Food was mediocre resort food. I got the short rib, and it was dry and the sauce was meh. The food came out so fast that I think it was just sitting on a shelf ready to be served but like… what? My sister got the Caesar salad with the fresh catch. A few pieces of iceberg lettuce and an unseasoned steamed fish. Everything was just so rushed. My other sister ordered one of the pizzas, and it was fine, but like she was still eating and the server kept trying to take her plate away, mid-chew, to clear the table. They started taking chairs away and rushed us out as soon as they were ready for us to be done, and it was only 6:30pm (we were sat at 5:30pm so it’s not like we were lingering for hours). Also we were sat behind a giant pillar with absolutely no view of the sunset. Definitely would never go back and definitely do not recommend. Should have just made a cheese board and gone to ala Moana for sunset.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jerry Wang
A magical place. The food is excellent. The service is personal and top notch. The sunset view is magnificent. What a treat for a birthday dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lucy
We visited recently for the first night of our honeymoon. The staff were so lovely and attentive. They sat us at table 97 with an amazing view of Diamond Head. The live music was beautiful. Was very special. The food was also incredible. Could not recommend more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sabrina Kern
So amazing! The service was 10+ the food was even better
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Suzette Aceves
The food is good and its a nice outdoor setting overlooking the ocean with live music. A bit overhyped in my opinion but would still recommend visiting. No free refills on your soda.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Davina D
Had a lunch here on the patio. We had the lobster salad and fish of the day (swordfish sandwich), combined with some cocktails. The cocktails were ok, but imo too expensive. Happy to also get some taro sandwiches with pineapple butter, yummy! Our entrees were also pretty expensive, but it was tasty and well balanced. My salad was not just lettuce and tomatoes, but also carrots, roots, cabbage, avocado, apple, etc. I had lots of lobster meat (I think I actually had a whole lobster). My husband's swordfish sandwich was also a whole filet on the burger with delicious tartar sauce. You mainly pay for the view of course.
Despite that there were over 6 servers and only 2 other tables, tables around us sat with empty dishes and glasses from previous guests for almost our whole entire meal. Our server or one of the others that were just standing there, ignored those tables. I guess because it wasn't 'their' job. But this just comes across as lazy and not very nice to look at as guests (we can't keep watching the view the whole time). Other than that, beautiful setting! Would love to come back in the evening when they have live entertainment. Not entirely sure if it worth having dinner over here though. Perhaps just some bar food and drinks?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Julia Gregson
A most special sunset experience with the most tasty mai tai on all of Oahu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
LY TAYLOR
I got a reservation for dinner at sunset. The view and atmosphere did not disappoint. There was live music and hula dancing. The service was very attentive even though they were very busy. The food was fresh and delicious. Couldn't ask for more for our first meal in Hawaii.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angela Martinez
Great experience! We got there 30 mins before the sunset cocktails/dinner time seating began. We were a group of 5 adults and 2 children under 3 and we had an amazing time. We did not have reservations and got great seats in their outdoor area. (But remember we got there early)
Music was lovely. Service was great. The view was beautiful. Such a lovely scenery.
If you are visiting Waikīkī I personally believe this is a place you have to visit at least once. It truly was a cool Hawaii experience (especially if you are NOT into the lu’au scene like me).
It was a chill laid back dinner with cocktails and music experience. And yes the Mai tais were delicious.
FOR THE PARENTS: They have a grassy area where the kids could run around and play and that was a HUGE plus for us since we have a toddler and a very active crawling 10 month old. So yes bring the kids and enjoy with the whole family.
Also I think we stayed for 3 hours. We had a blast.
I found HWAK in an online Reddit group. It was an informant trip and I wanted to choose places that would create pleasant memories for my gf and I. Having never been, I walked in right off the street after parking at the royal Hawaiin parking garage and made my way through the Sheraton valet towards the front desk since it was a first come first served basis with no option for reservations. There was a woman standing there, smiling, and greeted my gf and I by saying, “you two look like you’ll be dining with us tonight.” My gf was super impressed thinking I’d planned this intro and I was shocked by the level of hospitality as she walked us to the restaurant while briefly storytelling about the grounds on the way over. We checked in at the front and they had a waiting area that allowed you to view the show and the amazing sunset. One of the front desk staff even offered to take our photo and positioned us just perfectly to have Dismond head mountain in the back. While we were waiting to be seated, we made conversation with others in the waiting lounge area and my gf captured some videos and photos of the sunset, performance and herself. I went over to the bar to grab a drink and this is the only time the experience dipped for me. I stood at the bar for about 5 minutes before being. Acknowledged by anyone. I was actually greeted by a regular who was sitting at the bar before any staff member. Once I was able to place my order, they immediately asked me to make a payment and proceeded to run the card and print the receipt including tip before I received my drink. It was an awkward exchange and didn’t feel aligned with the level of service I received leading up to it, or after.
Once I grabbed our drinks, we were called for our table and they placed right up front. The performers even acknowledged our arrival over the mic and wished us a goodnight after the performance as if we’d met previously. He customized the menu to accommodate our vegetarian diet and we ordered another Mai Thai. It was a very warm environment and the singing and dancing were soothing. Perfectly matching the backdrop of a Honolulu sunset. Our server was amazing as well. Offering information about the mesquite tree, history of the main house and even suggested a constellation app as we gazed at the stars during intermission.
After dinner, we took his advice and headed over to their jazz club where we had front row seats and got a chance to speak one on one with the pianist. My gf and I love going to the same restaurants once we find one that we enjoy, because we like the familial feeling and good vibes that it brings. The fact that we felt that vibe and experienced that feeling on the first try at HWAK, made us instant fans. We travel to Hawaii once every year or so and we will definitely be back to HWAK. God willing, we’ll be able to afford a stay at the Sheraton and take in the full experience because the grounds and views were magnificent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
P Colosi
Wonderful experience From start to finish
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Taylor
Came here for the breakfast buffet about half an hour before last seating and still managed to have a full meal! I love their assortment of foods and their Japanese breakfast selection (rice, miso soup station, pickles, ume, nishime, cold tofu, ohitashi, etc). They have an omelette bar too. I like that their food items seemed fresh and were all in cute Le Creuset pots. I even was able to get an iced coffee with a side of oat milk. Friendly staff and good relaxing vibes. Some birds flying around but not a huge deal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Callum Duncan
I was here two months ago visiting Hawaii from Vancouver BC. While at the house without a key I had their short rib, it was the best short rib I have had in my entire life. Unfortunately since my visit, i have tried 3 different local restaurants in Vancouver for a comparable short rib and leave every single time disappointed, I may consider flying back to Hawaii just to eat their short rib again. 10/10 service as well, strongly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Fern
Excellent food, service and nightly hula / music shows. Oceanfront location.
Drinks were top notch
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was mediocre resort food. I got the short rib, and it was dry and the sauce was meh. The food came out so fast that I think it was just sitting on a shelf ready to be served but like… what? My sister got the Caesar salad with the fresh catch. A few pieces of iceberg lettuce and an unseasoned steamed fish. Everything was just so rushed. My other sister ordered one of the pizzas, and it was fine, but like she was still eating and the server kept trying to take her plate away, mid-chew, to clear the table. They started taking chairs away and rushed us out as soon as they were ready for us to be done, and it was only 6:30pm (we were sat at 5:30pm so it’s not like we were lingering for hours). Also we were sat behind a giant pillar with absolutely no view of the sunset. Definitely would never go back and definitely do not recommend. Should have just made a cheese board and gone to ala Moana for sunset.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
A magical place. The food is excellent. The service is personal and top notch. The sunset view is magnificent. What a treat for a birthday dinner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We visited recently for the first night of our honeymoon. The staff were so lovely and attentive. They sat us at table 97 with an amazing view of Diamond Head. The live music was beautiful. Was very special. The food was also incredible. Could not recommend more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So amazing! The service was 10+ the food was even better
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is good and its a nice outdoor setting overlooking the ocean with live music. A bit overhyped in my opinion but would still recommend visiting. No free refills on your soda.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Had a lunch here on the patio. We had the lobster salad and fish of the day (swordfish sandwich), combined with some cocktails. The cocktails were ok, but imo too expensive. Happy to also get some taro sandwiches with pineapple butter, yummy! Our entrees were also pretty expensive, but it was tasty and well balanced. My salad was not just lettuce and tomatoes, but also carrots, roots, cabbage, avocado, apple, etc. I had lots of lobster meat (I think I actually had a whole lobster). My husband's swordfish sandwich was also a whole filet on the burger with delicious tartar sauce. You mainly pay for the view of course.
Despite that there were over 6 servers and only 2 other tables, tables around us sat with empty dishes and glasses from previous guests for almost our whole entire meal. Our server or one of the others that were just standing there, ignored those tables. I guess because it wasn't 'their' job. But this just comes across as lazy and not very nice to look at as guests (we can't keep watching the view the whole time). Other than that, beautiful setting! Would love to come back in the evening when they have live entertainment. Not entirely sure if it worth having dinner over here though. Perhaps just some bar food and drinks?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
A most special sunset experience with the most tasty mai tai on all of Oahu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I got a reservation for dinner at sunset. The view and atmosphere did not disappoint. There was live music and hula dancing. The service was very attentive even though they were very busy. The food was fresh and delicious. Couldn't ask for more for our first meal in Hawaii.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great experience!
We got there 30 mins before the sunset cocktails/dinner time seating began.
We were a group of 5 adults and 2 children under 3 and we had an amazing time.
We did not have reservations and got great seats in their outdoor area. (But remember we got there early)
Music was lovely.
Service was great.
The view was beautiful.
Such a lovely scenery.
If you are visiting Waikīkī I personally believe this is a place you have to visit at least once. It truly was a cool Hawaii experience (especially if you are NOT into the lu’au scene like me).
It was a chill laid back dinner with cocktails and music experience. And yes the Mai tais were delicious.
FOR THE PARENTS:
They have a grassy area where the kids could run around and play and that was a HUGE plus for us since we have a toddler and a very active crawling 10 month old. So yes bring the kids and enjoy with the whole family.
Also I think we stayed for 3 hours. We had a blast.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I found HWAK in an online Reddit group. It was an informant trip and I wanted to choose places that would create pleasant memories for my gf and I. Having never been, I walked in right off the street after parking at the royal Hawaiin parking garage and made my way through the Sheraton valet towards the front desk since it was a first come first served basis with no option for reservations. There was a woman standing there, smiling, and greeted my gf and I by saying, “you two look like you’ll be dining with us tonight.” My gf was super impressed thinking I’d planned this intro and I was shocked by the level of hospitality as she walked us to the restaurant while briefly storytelling about the grounds on the way over. We checked in at the front and they had a waiting area that allowed you to view the show and the amazing sunset. One of the front desk staff even offered to take our photo and positioned us just perfectly to have Dismond head mountain in the back. While we were waiting to be seated, we made conversation with others in the waiting lounge area and my gf captured some videos and photos of the sunset, performance and herself. I went over to the bar to grab a drink and this is the only time the experience dipped for me. I stood at the bar for about 5 minutes before being. Acknowledged by anyone. I was actually greeted by a regular who was sitting at the bar before any staff member. Once I was able to place my order, they immediately asked me to make a payment and proceeded to run the card and print the receipt including tip before I received my drink. It was an awkward exchange and didn’t feel aligned with the level of service I received leading up to it, or after.
Once I grabbed our drinks, we were called for our table and they placed right up front. The performers even acknowledged our arrival over the mic and wished us a goodnight after the performance as if we’d met previously. He customized the menu to accommodate our vegetarian diet and we ordered another Mai Thai. It was a very warm environment and the singing and dancing were soothing. Perfectly matching the backdrop of a Honolulu sunset. Our server was amazing as well. Offering information about the mesquite tree, history of the main house and even suggested a constellation app as we gazed at the stars during intermission.
After dinner, we took his advice and headed over to their jazz club where we had front row seats and got a chance to speak one on one with the pianist. My gf and I love going to the same restaurants once we find one that we enjoy, because we like the familial feeling and good vibes that it brings. The fact that we felt that vibe and experienced that feeling on the first try at HWAK, made us instant fans. We travel to Hawaii once every year or so and we will definitely be back to HWAK. God willing, we’ll be able to afford a stay at the Sheraton and take in the full experience because the grounds and views were magnificent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Wonderful experience
From start to finish
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Came here for the breakfast buffet about half an hour before last seating and still managed to have a full meal! I love their assortment of foods and their Japanese breakfast selection (rice, miso soup station, pickles, ume, nishime, cold tofu, ohitashi, etc). They have an omelette bar too. I like that their food items seemed fresh and were all in cute Le Creuset pots. I even was able to get an iced coffee with a side of oat milk. Friendly staff and good relaxing vibes. Some birds flying around but not a huge deal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was here two months ago visiting Hawaii from Vancouver BC. While at the house without a key I had their short rib, it was the best short rib I have had in my entire life. Unfortunately since my visit, i have tried 3 different local restaurants in Vancouver for a comparable short rib and leave every single time disappointed, I may consider flying back to Hawaii just to eat their short rib again. 10/10 service as well, strongly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food, service and nightly hula / music shows. Oceanfront location.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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