Dining Experience
While most visitors come to Hawaii to enjoy the fabulous weather, stunning beaches and aloha spirit, many also want to explore and indulge in the diverse and delicious culinary experiences on offer. The people of Hawaii represent a distinctive patchwork quilt of cultures, quite unlike anywhere else on the planet, which is brilliant news for foodies. It results in a delightful melange of cuisines, styles and flavors from around the globe. Of course you can also enjoy plenty of “local-style” Hawaiian cuisine, such as kalua pig, lomi lomi salmon, poke (pronounced “pokey” – Hawaiian-style marinated raw fish) and haupia (a creamy coconut confection). At Starwood Hawaii’s many restaurants, one thing is for sure: you will always enjoy an authentic taste of Hawaii, with a company-wide commitment to the freshest local ingredients.
Chefs at Starwood’s hotels and resorts in Hawaii are the best of the best, comprising some of the hottest new talent in the Islands. They are not afraid to experiment with new styles and flavors, and many are respected names in the business with worldwide experience and accolades. It’s the mission of the Starwood Hawaii culinary team to ensure that guests leave Hawaii not only with fond memories of the sun, surf and sand, but also with taste buds that have been truly tantalized.
Oahu
Kai Market at Sheraton Waikiki is home to traditional Hawaiian cuisine combined with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino and Portuguese flavors that represent the diverse ethnic groups of Hawaii. Kai Market is committed to always using locally grown produce. The interiors of Kai Market provide a distinct Hawaiian tropical feel along with the soothing sounds of the ukulele.
The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort offers the finest seafood in Waikiki at its world-class restaurant, Azure. Located on world renowned Waikiki Beach, Azure provides a contemporary dining experience featuring the menu of Chef de Cuisine Jon Matsubara, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute. The award-winning chef cooks with a daily dose of the islands’ freshest fish, straight from the Hawaii fish auction. Whether it’s adding herb spices or unique Hawaii flavors, each dish is prepared to personal tastes and to perfection. Azure was awarded a 2009 Hale ‘Āina Award as “Best New Restaurant” by Honolulu magazine. Azure also received a 2009 Restaurant Award from Sante magazine and was recognized as a “Wine-Friendly Restaurant” by Wine Enthusiast.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa takes you back in time to the Victorian era with island-style flair. Beachhouse at the Moana combines Chef de Cuisine Rodney Uyehara’s award-winning culinary talents with his commitment to using locally grown ingredients. Beachhouse at the Moana’s menu ranges from fresh seafood to the finest steaks. Enjoy wines from different regions of the world to accompany the finest island cuisine.
Twist at HanoHano offers one of the most innovative and colorful menus in Honolulu. The philosophy is on the synergy and harmony of fresh local ingredients and the care with which they make their way from farm to table. Twist calls on local farmers in Waimanalo and Hamakua who meticulously pamper the fresh baby herbs, oyster mushrooms and vegetables they provide the restaurant fresh each day. It partners with aquaculturists who farm-raise kampachi (Hawaiian yellowtail), sea asparagus and lobsters. Seven different menus are on offer and guests can choose from chefs’ tastings in three, four or five courses. As its name implies, Twist likes to put a “twist” on the predictable, which is why it offers a rotating menu of island cuisine from around the globe – the Indian Ocean’s Seychelles, Porquerolles off the Cote d’Azur, or Spain’s Mallorca – all in addition island-style Hawaii cuisine. According to Executive Chef Ryan Loo, some of the hottest items on the menu are the Kona Lobster Bisque with Roasted Cauliflower Truffle Essence, the Tahitian Vanilla Poached Onago with Corn and Blue Crab Potato Cake and Coconut Kaffir Lime Nage, and for dessert, the Gingered Coconut Float with Pineapple and “Coco d’amour” Soup.
Waikiki is a little hotter since the opening of RumFire – it’s the hottest place to see and be seen. Set against the alluring backdrop of Diamond Head, this oceanfront hideaway offers tapas, tastings and libations that will literally heat up your night (especially if you sit around one of the private firepits on the grass outside). RumFire features a signature rum tower of 101 rums, many of which are pre-embargoed rums from around the world, including rare vintage bottles such as Rhum Clement X.O. It boasts the largest selection of vintage rum in the United States. World-renowned mixologist Francesco Lafranconi has created a variety of libations exclusively for RumFire such as the “Waikiki Beach Boy” comprising Pampero Anniversario rum, Maker’s Mark bourbon, vanilla syrup and half-and-half topped off with Myers’s Original Dark Rum, and the “Deconstructed Pina Colada” with Cruzan Single Barrel Rum served over pineapple ice cubes and covered with RumFire’s famous Coconut Foam.
The relaxed, outdoor garden setting at the Pikake Terrace is a favorite among residents and visitors alike. This casual, reasonably priced restaurant offers generous breakfast and dinner buffets and an excellent a la carte menu with a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, broiled meats and seafood. Daily continental breakfast and breakfast buffet are available from 6 to 11 a.m. Dinner is served poolside from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly with Starwood’s Flavors of Island Music performed poolside by Hawaii’s premier entertainers.
The celebrated Mai Tai Bar sets the stage for world-class romance and elegant relaxation. Numerous heads of state, Hollywood stars, and international jetsetters have mingled here with kamaaina (island residents), imbibing tropical cocktails along with the breathtaking panorama of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and the sparkling Pacific. Guests have enjoyed many a memorable Hawaii experience at this iconic beachfront bar, as they listen to mele (songs) by the island’s most talented musicians. Refreshing cocktails, light gourmet tapas and the Mai Tai Bar’s intoxicating beachfront ambiance combine to leave guests with an indelible imprint of the idyllic Island lifestyle.
Hawaii
Kai, Hawaiian for “ocean,” boasts expansive views of serene Keauhou Bay and the Kona Coast. Here, in an area once known as “Paakai Point” ancient Hawaiians collected precious sea salt. Today, as then, rolling surf collides against black lava outcroppings where pockets of water collect, evaporate and leave salt drying under the warm Hawaiian sun. It is the gathering place for bountiful breakfasts and culinary adventurous dinners that focus on Island-grown products. With a nod to its location near the ocean, Kai features a Wednesday all-you-can-eat crab legs night and a Saturday evening seafood buffet. Kai is also home to holiday festivities such as Mother’s Day Brunch, Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner that are as popular in the local community as they are with guests.
From late morning through early evening, Manta Ray Bar & Grill is the perfect poolside gathering place for light cuisine and delightful libations. From freshly prepared salads to sandwiches, burgers and wraps, the food and drink at Manta Ray is perfect for guests spending a day in the tropical sun or just looking for real refreshment.
Crystal Blue is the grown-ups’ destination of choice from sunset through the late evening hours. Comfortable seating with dramatic ocean vistas makes this the perfect place for meeting friends and making new acquaintances. Hors d’oeuvres along with exotic and traditional cocktails, premium wines by the bottle or glass, and an international selection of beers makes this a popular gathering place. Nearby manta ray viewing has been known to elicit orders for a round of Stingers.
Kauai
As the day comes to an end and the sunset smiles on Poipu Beach, the backdrop is set for the ultimate in romantic dining. Sheraton Kauai offers a “Dinner Under the Stars” experience on a private ocean point where couples can enjoy an intimate dinner surrounded by palm trees and the sound of crashing waves while the sky turns shades of fiery orange and deep crimson. A hotel butler will cater to your every whim as you dine on the chef’s savory amuse bouche: Lemongrass Shrimp Papaya with Kalamansi Vinaigrette and Asian Crab Cake with Cilantro Aioli, Scallion Oil and Omao Field Greens. A selection of entrées includes Pan-Roasted Opakapaka (Hawaiian pink snapper) and Lobster with Miso Butter Sauce and Star Anise-Saffron Rice or Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin and Poached Lobster with Syrah Reduction and Whipped Garlic Basil Potatoes. A spectacular eight-dessert sampler is the grand finale to this unforgettable dining experience.
Shells offers a beautiful oceanfront setting. Its a la carte menu offers a wide selection of the most tender and juiciest cuts of prime steak, prepared with the freshest herbs, spices and vegetables grown on Kauai. Seafood lovers will delight in the fresh Kauai catch, prepared to order. Executive Chef Ben Takahashi is known for his Pacific flavors and blends of Island produce and herbs with side dishes and desserts.
Located on the first floor of the clubhouse in the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, Nanea Restaurant & Bar offers an array of casual options for breakfast and dinner. Whether you prefer intimate indoor seating or enjoying your meal outdoors as you gaze upon the sparkling Pacific, Nanea offers a menu that is sure to appeal to everyone’s palate. Buffet and a la carte options are available for breakfast and dinner. Feast on exceptional Island-inspired cuisine that explores the bounty of Kauai’s North Shore, or relax with tropical cocktails and pupus (appetizers).
Maui
Dining at Teppan-yaki Dan in the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa is more than just a delicious meal. It’s an experience. The chef, as expert in showmanship as in the culinary arts, creatively prepares tantalizing dishes right before your eyes, then plates and presents them. With more than 25 years of experience in European and Asian cuisine, Chef Ashlock displays a unique fusion of East and West in the form of fresh seafood, succulent steaks and local Island produce. Begin with Teppan-yaki Dan’s answer to Oysters Rockefeller, the Oyster Dan: fresh oysters seared with white wine and lemon juice, layered on a bed of fresh spinach leaves and topped with chili pepper wasabi tobiko. Follow this with Sauteed Prawns with Sweet Island Pineapple Chunks, Seared Macadamia Nut Crusted Jumbo Scallops served with Watercress Pesto, Peppercorn-Crusted Prime Cut of Sirloin aged to perfection and served Teriyaki Style, or Seared Filet Mignon accented with a fine sake dipping sauce. Teppan-yaki Dan also offers combined menu items such as filet mignon and teriyaki chicken, filet mignon with shrimp, filet mignon with scallops and filet mignon with lobster. Add Teppan-yaki Dan’s unique Ginger Fried Rice, Miso Clam Soup, fresh Maui vegetables and tsukemono (Japanese-style pickled vegetables) to complete the perfect dining experience.
Sheraton Maui's Black Rock Steak and Seafood’s intimate atmosphere exudes modern earthiness with décor highlights such as teak chairs, black carbon tablecloths and touches of candlelight. Created by Executive Chef Bryan Ashlock, the menu prominently features stand-alone prime cuts of beef and the finest seafood the Islands have to offer. Ashlock pairs flavors of all-American fare with fresh elements of Pacific Rim cuisine to please the palate of any guest. Flexible seating indoors or terrace seating outside offers the gentle evening breezes, accompanied by a breathtaking view of Pu’u Keka‘a in the distance. Enjoy dinner with contemporary Hawaiian entertainment.
At Tropica in The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, dine amid tiki torches and soft tumbling waterfalls while savoring a stunning sunset with the islands of Molokai and Lanai just across the water. Serving contemporary Island cuisine, the menu offers delicious Island fish prepared to order, flame-broiled steaks, and Pacific Bouillabaisse with Kona-raised lobster. Tropica serves breakfast and dinner daily, offers a bar and cocktail area with happy hour, and entertains diners with live music every evening.
Ono means “delicious” in Hawaiian, and that’s exactly how you’ll find the offerings at The Westin Maui's OnO Bar & Grill. Enjoy casual poolside dining amid meandering streams – it’s a tropical bistro! The all-day menu features Island specialties, family favorites and health-conscious selections. OnO also serves an extensive breakfast bar and a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Kids Eat Free program is also available at OnO.
In Hawaiian, “Pulehu” means grilled or cooked over an open flame – and this is exactly what Pulehu Restaurant offers at the Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas. From fresh Island fish such as mahi mahi, Hawaiian snapper, monchong and ahi to succulent Filet Mignon, New York Steak, Rack of Lamb and Free-Range Chicken Breast, guests can savor each exquisite creation with a choice of sauces such as Lemon Buerre Blanc, Mango Fennel Chutney, Mushroom Cognac Cream and Port Sauce, to name only a few. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, including alternative whites and reds, and oenophiles will find much to appreciate. Located on the lower lobby level of the north resort, the restaurant offers a semi-closed dining area as well as outdoor seating overlooking the lush landscaped koi ponds, with magnificent ocean views. A show kitchen allows diners to enjoy the fast-paced action as chefs create each specialty. A private dining area that comfortably seats 12 is also available for small dinner parties and cozy receptions. Pulehu opens daily for breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. with a choice of a sumptuous buffet, continental breakfast and a la carte selections ranging from steak and eggs with home fries and toast to Maui-style Loco Moco, Hawaii’s rib-sticking, plate-licking start to an action-packed day – fried eggs, hamburger patty and onion gravy over rice.
For more information about the diverse dining options at Starwood hotels and resorts in Hawaii, please call 1-866-716-8140.
