Hau Tree Lanai at The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, Waikiki. Photo: The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel.
Often the best experiences are found along the road less traveled. You don’t have to go mainstream for a romantic table. Spectacular views paired with an off the beaten path location make these five spots the most romantic hidden restaurants on Oahu.
1. Hau Tree Lanai
Hau Tree Lanai at The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, Waikiki. Photo: The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel.
You can’t get any closer to the ocean and on the sand of Kaimana Beach than Hau Tree Lanai. The open-air terrace (only viewable from the shore and beach) offers picturesque views of the rollings surf, sherbet colored sunsets and twinkling stars. The historic, on-site, intertwined Hau Trees and branches are mainstays as the patio was build around them. The al fresco dining is best known for eggs benedict, steak and lobster, but the front row views are the true highlights of this hidden gem.
Hau Tree Lanai
2863 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808)921-7066
Open 7am-9pm daily.
www.kaimana.com/dining/hau-tree-lanai
2. Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku
Photo: Haleiwa Joe’s in Haiku Gardens.
Venture to the Windward side and hidden in a Kaneohe residential neighborhood are the lush, tropical and breathtaking Haiku Gardens. Facing the exquisite Koolau Mountain Range and towering over the botanical gardens and koi ponds, sits Haleiwa Joe’s. This beach bar-style restaurant is best known for it’s superb prime rib, blackened ahi, fresh seafood and tranquil views.
Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku (there’s a second location on the North Shore)
46-336 Haiku Road
Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744
(808) 247-6671
Open Monday – Thursday 4:30pm-9pm
Friday and Saturday 4:30pm-10pm
Sunday 9am-2pm and 4:30pm-9pm
3. Chart House Waikiki
Photo: Chart House Waikiki.
Tucked away along the Ala Wai Boat Harbor sits a spirited cocktail bar and restaurant overlooking the marina. Known for live music, early and late night happy hour specials along with local comfort foods… Must haves include stuffed mushrooms, chopped steak and lava cake. The balcony seating and lively lounge offers the most romantic and stunning views of the small boats paired with glowing sunsets and a shimmering harbor.
Chart House Waikiki
1765 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
(808) 941-6669
Open Sunday-Thursday 4:30pm-12:30am
Friday and Saturday 5:30pm-2am
4. Grondin: French-Latin Kitchen
Top right Bone Marrow photo by Tannya Joaquin. All others by Olena Heu.
In downtown Honolulu’s bustling Chinatown lies a hidden gem that’s a unique combination of European and South American decor and dishes. The interior of the bistro restaurant is cozy and classic, but the backyard tropical garden with hidden waterfall is an outstanding oasis. (See article’s first photo for waterfall view.) Known for prawn ceviche, charcuterie and cassoulet the downtown vibe paired with the garden setting is the perfect romantic sanctuary. (Private parties take precedence for garden bookings).
Grondin: French-Latin Kitchen
62 North Hotel Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
(808) 566-6768
Open Wednesday – Friday 11am-2pm and 5pm-9pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm and 5pm-9pm
5. La Mariana Sailing Club
Prepare to be whisked away to an historic Tiki Bar and restaurant nestled along the tides of Keehi Lagoon. Since 1957, the La Mariana Sailing Club (hidden off of Sand Island’s industrial region) has wowed diners with tropical umbrella drinks, fresh local seafood and tiki decor meets iconic fishing/sailing memorabilia from Hawaii’s 1950’s. Known for their fresh house-made poke, coconut shrimp and macadamia nut mahi mahi, the bar and restaurant is a hidden gem complete with marina views, tantalizing sunsets and a colorful ambience (blowfish lanterns included).
La Mariana Sailing Club
50 Sand Island Access Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
(808) 848-2800
Open 11am-9pm dailly.
