Makana Lani, A Dining Experience

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1. TV

   TValle

   Denver

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall3food3service2ambience3

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

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2. RS

   RichardS

   Hawaii

   27 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   27 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   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!

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3. E

   Enixam

   Hawaii

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   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.

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4. KD

   KarenDavin

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   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.

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5. 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!

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6. 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.

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7. AM

   AMPP

   San Diego

   74 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   74 reviews

   Dined on January 2, 2023

   overall2food2service2ambience2

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

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8. 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.

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Hawaii

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 1, 2023

   overall2food3service2ambience2

   Terrible food (festive buffet) slow service.

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10. 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

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11. 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.

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12. 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!

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13. 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.

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14. k

    konachickpeeps

    Hawaii

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 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!

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15. 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.

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16. 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!

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17. C

    Cammy

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great delicious food ! Service excellent , love IT!

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18. 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.

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19. 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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20. MK

    MarkK

    Hawaii

    19 reviews

    3.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    We had brunch there and three of us ended up getting sick. I think it might have been the oysters… The bussers were great at taking the finished plates. The server was pretty much MIA. The host lady was very friendly.

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21. KN

    KathyN

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The oyster rockefeller was delicious and the pork chop tomahawk was so tender and juicy. Just an fyi, they do not serve liquor at the restaurant only soft drinks and juices. However you can bring in your own and there is an ABC Store right across the street where you can also purchase liquor. Although the meals are all ala carte, we were surprised that our steaks and pork chops still came with a few steamed vegetables included on the plate.

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    Not enough food selection for the price.

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23. SG

    SharonG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Locally owned and operated. Good quality and plenty of choices. Friendly people.

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24. M

    Malia

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience5

    Service is absolutely excellent. But the food was junk. For my $65 buffet - all I enjoy was the candied bacon.

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25. C

    Cya123

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved the food!!! And the service, Liz is the best :) Definitely coming back again.

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience4

    Breakfast buffet was good. Omelet station was very yummy, fresh fruits. Seating near the fish tank was very calming.

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27. AS

    AnthonyS

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I love the atmosphere and set up. The food was excellent and being a buffet it was fine dining with a Ohana(family) feel. Mark was a joy and Lori’s professionalism was outstanding. The seafood pasta custom made to order was the icing on the cake. As for cake and desserts they had a sugar lovers dream. Thank you Makana Lani for the once of a lifetime experience we will be back soon. My wife love the special birthday cake it was delicious. Mark you are the heart of the place and Lori you are the soul. Sincerely Smith Family

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience2

    From the moment we got there, we were concerned we were in the wrong spot. The pictures and description made us think this truly could not be correct. When we spoke to someone, they confirmed we were in the right spot and they did have our reservation. We decided to give it a chance. The food was warm, soft, low quality, and did not vary much. We tried to go to the carving station a few times and there was no one there. We thought we might be supposed to carve ourselves. Eventually a staff member showed up to carve and carve very thin cuts of prime rib. The prime rib was the best part of the meal, but it was a low bar to clear. They brought us a plate of crab, which was nice, but no cracker, so it became a very messy experience. Even the crab wasn’t very good. All in all, it was $180 (including tip) for two of us, and we agreed we would not be back, would not recommend, and actually felt a need to review, as it certainly did not live up to the 4.4 stars it had on Google at the time. For that value, go nearly anywhere else on the island and have a much better experience.

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29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 30, 2022

    overall1food1service5ambience4

    To be fair, the staff was great. Extremely helpful, accommodating and cheerful. The property looks great and environment was clean. The food was just NOT good. Roast pig (lechon) was dry, poke was NOT fresh (very fishy), hot entrees were bland and overcooked. And NONE of the desserts tasted good. Best thing was omelette bar. Used to love dining at Pac Beach - unfortunately, quality of the food has gone down. Won’t be coming back.

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30. P

    Pulelehua

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Managers and staff went out of their way to be accommodating. They provided us a nice view of the aquarium and we enjoyed watching the fish. Several members of the staff wished our party a happy wedding celebration. They even offered a dessert plate to the honeymooning couple. We enjoyed the selection of tasty food. Everything was presented nicely. The prime rib, roast pork, poke selections, shrimp cocktail, creme brulee, and ube cheesecake were outstanding. Others in the party enjoyed the soup, make your own omelette and the oysters. We are looking forward to our next meal.

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31. CH

    CarolH

    Atlanta

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    This is a new restaurant where Lychee was prior to the pandemic. The owner and serving staff were gracious, and the food was very good. Portions are huge, so sharing is recommended.

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32. JR

    JillR

    Hawaii

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a party of 10. The service staff were amazing and very attentive. The food was excellent! We enjoyed our evening and will definitely return.

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33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The meal was fantastic! They served high quality dishes and the selection was outstanding! The staff was friendly and always available.

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34. NH

    NatashaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Highly recommended. Hostess and staff were very friendly and welcoming. Food was delicious. Prime rib, pork belly and butterfish was awesome. The kids loved the pasta station and everyone was pleased to see that crab legs were offered in the buffet. Definitely returning here soon.

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35. K

    Kalena

    San Francisco

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We just came here on a whim as we were looking for a breakfast/brunch on a Sunday of all days and everything was either busy or booked, and I saw this on Yelp and was able to get a reservation the same day! Hubby wanted to get some exercise but as we walked on Kalakaua from our hotel to this place, we overshot it as there are only a few stores with numbers on the storefront so we had to back track and found that the entrance to the restaurant is on Liliuokalani Avenue and Kalakaua Avenue at the Alohilani Resort on the 2nd floor. By the time we reached the restaurant, and were about to be seated, we found out that they only serve brunch on weekends so we were in a bind as we only wanted breakfast. However, the owner, Liz was very kind and told us not to worry as we could order breakfast from the regular menu at the omelette bar. So we ordered a combo omelette with red potatoes and two eggs over hard with red potatoes and Portuguese sausage and a cup of coffee. Service was friendly and attentive and we found out from our server, Nick that the restaurant has only been open since August, 2022. Beautifully framed photographs line the walls of the restaurant, created by Nick. The food was good and we enjoyed learning about how the restaurant came to be. We were able to get an exception from the buffet brunch from Liz as there was a private party and it wasn't too busy today. So we were able to get our breakfast and the coffee was on the house. So check out this place! Support local business!

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36. H

    Hokulani

    Hawaii

    151 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    151 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience5

    Food was nothing out of the ordinary. Wait help needs improvement, they need to bring what you request in a timely manner and you should not have to ask again. Water and beverages should be filled consistently.

    Report
37. K

    Keanuenue

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 2, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience2

    Not worth the price. $80 with all the taxes and fees. No miso Butterfish as advertised on television. They automatically charge 18% tip for a buffet and a kitchen surcharge. Went at lunchtime. Maybe if we went earlier the buffet line would have been presentable.

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38. K

    Kealii

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    My new favorite ACYE buffet on the island! The prime rib, lechon and salmon are the stars of the buffet but the rest is pretty good too including the seafood pasta station. Good quality food.

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39. E

    Elegance

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Staff engagement was outstanding. Fully engaged to go the extra mile to service kamaaina, mainland, and international guests. Large groups, couples, and children was in their set of skills.

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 25, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    Sunday brunch was over priced for the amount of dishes that were offered. No kamaaina rate. They looked short staffed and a lot of items were taking long to be refilled. Being a local I wanted to try this new place out and support local but I don’t think I will be coming back to this tourist spot.

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