Foster's Kitchen Waikoloa

I have worked in the service industry for over eight years, and as a bartender who has navigated high-stress environments, I can confidently say that it’s a demanding job. Beyond bartending, I have also managed multiple restaurants in both California and Hawaii, giving me a deep understanding of the challenges that come with the industry. As a dedicated employee, I highly value respect and open communication—two things that were completely disregarded at this establishment. Despite my hard work, I was treated as nothing more than a disposable pawn in a greedy business owner’s attempt to keep a poorly run restaurant afloat. Management gradually cut my shifts without any communication, all while juggling school and the financial responsibilities that come with. On my final day, after being stretched impossibly thin—handling 10 tables, a full bar, hosting and running my own food—the day manager, Griffin, became enraged. Rather than offering support (he had a bad habit of hiding when it got busy), he got inches from my face, screaming, pointing a finger and using foul language in front of the entire restaurant. His anger was so intense that his spit landed on my face as tables fell silent, and customers turned to watch the unprofessional spectacle. This business is unprofessional, unsanitary, and does not value its employees. I strongly encourage you not to support this establishment.

We made same day reservations and so glad we checked this place out! Food and drinks were absolutely delicious. The manager and our server were both so kind and made our dinner so pleasant. We were celebrating a birthday and even got a surprise birthday dessert which was very nice! All the pasta dishes were so flavorful and the meat/fish dishes were cooked to perfection!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Quick service and have good portions for the price paid.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mashed Potatoes, Steak

Our server Andrea was very happy bubbly personality and helped us about menu very well as professional. Foods are excellent. There’s gluten free bans available, our ube Haupia Colada on the Rick was very tasty! $60 per person after tax mahalo

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Location and service is great, but the food is ok. Tomato bisque was great.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Truffle Fries

Great view of the ocean. Serving size & quality of food has gone down. Was really looking forward to eating here again. The kale that came with the fried chicken fillet was heavily salted & inedible.
Parking is no longer free at that shopping center, but they do validate for 90 mins. The restaurant was nearly empty - we were braced for a crowd. The whole mall was pretty deserted, apparently due to the new & expensive paid parking policy.

Vegetarian options: My husband got a plant based burger.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Fish & Chips

Nice place to eat in Waikoloa, King's shops.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went based on previous reviews and was not impressed. 3 of 4 dining guests are in the food & beverage service industry and were extremely disappointed. Food was cold, over-cooked & sat under heat lamps in the window for extended period of time. Drinks were actually so strong they weren’t enjoyable. Sadly do not recommend this restaurant.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

Great place.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Food was ok. Waterfront lanai was apparently closed. The patio in the front had the ambiance of a mall cafeteria but outdoors. Server seemed like she really wasn't pleased to be there. Didn't know much about the specials. I wouldn't return.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Food was really fresh and very tasty ?

Dietary restrictions: I was dining with a child with dietary restrictions and they had enough variety to choose from

Kid-friendliness: Portion size for kid was good

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cajun Fish Tacos, Lemonade

Ordeeed medium steak. Came out rubbery and smelled weird. People are nice

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 5

Nice place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Reviews usually start with the food but in this case it is the staff who deserves the greater praise. Keahi and Bulla were amazing and some of the rare few in the industry today. They went above and beyond to ensure we were happy without missing a beat. The food was delicious and the portions generous making Fosters a great value. Then we have to add on the view of the lake and the mountain. We would gladly return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is the worst restaurant we ate at during our visit! I have no idea why the ratings are not a 2.5 instead of a 4! All I can say it is the food, the environment and the service, but the food most of all, is bad quality. It is too bad!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2