Best Southwest American Restaurants in Hawaii Kai

56 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Plumeria Beach House restaurant

1. Plumeria Beach House

4.6

Exceptional(3985)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Honolulu

Booked 53 times today

Plumeria Beach House, nestled in the iconic Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu, offers a delightful blend of Contemporary American cuisine with a unique Hawaiian twist. Executive Chef Jonathan Mizukami, with his Michelin-starred experience, masterfully highlights local Hawaiian ingredients and fresh-caught seafood, creating dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in local flavors. Patrons rave about the "outstanding" food and "excellent" service, emphasizing menu highlights like the miso butterfish and the diverse, delicious buffet options. The open-air setting provides breathtaking beachfront views, enhancing each dining experience. Reviews frequently mention the exceptional ambiance and the quality of both the food and service, making Plumeria Beach House a must-visit for those seeking top-notch Contemporary American cuisine in Honolulu.

2. Hoku's

4.6

Exceptional(2240)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Honolulu

Booked 8 times today

Hoku's at The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu stands as a beacon of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, brilliantly blending local flavors with global culinary techniques. Chef Jonathan Mizukami, with his Michelin-starred background, crafts dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Hawaiian tradition, ensuring every bite is a celebration of the islands' bounty. Diners rave about the "exquisite tasting menu with great wine pairing" and the "beautiful presentation" that elevates local ingredients to luxurious heights. The Sunday Brunch Buffet is particularly acclaimed, offering "succulent lobster and perfectly runny yolk eggs" alongside "spicy ahi poke and misoyaki butterfish," all underscored by impeccable service that makes every meal at Hoku's a memorable event. The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking the true taste of Hawaii.

A photo of Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki restaurant

3. Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki

4.6

Exceptional(2224)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Waikiki

Booked 204 times today

Monkeypod Kitchen in Waikiki epitomizes the essence of Hawaii Regional Cuisine under the expert guidance of celebrated chef Peter Merriman, a pioneer of this flavorful culinary movement. Nestled within the scenic Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, this restaurant offers a menu that brilliantly reflects the local ethos of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, coupled with inventive dishes that delight the senses. Patrons often rave about their experiences, with one noting, "Best Mai Tais we’ve had on the island and every food item we had was fresh, local sourced product, and tasted amazing!" The commitment to quality and the spectacular waterfront setting make Monkeypod Kitchen a must-visit for authentic, contemporary Hawaiian dining.

4. Deck.

4.3

Awesome(3839)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Waikiki

Booked 120 times today

Deck., nestled on the 3rd floor of Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel in Waikiki, Honolulu, is a gem for Contemporary American cuisine with a Pacific twist. The restaurant boasts a stunning open-air setting with panoramic views of the iconic Diamond Head, enhancing the dining experience. Patrons rave about the “excellent food and service” and the freshness of the locally sourced ingredients, creating a menu that's both innovative and comforting. Reviews consistently highlight the “amazing view” and the quality of dishes like the Brunch Burger and the Hi I’m Tom cocktail, making Deck. a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and exquisite Contemporary American dining experience in Hawaiʻi.

5. Hau Tree

4.6

Exceptional(158)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Honolulu

Booked 106 times today

Hau Tree in Honolulu not only offers a mesmerizing beachside setting under the hau trees but is also acclaimed for its exceptional seafood cuisine. Nestled on Kaimana Beach, the restaurant is a sanctuary for seafood enthusiasts, where every dish celebrates the freshness of the ocean. Patrons rave about the "AMAZING FRESH fish STEAMED WITH GINGER" and the "spectacular and delicious" meals, reflecting the quality and authenticity of its offerings. The "fantastic crab cakes and the selection of fresh fish" are standout highlights, making Hau Tree a must-visit for those seeking an authentic seafood dining experience in Honolulu. This gem truly captures the essence of oceanfront dining with its stunning views and expertly crafted dishes.

A photo of Wolfgang's Steak House - Waikiki Beach restaurant

6. Wolfgang's Steak House - Waikiki Beach

4.6

Exceptional(6581)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • Waikiki

Booked 132 times today

Located in the picturesque Waikiki, Honolulu, Wolfgang's Steak House by Wolfgang Zwiener offers an unparalleled Steakhouse experience. Known for its exquisite dry-aged USDA prime steaks, the restaurant has garnered acclaim for both its superb quality and service. According to one delighted diner, "Steak is so delicious that I have ated and service is good." The New York Times highlights the unique joy of dining here, describing the steak as “Crunchy, tender, smoky, earthy... inducing a kind of euphoria.” From its luxurious setting to the attentive service, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse stands out as a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and indulgent Steakhouse cuisine in Waikiki.

A photo of Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Waikiki, HI restaurant

7. Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Waikiki, HI

4.8

Exceptional(6311)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Waikiki

Booked 115 times today

Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar in Waikiki, HI, is a gem for those seeking authentic Hawaii Regional Cuisine. The restaurant has received glowing accolades for dishes like the "macadamia crusted mahi," described as "the best seafood I’ve ever had!" and the consistently praised crab cakes and coconut shrimp. Beyond the food, the ambiance of rooftop dining coupled with live music and exemplary service makes every meal a delightful experience. Visitors often comment on the quality of the cuisine and the hospitality, noting, "The food was amazing" and "service was impeccable." This hotspot in Waikiki stands out not just for its food but for the entire dining experience, promising satisfaction and a taste of local flavor that keeps guests returning.

8. et al.

4.6

Exceptional(1436)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Honolulu

Booked 48 times today

et al. is a new full-service restaurant, bar and neighborhood eatery offering an imaginative menu of multi-regional dishes drawing inspiration from local produce and ingredients at the peak of seasonal flavor.

A photo of Merriman's Honolulu restaurant

9. Merriman's Honolulu

4.7

Exceptional(4138)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Honolulu

Booked 131 times today

At Merriman's Honolulu, the seafood is not just a dish; it's an experience. Tucked in the vibrant heart of Honolulu, this award-winning restaurant shines, especially with its seafood offerings like the Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi, which has been hailed as "the best I’ve had anywhere!" The authenticity of its seafood cuisine is evident, as every dish celebrates local flavors and ingredients, right from the ocean to your plate. The restaurant's dedication to quality and freshness aligns with its farm-to-table philosophy, making it a standout in Honolulu's culinary scene. Guests consistently rave about the seafood, noting dishes like the "Fresh Fish Tacos" as "excellent!" and the Kauai lobster as "superb." With its commitment to exceptional service and a lively ambiance, Merriman's Honolulu offers a seafood dining experience that is both delightful and memorable.

A photo of Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - Ala Moana restaurant

10. Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - Ala Moana

4.7

Exceptional(5672)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Honolulu

Booked 133 times today

Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - Ala Moana in Honolulu is a gem for Fusion/Eclectic cuisine enthusiasts, offering a blend of exceptional flavors and culinary innovation. Nestled with a stunning view of Ala Moana Beach Park, diners rave about the “delicious and fun” atmosphere and the “spectacular ocean view” that enhances the dining experience. The restaurant is acclaimed for dishes like the Pan Roasted Scallops and Mango BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, which are celebrated for their exquisite taste. Reviewers consistently highlight the “outstanding” service and the ambiance that makes every occasion special, from casual lunches to celebratory dinners. Whether it's for the delectable Laksa or the vibrant live music during the Sunset Menu, Mariposa delivers an eclectic culinary adventure that is both memorable and delightful.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in Hawaii Kai

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56 restaurants available nearby

1. Plumeria Beach House

2. Hoku's

3. Monkeypod Kitchen - Waikiki

4. Deck.

5. Hau Tree

6. Wolfgang's Steak House - Waikiki Beach

7. Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar - Waikiki, HI

8. et al.

9. Merriman's Honolulu

10. Mariposa at Neiman Marcus - Ala Moana

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