Makana Lani, A Dining Experience

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1. J

   808J

   Hawaii

   12 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   12 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall3food2service3ambience3

   Had breakfast and the food was underwhelming . There was little seasoning, none on the table and the sever did not come to ask how the first bites were. Very expensive. Will not return or recommend.

   Report
2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food4service4ambience5

   The receptionist is very helpful, very nice and professional. The food is good good service the server is friendly and easy to communicate. the venue is very nice and peaceful, quiet and clean.

   Report
3. b

   bensonk

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   A must go to for buffet lovers for prime rib and seafood.

   Report
4. C

   Casey

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Loved it! Can’t wait to go back. The staff make you feel like family and don’t mind going above and beyond for you.

   Report
5. MK

   MarilynK

   Hawaii

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food was amazing with variety of selection on the main dishes, sides, salad, desserts, egg omelet section. The host and waiters/waiter were very polite and sociable. The huge aquarium and the marine life was beautiful and captivating. This is buffet is top on my list.

   Report
6. LW

   LloydW

   Hawaii

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great place for a buffet, good selection of entrees, salads, desserts. Loved prime rib, crispy roast pork and chinese steamed fish. Omelette station delicious. Dessert station has chocolate fountain with assorted items. We will be back!!

   Report
7. TL

   ThomsL

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 13, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Good food selection. Snow crabs, oysters, and butterfish.

   Report
8. LM

   LaurieM

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 13, 2023

   overall4food4service4ambience5

   Good assortment of entrees, desserts and drinks.... all delicious Everyone very friendly and attentive to every need.

   Report
9. p

   pastahkillah

   Hawaii

   15 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on March 12, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   My family and I had a wonderful time at Makana Lani. I made reservations for this place, I wanted the brunch buffet, but they started at 10 am, and they only had reservations for 9 am available. But to my surprise and also my family, the buffet started at 9 am. It was my wife's birthday and she was so happy. Check out my photos to see what they serve. The harpist was an excellent touch to the entire experience. Mahalo Ms. Liz and Judy, for your excellent service. Go support local! Sorry, I could only share 4 of my photos.

   Report
10. RY

    RandyY

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful!

    Report
11. A

    Addy

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Our family of 9 loved everything! We had 4 birthdays to celebrate and was surprised by the 4 molten cakes and ice cream! Loved the crab legs, carving station, and the variety! The senior and kama’aina discounts was a surprise. And, most of all we love that this is a locally run establishment by local staff! Great service!

    Report
12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    So glad we came back! Thank you to the manager for being so gracious and ensuring her customers don’t leave until they’re satisfied. That’s a rarity these days

    Report
13. L

    Localgirl

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall2food1service4ambience2

    We were very disappointed. Thought it would be close to the previous pacific beach buffet and not even close. We did not enjoy the food and place looks like a coffee shop. Dressed to fit the occasion but had I known this I would have wore jeans and t-shirt. The only thing was that the workers were nice to everyone. I don’t think we will be back or even say good things to friends.

    Report
14. KB

    KatrinaB

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Staff was amazing - so kind and attentive

    Report
15. LD

    LoisD

    Portland

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    The staff definitely bumped up the rating. They were all super friendly & attentive. Aquarium was very nice. Food was just ok, except the crab which was good.

    Report
16. B

    Betsy

    Hawaii

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    I knew it was going to be a nightmare the minute we walked up. The staff was frantically trying to input orders. Lots of people waiting to eat from the 1st round and everyone still waiting around for their 7pm reservations at 745. Lots of people started giving up and just bailing on the night. They were definitely not prepared to take on table service experience. The harpist sounded great though.

    Report
17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great place and great food, everyone should try makana lani, Liz the owner really takes care of you and the hospitality from her is second to none. Kurt T.

    Report
18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Food is cold. I think it’s prepared way ahead of time (prix fixe menu). Wondering if ordering Ala carte would change the experience? The long stem rose for the lady and loose petals on the table are plus points. Thanks for the complimentary Cab from the Maitre D’. Overall was a fair evening!

    Report
19. MN

    MeraN

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    We celebrated Valentines Day steak and lobster dinner. Our server was outstanding, the music and food was wonderful. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t know there was no wine or champagne available. We also didn’t know we could have brought our own, or I would have. But we enjoyed the dinner, it was excellent.

    Report
20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2

    Not a standalone restaurant but an extension of the hotel. Food quality was subpar based on price.

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    Not sure if this restaurant is new but lots of room to grow and improve . Alot of the service team members did their best but you could tell they were overwhelmed (valentines evening) They were personable, had a smile but visibly stressed. No alcohol was served because as the waitress mentioned, their liquor license was not approved yet. Food was enjoyable but a-little lacking compared to other restaurants in the same price range a couple of blocks away. Overall, it was fun, good music and staff. Would I come here again? Yes I would as a comparison. :)

    Report
22. TV

    TValle

    Denver

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    Breakfast buffet on a Tuesday. Very pricey for the limited offerings, total for two was $98 and included an automatic 18% gratuity.

    Report
23. RS

    RichardS

    Hawaii

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Sunday buffet was a real treat. Meat carving and pasta stations, plus separate tables for salads, hot items and desserts. Water, tea (cold & hot), coffee are all included. And there are discounts for seniors and kama'aina. We'll definitely return!

    Report
24. E

    Enixam

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went for the lunch buffet. It wasn’t too crowded and there was a harpist playing music which added to the wonderful ambiance. The food was DELICIOUS!! Especially loved the prime rib. So tender, juicy and perfectly seasoned. Really awesome selection of seafood. The shrimps were HUGE! 3 kinds of poke and also oysters and mussels on the half shell. Seafood lover’s heaven. Great service all around. The owner, Liz, and her staff are all so warm and friendly. A great experience and our out of town guests really enjoyed the meal.

    Report
25. KD

    KarenDavin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It is a locally run establishment and the people who work there: check in staff, waiters/waitresses, food servers are very friendly, cheerful and helpful. This is so important in setting the atmosphere for people coming in who want to begin their morning feeling relaxed and welcomed. There are such a variety of selections to choose from: seafood (raw oysters, poke, chilled shrimp) veggie salads and fruits, baked salmon, lechon, sausages and bacon, awesome variety of pastries and desserts. All their food selections are so delicious. Start your morning with an enjoyable brunch meal at Makana Lani.

    Report
26. KG

    KendallG

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2

    Good was bad , the prime rib aju was salty Not enought food for buffets style Would not go back!

    Report
27. j

    jsach

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent brunch buffet. Everything was to our liking, with a small exception, and that was the lukewarm coffee. Liz, the owner, was very gracious, even giving us a bag of Kona coffee when we mentioned the warm temperature. She noticed how many bowls of soup (jook) one of us ate, and even gave him a container of the jook to take home! Although the waitress mentioned the lack of help, we had very good service and would go back again.

    Report
28. AM

    AMPP

    San Diego

    75 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2

    Overpriced buffet. Added 18% tip before we even sat down. Never cleared one plate.

    Report
29. n

    natey123

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience1

    125 per person for a buffet brunch on new years! Worst part nobody at cutting stations. Nobody at omelette bar. It looks like a cafeteria. I will never waste my money here again. Food is mediocre at best. Go somewhere else for a buffet like Kahala or the Halekulani. They are true buffet dining experiences. This place is just sad.

    Report
30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2

    Terrible food (festive buffet) slow service.

    Report
31. MM

    MariaM

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great first experience with this restaurant buffet. Food was delicious and the staff was friendly and very attentive

    Report
32. V

    Visitors123678

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall3food1service2ambience4

    Worst food I’ve eaten on our 10 day trip to Hawaii.

    Report
33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas Eve lunch buffet! Everything was so tasty from the main dishes to the salads to the desserts and more! Their oysters were so huge! I’ve never seen oysters that size on a buffer before. Such a great place to celebrate Christmas and enjoy all the food!

    Report
34. CL

    CharlieL

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    this restaurant gives a calming and relaxing atmosphere to watch the fish in this fantastic aquarium. Most seats will give you a great view of the aquarium. Fun to watch the diver feed the fish plus at Christmas the diver is dressed like Santa, fun for a family or group at anytime.

    Report
35. k

    konachickpeeps

    Hawaii

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I took a friend for a weekday breakfast as she had never dined there before. She loved it and enjoyed the ambiance, the staff so warm and hospitable! She LOVED the food! It was very relaxing as we watched the fishes in the beautiful huge tank! We watched the diver who was dressed in a Santa suit feed the fish too!!! That was cool. My friend and I actually could go and had second helpings....LOL The owners bacon was the BOMB!!! The most delicious bacon I ever had! My friend loved it so much that she is thinking about who she will be inviting for breakfast!

    Report
36. c

    coffeebob

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 19, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5

    The ambiance was really nice. The service was exceptional. All of the wait staff were very attentive and professional. The food was always available when we went to get more. The Pasta station needs to be a little larger or have more staff support so people wouldn't have to wait so long. Price is probably around what you would expect in Waikiki. Would definitely try it again on a special occasion.

    Report
37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful brunch, and the aquarium was awesome!

    Report
38. C

    Cammy

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great delicious food ! Service excellent , love IT!

    Report
39. H

    Hiangboom

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Overall experience was a bit disappointing. Food was okay at first but after the refill of the cold/salad items some of it tasted like it was going bad. Hot items were okay. Staff was excellent and really made customers feel welcome and did well to give a holiday ambiance. Unfortunately, not sure if I’d return.

    Report
40. RW

    RogerW

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Outstanding dinner buffet! Everything is fresh and cooked to perfection! Buffet Dinner includes a nice House IPA and a variety of soda and juice. There is no wine or alcohol service. However, you can bring your beverage from outside, and there is no corkage fee for wine. Very clean, with great views of the aquarium at Alohilani Resort. The staff was welcoming and courteous and provided excellent service! The Manager, Liz, is the restaurant's most significant asset!

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