The Veranda at the Kahala Resort
Afternoon Tea on the balcony, wonderful!!!
I love the Kahala - a classic, beautiful hotel that is not in the frenzy of Waikiki and feels safe! For the location, history, lovely lounge atmosphere and wonderful live music, I would recommend the Veranda. The food is also pretty good. That being said, and it pains me to say this, my lower rating stems from the sub-par service. While the service staff tries to be pleasant, there is just way too many tables than they can accommodate, leaving guests waiting and/or feeling rushed when trying to ask questions or flagging them down. You feel as if you are imposing and, I get it, they are overwhelmed. I think this is not so much of a server issue, as it is a staffing and management issue. I dined here on several days during my stay and each time it was the same. This is an easy fix and so I have faith it will improve.
Beautiful ambiance. Strange service. It was not clear to us where to go to check in. No one greeted us- we stood there for a few minutes before anyone acknowledged us. When we sat down no one explained to us how the tea service worked (how much would be enough for two people, what sort of sandwiches are served). We also noticed and thought it was strange that none of the servers smiled or made us feel welcome. Overall it was a nice experience. Food was good, however, I feel as if there may be better tea options at other locations on the island
Love the variety and quality of small shared plates and cocktail options. Device was a little slower than expected but seemed like only one person was on the floor for eight or so tables. Very lovely piano music and open air lounge seating. Relaxing! I’ll definitely be back to try more.
Food and service was excellent. Sushi size was large and expensive, but worth the price for the size and the real crab. I was surprised that the manager and staff were not aware of their special discount for celebrating Kahala"s 55 year celebration. If the hotel has a special, everyone should be aware of it and the customer shouldn't have to question about it. Music was great.
Went for afternoon tea and wrote in advance that one in the party was vegetarian. The server was incredibly lovely but house policy was that there were no menu substitutions on food, and 3/4 of the sandwiches were meat filled, so the vegetarian could only eat one small sandwich. The teapot was under-filled with tea leaves so the tea was weak (I run my own teahouse so I know what a proper amount is for a pot that size) and the dessert sizes were small even for tea. Worst was that one of the lights shorted in the ceiling during our tea, filling the room with the smell of burnt plastic and causing the lights to go out. We had to report it because the staff didn't notice and then they stood there and looked at it, trying to figure out what to do. No one thought to move the customers or even to apologize. It could have easily been an electrical fire! We decided to leave and went indoors and then had to stand around waiting for our bill and paying in some random chairs while other guests looked at us like we were strange. My guest complained of the smell ruining her tea and making her nauseated. It was supposed to be a relaxing celebration but it was a disaster, and a disaster that cost $90 for two people.
We had an amazing time at the Veranda. The food and drinks were amazing and the service was impeccable. The appetizers and dessert was so good. We heard about Dave Swanson and he was absolutely amazing and we will definitely be back.
食事、雰囲気は最高に良かった。スタッフも初めはフレンドリーに対応してくれたが、支払い時に、55周年記念プロモーションを適用できるか確認した後に、態度が変わったことが残念だった。(結果的にプロモーションの適用はできたが、レシートを持ってきた際、笑顔も挨拶もなかった。)
fantastic entertainment!
Beautiful setting and delicious food. One of my faves.
ピンクアフタヌーンティーに友人と行きました。予約時間を前日に電話で変更し、その時間の数分前に行ったのですが、案内のスタッフ(女性)の態度がそっけなく、最初はそこの担当でないのかと思う位。予約してある旨を伝えても、確認することなく席に通されたので、何のために予約をしたのか?と思いました。彼女がきちんと予約を確認しなかったその結果かどうかわかりませんが、後からopen tableからno showではないか?とメールまで来ました。アフタヌーンティーは良かっただけに、彼女の態度が残念でした。
Always enjoy the Veranda at the Kahala. Relax atmosphere, good food and entertainment
I went to afternoon tea with my friends for my birthday and everything was wonderful. We had great service and everyone is attentive and so considerate. Our server was patient and accomodated all our requests including taking our photo quite a few times for us. I would recommend going to The Veranda to have a nice relaxing time to catch up with friends or for special occasions. I will come back again for future gatherings with the relaxing and elegant atmosphere.
A spontaneous outing for High Tea. A bit pricey but service ambiance etc was outstanding.
Lovely setting. Attentive wait staff. The scones were very dry. Sandwiches were good. Pastries were good.
A follow-up evaluation was sent to the Kahala subsequent to our visit. As was previously mentioned, our 1630 reservation check-in was not properly accounted for by the staff, hence the Open Table "no show" notification. Upon seating, the service was courteous and prompt however, service personnel did not demonstrate a knowledge of the product and simply took the order. With the exception of a water refill near the end of our dining, service was almost non-existent. Items being served and removed were handled with the same level of minimal effort; no attempt was made to ensure a positively memorable dining experience. This was in sharp contrast to previous experiences we've had at the Veranda and was not commensurate with the fine service and attention to detail we've come to appreciate from the Kahala. The food and beverages, on the other hand, were delicious and satisfying; essentially salvaging an otherwise poor overall performance.
Afternoon Tea Review -
Selection of 2 teas - which both were very good - finger sandwiches - and small deserts - along with optional champagne.
Compared to upper-end tea services in England (e.g., Chesterfield Mayfair) - this was mediocre but commanded premium pricing. Underwhelming.
Excellent as always
Compare to last time I visited, they are going downhill.
well, coming from a local girl stand point, it was my birthday. I asked to sit where I could see the ocean and the piano man. I got exactly that, and without even asking, pillows for my back on the VERY cozy and comfortable sofa that I sat on was brought to me and my guest. Outstanding service. Smiles and kind words with hugs at the end of the night. Simply wonderful service! Mahalo for all the Aloha Spirit !
Very disappointing how the menu changed and way overpriced for what you get!
Guava chiffon cake will only be served a certain time but is on the menu is absurd!
Tacos were very good!
We had to ask for check, we had to ask for hot water and we felt rushed with table clearing!
Excellent service and food. We were treated so well. We needed to change our table seating and they made it seamless!!
Tea service at The Veranda is not cheap, but the tranquil view with quiet ambiance is worth the extra money. The treats and tea are also delicious!
今回はアフタヌーンティーをいただきました。
スコーンはしっとりなのにさっくりしていて、大変美味しかったです。
ベランダ席の海側を用意していただいて、とても気持ちよく過ごせました!
また利用したいと思います。
They let screaming kids run around diners, which is very unfortunate. Also, when the blast fireworks, the noise and sonic boom is deafening. They should NOT allow this if they plan to keep dolphins in their pools!!!!!!!!! What a travesty!!!! Poor animals!!!!!
my sister was in town and I wanted to take her to a place that offers it all in Honolulu, The Veranda is that place...ambiance is perfect, the service was outstanding and the food was very yummy, we are definitely planning on dining at The Veranda again. It is a special but comfortable experience.
The food, service, and music were excellent. Enjoyed listening to Shawn and Lehua. Will definitely return again. Enjoyed the happy hour prices too.
Friendly staff, wonderful service.
Great food and great view
Anniversary
I would give a 5 stars is just to way pricey and $45 should be okay with champagne..I really love the ambiance and the choices of tea is very few ,food is not bad and not superb ..I definitely will come back just for the sake of afternoon tea experience with awesome ambiance..
Great place for a private gathering. The setting is superb, the classical music is fantastic. Food however, could use a lift. We had a pasta with crab - it was pathetic. Made with shell pasta and only some remnants of crab, tasting no more than Mac and cheese with flavoring of crab, which is at $20 dollars is unacceptable. Vegetable tempura was nice but definitely overpriced for the amount of food. Overall, prices are good for location and ambiance.
The service is at C+
Retirement tea
Tea with family.
It was a nice relaxing tea with my sister and her girls. Thank you for helping to make my sister's bday special! She and the girls were visiting from Maryland and truly enjoyed the ocean view and the lagoon view with the dolphins and the turtles.
Great sushi and burger!
Staying at the Kahala for ten days and we were looking forward to the afternoon tea in the Veranda. Well it just was not as we remembered. The food items were small - just a few sandwich pieces and some scones and overall it looked rather sad as afternoon tea layouts on the tiered plates. Gave us one tea pot each and the waiter did not even pour the tea. Service was not very enthusiastic. Not worth $50 w person from the amount of food provided or the presentation or the service. Room is pleasant and fun to watch all the people walking by in the hotel lobby. Overpriced - but usually you get a lot of value for the money at the Kahala - they need to reengineer this tea service to make it more abundant and provide more of an event for $50 a person. Go to the plumeria restaurant instead for a better dollar value.
Price expensive for tea but we had the best burger and salad
Got the tea service. Was outstanding.
Great place and amazing afternoon tea. I never really get the best service at any of the restaurants I’ve gone to. Valet is probably the best service, then the food itself and the hotel is what keeps bringing me back. I suggest better restaurant service overall. Esp with afternoon tea, have the servers explain more of how it works and sell it more! It could be a magical experience