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Manta at Mauna Kea, Kamuela, HI

Manta at Mauna Kea

4.3
4.3
1238 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary American
BRYAN NAGAO

Over the last few years, Bryan Nagao has gained formidable reputation in the international food,
and beverage, community. He was once described by American media as "the most notable figures in
rendering modern Asian, East-meets-West cuisine in the Northern hemisphere". The creativity
permeating his cuisine stems from the diversity of his culinary background. Of Japanese ancestry
but Hawaiian upbringing, Bryan experienced and felt the effect of Hawaii's unique blend of
Japanese and American cultures, inspiring him to merge the flavors of many countries and thus
nurturing the bases of the Bryan Nagao style that we know today: culinary artistry meets boundless creativity.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 30 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Hawaii Regional Cuisine, International

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (808) 882-5810

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Resort Casual

  • Executive chef

    Bryan Nagao

  • Private party facilities

    Please contact us to learn more about our private dining options.

  • Neighborhood

    Kohala Coast

  • Cross street

    Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

  • Parking details

    Valet

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,238 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 3.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Ambiance

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Great for fine wines

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Romantic

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Contemporary American

Sort by

  1. Neumahn

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tonight was fantastic! The food, service, music, and atmosphere are spot on at Manta, our favourite restaurant in all of Hawaii. Try the lamb and finish with the Baked Alaska, both are awesome. This is our last night in Hawaii but we know we will be back again real soon and dinner at Manta will be on the top of our list.
  2. CindyD

    London

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful dinner at Manta! Breathtaking view and lovely restaurant, delicious food and our server was delightful (as was our host). Thank you so much! Aloha 🌺
  3. Neumahn

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our favorite restaurant in Hawaii. The food, service, and atmosphere are perfect. We love it here and have enjoyed this place often over the years.
  4. ValW

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Beautiful sunsets with gorgeous views of the water. Service was wonderful. Price was as expected for a restaurant of this caliber. The food was good but not exceptional. We would go back.
  5. TimothyF

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Steak and seafood was over cooked. Appropriately Brought a replacement steak. Good service. Excellent view and ambience. Food was good but does not match the price point.
  6. Gary

    Hawaii

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience5
    We had a 6:15 reservation so we showed up at 6 and we were asked to sit and wait because they were still seating the 5:45 people. At 6:20 I went to check on our seating and we were seated right away. I think they forgot about us. The ribeye i ordered medium rare came out medium. Paid over 300.00 for 2 people.
  7. TimK

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    Massively overpriced. The oxtail ragu over cornbread appetizer on the menu, priced at $23, fine. Switch out cornbread base for 7 flat noodles, it becomes a $58 “special of the day” appetizer. $58!!! And it had 4 bones in it. One was over an inch long. That never should have left the kitchen. Quality control is nonexistent. Pricing a regularly $23 app at $58 is a galactic ripoff. Requested my ribeye medium rare. It was medium at best. It also was the toughest ribeye I’ve ever eaten. Or mostly ate, since I didn’t eat 40% of my $70 steak. I’m not a fan of serrated knives for steak, but if you have them, they've got to be SHARP. I was ripping the steak apart with the dull blade, shreds of tough ripped steak flesh littered my plate and clung to the knife. With every rip I had to wipe the shreds off the knife. Lastly, we each had to constantly through the meal, use one arm to shew the plague of flys away from the table. Haven’t experienced this at any of the other outdoor restaurants we’ve been to this week here on the Big Island. Overall a VERY disappointing meal. Nice beach view, but that is it. Avoid Manta like a plague. Such a disappointment.

    Manta at Mauna KeaResponded on May 19, 2023Aloha, thank you for taking the time to address your concerns. They will be brought up with the team and we will look for resolution to those issues. Thank you for your time and we hope that you will give us another chance. If you ever have an issue with your experience at Manta, ask for Monte while you are there, and he will address all concerns. Mahalo.

  8. Cara

    San Francisco

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The view was fantastic, the food delicious, local and fresh and the service was friendly and professional.
  9. LongTransmitter

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience5
    As most reviews have said, this place is expensive. The food is above average but nothing to write home about… the atmosphere absolutely is though. The setting is amazing, overlooking the ocean and Manta Rays at night. Drinks were great
  10. DavidC

    Los Angeles

    25 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    I found food to be fresh a day well prepared, but way overpriced. Entrees all exceed $60. Lovely view, though sunset is blocked for 90% of diners. Service was exceptional, though be prepared for a slow dining experience.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    Dissapointed in food. Prices exceed value. Been here at least six times before. Service was attentive.
  12. Loupes

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience5
    Took unite a long time to get our food. Several tables piped up and a manager type came around and assuaged them with discounts. Watched without complaining but charged full price. I always over tip but obviously there was no concern about making us wait. Food was good. Person who served us was obviously stretched thin. Too bad - settin was gorgeous and food was good but - as a senior and been around the block- the manager didn't give a sh...! About my wife and I.
  13. MerW

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Our waitperson was so very lovely, warm and welcoming… plus adorable.
  14. JillG

    Hawaii

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We shared a sashimi appetizer that was wonderful! I had lamb and my husband had scallops as entrees! Both dishes were delicious! We both had strawberry cheesecake for dessert, to top off a great meal! The view and atmosphere can't be beat!
  15. LaurieP

    Los Angeles

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent location, excellent view, excellent food, excellent service. Love Manta!
  16. DanR

    Hawaii

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience5
    The good - Beautiful location, not overly crowded. Good cocktails. The bad - Overpriced based on the quality of the food. Incredibly slow service. We ordered the Sashimi (poor quality Ahi) and the Beet Root salad (very good). Our mains were the Filet and the Rib Eye. Both steaks were prepared well but again, the quality of the meal was not worth the price $70 and $78. The filet was a "choice" cut of meat, certainly not "prime" quality. The Rib Eye was just ok. Both lacked any real flavor - this is a common complaint with many of the reviews. We did order the Chocolate Soufflé for desert. Our waitress said it would take 10-15 minutes to arrive. An HOUR later it showed up. It was very good but not worth the wait. Our waitress went missing for 30 minutes, when she showed up and I was about to ask for the bill I was given the "one minute" finger from our waitress while she explained the menu and answered all the questions from a table next to us. Then she stopped by to tell us she was getting the check but first had to take an order from another table. Long story short after waiting 45 minutes to get the bill, I ended up going up to the bar and asking to pay my bill. HORRIBLE SERVICE! Bottom line - fabulous location, disappointing food for the price, terrible service.
  17. Chiebear

    New York Area

    29 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Strange menu Seems like local themed food but not very well executed Very expensive Limited menu options and generally unimpressive plating Food at Mauna Kea ressort was once the best on Big Island but no more - now just very boring bland resort good that one would get at your local Hilton
  18. RichS

    Philadelphia

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Third time dining here. A must when on the Big Island.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience5
    Deeply disappointed by this place. We’ve been many times, and the quality has gone downhill. Yes, the location is stunning and the views, wonderful, but my food was not even edible, under cooked vegetables and over cooked rice. Flavors were bland or nonexistent. Very long delays and a waitress who is kind and pleasant, but had no understanding of the menu. I won’t be back
  20. kevinc

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We have been coming to Mauna Kea for 43 years. We have seen the restaurants change over the years, some good changes some not so good. The food is always good, the service always good, the setting is outstanding. One thing I would like to say, PLEASE bring back the dessert souffle!
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best dinner on the Island, and seeing the manta rays after was awesome!
  22. LeoD

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Manta is my favorite restaurant on the Island! The food, service, and views are absolutely the best!
  23. GlendaB

    Alabama

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful setting on the coast. The food was delicious and outstanding service! We even saw a manta ray at night under the lights. Very pricey, but wonderful.
  24. Terence

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Was ok. Portions are small food was tasty. Service was good. Staff was very nice
  25. CaseB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Food, service, ambience was great. The only reason that I didn’t give them 5 stars is because the pricing is outrageous.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 4, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Truly amazing view! Beautiful sunset! Quiet and kid friendly.
  27. EhK8

    Vancouver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kayla made our anniversary dinner at Manta extra special. She seemed genuinely joyous and caring about our milestone celebration - 17 yrs together - and arranged for a beautiful dessert souffle with a personalized message. Thank you so much, Kayla! We were a bit hesitant as some of the past reviews noted the food not being good and also overpriced, but this pair of foodies found it delicious and beautifully presented. Complete bonus is the wild manta viewing at the point and visible fm our table - gorgeous!
  28. JohnB

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience5
    Awful service. Our daughter got sick at the table and had to go back to the room with my wife. our server basically ignored us from that point on even though we were extremely apologetic. Food is mediocre. Ambiance is incredible. So overall great spot for a drink and maybe an appetizer but you would be wasting your money to pay 60+ for main courses that are very mediocre and poor service.
  29. Cass

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience5
    for the price the food is absolutely not worth it. service was bizarre. wouldn’t recommend or go again.
  30. techjock

    Seattle

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sylvia was our server and she was awesome. Made excellent recommendations based on things that we liked and everything turned out perfectly.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience5
    Food server was very grumpy. When spending $800 on a dinner for 6 people at a high end restaurant, I expect a much better service experience.
  32. MarcK

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You sit outside overlooking the ocean. Food excellent. Server was great and willingly and quite expertly took a bunch of photos for us. It is very expensive but certainly in line with all the other high end restaurants anywhere on the island.
  33. AvidShopper

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was definitely very tasty! Feeling of contentment after a good meal pleasurable!
  34. Catccb

    Los Angeles

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, setting and food. Beautiful sunset.
  35. KenC

    Washington DC

    108 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    108 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    A favorite for special dinners for its amazing location with a serene ambience, attentive service without fuss, consistently well prepared food presented attractively and an extensive selection of beverages. The price point has gotten quite high reducing the value proposition. Noticed that a table near us brought their own wine which was understandable given the price of most of the wine offering.
  36. Elizabeth

    St. Louis

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Family reunion. So so special for us! Gorgeous restaurant outstanding food wonderful server.
  37. LeeH

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ordered a nice French Chablis that unfortunately had not been cellared at a cold temperature. Took a long time for it to become drinkable.
  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    Food was just ok. Appetizers were small and unremarkable. Great ambiance!
  39. Reservationgirl

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always lovely, and food very good.
  40. twofortheroad

    Vancouver

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great location for stunning sunset views. Excellent food & service.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Manta at Mauna Kea is rated 4.3 stars by 1238 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 30 times today
Google Map for Manta at Mauna Kea

62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela, HI 96743

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

  • Neighborhood

    Kohala Coast

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Hawaii Regional Cuisine, International

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Resort Casual

  • Parking details

    Valet

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Bryan Nagao

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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