Hau Terrace at the OCC

Best for: View
Location: Outrigger Canoe Club



I have fond memories of the Outrigger Canoe Club. Lauren and I used to come here whenever classes finished early, pick up a couple of mint chip milkshakes from the snack bar, roam around Waikiki, and count how many guys hit on us (don't judge us too harshly - we were in high school. Besides, who could resist Lauren's bright blue eyes?)




When we actually wanted to sit and dine, we'd head over to the Hau Terrace, which offers stunning views of the rest of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. This restaurant may provide one of the most direct oceanfront dining experiences on the island. In fact, you shouldn't sit at the tables closest to the water because sometimes waves splash up and can ruin your meal.

The food is your standard American fusion (is that the term?) you'd expect to find at a casual, mid-ranged restaurant in Waikiki: lots of pastas, sandwiches, and random "Hawaiian" dishes. Apart from the view, the only other thing that really stands out is the fact, of course, that it's at the OCC, which means members only. It's refreshing to be in Waikiki and not be surrounded by tourists for once.

Mariposa

Best for: Lunch, View
Location: Neiman Marcus (Ala Moana)
Foodgasmic dish: Popovers

House-Smoked Pork Tenderloin ($24), with Yukon mashed potatoes, brown butter appleshire sauce, & sautéed kale

Honestly, I could come here just for the popovers (their complimentary freshly-baked light, airy bread served with strawberry butter). Also complimentary is a cup of consommé (clear broth). By the time I'm done with the popovers and broth, I could care less about what I order as an entree. However, everything I've had here is delicious.

the famous popovers

Dessert: $7.50, Iced mocha

It gets really crowded during lunch, so either make reservations or be prepared to wait. Trust me, the food and view of Ala Moana Beach Park are worth it. Service could use some work, but I suppose they're doing their best considering the crowd. Also, if you want popovers, make sure to come during lunch or dinner. I once made the mistake of coming right between lunch & dinner and was horrified to discover that they don't serve popovers then!

seared diver scallops, with ricotta gnocchi, english peas, pancetta, leeks, and lobster vinaigrette, $24

Longhi's

Best for: Americanized Italian food, View
Location: Ala Moana

I've tried to like this place. I really have. There must be something wrong with me because two of my best friends, whose tastes I'd normally trust in a heartbeat, love Longhi's. After dining here a few times, I'm sorry to say that I still don't see its appeal.

artichoke

Located on the third floor of Ala Moana, on the same level as Morton's and Mariposa, Longhi's faces Ala Moana Beach Park and the Pacific Ocean. Thus, theoretically, the view should be breathtaking. However, there are hedges in the way (similar to the hedges obstructing my view at Orchid's), and I am always way too hot to enjoy the view. Longhi's needs to take a note from Mariposa because Mariposa knows how to keep its open-air restaurant cool despite the inevitable Hawaiian sunshine. At Longhi's I can feel like my butt sticking to the black faux leather seat cushion. How unappetizing. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with black-and-white checkered floors, huge spaces between each table, and white walls reminiscent of old Hawaii. The designers of Longhi's obviously had a vision. Too bad I can't say the same for the food.

Longhi's is an "Italian" chain from Maui, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that the food is completely unauthentic. The pasta is drowning in sauce, and the noodles are way too soft. Last time I was here for lunch, I remembered that I was disappointed with my pasta on a previous visit, so I made sure to only order seafood and vegetables: longhi longhi salad and clams. Neither dish was very good. The salad was a glorified Caesar salad, while the clams in olive oil were a sad, watered-down version of what my mom can make at home with her eyes closed.

remnants of my clams

I usually order dessert just to give them another chance to redeem themselves. It should be easy; I have a huge sweet tooth. However, both times I've had dessert here have been disappointing. I've ordered a grasshopper (mint chocolate cake) and a chocolate mousse. They tasted like frozen Safeway cakes - those huge slices you can pick up by the bread section. Also, the portions are gluttonous. I know we're in America, but a place as expensive as Longhi's should really work on quality over quantity. This isn't the goddamn Cheesecake Factory.

I did have my first kir royale here, and I'd have to say that it was the best thing I've ordered (although, that may be just because I was so excited to finally have a kir royale). All in all, I have always come with good company, so despite the mediocre food and bad ventilation, I end up leaving satisfied. However, for a worthwhile meal with an equally stunning view and much better food, go next door to Mariposa.

BluWater Grill

Best for: Seafood, View
Location: Koko Marina


After kayaking with Anthony around Koko Marina for my birthday last week, of course I had a craving for seafood. We had seen a few promising restaurants right on the marina while kayaking, and one open-air restaurant in particular looked perfect. It had to have seafood. We couldn't see the name of the restaurant from where we were, but a huge flag with golden arches indicated that a McDonalds was located at the same shopping center. We returned the kayak to Anthony's uncle, and then followed the bright red flag with those distinctive golden arches into a parking lot.

I'm not sure what time it was when we arrived, but it must have been that awkward time between lunch and dinner. Eating during this period always makes me miss my 4 pm "lunners" with Erin at the Kahala or Buca's (come back home, Erin!!). There were only about four other tables occupied, all of which were in the outside section of the restaurant. The host told us to lead him to wherever we wanted to sit, so I ventured to the table second farthest from everyone else.



The view is stunning. Dining alongside the ocean is nothing new to me (and most Hawaii residents), whether it be in Waikiki, Ala Moana, or Kahala, but being able to see Koko Head and all the homes lining the opposite side of the marina can be just as beautiful.



We started with a couple of cocktails, both of which I've forgotten the names, but Anthony's was pink and full of coconut shavings, while mine was lemony and very refreshing. Those mischievous Hawaiian tradewinds caused a bit of a chill, so we decided to share a roasted salmon chowder, which was loaded with potatoes, vegetables, and chunks of oven-roasted salmon. Anthony's from the Bay Area, so the sourdough bread bowl didn't quite meet his standards, but everything in the bowl was delicious.

roasted salmon chowder, $7.95

Whoever wrote the menu descriptions did a fantastic job; everything sounded tantalizing, and we had a difficult time choosing. Only after a "workout" do I crave the type of seafood you'd find at Outback instead of sushi. I finally decided on the kiawe-grilled mahi mahi, which came with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables. My mahi mahi was moist, and the garlic mashed potatoes went perfectly with the red bell peppers. Anthony ordered the mango-guava glazed pork spareribs with Caribbean slaw. His meat fell right off the ribs, and even I liked the cole slaw and brown rice - good job, BluWater!

mango-guava glazed pork spareribs, ~$20

kiawe-grilled mahi mahi

BluWater is perfect for a romantic evening (or late afternoon if you're like us), and I'm glad to know there's actually a decent restaurant in Hawaii Kai besides Roy's and Maile's.

Prince Court

Best for: Japanese dinner buffet
Location: Hawaii Prince Hotel

I'm not usually a fan of Japanese buffets (I think Japanese is too delicate a cuisine that mass-producing a few dishes for people to touch seems almost blasphemous), but most of the food at Prince Court is relatively high quality, and service, which is usually compromised at buffets, is surprisingly good.

Located at the Hawaii Prince Hotel with stunning views of the harbor, this restaurant is noted for its dinner buffets. Apparently my family comes here often enough because our waiter recognized my parents and brother immediately (and was probably very confused by me) - must be one of the many traditions my family started while I was away in Portland. If you come early like we did, you can catch the sunset, which is breathtaking, no matter how many times I see it. Dinner is $43/person, which is a bargain considering the location. 

This is obviously my dad's plate

The buffet consists of over seven stations - sashimi/poke, customized saimin, sushi, seafood (crab, shrimp, and clams...but no mussels), miso and curry, noodles, and desserts, just to name a few. I would have been completely satisfied with the sashimi/poke station. The sushi station is small, but there is a sushi chef ready to make you made-to-order handrolls. The nori they use for the handrolls is perfect - crispy, just the way I like it. The steamed crab is okay; I still prefer the Chinese preparation.

my bowl of clams

hand roll - love their nori!

In conclusion, I'm still not a huge fan of Japanese buffets, but when I must go to one, the Prince Court is probably one of the best in town.

Beachhouse at the Moana

Best for: Beachside Brunch, Dessert, View
Location: Moana Surfrider

There are people blocking my view!

This is my second favorite place for beachside brunching, after Plumeria. The Beachhouse is located at the Moana Surfrider, the oldest hotel in Hawaii. It's a beautiful, wedding cake-esque hotel. Speaking of wedding cakes, you will definitely see at least one wedding while you're here, which is to be expected.

Tahitian Vanilla French Toast

I usually order the Tahitian Vanilla French Toast ($16), which is served with whipped honey-rum butter. The toast has a bit of a crisp to it, which I love and makes me wonder if the batter contains some granola. My only complaint is that the beach is somewhat far from the tables. The outside portion (where I usually sit) is a long narrow patio, so only about 3 tables are actually right by the water. You can see the ocean, but there will be some heads blocking your view. Also, I'd like to see sand along with my ocean (hence the beach in beachhouse). However, the food, service, and general atmosphere make up for it.

Besides brunch, I also come here for dessert and prefer to sit on their low, cushy chairs closer to the entrance since you can't see the ocean at night anyway. Their Kona Coffee Spring Rolls ($11) are made with Kona coffee and chocolate in a crispy spring roll wrapper served with a grand marnier and white chocolate dipping sauce. You really can't go wrong with Kona coffee, chocolate, and grand marnier. Try their Dark Rum Creme Brulee (also $11), a vanilla custard infused with spiced dark rum and a torched caramel crust. Live music, great service, and delicious Hawaiian-inspired desserts are the perfect way to end a night in Waikiki.

Edge of Waikiki

Best for: Happy Hour, View
Location: Sheraton Waikiki

$5 cocktails

The Edge of Waikiki is the poor man's Mai Tai Bar. The drinks are not quite as fancy, the view is not quite as breathtaking, even the hotel is not quite as nice (Sheraton vs. Royal Hawaiian). However, at five bucks during happy hour, who cares if the cocktails are served in disposable plastic cups when you can still stare out into the Pacific Ocean?

Mariah's first mai tai!

Top of Waikiki

Best for: Happy hour, Late-nite, View
Location: Waikiki

gorgeous views of Waikiki, whether you come before the sun sets or after

The Top of Waikiki is Hawaii's only revolving restaurant. Located at the top of the Waikiki Business Plaza, this three-tiered restaurant offers a 360-degree view of Waikiki and much of Honolulu. The hour-long revolution is slow enough so that you barely feel the rotation, but sure enough, especially after a few cocktails, eventually you'll wonder why you are suddenly facing the mountains instead of the ocean.

I've been here four times, at three different times of the day. The first time was the only time I came for an actual meal (dessert), so I was seated at a table on the edge of the top tier, close to the bar. Dessert is okay. I had the Candy Bar, which is exactly what it is: a glorified deconstructed candy bar... Twix, perhaps. Not the most memorable dish, but who cares what you're eating when you have a view like this?

The next two times I went were for the 5-7 pm happy hour, which offers $4 martinis and $7 appetizers. You are only allowed to sit at the bar for happy hour, which is at the very center of the top tier. None of the appetizers are very memorable, even though the chef is obviously trying to be innovative. However, for the price, it is certainly a good deal. The 5-7 happy hour is packed, mostly with tourists in their 40s and above. Not exactly my kind of crowd, which is why my fourth time coming to the Top of Waikiki was the best.

A couple of months ago, I returned with Mariah for the 9-11 pm happy hour. Just like the 5-7 pm one, martinis and appetizers are cheap. The main difference is that, instead of swarming with old people, the bar is now almost empty. As someone who values privacy and good service, I will now only be coming at this time. The bartenders are much more attentive and friendly this late in the night, which usually means you can order cocktails that aren't even on the happy hour menu for the same $4 price. Love it!

Orchid's

Best for: Brunch, View
Location: Halekulani

kalua pork omelet and lomi lomi tomato

I'm not a huge fan of this place, but I come here when I've gone to Plumeria Beach House too often. Orchid's and Plumeria are similar in many ways, and not just because they are both named after flowers. Both are located in Honolulu's two best hotels, the Kahala and Halekulani, both are pretty pricey, and both are beachfront. Now I will tell you why Plumeria is so much better (and I swear I'm not biased just because I'm from Kahala).

First of all, Halekulani is in Waikiki. It happens to be in a serene, secluded part of Waikiki, but you're still just steps from throngs of tourists from who knows where. The Kahala Hotel is located at the end of a ritzy street of a residential neighborhood. No unwanted tourists from the Hilton, no locals who bum around the beach all day.

classic eggs benedict

Secondly, Plumeria offers a completely unobstructed view of the ocean. By this I mean you can literally get out of your chair, lie on the ground, and start rolling until you are on the beach. If you please. Orchid's claims to be beachfront, but what is the point of being beachfront when there is a 3-foot hedge blocking your view? No rolling possible here.

why is there a hedge blocking my view??

Third, Plumeria has its famous Three B's: Beachfront Brunch Buffet. No buffet at Orchid's. For that, you'll have to go to the other Halekulani restaurant, House Without a Key, which doesn't really belong in the same sentence as Plumeria.

Well, we got an unobstructed view of the next restaurant

Now that I've criticized this place sufficiently, I will tell you that it is a lovely beachfront restaurant in Waikiki. Usual breakfast food presented beautifully, and you can listen to the waves while you dine. Also, Orchid's is highly rated for dinner, so perhaps I should be coming here when the sun goes down instead.

Mai Tai Bar

Best for: Cocktails, View of Waikiki
Location: Waikiki

I love the Mai Tai Bar. I don't mean the trashy one on the top floor of Ala Moana. I'm talking about the one literally steps away from Waikiki Beach, located at the Royal Hawaiian. Apparently the Mai Tai Bar is where the first mai tai cocktail originated. If you're ever going to have a mai tai, this is definitely where to get it - the cocktail comes with every accessory (paper umbrella, fresh fruit, etc). I usually get The Last Cocktail, which is composed of gin, asian pear puree, lemon juice, rosemary infusion, sparkling wine, and clove.

view from our table

This is where I take all my guests for delicious cocktails and stunning views of Diamond Head and the tourist-infested beach. While the bar is always crowded, I always somehow find a table closest to the water. Come for the drinks (and view), not the food. Service is good, not great, especially considering it's part of one of Oahu's nicest hotels. Cocktails are about $11-14, typical for beachfront Waikiki.

The Last Cocktail ($14): The Last Cocktail, which is composed of gin, asian pear puree, lemon juice, rosemary infusion, sparkling wine, and clove