Hoku's Kahala

We did the grand tasting menu to celebrate our 25th anniversary; and at one point we both looked up at each other and asked “is this the best meal we’ve ever had”? And spoiler; it was. The staff is amazing and the Chef should be made a national treasure. We loved it so much we are going back to celebrate tonight for my birthday with my visiting children. Amazing meal, amazing service, amazing views. Absolutely could not recommend more for a phenomenal experience.

The view was jaw droppingly gorgeous. Service attentive and friendly. We went for the Brunch buffet. The food was amazing. Highlights were the crab legs, steamed lobster, freshest poke ever, and desserts. Best buffet I've ever been to so far. It will be hard to beat. I cannot say enough good things about this place. It was around $300 for two people with tax and tip.

Hoku's Kahala was amazing. Rayne is really the person who made our dinner so special. She is the best server I had EVER! She is so genuine and sweet. I truly appreciate such fantastic service. We ordered from the 4 course tasting menu. Everything we had was to die for. We ordered the jardiniere, smoked Hudson valley foie gras, sautéed Kauai prawns, hand cut tagliatelle, the certified angus beef Tenderloin, lobster risotto, and mud pie. Everything was presented with beauty, and all was deliciously cravable. It was on a smaller scale, but remember, it is a tasting menu. I loved the foie gras with the pineapple. The jardiniere was so fresh and zesty. In the tagliatelle, you really tasted the butter and truffle. The tenderloin was pefectly cooked to medium rare. The lobster risotto was so filling and buttery. I couldn't even eat my mud pie. I highly recommend Hoku's to have the pleasure of being served by Reyne. This was the best meal in Oahu!

We went because we were celebrating my mom’s birthday. I didn’t bother putting that on the reservation so I really wasn’t expecting special treatment. I did notice that our server was prioritizing other tables compared to us. We were seated first yet the other table for a party of 5 that was seated 10mins after us had their glasses filled and their menu explained already. I asked for refills on a few items and only 1 of them were replenished. The food was good but due to the service, we are not in a hurry to come back.

Amazing experience! Such great staff, beautiful surroundings, and unbelievably great food.

Our expectations exceeded the delivery of an excellent culinary experience. First the service and atmosphere were excellent. We had the grand tasting and tasting option. There was a very heavy emphasis on milk fat on most courses. The creativity of any flavors were drowned by cream or butter. The wagyu was excellent- (and dairy free)! Overall, we hope this was a one off experience- the table next to us had similar feedback. We had better meals at other fine dining restaurants on the island..

Not necessary to say. Hoku is always good 👍 We love its special course dinner for all special occasions. Christmas. New year. Valentine’s Day and more. The service is wonderful for sure. Priceless 👍

It was a birthday dinner Hoku seemed to have changed a lot, from seafood theme to more contemporary fine dining. The service was good, decent wine menu and the best part of it was the ocean view. Recommend to be there for the sunset time. The dining room color set becomes amazing. We had 4 course tasting menu as this option gave us 2-3 menus to chose from each course. We were pretty happy with everything we had.

I was pleasantly surprised by my latest experience at Hoku's. It had been many many years since I had dined at Hoku's and I knew it as a fancy restaurant but didn't expect it to be this good. Good food, friendly and knowledgeable service, great ambience, and overall just a great time. They had an amazing white truffle pasta at the time and it was to die for. One of my favorite white truffle dish ever (and I love truffles). Perfectly done pasta with just enough flavor to be amazing on its own but to complement the white truffle without overpowering it. The foie gras was cooked perfectly and was amazing with its pairing with a little sweetness (pineapple) with the savory rich flavor of the dish. Hard to say this but I think the wagyu was too much (it was really good) but I actually like the regular steak better because it wasn't as rich. But everything was good and I would love to come back. It is fine dining. It is very nice in there, but they also allowed resort casual and didn't make us feel bad (had just come from the golf tournament). I would rather be dressed nicer to fit in with the ambience, but was thankful they said coming as golf casual was fine. Bathrooms are outside the restaurant. Self or valet park at the hotel, 4 hours free validation, just tip for valet. Some tables have a great view out to the ocean if you go early enough.

Ok the Yelp ghost apparently got my review for Hoku's because I know I wrote one over 10 years ago as this was my husband's absolute favorite place on Oahu! Fine dining at its best he always said and it hasn't changed in all these years. Whether you choose from the Grand Tasting menu, the four course tasting menu or the Ala Carte menu you will be in for a culinary treat not available elsewhere on Oahu. I especially like the wine pairings as the choices are many and just a great way to try wines you might never have. I can honestly say I've never had anything in any meal I wasn't entirely satisfied with. From the caviar service, the Foie gras, the 48 hour short ribs, the salmon, the misoyaki butterfish, the prime rib and tenderloin...the menu continues to change and evolve but the consistency, quantity and multifaceted flavors are mind blowing. After all these years I'm still a fan. The views of the ocean make for a relaxing start of your dining experience. The interior is elegant without being stuffy and the service impeccable. Valet parking is quick.

Awesome food! Quality buffet regardless of which item I ate. Butterfish and roasted pork were absolutely great.

Hoku's in the Kahala Resort does an excellent Sunday Brunch. There is no other place in town that offers AYCE lobster tails! You can get it chilled or grilled. Get both! There are also so many buffet favorites such as prime rib, chilled crab legs, sashimi, shrimp tempura (extra points for the asparagus tempura!), and bread pudding. But, the special stand-outs are the lobster (duh?!), suckling pig, misoyaki butterfish, ahi poke musubi (grilled to make that crispy rice shell), and macadamia nut crunch (crunchy cookie crust with rich chocolate then dusted with cocoa powder - so good, I was ready to throw the whole plate in my purse on the way out!). There's so much to like about this brunch experience. Number one is that it's the Kahala Resort! Check out the gorgeous property, walk on the beach, and visit the dolphins. There's valet parking, 4 hours free with validation. Hoku's isn't very big, so there's an intimate feeling and breathtaking views of all round. It is not an open air restaurant, so it's comfy during the summer. You can't say that about some other buffets. There is a two hour time limit, but we go to eat. Chat later! It is pricey but, hey, did I mention the AYCE lobster?

My sister-in-law (SIL) and nephew joined me to celebrate my 72nd birthday at one of my favorite restaurants; Hoku's, in The Kahala Resort. The menu has changed slightly since my last visit (in 2023); the four course tasting menu remains but the Grand Tasting menu now features six courses instead of eight. There is also a limited a la carte menu. A basket of breads and their signature smoked ahi dip arrived as did an amuse bouche of ahi rolled in nori. SIL and my nephew arrived before me and were enjoying a beer and wine when I was shown to our table. I started with a glass of Drappier Champagne. SIL ordered a Cilantro Caesar Salad ($22) and the 48-Hour Braised Short Rib ($46) while my nephew and I opted for the four-course tasting menu ($110). I did the wine pairing ($75) while my nephew continued to drink beer. He ordered the Smoked Hudson Valley Foie Gras ($15 upcharge), White Winter Truffle Pasta, and Herb Roasted Beef Tenderloin while I opted for the same, except I chose the Lobster Risotto ($45 upcharge) over the beef. Dessert was Hoku's Parfait, which I gave to my SIL because I don't like tapioca and don't normally eat desserts. One disappointment was the toast that came with my SIL's salad ... It looked fine but it tasted stale. Her short rib looked amazing and tasted great. The foie gras came with slices of Maui Gold pineapple and a light sauce ... well prepared foie gras needs nothing else. The wine was a 2022 Moelleux Domaine Huet from Vouvray. The slight sweetness matched the foie gras perfectly. The White Winter Truffle Pasta was the star of the evening. It came with a hefty surcharge ($100) as our server shaved white truffle atop our tagliatelle. The scent and aroma of the truffle permeated the room. It was paired with a 2021 Etna Rosso from Benanti. I found this to be an interesting choice; I probably would have selected a white Burgundy. My lobster risotto almost beat out the truffle tagliatelle ... the lobster was cooked perfectly, and the risotto was dotted with mushrooms and preserved lemon. Truly, a fabulous dish. The wine was another interesting choice ... a 2020 Cote de Beaune-Villages, a lightish red. I would have continued with a white Burgundy. I passed the parfait to my SIL while I enjoyed a glass of 2022 Juffer Riesling Spatlese and a French Press coffee. I probably would have paired this wine with the risotto. Service by Tony was gracious and unobtrusive, and the food was perfectly prepared and plated with flair. The wine pairing was fine, but I would have made different choices. This was an expensive meal, but I've spent more and received less value at other restaurants. $110 for a 4-course meal is reasonable but $275 in upcharges made it less so. This was a Tuesday evening, and I was surprised at the paucity of diners ... the restaurant was practically empty. This is sad to see. I will continue to come to Hoku's when scheduling permits as it remains one of my favorite restaurants. Recommended!

An Amazing Dining Experience in Honolulu! When in Honolulu, Hoku's at The Kahala Hotel & Resort is a must-visit. From the breathtaking ocean views to the thoughtfully crafted dishes, everything about this restaurant is exceptional. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between elegance and relaxation, making it ideal for both special occasions and casual outings. We indulged in the 8-course The Kahala Grand Tasting, and every dish was a masterpiece. The service was amazing--attentive, friendly, and truly reflective of the aloha spirit. Thank you, Hoku's, for an unforgettable meal! Your attention to detail and dedication to fresh, locally sourced ingredients truly shine. I'll definitely be back!

Been to the brunch buffet a few times...I can't say it has ever been all that memorable...for some reason this time was. Staycay at The Kahala with the hubs and baby, with the brunch on Sunday. Not sure if the hostess was new, but although nice, told us we had to wait 20 min for our reservation. Anyone with a kid knows that's just not acceptable at lunch time. Luckily manager there and not sure what happened, but we were seated maybe 5 minutes later. Our res for inside, but they could only put us outside. Fine, take what we could get. Waitress suuuuuper nice...and actually all wait staff out there super nice, asking if they could help get more for the baby. Pianist outside good, so made it feel like you weren't sitting in the lobby. Food was super good. Most times lechon skin gets chewy...not theirs. So crispy. And the meat was nice and tasty. Beef was the same way. Both so tender. Crab was delish. I'm not a lobster fan, but the grilled lobster was perfectly cooked. Everything else good. Baby liked the fruit and cheese the best. We left content. Good way to end our staycay...except we all needed naps!

My fiance took me here for my birthday (during the beginning stages of our courtship) and boy did he woo and wow me. I don't recall how many courses we had, but I do know it was at least 7... The restaurant was very romantic with comfortable seating along with feeling like we were the only patrons in the restaurant. The service was perfection, as the waitstaff were extremely attentive. The wine pairing was phenomenal, as it brought out the flavors of each course. Our dinner was apparently 4.5 hours long, but it felt like 2 hours only. Wanted to fully enjoy the experience, so no photos were had.

Charlotte was our server, she was wonderful, very attentive and a true delight to talk to. Zac in the kitchen is known the Foie Gras... it's amazing! All of the food came on these amazing dishes. The drinks were fun and complimented all of the flavors. We went on a Wednesday at around 6:45 PM and it was perfect since we spent 3 hours there. Was so nice, I wish I could eat there everyday

Huaka'i Wine Series - an evening with Naomi Smith, VP of Sales for Lauren-Perrier, one of the world's most respected champagne houses. Delicious dishes by Chef Jonathan Mizukami. First time tasting the Kahala Hotel's Private Label Regiis Ova Cavier. Excellent service by the wait staff who were very attentive and friendly. Beautiful views of the coconut trees and the beach and elegant dining room.

We haven't been here for years. It was a nice gift - Christmas dinner. Usually we cook at home. The service was very good and we enjoyed the fixed Christmas dinner. The samples were so beautiful and tasty. Thanks for getting the lavosh for me from downstairs at Plumeria. I really like the lavosh at the Kahala. The coffee was smooth with rock candy on a stick for sugar. Also had regular ice tea since free refills. Other ice teas they have no refills. Nice time had by all good food company and great views. We had to wait in long line for car at valet. We were not sure if we would get car in timely manner since eldery Japanese man decided to demand his Lexus while I was handing in my ticket saying he was waiting too long etc. Good thing we grabbed the seats outside to wait since it was a long wait. Nice to try their special. Others there were regulars at Hokus according to their conversations.

945a sunday buffet reservation to celebrate my moms birthday and it wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be. The view to the ocean was amazing! Our waiter (Anthony?) was amazing! I thought there were going to be more selection but what they had were delicious. Ordered grilled lobster tails to the table which were succulent. Prime rib cooked perfectly! Their butterfish was the star of the whole buffet to me. The only thing I ended up not caring for was most of the desserts. The only dessert I went back for seconds was the bread pudding! No one should miss out on that!

Birthday brunch for my daughter at Hoku's. $110 per adult. Add tip plus valet and it's a pretty penny! Is it worth it? For a special occasion, the answer is yes. But really, how much can you eat? Well, I guess each person has their limit or no limit lol. So, you decide. Before I review the buffet, a very important observation regarding the very narrow and 90 degree angled ramp for person's with walkers or wheelchairs. The access ramp to Hoku's is troublesome. You need to navigate extremely tight angles to use the ramp. My Dad's walker barely made the sharp angled turns without banging the sides and needing to back up and move his walker to make the turns. This is very dangerous for the elderly. Then you are required to walk through the open restaurant seating area ( the area used to be the lobby of hotel?) full of patrons looking at you walk through their eating area. It clearly is not a designated walk-in area. Everyone looked uncomfortable. My Dad felt like he was intruding on their meals. I hope Hoku's reads this review and makes a few changes. Is this ramp ADA compliant? 1 out of 5 stars. Now to the buffet. I will let the pictures show you the variety of dishes offered at the buffet. So many choices. Everything appeared freshly made and replenished immediately. The chefs behind the counters handling the hot carved meats are personable and happy to provide you with the type of cuts you request. There are too many dishes to rate independently. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars. Our table was surrounded by glass windows with the ocean as our backdrop. Beautiful and mesmerizing. 5 out of 5 stars. Our server, Charlotte was professional and her service to our table was impeccable. 5 out of 5 stars.

We came here for a belated anniversary celebration for my parents. I recommend making reservations in advanced especially if you want to have seating inside the restaurant. If you wait till the last minute, they'll only have seating at the Veranda which is outside the restaurant. The seating inside is spaced out and I never felt like I had to squeeze around another table. Service was great. Our waiter was really attentive and knew what we needed throughout our lunch. The buffet was excellent as well. We were shocked to learn that it includes unlimited lobster tails so we made sure to eat our fill in that. The first time around we had boiled lobster tails but then our waiter said it could be sauteed in butter so we got that for our second order. This buffet has everything from sushi and sashimi, breakfast items, prime rib and roast pork, and yummy desserts. It's pricey but definitely worth it.

Hoku's Sunday Brunch $110 Overall: ***** Highly Recommended ***** Food: ***** Value: **** Menu: **** good selection Ambiance: ***** beautiful ocean view in AC Service: ***** Parking: ***** valet or self-park validated If you're looking for a delicious Sunday brunch with high-quality and a good selection, Hoku's at the Kahala Hotel is hotel is highly recommended! The first seating begins at 9 AM and goes through the afternoon. You can request indoor or outdoor seating. If it's during the hot summer months, I'd highly recommend indoor seating. My Sunday Brunch Buffet Preference: 1. Orchids at the Halekulani Hotel 2. Hoku's at the Kahala Hotel 3. La Hiki at the Four Seasons Ko'Olina 4. 100 Sails at the Prince Hotel However, it also really depends on what you like to eat at buffets. Orchids has more cold seafood, sushi, salad, poke options, but no lobster. They also have more carving stations, more desserts, home made ice cream and the best coconut cake. (see their video post/review) Hoku's has an enclosed air-conditioned dinning room. On hot & humid summer days, this can be the deciding factor. While they have the smallest selection, they have all the good food & expensive items. You can order lobster tails, fried musubi, and omelette, as part of the buffet as well. They also have the best miso butterfish! La Hiki also has a good selection, lobster. If you're at Ko'Olina, they would be my first choice and I would not drive into Waikiki. (see their video post/review) https://www.hokuskahala.com/sunday-brunch-teihoku/ Yelp: https://yelp.to/PYuKQSCv6W Website: https://www.hokuskahala.com/ YELP: Sorry! They allow only one 12 second video & the remaining to 3 seconds, with maximum of 10 pictures/videos. The full video can be found elsewhere: MiltonIn808

Our best meal on Oahu! We stayed at the Kalaha and ate at all their fine restaurants, but this was by far our best meal during our 10 day stay on Oahu. Try the tasting menu! Service and interior are great! I loved this place so much!

Tasty Sunday brunch located in the Kahala Hilton Hotel. It was a beautiful sunny day, with the view of the oceanfront and Koko Head. The had many local island favorites. Various tei maki, makizushi, poke, crab legs, lamb, suckling pig, prime rib, fresh fruits, smoked salmon eggs Benedict, tempura, blintzes, cakes, tarts, assortment of fried rice. Great attentive service, gorgeous view, tasteful atmosphere.

It was a while back but I went to Hokus to celebrate my wedding anniversary with my husband. Made reservations a month ahead. I mentioned that we would be celebrating our anniversary. When we got there, there was a bunch of people waiting to get seated because we went right when it opened. Make sure to ask to sit inside and not on the veranda. We went in august so it was hot outside. The food was amazing! There was so much variety. My favorites were the sushi and shrimp tempura. Service was great and they even brought us a cute happy anniversary dessert. Definitely will be back to celebrate another occasion.

My fiancé and I got engaged on Valentine's Day at Kahala beach and it was amazing! We then went to Hoku's after for dinner and service was phenomenal. Everyone knew the news as the hostess noticed us walking around earlier and shared the news with other staff who went above and beyond for us! From the hostess to our waiter, everyone was so kind. I cannot express how happy I was as everyone was very genuinely excited for us. There was a set menu for Valentine's Day and in all honesty, I was amazed by the food for the cost, but the experience overall made up for everything. Again, I will say with the atmosphere and service though, it was worth every penny. Our waiter was very attentive, friendly, and would take time to speak with us whenever he had the opportunity to. He shared his time equally between all his tables despite it being busy, which was very refreshing to see. All the food items were crafted and delicious, but some items were a little bit too salty for me, but that may have just been my personal taste buds. The highlight for me was the bread with ahi poke spread, because I'm a huge fan of bread and a nice spread. Our server was nice enough to pack me some extra. Experiences like these don't happen often, so I truly appreciated my experience overall. Thank you to everyone at Hoku's!

Loved the food,the vibe, and the service! I went here for a second time( I had my birthday dinner here) and I was not disappointed whatsoever. Definitely coming back next time I visit Honolulu

Amazing all you can eat Sunday brunch with lots of fresh seafood and delicious cooked options! The poke and ahi sashimi were extremely fresh, something that I wouldn't expect from a buffet experience. The poke had great flavors and I also loved the crab legs and lobster tails. The prime rib and suckling pig were some of the best carving stations at a buffet that I've had. The prime rib was tender and had a robust garlic flavor. The suckling pig had crispy skin and the fat was perfectly rendered. The meat was well seasoned and very tender as well. The service was excellent and friendly and I love the ahi musubi that you can order. The ahi musubi had fresh cool ahi contrasted with the warm crispy rice. The view was also amazing with sights of the tranquil beaches. Overall, a great buffet experience that would be hard to find outside of Hawaii!

Brunch at Kahala Resort? At $110 per adult and $55 per child over 5 years of age, bring your appetite and wad of bills.. Six of us ate here yesterday at 9:00 a.m.when they first opened after our early morning photo session. Only a handful of customers besides us dined at that hour. Everyone was very friendly and courteous except one lady who wasn't our server who told us as soon as we were seated, you have a 2 hour time limit. She said it gruffly and I personally felt how rude of her. Aside from her poor customer relation, it would have been perfect. She started the tone off very badly. Wouldn't she be aware that we came for a special occasion and not to an all you can eat free for all? She immediately took the class out of what could have been a fantastic brunch. If you are a seafood lover you'll be in heaven: crab legs, lobster, poke salad and even an ahi fried musubi. You have a choice of 3 juices, guava, pineapple and orange. We probably had the farthest table from the buffet which was a plus for the multi million dollar ocean view to dolphin enclosure. The roundish light fixtures were very pretty in the restaurant . They have made to order omelettes if you are interested. Prime rib and suckling pig were behind the tempura counter so you need to be on the look out for that. The kiddies ate rice, strawberries and a chocolate mousse. No kiddie fare here for the Keikis. I requested decaf with a glass of ice and our main server took care of that when I was poured decaf in the coffee cup. The tempura batter was a bit salty to me but the encased shrimp was good. At the very end they brought a slice of rainbow dessert. Little sweetie asked for the chocolate oval that read Happy Birthday. Bud asked for the whipped cream with sprinkles on top. The staff and family sang Happy birthday to me. We were done by 10:43 a.m. that woman whoever she is should not have contact with customers. She didn't even bring beverages or refill water or clear off any dishes. She was a dark cloud. I believe she arrived 7 days too early without her broom. The rest of the employees should be applauded. They went out of their way and made the meal special.

I take back my slander against resort restaurants in general because Hoku's was an absolutely amazing birthday meal. I got the four-course tasting, though quite honestly, I would have been fine with the three-course, since it was a lot of food and they definitely don't give you just a little taste of each dish. My favorites: the big eye ahi tuna carpaccio as an appetizer and the 48-hour short rib Wellington. The picture doesn't do the short rib justice because it was quite massive. It was slightly bigger than the size of my fist. Our table even joked that of the two other people who also got the short rib, mine was definitely the Big Island. They really do justice to the portion sizes here, as well as provide very generous pours if you opt for the wine pairing with dinner. I also really enjoyed my dessert of a pineapple upside down cake. They also came out with a plate of birthday macarons, which was a kind touch. Service was absolutely top-notch. We had two waiters who came by to explain the ingredients of the dishes and also cracked jokes, made sure we liked the wines / had everything we needed. The tables are arranged along the windows, so you get a nice view of the water. Definitely an occasion meal where you feel extremely special.

Tony and his crew were excellent. Will definitely be coming back. His staff catered to my son late-night and went over and beyond. Service was excellent.

Brunch! It's been a while but delighted to return! With a mixture of menu and buffet item there is lots of choice! Don't miss the Maine lobster tails, ordered from the menu AYCE or the suckling pig that's offered from the kitchen. Desserts are incredible so don't fill up on all the savory. Only beverages included are water, coffee, tea and a single juice per guest. I think a minimum of a glass of bubbles ought to be included for the price, food offer's generous but stingy on the drink.

Wifey wanted to eat here for Mothers Day. We went a week earlier to avoid the Mothers day chaos. Its been awhile since we been on the eastside of Oahu. Hoku's is located in Kahala Hilton. We used the valet service since we took my father inlaw who uses a wheelchair. Btw Kahala Hilton is wheelchair accessible. As we walked in Hoku's we were greeted by the hostess who was very friendly. As my wife was checking us in, i was looking around the restaurant. The windows facing the ocean were breathtaking. The food area was several steps away from the front door. The hostess guided us to our table. Then we proceeded to get our grinds!! Pretty much the same menu brunch as other places. Some extras like crab legs. You can ask for lobster tail and Eggs Benedict. Which comes with the buffet. The food in general was really tasty and we enjoed ourselves. Our waitress was really friendly and found out she worked their since the 70s. Which shows us that she enjoys her job. Now the big question. Is the overall experience at Hoku's worth the price? For us we dont eat expensive buffets all the time. So for us, yes! Its worth it and will come back.

Be careful when dining here. False advertisement. Came here with a party of 12 for a special work dinner. Unfortunately, what put out damper on our experience was that the Hokus website promoted a 20% off "Timeless Luxury" discount on all foods and non-alcoholic drinks. However, we were told that this would only apply to up to 6 people, although this caveat was not displayed anywhere on the website. We kindly asked our server and manager (Emily Sevinksi) who thanked us for "bringing it to her attention" but did not budge on the discount despite showing her that there were no restrictions or fine print displayed on the website. She told us that this was their "hotel policy". It is illegal to promote a discount and not honor it and is quite simply very ironic to label the discount as "timeless luxury" and not uphold it. Food was great and our server (Lisa) was great...but when you're paying $110+ or $170+ per person on a prix fixe menu you would think they would uphold the discount that they promote. Just be careful.

You can't go wrong with Hoku's. Excellent food, excellent service, excellent atmosphere, and as an added bonus, there are the dolphins to visit after a hearty meal! Or if its nighttime, a lovely stroll on the beach... Kahala beach fronting this hotel is usually empty at night so it's very quiet and romantic. We're fortunate to live in the area, so this is our go-to place for a very nice meal. We've come here over and over again for Sunday brunches and their dinner set course offering. We have never left disappointed. My kids love visiting the dolphins after Sunday brunch. For me, everything here sets the standard for everywhere else we visit. This place is that good to me. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you are looking for a nice Sunday with family (and dolphins) or a romantic evening or Sunday brunch with a special someone, you can't go wrong with Hoku's. A hui ho, Hoku's!

My wife requested Hoku's again after an unpleasant experience a year and half ago. Food was served cold So, for my wife's birthday, she lets try Hoku's again. The ambiance and service was good. She had a set menu, with beet salad, monk fish and lobster risotto and later that evening she experienced vomiting, Fever and diarrhea FOOD POSIONING? I had set menu with foie gars, truffle pasta, (which pasta cook in butter tasted bland) and roast tenderloin I requested cook Medium and it came rare. She called restaurant and spoke with manager and advise of issue. But as of yet, no follow It's sad that the quality of the food on the menu is not up to standards and no one check on the quality

Yay Hoku's at the Kahala hotel is back after Covid. Took my sister for her birthday for brunch and yes in my books the best Buffet in town . At $95 a pop per person it better be top notch and of course with the relaxing beautiful view . The service was friendly and efficient except sometimes our crab and lobster tail shell plate was getting a little full. The change to the Sunday brunch buffet at Hokus is that they don't have shrimp tempura anymore which I loved also rack of lamb. I guess they substitutes with suckling pig . They still have snow crab legs , Lobster tail , prime rib , made to order omelette and all breakfast items . Along with Misoyaki Butterfish, poke , fresh salmon nigiri, Maguro, Hamachi, . Their dessert is also wonderful especially their bread pudding , coconut cake , and pastries. They also still have their signature poke fried musubi not my favorite. The brunch also comes with coffee , tea , orange juice . Pineapple juice only one order per person . My brother in law wanted another glass and our waitress said they need to charge us . I thought that was very strange. Nevertheless Im happy their Sunday brunch is back . Support local and be safe . I highly recommend this Sunday brunch buffet

Celebrated my wife's birthday at Hoku's courtesy of brother in law Craig and his wife Keli. We've been here numerous times celebrating special occasions. Each time we came, the service and food were excellent. Since they reopen after covid, the menu and prices have changed. Three items that I normally get are no longer on the buffet. Raw oysters, lamb, and shrimp tempura. The added suckling pig to the buffet. This was excellent, seasoned perfectly, and the skin was crisp. Another item I always look forward to is the miso butter fish. another winning dish. The buffet also has cold lobster tails and cold snow crab pieces. These items you order thru your server. Do forget to try the desserts. Coconut Cake, Chocolate Moose Cake, and their Bread Pudding. Award winners in my book. Enjoy.

Our special brunch was absolutely exquisite! With outstanding service. What a treat!!

The experience you get at Hoku's is special to this restaurant and this restaurant alone. With an open air kitchen you can see and smell everything. From the moment you walk in, Chef Johnny Phan is front and center rallied by his kitchen staff. With a warm greeting they look at you to greet you as soon as you walk through the large doors of Hoku's. The staff is friendly, kind, and so welcoming. From the moment we sat down we felt special. With great attention to detail, Hoku's knows how to make every experience something to remember. We got the three course meal as this was our first time with a prefixed menu. As the food rolled out, they make everything timed to your pace. There is no rush or push to finish too quickly or if you're a faster eater - to slow down. The chef looks into the dining room speaking with wait staff as they check on you, relaying messages from table to kitchen. In most kitchens you would think the noises and sounds would be distracting, but you could not hear a sound. The kitchen works well and cohesively to provide a great ambiance. The food was amazing. As with the experience, the food did not disappoint. It was a good size portion for the quality you're looking for. The crispy tako with shishito peppers paired so well together. The scallops were cooked perfectly, with a sauce you would not believe. To finish it off we had a crème brûlée dessert with a coconut cookie. The entire meal worked so well together and ended off so nicely. The wait staff was attentive and so kind. No glass went empty and no detail was too small. Thank you to Hoku's for creating a dining experience we will never forget, and making my sister feel special on her birthday.

Offerings are a 4-course or a 7-course meal. Some selections incur an added cost. I selected the $125 4-course meal. However my choice of lobster risotto was an additional $45 charge. I struggled to pick a good appetizer. Mine had beets and goat cheese. I discovered too late that a bit of goat cheese added so much flavor to each bite. I chickened out on the foie gras but will try it next time. The ahi musubi looked good, too: nothing like I expected. In my group, there were shellfish allergies, fish allergies, mushroom allergies, and one gluten-free diner. All of their needs were accommodated. My lobster risotto was exquisite. I tasted the braised short ribs. They were awesome as well. There were beautiful ocean views from the windows. It was well lit and relatively quiet. We sang Happy Birthday to our friend three different ways. We were probably the loudest people there.

With the number of buffets down to one hand Hokus Kahala is a diamond in the rough. Attending their weekend brunch buffet was a once in a lifetime event. A heafty price tag and a rich all you can eat lobster ability it was good but not something I'd regularly do. If you do go ask to be seated inside, in the air conditioning. If not they overflow you into what is the open air lobby area of the hotel. They adorn the tables with Amazon fly fans and still charge you the $$$$$. Service is great, only one drink included and everything else priced at typical Hawaii hotel prices it was truly a once in a lifetime treat for us. We wouldn't necessarily want to go back unless for the great company.

Very nice Sunday brunch buffet. A lot of seafood selections available and sashimi. Service was great and not too crowded.

At the very cusp of being Hawaii's best Continental restaurant. An excellent focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that are skillfully combined to create bold dishes international in breadth. The only thing that keeps it from being perfect, the chef's own restraint in presenting dishes his way. For example, a beautifully 48 hour braised short rib is placed on a bed of creamed barley reminiscent of paella. It is served with a hedonistic roasted garlic aioli on the side. Why? If it's a paella, the chef should serve the aioli dotted randomly on the "paella" as done in Spain. The same holds true for the "Hainanese chicken". Why plate the chicken fat rice in its own dish instead of plating the chicken directly on said rice, allowing its juices to blend in further and the diner to then pour all the accompanying sauces on top of it before mixing it all together as would be done in SE Asia. Personally, I expect a chef to create the dish as they invasion it, this is art after all, and thereby dictating to me how to eat it. All that aside, the flavors definitely please. No complaints on the perfectly cooked Hudson valley foie served with amazingly sweet, low acidity Maui Gold pineapple, corn chutney, toasted mac nuts and a Laie vanilla jus that tied it all together beautifully. Equally good, the Kahuku corn scarpinocc, a stunningly delicate pasta with incredible corn flavor made even sweeter by sweet onion soubise and accented my micro aramanth, cilantro, and of course, apple wood smoked bacon bits. All kinds of good. The restaurant features either an eight course grand tasting or choose your own a four course menu. Note, some dishes have supplemental up charges. There is a vegetarian (not vegan) menu as well. No ala carte menu. Solid selection of wines by the glass backed by a very well selected wine list. Hawaii resort markup with the average bottle price, $150. Service is extremely friendly and attentive. This four course dinner for two, a few glasses of champagne, modest bottle of wine, inclusive, $880. Money well spent. Destination worthy.

We stayed in the hotel and saw the prefix tasting menu was interesting, plus it was my bd. We made a reservation and requested to sit by the window to admire the ocean sunset. We had a most beautiful view during the whole dining. There were two servers to care for us, and both were very educated about their menu. The wine pairing list was on point as well. We were delighted with the food, services, and the ambiance

This review is for Sunday Brunch The lineup consists of made to order eggs, ahi musubi, lobster tails, Dungeness crab, snow crab legs, sashimi, poke, sushi (rolls/nigiri), prime rib, suckling pig, shrimp tempura, breakfast meats (bacon, link sausage, Portuguese sausage), butterfish, smoked salmon benedict, rice, hash browns, fresh fruits and a variety of bakery items and desserts (my favorite being the bread pudding). The food was delicious, and fresh. Don't sleep on the suckling pig. The skin is perfectly crispy. The table next to us even asked if they could buy a whole pig. Yes, it's good. Kids under 6 are free. Adults are $115 and this price is all inclusive and comes with drinks (coffee, tea, iced tea, juices, alcohol). There is a 2 hr dining time allowance. Service was friendly, fast and the servers were very attentive- clearing off dirty dishes and refilling drinks. The tables are adequately spaced and it wasn't loud. We loved our brunch experience.

A truly exceptional dining experience was had at Hoku's. We chose the 4 course tasting menu as it offered options to choose from for each course that allowed for individual tastes to lead the diner's experience. We each started with a cocktail and let's just say the balance of flavors was delightful in each one. An amuse bouche was delivered to the table. It was crispy seaweed hoops filled with a fresh tuna mix. Tasty and nice texture. My first course was a lobster ravioli. It included Chilled Lobster Salad, Ho Farms Tomatoes, Cucumber and Basil. The wrapper was perhaps daikon radish, jicama or hearts of palm. There was also a tomato water jelly. Very light and tasty. My wife had the Salad of Hearts of Palm. It looked gorgeous and she loved it! The second course blew my mind! It was the KAHUKU CORN SCARPINOCC - Sweet Corn, Celery Branch, Apple Smoked Wood Bacon and Ewa Onion Soubise. I had no clue what to expect. Essentially creamed corn with corn stuffed ravioli. Simple right? There is no logical reason that this dish was so freaking delicious! The absolute best corn dish conceivable and then some. My wife had the Roasted Cauliflower. Essentially cauliflower 3 ways. She really enjoyed it and offered me a bite but I was in my corn bliss and said no thanks. The main course was a difficult choice - beef short rib, salmon, chicken, Waygu steak or lobster. The Waygu was a $82+ upcharge and the Lobster was a $30 upcharge. I chose the Lobster! It was a whole lobster tail with the claw and knuckle meat added to the shell. It was topped by cauliflower, capers, preserved lemon, and browned butter. You guessed it, truly amazing. The lobster was sweet and the cauliflower, caper and lemon added more sweetness and a punch of acid. Beautifully balanced. My wife had the short rib and said it was tender and lovely. We finished with dessert. I had the warm chocolate coulant. Essentially an amazing chocolate soufflé lava cake. Fantastic. My wife had the pineapple upside down cake. It made her night. Service matched beautifully with the quality of food. Jared was out lead server and was assisted by Ned. Both knew the menu by heart and offered wonderful insight and first hand feedback and additional back stories of the menu throughout the service. Truly a memorable evening. I highly recommend and hope to return one day.

My hubby and I did a breakfast buffet. I had high expectations because I was hoping for more selections. Food was great though. Service was awesome. Everyone was nice and accommodating.

*WARNING* All drinks are an extra charge. That includes plain tea, coffee, oj, etc. $12 for plain tea. $8 for a coke. I don't even want to know how much coffee is. I read all the recent reviews and they said tea, coffee, oj are included. Our server said drinks and 3 food items are ala carte; lobster, poke musubi, and omelettes. She never said there was an extra charge for the drinks. She just listed that those items were ala carte. We have on text message with the restaurant concierge, inquiring what Ala Carte meant. Is there a charge? They replied Ala Carte just meant you have to order with the server, but there is no extra charge. So we assumed the drinks were the same when the server said drinks and 3 food items were ala carte. This was my first time, so I thought there was a self serve tea and coffee bar at the buffet in the past, but now the servers bring it out. No prices were listed and the server never said it's an extra charge. The server should make it clear that there's an extra charge for the drinks and give menus for the prices. There are no prices for tea or coffee on the current online menu and no indication that there's an extra charge. Several recent yelp reviews mentioned tea and coffee, and your first juice was included. Any extra juice was an extra charge and the server told the customer that. The menu only says there's an extra charge for alcoholic beverages, which is normal for any buffet on island. I would not have ordered tea and a coke if I knew there was an extra charge. Let alone an astronomical charge. Others in my party also ordered tea, bc that's just a normal drink that is included in all buffets on island. All of them.

The best meal that I had in my time in Hawaii. Amazing view, excellent staff and service, the food was fresh, the buffet did not have a huge amount of variety like I expected, however, what it lacked in variety it made up for in quality. I went at 9 AM and it was not crowded at all and perfect. Definitely plan to walk around the grounds after your meal.

Great Sunday brunch, come hungry. Fresh sushi, sashimi, salads, chilled snow & Dungenos crab legs. Prime rib, suckling pig, miso butterfish and breakfast entrees. Lobster tails, egg omelette, and fried poke musubi ordered with server. Great for special occasions and ambience is great!

Sunday buffet was good but I didn't like how long it took for me to have to order each plate of lobster. Service was good. Selection was ok. I expected so much more but was a good experience

We came to Hoku's to celebrate a birthday. We each order the 4-course on for different items so we could try 8 different items. . We were given a lumpia to try before our starters arrived. For starters we had the ahi carpaccio and seared Hudson valley four gras - this was our first time trying four gras so I can't compare it to experience but it was AMAZING, probably my favorite thing I've tried on the menu. Appetizers were the crispy veal sweetbreads and roasted cauliflower. The 800 year old curry were a nice touch to the cauliflower. We had the hardest time choosing choosing our entrees because we wanted to try them all but we finally decided on the salmon and dill and 48-hour braised short rib. Our server suggested the short ribs and I'm glad that we went with his recommendation because it was delicious and the meat really fell off the bone. For our desserts we chose the pineapple upside-down cake and banana cream pie and were given a birthday macaroon. Overall, this has been my favorite fine dining experience. The staff is friendly and attentive, the views are beautiful and the food is life changing. GET FOIE GRAS!

It is no wonder that Hoku's Kahala is annually a recipient of many dining awards, and many Yelp reviewers have echoed this high ranking. Yes, it is pricey but without a doubt a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion and not have you feel that you did not get your hard earned money's worth at the end of the evening. Parking is fully validated for 4 full hours if you elect to self park in the adjacent garage, or one may have convenient valet service as another option. Upon stepping into the restaurant's front doors, our dining experience at Hoku's Kahala was nothing short of extraordinary. The attentive service we received was impeccable, setting the tone for an enjoyable evening to come. We came to Hoku's for dinner and elected to have the 4 Course Tasting Menu which was comprised of a starter, appetizer, entree, and dessert. Guests have several options to make their choice from under each category. The following were our selections: Starter: Big Eye Ahi Carpaccio, Smoked Hudson Valley Foie Gras Appetizer: Hand cut Moringa Tagliatelle, Soft Shell Crab Entree: 48 Hour Braised Short Rib En Croute, Keahole Lobster, Grilled A5 Japanese Wagyu Dessert: Gateau Majolaine, Pineapple Upside Down Cake The presentation of each dish was a work of art with meticulous attention paid to every detail. From the starters to the dessert each plate was a visual masterpiece and feast for our eyes. The quality of the ingredients and the preparation of each dish were nothing short of extraordinary. Upon arrival at our table each selection was eloquently explained in detail by the wait staff. This was also inclusive of the wines served in the pairing. Each bite was a symphony of flavors that delighted our palates leaving us in awe of the skill of the culinary kitchen staff. Each of the 4 Course Menu selections showcased a perfect balance of innovation and respect for traditional techniques, resulting in a dining experience that was both familiar and invigorating. Hoku's Kahala did not disappoint and is a gem that stands out in the culinary landscape and is a must visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience.

We were greeted and seated right away. We also had a booth table looking out towards the ocean. Very nice view, and to be seated together was sweet! The view of the ocean was calming and beautiful to look at during sunset hours as well. Our waiter was really good. His exceptional service made our first time experience at Hoku's a delight! He was knowledgeable of the menu and drinks. We liked the food a lot, because of the presentation, but, if the chef had added a little more salt to the dishes, it would probably bring out more of the flavors. My drinks were good and strong. Perfect! So I gave four stars because of the food. But, other than that, we enjoyed our evening in a relaxed atmosphere! Thank you so much for a very lovely date night and wonderful birthday dinner. Mahalo

******BUYER BEWARE****** : okay so it's Hawaii, high end with gorgeous views. I am good with what I expect to pay. Food 4 out of 5 with the Foie gras and Wagyu being the star.Lobster and soft shell crab with fried green tomatoes being the disappointment but still good. Service: excellent 5 of 5 except it's their job to explain how things work. How things work: everything is a tasting menu so know you are paying for a set. We got the $125.00 a plate tasting. Add drinks for two and I expect a bill between $250-$300. The bill: holy crap! $450.00 for what? So let's review... $125 x 2 for a 4 course dinner. Except the foie gras, lobster and wagyu have hefty "up charges" that were not disclosed. Add drinks and the bill came in at $450.00. Now I would have paid it willingly had I known but what the F. NO transparency. Shame the sticker shock means I would not return despite the good food, service and experience. This is a bit of a scam and in necessary. So remember, $400 + for a $250 tasting: Buyer beware that's all I am saying