM
#28
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
La Mer
Michels
Hau Tree
All three are in Waikiki on the water. The key will be to secure a guaranteed table with view. Make sure to call well ahead and mention special occasion. The menu at La Mers is pretty intricate and expensive, and the Hau Tree's is simpler. Michel's is somewhere in between. All are wonderful choices. Choose your comfort level.
Michels
Hau Tree
All three are in Waikiki on the water. The key will be to secure a guaranteed table with view. Make sure to call well ahead and mention special occasion. The menu at La Mers is pretty intricate and expensive, and the Hau Tree's is simpler. Michel's is somewhere in between. All are wonderful choices. Choose your comfort level.
Nov 24th, 2009 | 08:43 PM
#31
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 923
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We wore decent pants and nice aloha shirts, and that was fine. Because it's outside and by the beach, it seems informal, but people were also dressed in dresses and polo shirts and khakis.
You can buy a special lei for your friend for her birthday, which would look nice at dinner, too.
You can buy a special lei for your friend for her birthday, which would look nice at dinner, too.
Nov 25th, 2009 | 09:07 AM
#33
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,201
Likes: 12
Hau Tree Lanai is absolutely lovely!! I was there (just for drinks) two weeks ago. Very good choice. Most people were wearing "aloha" clothes of some sort... sundresses or capris and nice blouses for the ladies, kahki pants and polo or hawaiian shirts on the men.
Dec 16th, 2009 | 05:02 PM
#34
Original Poster
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 251
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Just back from 15 days in Hawaii,7 on Oahu and 8 on Big Island. Great trip and will report later. Just wanted to say thanks for info on places to eat. On Linda's Birthday we had Breakfast at Duke's and Dinner with sunset at Hau Tree Lanai under the Bayou Tree and it was wonderfull.
Thanks for all the feedback.
Trip was first to Hawaii and was even more than we expected.
Thanks again.
Warren Sheridn
Thanks for all the feedback.
Trip was first to Hawaii and was even more than we expected.
Thanks again.
Warren Sheridn
