Waikiki dinner(?) help

[wvjules]

I'm off to Waikiki in about two weeks. DBF's birthday falls right in the middle of our time there. Where is a great place to take him for dinner or something special to do?

I thought about the Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center but that is an all day thing and I dont' want to use a whole day since I only have about 4 free ones while we are there. (I'm going to Hawai'i to work and adding a few days on at the end to vacation.)

Any suggestions?

 

[DawnCt1]

When we are in Honolulu, we stay at the Hale Koa and usually eat there since the price differences are so dramatic. If you call the Hale Koa, sometimes they will let you book the Luau there as a "non eligible guest". We have sat with guests from other hotels if they haven't sold the seats out to the eligible guests. Its typical luau food but the show is excellent. Glenn Medieros (Nothing gonna Change My Love for you) is the emcee. He is funny, has a good voice and teaches school on Kauai in real life. The last time we were there, the price was about $35 pp.

 

[GoodFairies]

Duke's Canoe Club at the Outrigger was good.

I believe the Halekulani has a few restaurants to choose from as well, ranging from "normal" dinner prices to $$$$$. We ate at House Without a Key and it was tasty.

 

[DawnCt1]

Duke's Canoe Club at the Outrigger was good.

I believe the Halekulani has a few restaurants to choose from as well, ranging from "normal" dinner prices to $$$$$. We ate at House Without a Key and it was tasty.

Ooh, I would agree. We have eaten at Duke's on Kauai.

 

[Noah122898]

Haven't been in quite a few years but John Dominis was an amazing restaurant, food, service and atmosphere. Hard to find but worth it.

 

[wvjules]

Someone from work also suggested Duke's.

Dawn, I checked out that hotel. It looks nice too. Its $49.95pp now. Very reasonable.

 

[bekkiz]

It has changed a bit since I was there, but the Sheraton Waikiki has a restaurant at the top of the hotel with AWESOME views, huge windows, etc. It was kind of old-school fancy pants (table service like cherries jubaliee etc) when I ate there, but it looks like it's pretty modern now (called Twist at Hanohano). It's getting good reviews on yelp, and like I said, the view was awesome.


ETA: Duke's is great oo, love the Hula Pie. They have a great breakfast as well.

 

[Orange County Girl]

Another vote for Duke's!

 

[MichelleinMaine]

FWIW, we very much enjoyed the Polynesian Cultural center EXCEPT for the luau. It was like eating in a cafeteria with a floor show. Much better places!

My parents have done/enjoyed the one at Hale Koa. I didn't know non-military could do it, but good to know!

 

[binny]

Im a big fan of Roy's if you'll have a car. Its in Hawaii Kai. Beautiful views and the staff is stellar! Would take less than 1/2 hour to get there form Waikiki have fun!

 

[DawnCt1]

Im a big fan of Roy's if you'll have a car. Its in Hawaii Kai. Beautiful views and the staff is stellar! Would take less than 1/2 hour to get there form Waikiki have fun!

LOVE ROYS! We usually go to Roy's on Maui or the Big Island. We are lucky because one of the chefs from Roy's moved to the mainland, opened Onyx Fusion in West Springfield, Ma. and we can eat there!

 

[Deb in IA]

We will be there NEXT WEEK (woo hoo! can't wait)!!

We plan to go to Roy's, but the one at Ko Olina, since we will be staying at Ewa Beach.

I've heard La Mer is great, as is Alan Wong's.

 

[Chereya]

If you like the Pacific Rim Fusion cuisine like Roy's and Alan Wong's, 3660 on the Rise is another restaurant like that (Russel Siu in Kaimuki) and Sam Choy's on Nimitz Hwy. I've enjoyed the Luau at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel (the pink hotel) and was able to find a printable coupon for it online as it is pretty pricey ($80 pp?). Another good hotel restaurant is Hoku's at the Kahala Hotel (where presidents stay). The grounds are really nice to talk a romantic stroll after dinner or at sunset. They have their own lagoon with dolphins and penguins. I just went to the Todai Buffet on my most recent trip and the sushi was fantastic - totally worth the $30+ buffet price if you are a sushi eater. John Dominis is also great for an upscale dinner. Have you thought about doing a sunset dinner cruise? Really romantic, too, if you're not prone to sea sickness. One of my must-do restaurants is Tanaka of Tokyo for Japanese teppanyaki and they just moved into the top floor of Ala Moana shopping center.

If you pick up the local newspaper on Sunday (Honolulu Advertiser) there is a dining out section with a few articles, lots of ads/ideas for restaurants and a few coupons. Here's the link to their online dining section:
Dining Guide where you can find a list of the recent award winners.

Have a great trip! I was just there in March and wish I could look forward to another trip soon but I'm due to have a baby in August.

 

[binny]

BTW, if you go to Roy's be sure to call ahead and let them know you're celebrating. We went there for our 10th anniversary dinner and couldnt believe the attention they gave us. I actually buy my clients gift cards to Roys if theyre celebrating, like I said, I am big fan!

 

[rparmfamily]

Lots of great suggestions. We love Duke's too, and the restaurant above it...Hula Grill (same company) is fantastic too.

Roys is great for special occasions, there is a Roy's in Waikiki now.
226 Lewers St
Honolulu, HI 96815-1941
(808) 923-7697

There is also a new Jimmy Buffet Restaurant too at the Beachwalk. Lots of places to eat there.
http://www.waikikibeachwalk.com/

Ala Moana is great too for restaurants.
http://www.alamoanacenter.com/diningdirec.htm