A very disappointing night is the understatement of 2025, thank goodness its behind us. We've traveled enough to "roll with it" and pivot. But there's not much runway @10:45 on New Year's Eve. da Scene: several weeks ago I did some research on where to spend NYE in Waikiki and made reservations at the Veranda for 10:45pm. We anticipated having a couple rounds of drinks with appetizers and then a bottle of champagne at midnight. That SO DID NOT HAPPEN. da Grub & Libations: grub... None to speak of! Nevermind that the Kahala Hotel/Veranda website states: "late-night snacks until 11:45" and similarly the Open Table booking stated: "...only the Kahala Favorites menu will be served New Year's Eve". Nope no food available. We had a marginal Rob Roy, glass of Prosecco and pot of tea; pretty SAD. da Service: the Valet crew were GREAT, personable; white glove service!! Everything you expect from the Kahala... but it ended there: Hostess did not appear for close to 5 min. but did give us a choice of back table next to the Christmas Tree where everyone was taking pics or front and center to the performers, which would've been loud. We opt for the back table so we can talk and after a short time the waiter came by; we give him our drink order and he started to cleared the plates and service items stating "You won't need these"; I retort "what do you mean?" He hurriedly says "there is no food service, just drinks" turns and walks away while we sit STUNNED looking at each other . A different waitress comes by to confirm our drinks, practically tossing water glasses loudly on to the table, and curtly leaves. They clearly are not regular staff; they just didn't have the level of hospitality training expected at the Kahala. We decided to have our one round of drinks and head back to Embassy Suites on Beachwalk. Never saw the male server again... Took awhile but got the check, paid cash and got the heck outta dere. Management, right the ship... word travels fast!
Judith
The Veranda at the Kahala has always been my go-to spot for high tea, and as a kamaʻāina, it's a place I return to. Yesterday, I visited with my son's girlfriend, and overall the experience was lovely the setting is beautiful as always, the service was attentive, and the high tea offerings were nicely presented and enjoyable. That said, I was a bit disappointed with the temperature of the tea. Despite hot water being poured into the teapot, the tea itself was only lukewarm. Culturally, tea is meant to be enjoyed hot, and unfortunately it never reached that temperature. I believe using a warmer or something beneath the teapot to retain heat would greatly improve the experience. Everything else was pleasant, and I share this feedback only because I care about this special place and hope it continues to meet the high standard it's known for. I look forward to returning and hope this small detail can be improved.
Jose Chavez
For years we wanted to try this place. We finally did it, and had the breakfast buffet. We were expecting a lot more from this 5 star hotel. Very few choices. The food itself does not justify the $48 a person charge. The eggs Benedict and potatoes were dry, cold and tasteless. The omelet was very blend. The fresh fruit, aside from the pineapple and the papaya, had no flavor. The best two parts were the pancakes and our great server Andy. We left very disappointed and sad. We will never try their breakfast buffet again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Janet
A beautiful high tea luncheon at The Veranda! The service was amazing. The setting absolutely beautiful, and the selection of sandwiches/ scones/ desserts were perfect! We all enjoyed everything that was offered with our delicious pot of cacao lilikoi tea. Thank you for a memorable experience. We will return.
David
Beautiful space, beautiful view, amazing service, great tea selections, delicious food. Waitresses were extremely nice and caring. Valet were super friendly. Definitely will be coming back!
madeline
Excellent customer service. They should have live music every night. It really makes a difference.
Lynn
We had such a lovely evening at the Veranda. The lite bites, drinks and dessert were very good. The entertainment was excellent. Everyone was dancing and having a great time!
Salvatore
Service perfect. Friendly, professional and informative. Seafood tower good, but had a few items that weren't super fresh. Sat by squeaky door to patio which was used constantly and very annoying. For prices charged, maintainance could have at least lubricated until permanently repaired.
Arthur
Everything was terrific. The restaurant staff was polite and kind. They turned down the music when we requested, which was helpful.
I took my twin sisters & mom to The Veranda for afternoon high tea to celebrate my twin sisters birthday! We had a wonderful relaxing experience. The service was outstanding and it was a beautiful environment. Validated parking is good for four hours so you can walk around, relax, go to the beach!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark
What a great amphosphere to just melt and relax too. Live music was fantastic classic old school songs. Food was prepared well presentation drew us to the sea food. The devil eggs were amazing.
Dennis Wilkerson
Only open 13.5 hours a week . why be in a 5 star resort if your always closed.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Opentable Diner
Mika took such great care of us! Drinks were delicious, food was yummy, view was lovely, we just loved our time at the Veranda!
April
I had not been to afternoon tea here for some time. They've most definitely elevated the food and dessert. We also liked smelling all of the teas before ordering. Great service. Beautiful venue, high ceilings and airy with colorful chandeliers. It was the perfect place to relax and catch up with friends. We will most definitely be back.
Beautiful beach, beautiful Mai Tai!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A very disappointing night is the understatement of 2025, thank goodness its behind us. We've traveled enough to "roll with it" and pivot. But there's not much runway @10:45 on New Year's Eve. da Scene: several weeks ago I did some research on where to spend NYE in Waikiki and made reservations at the Veranda for 10:45pm. We anticipated having a couple rounds of drinks with appetizers and then a bottle of champagne at midnight. That SO DID NOT HAPPEN. da Grub & Libations: grub... None to speak of! Nevermind that the Kahala Hotel/Veranda website states: "late-night snacks until 11:45" and similarly the Open Table booking stated: "...only the Kahala Favorites menu will be served New Year's Eve". Nope no food available. We had a marginal Rob Roy, glass of Prosecco and pot of tea; pretty SAD. da Service: the Valet crew were GREAT, personable; white glove service!! Everything you expect from the Kahala... but it ended there: Hostess did not appear for close to 5 min. but did give us a choice of back table next to the Christmas Tree where everyone was taking pics or front and center to the performers, which would've been loud. We opt for the back table so we can talk and after a short time the waiter came by; we give him our drink order and he started to cleared the plates and service items stating "You won't need these"; I retort "what do you mean?" He hurriedly says "there is no food service, just drinks" turns and walks away while we sit STUNNED looking at each other . A different waitress comes by to confirm our drinks, practically tossing water glasses loudly on to the table, and curtly leaves. They clearly are not regular staff; they just didn't have the level of hospitality training expected at the Kahala. We decided to have our one round of drinks and head back to Embassy Suites on Beachwalk. Never saw the male server again... Took awhile but got the check, paid cash and got the heck outta dere. Management, right the ship... word travels fast!
The Veranda at the Kahala has always been my go-to spot for high tea, and as a kamaʻāina, it's a place I return to. Yesterday, I visited with my son's girlfriend, and overall the experience was lovely the setting is beautiful as always, the service was attentive, and the high tea offerings were nicely presented and enjoyable. That said, I was a bit disappointed with the temperature of the tea. Despite hot water being poured into the teapot, the tea itself was only lukewarm. Culturally, tea is meant to be enjoyed hot, and unfortunately it never reached that temperature. I believe using a warmer or something beneath the teapot to retain heat would greatly improve the experience. Everything else was pleasant, and I share this feedback only because I care about this special place and hope it continues to meet the high standard it's known for. I look forward to returning and hope this small detail can be improved.
For years we wanted to try this place. We finally did it, and had the breakfast buffet. We were expecting a lot more from this 5 star hotel. Very few choices. The food itself does not justify the $48 a person charge. The eggs Benedict and potatoes were dry, cold and tasteless. The omelet was very blend. The fresh fruit, aside from the pineapple and the papaya, had no flavor. The best two parts were the pancakes and our great server Andy. We left very disappointed and sad. We will never try their breakfast buffet again.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
A beautiful high tea luncheon at The Veranda! The service was amazing. The setting absolutely beautiful, and the selection of sandwiches/ scones/ desserts were perfect! We all enjoyed everything that was offered with our delicious pot of cacao lilikoi tea. Thank you for a memorable experience. We will return.
Beautiful space, beautiful view, amazing service, great tea selections, delicious food. Waitresses were extremely nice and caring. Valet were super friendly. Definitely will be coming back!
Excellent customer service. They should have live music every night. It really makes a difference.
We had such a lovely evening at the Veranda. The lite bites, drinks and dessert were very good. The entertainment was excellent. Everyone was dancing and having a great time!
Service perfect. Friendly, professional and informative. Seafood tower good, but had a few items that weren't super fresh. Sat by squeaky door to patio which was used constantly and very annoying. For prices charged, maintainance could have at least lubricated until permanently repaired.
Everything was terrific. The restaurant staff was polite and kind. They turned down the music when we requested, which was helpful.
Restaurantji Recommends
I took my twin sisters & mom to The Veranda for afternoon high tea to celebrate my twin sisters birthday! We had a wonderful relaxing experience. The service was outstanding and it was a beautiful environment. Validated parking is good for four hours so you can walk around, relax, go to the beach!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a great amphosphere to just melt and relax too. Live music was fantastic classic old school songs. Food was prepared well presentation drew us to the sea food. The devil eggs were amazing.
Only open 13.5 hours a week . why be in a 5 star resort if your always closed.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Mika took such great care of us! Drinks were delicious, food was yummy, view was lovely, we just loved our time at the Veranda!
I had not been to afternoon tea here for some time. They've most definitely elevated the food and dessert. We also liked smelling all of the teas before ordering. Great service. Beautiful venue, high ceilings and airy with colorful chandeliers. It was the perfect place to relax and catch up with friends. We will most definitely be back.
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