What an incredible experience!! The students of the culinary arts school prepared everything! The service was wonderful the food was delicious and the Ka 'Ikena Laua is an excellent setting for the training as well as the meal
Pam Rogers
We had high hopes for a great meal, but it was very disappointing! We have dined at several culinary school restaurants and always had wonderful experiences. Not so here unfortunately. The food was unappealing and under seasoned, especially the appetizers. The main course was okay, but again under seasoned with unappealing sides. The desserts were good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Chemilene D.
So yummy! I came here with my class and the staff were so welcoming and kind. The courses are so delicious and well presented/prepared. Would definitely recommend a family dinner here.
Brenda L.
We are visitors from Canada who have been coming to the school for many years. It is far drive from where we stay, but every time it is worth it. It was amazing that we were able to get a reservation for 8 on Valentines for dinner and it was wonderful. We tried many new dishes and enjoyed them all. The students always so so well though many are very nervous. Thanks for the opportunity to eat at such a great place.
Sharon Tanaka
Sometimes the service can be slow as students are learning. Our waiter was very attentive to us, and sometimes fulfilled our needs before asking. Food was excellent compared to price paid. We has a nice view of Diamond Head!
Sha Naks
Sometimes the service can be slow as students are learning. Our waiter was very attentive to us, and sometimes fulfilled our needs before asking. Food was excellent compared to price paid. We has a nice view of Diamond Head!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Swordfish Carpacio with Octopus
Lyla D.
"People who love to eat are always the best people." - Julia Child My husband's brother-in-law invited us to celebrate Valentine's Day lunch at the Ka 'Ikena Dining Room on the campus of Kapi'olani Community College (KCC) at Diamond Head. We excitedly accepted because we've supported the culinary arts program since its "early days" on Pensacola Street near McKinley High School. The culinary arts program at KCC has been steadily ranked as either the top or one of the top culinary schools in Hawai'i. It's a great training program for students who desire to become culinary arts and management professionals. The program includes working in on-campus student-run businesses such as this Ka 'Ikena Laua'e Dining Room, cafeteria, and catering service. The course work gained through working in Ka 'Ikena Laua'e prepares students in proper and modern dining room service while students prepare the Asian-Pacific and Continental menu items within their respective culinary arts and pastry arts labs. Thanks to Yelp Hawai'i, you can make lunch and dinner dining reservations at Ka 'Ikena online without having to wait in a telephone queue like you're calling in for a tee time at one of the local municipal golf courses. Entering the 'ōhelo Building, we were greeted by a host and hostess while I glanced down to the left and right hallways where I smelled aromas of cooking foods and breads. The hostess confirmed our reservation and the host escorted us to our table. My husband's brother-in-law and guest were on their way to the lunch reservation while our server, Kamele, took our beverage requests. Kamele offered to describe the menu items but we told her to hold off until the rest of our party joined our table. Meanwhile, I selected a cooling glass of Butterfly Pea Lemonade ($5) and my husband chose the Plantation Iced Tea ($5) with free refills to sip on while we waited. Kamele mentioned their on campus garden where the students grow and gather the butterfly pea leaves and herbs. Just then, our relatives arrived and were promptly seated. Kamele returned to take their beverage orders and offered us a selection of freshly baked breads from her breadbasket. While perusing the week's menu, it's good to notice that the prices include your choice of bread service, appetizer plate, entrée and dessert ranging from low to mid $30. Kamele descriptively recited the pasta daily specials listed on the appetizer page. Each of us ordered a different appetizer which we felt would complement our entree choice. The presentation, flavors and textures of the food were comparable to fine dining restaurants. My husband's brother's-in-law guest enjoyed the table side opening of her Rex sole fillet and careful plating as the entree released its aromas. The fillet of sole was cooked perfectly, tasty, moist and tender. My husband's entree choice was the Grilled Octopus Leg & Shutome (swordfish) which was another great choice because whoever was the fish chef or poissonnier grilled the shutome with even brown grill marks and a slightly pink interior. IMHO, cooking fish or chicken isn't easy as these protein sources can easily dry and become tough with improper cooking techniques. Unfortunately, my husband's brother's-in-law Deconstructed Beef Wellington ($34) and my Pork Shank "Ossobuco" ($32) appeared to have been plated earlier than the fish entrees because our food was served at room temperature. Still, the presentation and flavors were excellent. After we completed our meal and the used dishes removed from our table, several servers brought the dessert cart to our table to make our selection. All of the desserts looked luscious and we all chose a slice of Dutch Apple Pie to take home. All in all, we enjoyed this establishment where students can apply and practice their culinary arts skills in a real-world environment and diners can take advantage of the professional service and tasty rotating weekly menus at a gr
Cammie M.
The food and service were spectacular. Thank you so very much! My girlfriend loved it as it was her Birthday.
Sharon T.
Excellent Bang for the buck and food delicious! I can continue go since you cannot get the cuisine elsewhere and pay that price. Service is students learning, so wouldnt be like a higher end restaurant, but theyre trying while learning. Mahalo nui loa KCC for opening to the public.
Culinary school students are learning the art of serving and conversing with patrons. Food was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sandra M.
Wonderful lunch choices. Excellent service, nice quiet peaceful dining room. Highly recommend and supporting the Cullinary Arts program. Students learn in the classroom and use their knowledge learned in the restaurant
Yumi G.
I always enjoy dining here. I have been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years. Great view and service. Food is awesome too. We love getting fresh bread. I think I enjoyed the most when this place had dessert station. It was one time I went before COVID. I hope they can bring back again.
Anne Watson
THIS IS THE TREASURE OF ALLWHAT A GEMCALL MAKE A BRUNCH OR DINNERHANDS DOWNYIU DONT LIKE IT CALL ME ILL COME AND PAY YOUR BILL
watson Cathleen
THIS IS THE TREASURE OF ALLWHAT A GEMCALL MAKE A BRUNCH OR DINNERHANDS DOWNYIU DONT LIKE IT CALL ME ILL COME AND PAY YOUR BILL
What an incredible experience!! The students of the culinary arts school prepared everything! The service was wonderful the food was delicious and the Ka 'Ikena Laua is an excellent setting for the training as well as the meal
We had high hopes for a great meal, but it was very disappointing! We have dined at several culinary school restaurants and always had wonderful experiences. Not so here unfortunately. The food was unappealing and under seasoned, especially the appetizers. The main course was okay, but again under seasoned with unappealing sides. The desserts were good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
So yummy! I came here with my class and the staff were so welcoming and kind. The courses are so delicious and well presented/prepared. Would definitely recommend a family dinner here.
We are visitors from Canada who have been coming to the school for many years. It is far drive from where we stay, but every time it is worth it. It was amazing that we were able to get a reservation for 8 on Valentines for dinner and it was wonderful. We tried many new dishes and enjoyed them all. The students always so so well though many are very nervous. Thanks for the opportunity to eat at such a great place.
Sometimes the service can be slow as students are learning. Our waiter was very attentive to us, and sometimes fulfilled our needs before asking. Food was excellent compared to price paid. We has a nice view of Diamond Head!
Sometimes the service can be slow as students are learning. Our waiter was very attentive to us, and sometimes fulfilled our needs before asking. Food was excellent compared to price paid. We has a nice view of Diamond Head!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Swordfish Carpacio with Octopus
"People who love to eat are always the best people." - Julia Child My husband's brother-in-law invited us to celebrate Valentine's Day lunch at the Ka 'Ikena Dining Room on the campus of Kapi'olani Community College (KCC) at Diamond Head. We excitedly accepted because we've supported the culinary arts program since its "early days" on Pensacola Street near McKinley High School. The culinary arts program at KCC has been steadily ranked as either the top or one of the top culinary schools in Hawai'i. It's a great training program for students who desire to become culinary arts and management professionals. The program includes working in on-campus student-run businesses such as this Ka 'Ikena Laua'e Dining Room, cafeteria, and catering service. The course work gained through working in Ka 'Ikena Laua'e prepares students in proper and modern dining room service while students prepare the Asian-Pacific and Continental menu items within their respective culinary arts and pastry arts labs. Thanks to Yelp Hawai'i, you can make lunch and dinner dining reservations at Ka 'Ikena online without having to wait in a telephone queue like you're calling in for a tee time at one of the local municipal golf courses. Entering the 'ōhelo Building, we were greeted by a host and hostess while I glanced down to the left and right hallways where I smelled aromas of cooking foods and breads. The hostess confirmed our reservation and the host escorted us to our table. My husband's brother-in-law and guest were on their way to the lunch reservation while our server, Kamele, took our beverage requests. Kamele offered to describe the menu items but we told her to hold off until the rest of our party joined our table. Meanwhile, I selected a cooling glass of Butterfly Pea Lemonade ($5) and my husband chose the Plantation Iced Tea ($5) with free refills to sip on while we waited. Kamele mentioned their on campus garden where the students grow and gather the butterfly pea leaves and herbs. Just then, our relatives arrived and were promptly seated. Kamele returned to take their beverage orders and offered us a selection of freshly baked breads from her breadbasket. While perusing the week's menu, it's good to notice that the prices include your choice of bread service, appetizer plate, entrée and dessert ranging from low to mid $30. Kamele descriptively recited the pasta daily specials listed on the appetizer page. Each of us ordered a different appetizer which we felt would complement our entree choice. The presentation, flavors and textures of the food were comparable to fine dining restaurants. My husband's brother's-in-law guest enjoyed the table side opening of her Rex sole fillet and careful plating as the entree released its aromas. The fillet of sole was cooked perfectly, tasty, moist and tender. My husband's entree choice was the Grilled Octopus Leg & Shutome (swordfish) which was another great choice because whoever was the fish chef or poissonnier grilled the shutome with even brown grill marks and a slightly pink interior. IMHO, cooking fish or chicken isn't easy as these protein sources can easily dry and become tough with improper cooking techniques. Unfortunately, my husband's brother's-in-law Deconstructed Beef Wellington ($34) and my Pork Shank "Ossobuco" ($32) appeared to have been plated earlier than the fish entrees because our food was served at room temperature. Still, the presentation and flavors were excellent. After we completed our meal and the used dishes removed from our table, several servers brought the dessert cart to our table to make our selection. All of the desserts looked luscious and we all chose a slice of Dutch Apple Pie to take home. All in all, we enjoyed this establishment where students can apply and practice their culinary arts skills in a real-world environment and diners can take advantage of the professional service and tasty rotating weekly menus at a gr
The food and service were spectacular. Thank you so very much! My girlfriend loved it as it was her Birthday.
Excellent Bang for the buck and food delicious! I can continue go since you cannot get the cuisine elsewhere and pay that price. Service is students learning, so wouldnt be like a higher end restaurant, but theyre trying while learning. Mahalo nui loa KCC for opening to the public.
Delightful, every time!
Restaurantji Recommends
Culinary school students are learning the art of serving and conversing with patrons. Food was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful lunch choices. Excellent service, nice quiet peaceful dining room. Highly recommend and supporting the Cullinary Arts program. Students learn in the classroom and use their knowledge learned in the restaurant
I always enjoy dining here. I have been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years. Great view and service. Food is awesome too. We love getting fresh bread. I think I enjoyed the most when this place had dessert station. It was one time I went before COVID. I hope they can bring back again.
THIS IS THE TREASURE OF ALLWHAT A GEMCALL MAKE A BRUNCH OR DINNERHANDS DOWNYIU DONT LIKE IT CALL ME ILL COME AND PAY YOUR BILL
THIS IS THE TREASURE OF ALLWHAT A GEMCALL MAKE A BRUNCH OR DINNERHANDS DOWNYIU DONT LIKE IT CALL ME ILL COME AND PAY YOUR BILL