If the luxury atmosphere and rich history at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach do not entice travelers enough, their new and reopened culinary offerings are sure to tempt.
Named in honor of the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Queen Lili’uokalani, ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is infused with the island’s history. After a $125 million renovation in 2018, the resort radiates sumptuous bliss and tranquility through its open-air lobby, gourmet restaurants, top-notch amenities, saltwater infinity pool and roomy suites.
Within this award-winning Resort are trendsetting eateries, including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s famed ramen house called Momosan and signature restaurant Morimoto Asia, SWELL located on the rooftop pool deck, Longboard Club, two new food trucks and more.
The resort’s new Executive Chef, Frederic Hoffmann, made revamping the resort’s edible experiences possible. He brings over 25 years of menu development skills and experience from top hotel restaurants at St. Regis, W hotels and more. The Chef’s dedication to heavenly, healthy food is present in each on-site dining spot.
At SWELL rooftop, from private cabanas or lounge seating, guests can enjoy the sustainable food and cocktail happy hour series, Earth to Cup, introduced on Earth Day. Inspired by the four Earth elements—air, land, sea and fire—the menu highlights bites like Moloka‘i venison meatballs and Oahu kampachi ceviche with sips, such as the Guava Mai Tai and Bananavardier with banana Toki Japanese whiskey, crafted by Gastronomista blogger Emily Arden Wells. After the sun sets, Light Monument, a creative installation by local artist Joseph Pa‘ahana, illuminates the space, accompanied by music from the Honolulu’s most popular musicians nightly.
For a night of pan-Asian flavors Morimoto Asia (reopening June 2021) is a must. While overlooking the ocean, customers can sit at the bungalow-style bar or an outdoor lanai while biting into peking duck, dim sum, sticky ribs and Korean kalbi.
To sample Hawaiian farmer’s market favorites, ‘Alohilani is introducing food trucks from local chefs. Chef Andrea Onetti’s Piccola Onda will feature Italian cuisine, including gnocchi ragu bolognese and lasagna. For something sweet, Chef Brandon Lee of Double Fat Ice Cream will serve hand-spun ice cream and sorbet in specialty flavors like Lilikoi sorbet.
The Longboard Club, an indoor-outdoor lounge, houses a personalized culinary program with panoramic views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Available for club access level guests, this spot serves international and local cuisine, including design-your-own açaí bowls in the morning and Napa wine pairings with tasty, seasonal cheeses.
“We are thrilled to have such talented chefs bring their concepts to ‘Alohilani and celebrate their exceptional range of culinary offerings,” says Matthew Grauso, the General Manager of ‘Alohilani. “Our team has been hard at work to push forward during this time, and we’re excited to welcome guests and the local community with delicious and inventive fare.”
Whether guests are craving food truck fare or Iron Chef delights, ‘Alohilani is ready to excite their taste buds and grant them a much-needed respite in Waikiki paradise. 2490 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Waikiki, Hawaii, 800.367.6060, alohilaniresort.com
Photography by: