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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.