Orchids at Halekulani

Name: Orchids at Halekulani
Location: 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu
Cuisine: Hawaiian, Seafood
Website: http://www.halekulani.com/dining/orchids-restaurant
Rating: 4.5/5

Waikiki is known to have many great places to eat, from small food vendors to elegant restaurants, and it's only a matter of where you want to dine during your stay. Among those fine dining restaurants is Orchids at Halekulani, a luxurious hotel located oceanfront that has been around for a long time since 1883. Halekulani has an unobstructed view of the ocean and Diamond Head, giving guests at the hotel and restaurants a wonderful experience.

Orchids restaurant is located on the main floor and has an open air concept, allowing the ocean breeze to fill up the restaurant. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as their popular Sunday brunch.

On our first night in Oahu, we had dinner reservations at Orchids which was only a 10 minute walk from our hotel (Hyatt Regency Waikiki). Upon entering Halekulani, we saw how open and grand the place was and I loved how the interior design was all white and very classy. 

We were seated at the very end of the restaurant, but we got a table that was facing the ocean which was very refreshing and relaxing. We both started off with a glass of wine and was given a basket full of bread and flat bread sticks.

Seared Scallops ($24)

Cauliflower Mousseline, Caviar, Gribiche Cream

For appetizers we ordered Seared Scallops and Ahi Crudo. The seared scallops came with two large scallops that were perfectly cooked with a light golden crust. They were the freshest and juciest scallops we have ever tried! All the different elements added to this dish tide in beautifully and elevated the flavour of the scallops.

Ahi Crudo ($22)

Horseradish, Daikon, Sake-Lemon Dressing

The Ahi Crudo was definitely an interesting appetizer. There was a lot of different flavours going on in the dish, ranging from zesty to spicy, and I'm not quite sure if I liked it. But the ahi by itself tasted very fresh, enough to melt in our mouths! Kevin really enjoyed this appetizer including all the horseradish, daikon and herbs.

Pan Fried Sea Bass ($36)

Fennel Soubise, Olive Tapenade, Sea Asparagus 

Whenever I dine at restaurants, I usually never order any seafood as my main, but since we were in Hawaii where they have the freshest seafood, I had to try some delicious fish! For my entree, I ordered the Pan Fried Sea Bass that came with fennel soubise, olive tapenade and sea asparagus. The sea bass was very light, moist and flaky, and the fish had a delicious buttery flavour which I loved. The olive tepenade added a nice acidity and crisp to the dish.

Lamb Chops ($54)

Smoked Eggplant, Zucchini Roll, Mint Jus

Kevin ordered the Lamb Chops for his main that came with two large chops cooked medium rare. I tried a piece of the lamb and was amazed at how tender and juicy it was with hardly any gamey taste. Kevin really enjoyed his lamb!

Mashed Parsnips Side

Both of our entrees came with a side of mashed parsnips which was a real treat! The mashed parsnips was very delicious and creamy, the perfect side to our meals.

We finished off our meal with these two delicious cookies that they gave us. 

Our overall experience at Orchids was great and it was a nice way to end our first night in Oahu. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the food was excellent. Next time I would love to go back to Orchids for breakfast or lunch to view the ocean while dining since we couldn't see anything at night.

Related Items Fine Dining Hawaii Hawaiian HI Honolulu Oahu Orchids Seafood Waikiki