The 15 Best Hotel Restaurants In Hawaii

The islands of Hawaii are home to some of the most luxurious resorts and hotels in the world. Between the crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, and rich culture, it is no wonder that Hawaii is one of the most coveted vacation spots known to man. In addition to having world-class accommodations and spas, many of these hotels also host elegant restaurants that boast upscale atmospheres and gourmet cuisine. Whether you're looking to eat on the water or prefer a more intimate and immersive sushi bar setting, Hawaii is full of dine-worthy hotel restaurants.

Though many hotel restaurants have a reputation for being mediocre due to the guaranteed business from hotel guests, more and more establishments have continued to prove that narrative false. From authentic Hawaiian fare to French food with ocean views, each island has something special and unique to offer. That said, we've rounded up some of the best hotel restaurants in Hawaii for visitors and locals alike.

Sushi Sho at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach is perhaps the most exclusive and hard-to-get reservation in all of Hawaii. The expertise and one-of-a-kind techniques wielded by renowned chef Keiji Nakazawa allow visitors and diners to experience a first-hand look at authentic Japanese cuisine. Reservations at Sushi Sho typically book out at least six months in advance.

There are only 16 seats in the entire restaurant, with two seatings taking place each evening at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. The current Omakase dinner is $300 per person but will increase to $350 in March 2023. Diners can expect several courses featuring some of the freshest fish imaginable paired with specially seasoned rice in an intimate and immersive setting. If you're looking to indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime meal in the heart of Honolulu, definitely plan as far in advance as possible to reserve a seat at this legendary and coveted restaurant.

La Mer is the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in all of Hawaii, making it a fine dining staple in the islands. The ocean views set the scene and add to the already upscale ambiance, creating the ideal atmosphere for a romantic date night or celebratory evening. Having been around for more than 30 years, La Mer has made a name for itself among both locals and visitors visiting Oahu. For starters, the award-winning wine list ensures that your French-inspired meal will be enhanced by a variety of vintage vino.

Many of the tropical ingredients featured are locally sourced, maintaining a fresh appeal across the board. After starting off with an amuse-bouche, diners are taken on a journey through France with dishes like foie gras, poached lobster, and filet mignon paired with truffle mashed potatoes. There are also several vegetarian dishes for plant-based eaters to enjoy, as well as different tiers of caviar service for those feeling extra fancy.

If you're looking to enjoy a modern take on Hawaiian cuisine, Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a solid choice. The open-air restaurant immerses guests in a tropical setting above a flowing lagoon filled with vibrant Koi fish. It also sits at the base of a small waterfall, transporting guests in the nature and magical landscape that Kauai is known for. Though there are classic Hawaiian recipes like grilled Kalbi ribs and Kurobuta pork chop on the menu, each dish is given a contemporary twist.

Some fresh favorites include the macadamia nut-crusted island fish and the togarashi Ahi tuna which is served with a creamy miso yaki sauce. When it comes to cocktails, there are plenty of refreshing libations to choose from such as the Lava Flow which is made with rum, coconut creme, and strawberry. That said, if you're looking for something less sweet but still on brand, the Old Fashioned Aloha is the ideal compromise.

La Vie is another top-notch restaurant located at the luxe Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach. The ambiance is enhanced by ocean views in the distance and live piano performances throughout the week. The French-inspired menu features both a three-course and five-course option, along with a Fruits de Mer section for a la carte appetizer orders. Though there is typically some crossover between the two menus, there are a few key differences.

Guests who opt for the three-course menu are able to choose between a few different sections for each course, while the five-course option is the Chef's Selection. Though you can't go wrong with either, the Chef's Selection menu highlights the very best that La Vie has to offer. There is also an additional beverage pairing available for $99 for those looking to enhance the entire experience. Though the menu changes based on the seasons and local produce, the A5 Miyazaki Wagyu is a must-have whenever it's available.

Just steps away from the ocean, 'Ulu Ocean Grill at Four Seasons Resort in Hualalai boasts a dynamic menu showcasing local seafood and other exciting flavors from the Pacific Rim region. Sustainability and local sourcing are of the utmost importance at 'Ulu Ocean Grill, and the chefs work with over 160 local Hawaiian farms to yield a menu comprised of approximately 75% Hawaiian-grown ingredients. The chefs utilize not only oven and stovetop cooking techniques but also flame-grilled and wok-style cooking, paying homage to Pan-Asian techniques and flavors.

Start off with the briny Hualalai Oyster dish that is served with Hawaiian chili pepper water, lemon, and ogo. The bright sauce combined with the fresh-caught oysters is an invigorating way to wake up your palate whilst enjoying a taste of local seafood. The seared Ahi Tuna is another dish to consider and is served with a unique combination of edamame puree, "Lomi Tomato," and a Kalamata olive Kabayaki butter.

Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific while indulging in the art of fine dining at Hoku's at The Kahala in Honolulu. Led by Executive Chef Jonathon Mizukami, Hoku's menu offers elevated French cuisine fused with local island flavors and ingredients. Hoku's offers three different tasting menus during daily dinner service, as well as a Teishoku (or set menu) Sunday Brunch.

The two most popular dinner menus are the pre-fix eight-course Grand Tasting and Vegetable Tasting menus. These $200 progressive tasting experiences are hand-crafted by Chef Mizukami and take diners on a journey from the bright and exciting yet tiny amuse bouche to bold and rich entrées bursting with flavor, before ending in delicate yet balanced desserts. For guests who would rather have a hand in choosing their own adventure, Hoku's also offers a $124 four-course tasting where diners are able to choose from an array of starters, appetizers, entrees, and desserts to design their own meal.

Spago by Wolfgang Puck is the famous chef's widely recognized flagship that has locations everywhere from Beverly Hills to Singapore to Maui. The Four Seasons Resort in Maui, also known as the iconic hotel from the first season of HBO's "The White Lotus," showcases the best of Maui's natural beauty by placing guests and diners right along the sandy shore. At Spago specifically, patrons enjoy panoramic ocean views while indulging in some of Wolfgang Puck's most famous and coveted creations.

From classics like the simple California Roll to more luxe selections like the Kona Maine lobster ceviche, Spago uses the best ingredients possible and maintains a consistent execution that is both masterful and modest. When it comes to decadence, it doesn't get more lavish than the Japanese A-5 Wagyu New York Steak paired with a side order of Puck's iconic white truffle risotto. The roasted mushroom soup is an unassuming yet worthwhile option.

On the grounds of the beautiful Ritz-Carlton on the North Shore of Maui, The Banyan Tree offers a diverse menu designed to feature local fare in the form of fresh coastal cuisine. With a mission to support local farmers, most of the produce is sourced from nearby farms, allowing the unique flavors that are native to Maui to shine through on every plate.

You can't go wrong with starting off with one of the signature Banyan Tree cocktails, all of which are handcrafted and inspired by the tropics. Check out The Olivine for a tangy yet sweet combination of smoky Casamigos Jozen Mezcal, St. Germain Elderflower, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and locally made falernum. For the main course, the fresh catch of the day is a great way to enjoy the freshest fish imaginable and is served with seasonal veggies, pineapple sambal, and macadamia nut jasmine rice in a Japanese coconut curry.

Cane & Canoe at the Montage in Maui offers is home to panoramic Kapalua Bay views, a beautifully decorated Hawaiian canoe house-inspired setting, and a fine dining menu that focuses on local produce and protein. With a pretty sizable range of top-notch cuts, seafood, and veggie-forward creations, there really is something for every kind of palette and diner to enjoy.

Led by Chef Eric Faivre, each dish on the menu takes classic Hawaiian ingredients and transforms them with a unique and modern flair. For a taste of one of the most luxurious items on the menu, check out the U.S. Wagyu 14-ounce ribeye which is served with a Yukon Gold potato purée, broccolini, grilled Maui onions, shishito peppers, and sauce au Poivre. Those trying to eat more seasonally will enjoy the chef's choice "Fish of the Moment" which provides a true taste of Hawaiian's world-famous seafood offerings.

Looking for dinner with a view? Brown's Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island of Hawaii boasts one of the most stunning sunset views around, with fine dining cuisine and libations to match. Brown's Beach House hosts live Hawaiian music on the outdoor dining patio nightly, creating a dinner and an entire experience for the guests.

The menu at Brown's Beach House features a collection of regional Hawaiian dishes reimagined in innovative and creative ways. Using the freshest local ingredients throughout the menu allows for bright and fresh flavors across the board. Check out the Big Island Ka'u Coffee Venison served with kekela root vegetables, carrot purée, and tamarind sauce for a balanced preparation that showcases local game and coffee. You can also add a grilled local lobster tail for a luxe surf and turf experience. All that's left is to pair your meal with a selection from the lengthy wine, beer, and cocktail list.

Canoehouse at the Mauna Lani Bay Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii is another farm-to-table favorite showcasing the limitless opportunity to cook delicious food with local island ingredients. The unique indoor-outdoor dining space, which is complete with cozy fire pits and tiki torches, faces the pacific ocean, allowing for prime sunset views as you enjoy your meal. The half-circle bar serves as the center of the space, with bar-top seating available for guests to enjoy a libation or two as they gaze out and enjoy the unobstructed ocean views.

Be sure to try the beef and foie gras gyoza starter, which is best described as an elevated take on classic dumping. The rich and luxurious filling is delicately stuffed inside the traditional wrapping to create a lavish (and pricey) version of the simple gyoza. The Grilled Whole Keahole Lobster served with miso butter and finger limes is an entrée well worth splurging on.

Located right on the edge of Waikiki Beach, Beachhouse at the Moana is one of Hawaii's most celebrated resort restaurants. With its modern takes on classic Hawaiian dishes plus an impressive wine list, it is no surprise that the food, wine, and ambiance have earned Beachhouse at the Moana recognition among the likes of Wine Spectator, Hawaii Magazine, Gayot, and more.

Beachhouse takes pride in its coursing and offers dinner service as one of three tasting menus. The first is a four-course menu, the second is a five-course menu, and finally, there is a Prime Porterhouse tasting menu for two which features an intricate entrée designed to be shared. Each of these carefully curated menus offers guests a choice of either soup or salad to start followed by an appetizer (or two) with options such as Snake River Farm beef tataki or local tomato burrata with yellow and red gazpacho, Ho farm tomatoes, pickled shallots, basil, and herbs. There are also a handful of entrees to choose from including standouts like the Big Island Kampachi served with XO Hong Kong sauce, house stir, and shrimp fried rice.

Another Waikiki favorite, Mahina & Sun's at the Surfjack Hotel is bringing approachable and quality ingredient-driven recipes to this modern yet laid-back accommodation. Led by Chef Erik Leong, the menu seeks to elevate flavors found in traditional Hawaiian homes, bringing a sense of sentimental comfort food to locals, and a window into the local food culture for travelers.

If you are dining with friends or family, be sure to order a variety of starters to share. From the smoked Ahi toast that is served with "Bread Shop" bread, pickles, capers, egg, and chive to the He'e (octopus) with hummus, smoked paprika, olives, mint, spicy shishito romesco, radish, tomato, and even the small bites at Mahina & Sun's are full of flavor. To experience the full family-style Mahina & Sun's experience, grab a group and enjoy the $37 per person Mahina Family Feast and enjoy an abundant selection of dishes including A'u Crudo, whole fried fish, 'Ulu with chili pepper water aioli, roasted roots poke, banana pudding, and more.

Named after the state fish of Hawaii, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa is a one-of-a-kind name and a one-of-a-kind restaurant. Located at the Grand Wailea in Maui, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa is an award-winning beachfront eatery that serves Hawaiian fare with views of swaying palm trees and crashing waves. The specialty cocktails like the strawberry guava mojito provide a refreshing and tropical start to any meal. The drink menu also features a handful of sweet mocktails if you're looking to sip zero-proof.

When it comes to the food, Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa changes the menu daily based on what local produce and proteins are sourced. The raw bar sampler is a great way to explore the local fresh seafood while the crab-crusted Hawaiian catch takes decadence to the next level. Though the menu is very seafood-heavy, steak lovers will enjoy the char siu baby back ribs or the lamb which is served with a sweet yuzu and apricot purée.

If you're looking to dine as close to the sand as possible, Azure at The Royal Hawaiian Resort has you covered. The classic tables are adorned with candles and elegant place settings, creating a romantic atmosphere that highlights Spanish-Moorish architecture. The four-course menu is available for $130 per guest plus an optional wine pairing for an additional $55. Though an a la carte menu is not currently available, the tasting menu is a hit among seafood lovers and there are also vegetarian and vegan options available.

The current menu starts off with a goat cheese and beet salad that is light yet flavorful. During the second course, guests are able to explore poached scallops, local Ahi Crudo, and the vegan poached heart of palm (which is often said to be like a plant-based version of scallop). The third and most filling course features short rib, Kona Kampachi, and seared tofu with yellow curry. Finally, for dessert, enjoy both a chocolate treat and a fruit-forward citrus olive oil cake.