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Manta at Mauna Kea, Kamuela, HI

Manta at Mauna Kea

4.3
4.3
1329 Reviews
$50 and over
Pacific Rim
Top Tags:
CHEF BRYAN NAGAO

Bryan Nagao has gained formidable reputation in the international food 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 the island of Hawai'i and its unique blend of Japanese & American cultures. This inspired him to merge the flavors of inspiring countries that nurtured the style of cuisine that Bryan Nagao cooks today.

Culinary artistry meets boundless creativity.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Pacific Rim, Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (808) 882-5810
  • Website
    http://maunakeabeachhotel.com/dining/big-island-hi-breakfast-buffet/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, 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.
  • Location
    62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Drive, Kamuela, HI 96743
  • 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

What 1,329 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
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 3.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Hawaii

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Hawaii

    Great for scenic views

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Ambiance

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Good for business meals

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Innovative

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Romantic

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Great for scenic views

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Good for special occasions

1,329 Reviews

  1. CajunVols

    New Orleans

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great outdoor seating, excellent food, great wine list, but expensive.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sylvia is amazing and an awesome photographer to boot. Ask to sit in her section. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the sunset setting at Manta. Will be back

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  3. JoKlo

    Phoenix

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Kanoa made our evening! He shared his passion for food with us and helped us craft the perfect meal. The new chef has transformed the Manta dining experience. Great work all round!

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  4. LaurenI

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We asked for & we’re seated at an outside table. We had a perfect view and the sunset. I asked our server for recommendations & she did not disappoint ! The lobster tails were delicious as was the bombe with caramel ice cream. It was a perfect evening.

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food3service2ambience5
    The food was mediocre at best. For such a pricey restaurant, you would definitely expect much better! Everything was cold and therefore hard to enjoy. The flavors were just ok. The fish and shrimp were so overcooked and chewy! The service was also mediocre. Our server was nice but knew very little about the menu and was super slow! The wine list is waaayyyyy overpriced! On the bright side… the view is spectacular! I guess that’s basically what you’re paying for… a very expensive sunset

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience5
    Food and setting was great. Service was poor and unprofessional.

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  7. Dave

    Phoenix

    94 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    94 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience5
    We have eaten here several times over the last three years. The view is awesome. Unfortunately the food is really overpriced for what you receive. Entrees are small and come with no accompanying sides. They use to serve fish dishes with several sides. They use to serve chips, no more. The changes to the menu are really negative. Fresh catch was $68. No bread, that is an additional $15. Our scallop appetizer was $38 for two pieces. Wine is basically $25 and up a glass. Seriously overpriced for what you receive. We will not be going back.

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  8. DeniseG

    Los Angeles

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely restaurant with delicious food and attentive service. Resort pricing, but our meals and beverages were incredible. Highly recommended when staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort.

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  9. SuzyB

    Denver

    21 reviews

    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience4
    15 min to get water at the bar while we waited for our reservation. 25 minutes to get a cocktail after we ordered. Two of us ordered medium steaks, one was medium rare and one was medium well. Lighting on patio makes it hard to read the menu or see the food. Views are amazing but everything else isn’t quite worth the price tag:/

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  10. BetsyG

    Portland

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience5
    Small portions of very expensive mediocre food. Slow service. The location is beautiful.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic City

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was fantastic The view spectacular Waiter was triple a very knowledgeable Expensive but well worth it

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  12. PIOJOE

    San Francisco

    35 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience5
    This was an awful experience. We have dined here before with a much better result. Our server was lousy at.best! He could not care less, seemed completely bored and disinterested. When asked about some of the dishes, he just recited what was listed in the menu, He never checked back with us or asked us how our meal was? The server actually tossed the check on our table and walked away! He did take a photo of us when we asked, it never even mentioned our anniversary celebration. The Oyster appetizer special were 6 tiny oysters ridiculously overpriced at $48. My fish was asking overpriced, overcooked and bland! My wife’s dish was also without flavor. What a disappointment. The only saving grace was the spectacular location and overall ambiance of the restaurant. Don’t waste your time or money here, there are far too many better choices nearby!

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  13. BryanS

    Hawaii

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Our server was 5 star. The hostess was in over her head with a bad attitude, zero star. Almost ruined the evening. Food was good with some being excellent. I’d advise the company to rethink who they want as the face of their business.

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  14. NormH

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The Manta is the posh restaurant among four eating places at Maua Kea Beach Resort. We made dining reservations before we left home on the mainland. The casual smart or resort casual attire recommendation seemed correct. There are lots of outdoor tables available. Lots of retired couples enjoying Hawaii in style and good health while they can. We were one of them. Service was excellent, as posh places should have. When we dined there, a jazz saxophone player and a pianist made dulcet cool music we could faintly hear from outside. The dishes are well plated, delicious, and a bit over-priced for what they are. But then again, when we're paying $1k per night, who cares? Well, this time we didn't care. The resort is fabulous, but too rich for our middle-class blood to come very often. Our preferred eating spot was the Copper Room followed by the very relaxed Hau Tree beach side restaurant. We paid $200 out the door for Portuguese soft warm bread, two mains, one dessert, and a cocktail (I drank water). One and done for us here at the Manta. It was a good experience, and now we don't need to return.

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  15. bobD

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Food was well-prepared and well timed. Wait staff were friendly, knew their menu, and did not appear over-tasked. The real selling point, however, is ambiance--stunning views, and a sense of being pampered in an outstanding venue. We wandered down to the Manta ray overlook after dinner and were graced with a large ray feeding in the light. Perfect end to a very pleasant evening.

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  16. LydiaT

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent dinner, great sunset, loved the Manta Rays

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and ambience. A bit pricey but worth the experience.

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  18. TimP

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience5
    Beautiful spot… servers were friendly and were trying their best, but they were clearly understaffed. Had a nice hamachi crudo, then a stunningly hammered filet steak and bland fish o’ the day. Way, way overpriced for what we got… we will not go back for entries!

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  19. SaraK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing. I had the mahi mahi and the Hamachi to start.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience5
    The ambience is great. The service is not great. The food is just okay for the price. They charged me for soda water- 4 refills was $20. It feels like they want to be a fancy restaurant, but just aren’t. The service was lacking.

    Manta at Mauna KeaResponded on September 7, 2023

    Hi, thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have addressed this issue so that it will no longer happen in the future. We always encourage guests to address any issues with the bill, when it is presented, so that we may address any issues before payment. If you would like a refund for the refills, please contact the restaurant and we will take care of that. Thank you for your time and all the best, -Monte

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  21. Patrick

    Hawaii

    101 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    101 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience5
    My wife and I are full-time Big Island residents. We regularly eat at all of the island's fine-dining restaurants. We have been dining at Manta for decades. Of course, during this long interval Manta's menu and staff have changed several times. Currently, Manta has a problem. Sometimes the food is just mediocre, and the service is outstanding and other times the food is very good, but the service is poor. The only constant is Manta's gorgeous location, above Mauna Kea Beach. Recently, Manta has stopped serving complementary bread with dinner; now you have to order bread service and pay for it. Also, Manta's general prices are among the island's highest. Considering Manta's inconsistent food quality and service together with their high prices, I can no longer recommend it.

    1 person found this helpful

  22. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Jessica was our server and she was an absolute delight! The food is amazing, fresh, and ono!! We will be back!!

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  23. Dave

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Really enjoyed the wide selection of small plates. Created a 7-course dinner for 2 people. Every course was delicious.

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  24. SouthbayBill

    San Francisco

    34 reviews

    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Manta was the second best dining experience that we had on the Island. The ambiance on a cliff overlooking the bay was gorgeous and romantic. Our server was very knowledgeable and attentive. The food was well prepared, though my main course, the Batik Curry, was rather bland for my plate.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    You won’t find a better ambiance than Manta! The lighting and the ocean breezes make for a magical evening.

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  26. justme

    Orange County

    49 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Beautiful location, good service, and pricey dinner, great for a special celebration!

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  27. 3xboymum

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for our anniversary and it was romantic, perfect weather and the sunset was awesome. After dinner we went down to see the manta rays - great way to top the night with these graceful creatures. Would definitely recommend this restaurant! Mauna Kea resort is a beautiful property.

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  28. BostonBoy

    Phoenix

    29 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    Our first evening at the Mauna Kea and dinner at Manta fell WAY short of our expectations. Our drinks too FOREVER to arrive…dinner arrived very slowly as well…when we only ordered a glass of wine each, the server became very disinterested in us and didn’t even come back to see how everything was, we had to flag him down after several failed attempts as he was gushing over the table right next to us that had much more to drink…it was really sad to experience this type of service as it was part of our 30th anniversary celebration. The food was average, but thankfully the setting was beautiful!

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience1
    Food was subpar, highly disappointing. Good service however, very friendly staff.

    Manta at Mauna KeaResponded on September 1, 2023

    Aloha Anonymous, Thank you for taking the time to write this review. I would love to hear more about what issues you had with the food. We are always looking to improve, and more details would surely be helpful. Feel free to reach out to me personally so I may address said issues with our kitchen. Thank you and all the best, -Monte

    1 person found this helpful

  30. mray

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    Nice setting, good service, the restaurant is really full of its self, you would think they were selling gold. Portions really small and way over priced for what you get. If it wasn’t for the view, they would be out of business. Sorry but the truth hurts, it survives because it’s in a nice resort, I’m sure repeat business to Manta is small, it’s more like one and done.

    Manta at Mauna KeaResponded on September 1, 2023

    Aloha Mray, Thank you for your feedback. I was wondering if you might care to share more details about what you didn't like your meal so that I may address your concerns with the kitchen. Thank you so much for your time, -Monte

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  31. GaryD

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Nice setting food over priced very small portions great staff in need of mega renovation

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Beautiful restaurant. Top notch service. Pretty expensive for what you get. Apps and wine amazing. Entrees a bit disappointing. Would go back for a cocktail and app before dinner next time.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We dinner outside in the open which was nice with the sunset and the ocean to look at during dinner. Our server Bronson was great and knew what each dish was and was very attentive to my wife and I. The flavors of the dishes are great but for the size it’s kind of pricey. All in all we had a great experience here with good food and a great local server. Dishes ordered Uni pasta, scallops, lobster, abalone foie gres and Lamb.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best restaurant that we’ve tried on the big island. We read sone negative reviews and were apprehensive about going, but are very glad we did. Our dinner was incredible. We started with the cream of tomato soup, the beet root salad, and the crispy brussel sprouts. All three were great, but the tomato soup stood out as our favourite. For desert we had the Bombe Alaska and the Lilikoi Soufflé (which is a new addition to the menu starting today). Both were amazing and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Service was quick and excellent, unlike what we read in some other reviews. We were promptly seated and attended to, and our dishes came out in a very timely manner. The restaurant itself is stunning and the views are gorgeous. After the sun sets be sure to go down to see the manta rays swimming under the lights. Don’t believe some of the bad reviews - this was not our experience at all.

    Manta at Mauna KeaResponded on August 24, 2023

    Thank you for taking the time to write this, we are glad that you were able to join us and have the experience you had. Aloha

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  35. DarcyG

    Exclusive

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience5
    Rather unattractive plating…greasy Brussel Sprouts…. Disappointing no Vegan options.. Fish entree sitting in watery juice and no representation of vegetables….sashimi looked like scraps in wobbly bowl….Chef needs to try

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  36. PeterB

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience5
    Wow..that sucked. Stupidly expensive (for just OK food), very understaffed, waited 30+ minutes past our reservation time, and after the food was served never saw our water again until 10+ minutes after we finished eating. Fantastic location earns the second star. Cancelled my reservation for the last night of my stay. You don’t have many dining choices in the hood so you may have to do this place but come in with low expectations. Quick Update…manager reached out and asked for me to contact him to make arrangements to give the restaurant a second chance. I did, but never heard back from him..oh well ;(

    Manta at Mauna KeaResponded on August 23, 2023

    Aloha Peter, I would like to formally reach out to you and apologize for the experience you had at Manta. The service, we can always achieve to be better, and I will continue to train staff to do so. I would love to know more about the food and the issues you had with it. I would like to personally invite you to reconsider joining us on your last night to see if we can make it up to you. Please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to open a dialogue. Thank you for your time -Monte

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  37. RobertL

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    My family and I (there were 8 of us) were here on vacation after flying in from Virginia. This was the first restaurant we ate at and our group was externally tired from a 16 hour flight. First, I want to say how great the food was as well as the atmosphere. It wasn’t outrageously busy and we didn’t feel rushed. The service was top notch as well. Towards the end of dinner we were able to see the sun set and the manga rays feed at the beach which was a nice touch as well. The only negative thing I have to say (which is the reason why we didn’t give 5 stars) was that the delivery of food was slow. I know there was 8 of us so we were a big group, however we spent 3 hours dining which we felt was a little excessive. Everything else though was top notch and we would definitely visit again!

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  38. ShaunaJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food was lovely. The fish was so fresh. Scallop ravioli was fantastic! Even for someone who doesn’t like scallops. The ambiance was romantic and seeing the mantas in the water after dinner was amazing! Server was great, but food came out slower than we expected.

    Manta at Mauna KeaResponded on August 24, 2023

    Wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your meal with us!

    1 person found this helpful

  39. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    Brussel sprouts were top notch, lobster and filet were also very good. Desserts weren’t great, crème brûlée was cold and top was soft, the pineapple tarte tatin was thick and chewy.

    1 person found this helpful

  40. RosaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. We had the oxtail corn bread app, Mac crusted mahi mahi and filet for entrees and crème brûlée for desert. Everything was delicious and perfectly filling. Highly recommend the mai tai it was so fresh. The views and ambiance were great and relaxing, it was just a little hot since we were sitting outside

    1 person found this helpful

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 1329 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 27 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
    Pacific Rim, Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, 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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