Along with favorite beaches and favorite places to stay, regular Hawaii visitors have their favorite island restaurants. Favorites range from inexpensive plate lunch places, a unique okazuya shop or that glorious beachfront steak and seafood place with the freshest and tastiest ahi. For those looking for something new and exciting here are a handful of Hawaiiед_И__s new and noteworthy.
Josselinед_И__s Tapas Bar & Grill
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Street
Poipu HI 96756
808 742 7117
Lat: 21.883948
Lon: -159.469493
www.josselins.com
Hawaii visitor veterans may recall this revered Hawaii chef of A pacific Caf_В_д fame several years ago. Well, after a stint in Las Vegas, Jean-Marie Josselinед_И__s has returned to Kauai and has set up shop in Poipu. The flavors are still true to his famous Franco-Asian style but the twist is an amazing tapas menu and long list of creative sangria and stylish cocktails make it perfect spot to enjoy a bit of the Garden Island in a casual and tasty way. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Kai Lanai
78-6831 Alii Drive
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
808 333 3434
Lat: 19.574671
Lon: -155.961571
www.samchoys.com
One of Hawaiiед_И__s beloved chefs, Kona boy Sam Choy has set up shop in the Keauhou Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. Gone is that ugly fast food drive through and in itед_И__s place Chef Choy has created a flagship restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner along with stellar ocean, sunset and Kona coastal views The island-influenced menu is updated and reasonably priced. Must haves include the family caught fresh fish steamed whole with sizzling peanut oil, soy, cilantro, scallions or the chopped ahi sashimi. Reservations are recommended and the tables along the lanai are the best.
Chef Chai
1019 Waimanu Street
Honolulu HI 96814
808 941 2898
Lat: 21.296411
Lon: -157.851782
www.chefchai.com
Sadly, the live music and the popular Aloha Tower location is now history but Hawaiiед_И__s amazing Indonesian star chef lives on in a new chic setting in Kakaako. Just across from the Neal Blaisdell Center along Kapiolani Boulevard on Oahu, Chef Chai has regrouped and refreshed and reopened in the glittering Pacifica Honolulu building. The d_В_дcor is a departure from his tropical inspired Island Bistro, but the new sleek and modern d_В_дcor still offers a full bar and outdoor seating. The menu features creative and innovative menu that emphasizes light and health and upscale. Be sure to include the Fresh Ahi Tartar in Mini Waffle Cones itед_И__s certainly a must have. Advance reservations are recommended outdoor seating is a good option.
Alan Wongед_И__s Amasia
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive
Kihei HI 96753
808 891 3954
Lat: 20.683416
Lon: -156.441119
www.alanwongs.com/corporate/amasia
One of Hawaiiед_И__s most celebrated chefs, Alan Wongед_И__s roots began along South King Street on Oahu in the lowly Moiliili neighborhood. Over the years his creative flair and signature Hawaii Regional Cuisine has brought the rich, famous and presidential to his understated Oahu eatery. His newest restaurant is a marvelous Maui showplace or Asian d_В_дcor and refined fusion flavors. Located at the Waldorf ед_И__Astoriaед_И__s Grand Wailea, the d_В_дcor is opulent with fresh water ponds filled with colorful koi, subdued lighting and meticulously designed rock gardens. Although the setting is clearly a departure from his simpler Oahu restaurants, the menu has been ramped up to include the newest and freshest ever. Fresh fish and especially the raw items are unforgettable. Advance reservations highly recommended.
Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Street
Poipu HI 96756
808 742 7117
www.josselins.com
Hawaii visitor veterans may recall this revered Hawaii chef of A pacific Café fame several years ago. Well, after a stint in Las Vegas, Jean-Marie Josselin’s has returned to Kauai and has set up shop in Poipu. The flavors are still true to his famous Franco-Asian style but the twist is an amazing tapas menu and long list of creative sangria and stylish cocktails make it perfect spot to enjoy a bit of the Garden Island in a casual and tasty way. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Kai Lanai
78-6831 Alii Drive
Kailua-Kona HI 96740
808 333 3434
www.samchoys.com
One of Hawaii’s beloved chefs, Kona boy Sam Choy has set up shop in the Keauhou Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. Gone is that ugly fast food drive through and in it’s place Chef Choy has created a flagship restaurant that offers breakfast, lunch, happy hour and dinner along with stellar ocean, sunset and Kona coastal views The island-influenced menu is updated and reasonably priced. Must haves include the family caught fresh fish steamed whole with sizzling peanut oil, soy, cilantro, scallions or the chopped ahi sashimi. Reservations are recommended and the tables along the lanai are the best.
Chef Chai
1019 Waimanu Street
Honolulu HI 96814
808 941 2898
www.chefchai.com
Sadly, the live music and the popular Aloha Tower location is now history but Hawaii’s amazing Indonesian star chef lives on in a new chic setting in Kakaako. Just across from the Neal Blaisdell Center along Kapiolani Boulevard on Oahu, Chef Chai has regrouped and refreshed and reopened in the glittering Pacifica Honolulu building. The décor is a departure from his tropical inspired Island Bistro, but the new sleek and modern décor still offers a full bar and outdoor seating. The menu features creative and innovative menu that emphasizes light and health and upscale. Be sure to include the Fresh Ahi Tartar in Mini Waffle Cones it’s certainly a must have. Advance reservations are recommended outdoor seating is a good option.
Alan Wong’s Amasia
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive
Kihei HI 96753
808 891 3954
www.alanwongs.com/corporate/amasia
One of Hawaii’s most celebrated chefs, Alan Wong’s roots began along South King Street on Oahu in the lowly Moiliili neighborhood. Over the years his creative flair and signature Hawaii Regional Cuisine has brought the rich, famous and presidential to his understated Oahu eatery. His newest restaurant is a marvelous Maui showplace or Asian décor and refined fusion flavors. Located at the Waldorf –Astoria’s Grand Wailea, the décor is opulent with fresh water ponds filled with colorful koi, subdued lighting and meticulously designed rock gardens. Although the setting is clearly a departure from his simpler Oahu restaurants, the menu has been ramped up to include the newest and freshest ever. Fresh fish and especially the raw items are unforgettable. Advance reservations highly recommended
