Orchids
The Halekulani Hotel,2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96815
Orchids Menu
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Address :
The Halekulani Hotel,2199 Kalia Rd
Honolulu, HI, 96815 - Phone (808) 923-2311
- Website https://www.halekulani.com/dining/orchids-restaurant
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:30 am - 10:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Helen K.
I've been here many times before for the Sunday brunch during the holidays but this is a first for having breakfast. I had an omelet with cheese, ham & mushrooms & it was just superb. Never had an omelet that good! The service was excellent & looking forward to coming back in December for the Sunday Brunch!
(5)Pam M.
I've been here a bunch of times for brunch & most recently today for afternoon tea (8.29.15) with one of my friends. Orchids is a beautiful ocean front property with magnificent views of Waikiki beach & Diamondhead. For tea options, there are about a dozen teas available, which are presented in small jars so you can sample the scent to choose a flavor based on fragrance. We both ordered the afternoon tea food menu option and I had a pot of Lavender Earl Gray tea and my friend had the pineapple coconut tea. We were offered milk & honey to accompany our tea. After the tea pots arrived a basket with mini currant scones and mini poppyseed cakes arrived at our table with clotted cream, lemon curd & berry preserves in cute containers with silver spoons. The clotted cream was perfect with the scones and the lemon curd went well with the poppyseed mini cakes. Our food arrived on an elegant, 2 tier presentation with sandwiches below & desserts above. The finger sandwiches (ham & watercress, cucumber & cream cheese, chicken salad, smoked salmon) were petite & very tasty. I was pretty full but ate most of the petite desserts (lilikoi cake, chocolate eclair and a third that I forgot, but had a berry in the center). Service was quick & friendly. Orchids is a great option to take visitors for an impressive view & great brunch or afternoon tea.
(5)Linda Y.
If you want to go to a restaurant with excellent food and great service, orchids is the place. Every time we have eaten here they seat us with a view of diamond and the Pacific Ocean. We tried the Sunday brunch and you pay for what you get. Quality comes at a price. The service was superb. Came back for dinner the next evening and again the service was attentive. I recommend the Onaga and the coconut cake.
(5)Misi T.
Halekulani would be great if it wasn't so over price for it food.
(1)Mikiala C.
Went for birthday brunch. With many rav reviews from friends I was looking forward to eating here for weeks. They said the champagne was bottomless, and I assumed with a hefty price of 69.99 per person for brunch, it better come with an alcoholic drink. Well, my champagne costed me $18, and a friends fruit punch ran her $8. While the selection of carvings were great, roasted pig, turkey and prime rib. The standard breakfast meats were slim with bacon and sausage. The waffles were drenched in amaretto and basically soggy. Desserts were bountiful, but mediocre in taste. A small selection of sushi and sashimi were also available. What impressed me was the ice cream station with fresh ice cream cookie sandwiches being made to your liking. Overall, the ambiance was nice, the view of diamond head is basically what you're paying for. The summer heat definitely dampened the experience. Decent selection, average quality.
(2)Fran C.
**** SUNDAY BRUNCH REVIEW **** What can I say.......The Orchids at the Halekulani Hotel has got to be one of the premier buffets on the island! We had a belated Father's Day family get together today for Sunday brunch. What can I say about the brunch buffet? Well, for $69.00 per person........you better lay out some really ono grindz, and the Orchids did not disappoint! I was trying to make a goal of eating every single item on the Sunday brunch buffet, then I realized I am no longer that 18 year old that had a bottomless stomach. Isn't life a hoot? I mean when you're young and can eat like a bull, you don't have the bucks to afford to eat here. Then when you're older, & make a few bucks so you eat here, you don't have the stomach to eat up like when you're young! Aaaaaaah, I gotta thank god for that! Lol! Anyways, the Sunday brunch was packed today, and we came in around 12:30 PM. We were seated pretty quickly, and we had a very nice table facing the ocean. Several waiters came by to take our drink order, then told us to go up to the buffet when we were ready........ What a spread they had! A full blown salad bar with sushi, sashimi, & poke too! A table of pastries, & breads........but of course you cannot forget the "Popovers" with orange marmalade! There was a carving station with turkey, prime rib, & suckling pig. An omelet station, & dessert station. There was a nice spread of breakfast, & lunch items (too many to mention), and a fruit & dessert station. Just check my pics on what I picked up..........and I'm telling you I only picked up a fraction of what they provided on the buffet spread. Very onolicious food! And the staff was very efficient & professional, unlike the unprofessional service I received the other night at Michel's. (You will have to read that review). I wished I could have eaten more, but my stomach felt like it was gonna EXPLODE! As I'm writing this review...........I think I will skip out on dinner, as I'm still full! Yikes! There is free validated parking in the parking structure across the street for the Halekulani Hotel, & Parc Hotel. Reservations is a must! Like I said before in my past review.............. There is nothing better in this lifetime, then to spend it with your family & friends.........it really doesn't matter where you go, or what you eat.............it's all about taking the time out from your busy schedule to spend it with your loved ones. That's what ohana is all about! Happy Father's day pops!
(5)Michelle T.
The view is spectacular if you get a seat on the patio right before sunset. I had originally planned on having dinner at House Without a Key next door but since we were planning on arriving around 6:30pm, I worried about being able to get a table before sunset. So I made reservations on OpenTable (easy peasy!) and we were seated right away. The view is amazing for pictures - you get Diamond Head on one side and a part of the sunset on the other. Our waiter took several pictures for us right before sunset and they looked great. Their Red Snapper was phenomenal and I gobbled up every bite. It does have cilantro - but our waiter was very willing to have the kitchen substitute it for another veggie. Definitely get their signature Halekulani Coconut cake - it is as good as everyone says. The cake was fully and the coconut cream not heavy at all. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. The service was on point and the food was delicious. And you can't beat that view!
(5)Tammy T.
This place is overrated! My friend and I came here for afternoon tea. The tea selection is good, large varieties of choices. I had the coconut pineapple tea and it was really good. However, the food was horrible. The sandwiches tasted like they have been frozen in the freezer for ages! The desserts were worse, they melted easily...... And please clean the table well! There was an ants on the napkin! I say we came here for the view.. and the tea......
(2)Christopher J.
Definitely worth it. Great food and amazing view of the ocean. Boo loved the ocean view and ice cream cookie dessert station. Service was impeccable. My favorites were the roasted pig, sliced steak, and many others I can't recall at the moment. Just wished they had a couple more selections.
(5)Jessieca S.
One word to the describe the food, service, and the view: PHENOMENAL. Make sure your stomach is completely empty before heading over there.
(5)Terry K.
Easter Sunday Brunch and the FIVE F's to accompany the FIVE Stars First seating time gets you a visit from the Easter Bunny. Easter Bunny brings its basket of treats and you can take a picture with it as well. Fire Cracker Champagne cocktail!!! Food is great all the way to the end (we usually get the last seating so there's no rush to leave) Fantastic view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head Fellowship is as free flowing as with the food. In some cases, it is the one time in the year I see some of my acquaintances Salad bar, fresh seafood bar (the oysters were absolutely FRESH), hot dish bar (chicken and hot vegetables), and egg bar with omelet bar with eggs benedict on the side (best hollandaise sauce in the city), hot carving station (Easter brings a roasted suckling pig!!), desserts galore! ice cream sundaes, baked goods and the list goes on but my favorite was the lychee gelee and the crème brulee and the cute cute little lilikoi macaron duckies. The ambiance is amazing, the view spectacular, I would ask for patio seatiing and enjoy the tradewinds and ocean breeze. The service impeccable.Go on an empty stomach; grab the small plates so you can graze through each course and dish. Parking-valet service on the mark. Need I say more?
(5)Casey A.
Sunday lunch here is probably one of the best buffets I've eaten in Hawaii! The service, food, and atmosphere was beyond my expectations. The view of Diamond Head and the shores of Waikiki beach definitely added the mood of paradise. As for the food I really enjoyed the juicy prime rib and smoked salmon with capers. The desserts were also tasty, especially the ice cream cookie. I am definitely coming back here for any special occasion.
(5)Reina L.
Always one of our favorite places to dine! Tonight Daniel waited on us and we had an incredible time. I tried the lobster and beef cheeks, at his suggestion and it was so delicious! The beef melted in my mouth! A first for me, but loved it! We go twice a year and the guys always remember us...we love the service, food, and beautiful view!
(5)Mustafa O.
The food was extremely mediocre and lacked any real flavor The service was even more pretentious than the food. If you're on the crossroads between here and Roy's for lunch, turn back and go to Roy's Just the overall demeanor of everyone starting with the front desk who asked me to put on one of their hawaiian shirts. I apologize I'm in hawaii and find hawaiian shirts ridiculously unfashionable with their ugly silky flowers, let alone this restaurants distinct appreciation for them and the delusion of them being formal ware, but that's fine I will cover up my even more expensive and fashionable Ralph Lauren striped jersey T because I didn't want to walk out just yet. So make sure you're wearing a collared/hawaiian shirt when you go here. Then as soon as we sat down the hostess tells my friend she can put her purse on the chair next to her... Really thanks, my friends vacationing in hawaii at a 5-star hotel but doesn't have the common sense to put her purse on a chair. We ordered 2 appetizers and 2 entree items. They waiter asked if we would like the food all at once or as it comes out, now this might not be obvious, maybe some people enjoy getting all their appetizers and entree items all at once so they could race to eat them before they get cold but I told them, no please bring them out as they are ready. Guess what happened even AFTER they asked me the question I thought was pretty obvious... They brought out all the food at once. Thanks no really, again I didn't want to bring out the manager because my friend was treating me and it was my last day in hawaii but this is ridiculous. I was debating between staying here or the Royal Hawaiian, but this made my decision quite easy. The smoked duck carpaccio was think smokey duck slices in a a vinaigrette sauce with a few tangerine pieces and some sprinkles of vegetables Salmon and Foie Gras Croquette's sound a lot better than they taste. Putting Foie Gras in a croquette really extracts all foie gras taste Naan Chicken pizza had no sauce and topped only with bland cheese, chunks of white and dark meat, with mint and jalepenos. The shrimp raviolli was almost satisfying but also fell short of being an actual meal item. For $26 I should have a bit more than 3 medallions of ravioli
(1)Kayla N.
Great place!! The atmosphere is a little up tight but it's a very nice restaurant with a gorgeous view. The dinner was delicious with excellent service. Also came here for breakfast on my last day in Hawaii and it was amazing! Their pancakes are unbelievable!! They cappuccinos are great too. If you go for dinner Make sure you get the pan seared sea bass. It was delicious.
(4)April Y.
Orchids, in a 5 star hotel, hate to say but mediocre service. We had a group of 12 guests. We were missing 1 person so we delayed our tea start by 10 minutes. Our server/waitress came out carrying 2 trays with our four selected teas and told us to go ahead and smell them so we could select which ones we wanted for our individual pots. Our server was not friendly or cordial with us. Promptly after our instruction came out, another server brought us scones, and the preserves. He did inform us what the scones were, and the muffins. One of our party members asked if she could have plain scones brought to her. He promptly told her that should have been requested in advance at the time of booking. She questioned if that was a new policy because she has had it done for her before. He then replied to her how he had been working there for several years and has not seen any special orders at the table in a curt manner. Not cool. Our group was doing a go round the table and answer a question. One of our party members was in a very emotional moment, and the hostess just cuts into the conversation over her: 'excuse me, I need to put the food down' sans any courtesy or politeness. No explanation as to what we were eating, and we had to guess. Someone got her attention, and asked her what we were eating - THEN the sandwich varieties were explained, but she didn't speak to all of us, just the gal who asked the question. She then said she had to go get our next round of tea, so I asked quite politely if I could try a different tea from the collection. I felt I was admonished for such a request, as I was told: 'You are not to supposed to change your tea. It's not proper.' Yes, I was a bit irritated with our waitress at this point. We get our new pots. I truly do not think they put new tea bags into the pot. The second pot seemed way weaker, even after letting the tea sit for at least 5 min. The sandwiches, and desserts were great! I noticed at the smaller tables the guests were having all the leftovers packaged up and presented. Yeah no such offering for us. We had to ask for the to go bins. Don't know why our table was treated so poorly. Not sure if I would want to attempt here again.
(3)Jonathan L.
Was at the hotel the day before for a wedding. The hotel is gorgeous! Orchids was recommended by a local. I am never a huge fan of restaurants in hotel but extremely surprised. The lobster bisque was frothy and included chunks of lobster. But what sealed the deal was the veal chop. One of the best cooked pieces of meat I have had.
(4)Julie L.
Nice restaurant with beautiful views. All the food was wonderful ~ had the opaka fish and tried the shrimp ravioli, both were delicious! Service was great, wonderful way to spend the evening. Warning ~ check the dress policy before you go. We were on vacation my husband only brought jeans and sneakers, that was fine as long as they do not have holes.
(5)Debbie T.
The beauty of the islands flows through this dining room. An elegant yet casual setting for lunch. The staff was attentive and kind. Although, the waiter spent a teeny bit too much time at our table. Melt in your mouth beef cheeks. I had to ask them to remove the wasabi mashed potatoes for fear I would finish the whole thing! Afterall, had to make room for their famous coconut cake that is also served in other dining rooms on the premise. It's pricey, though. I think I'm worth it! Haha. Seriously, worthy of a special occasion celebration.
(4)Rosa O.
My girlfriend has long been raving over the amazing brunches here, and I'm glad that I was able to check it out this time I was in Honolulu. First off, the service is amazing. Subtle but all over it, there was never a chance to be missing a piece of silverware or wait for someone to ask about a drink refill. Sometimes this can feel like a little too much, but the men here really know how to work it. I tried the guava juice (yum) and the mai tai, which was the best one I've ever had, and I'm crying a little bit as I write this because I don't have one to sip on right now. The food. So good. I don't know where to start, so I'm just going to list some of the great things that I had, knowing full well that I'll miss some of it. Ricotta crepes, ahi poke, popovers (with lilikoi butter!) kalua pork, fruit panna cotta, house made crackers, sushi... I could keep going forever, with a separate page just for desserts. I had an entire course of just cheese! My favorite thing was the popovers, which surprised me. They seem so low key, but then just knock your socks off. It's probably a good thing that I don't live in Hawaii, because I'd spend all my money here.
(5)Elysse P.
Orchids is located in Halekulani Hotel. Gorgeous, classy, and simple. When you call to make reservations, be sure to request an ocean view. Breathtaking. We had the pleasure of enjoying breakfast. + fresh fruit platter - Literally just a plate of fresh fruit. BUT Fruit in Hawaii is just soo... potent! Sweet, refreshing, flavorful. I love it. + Banana/macadamia pancakes - Good, I thought they could have been more flavorful and moist. + Loco Moco - SO GOOD. The meat was tender, egg was perfectly cooked, and the flavors. DELICIOUS. Highly recommended. + Alaskan Crab Benedict - My second favorite dish. I would have enjoyed more crab, but everything else about the dish was perfect. + GUAVA JAM - complimentary on the table, don't miss it! It's delicious with toast. Valet is free for 2 hours with validation.
(4)Christine S.
Located in a beautiful hotel, along side Waikiki beach entertained by a live band, And on the house wine? Absolutely awesome. I came here with my boyfriend for a surprise birthday party. the setting of this restaurant is absolutely amazing. The fact that you are able to have a dinner while looking out to the ocean is awesome. Such a wonderful experience. I wasn't too fond of the menu tho, maybe because there was very little to chose from and so very pricey. The service was alright, I don't remember seeing much of our server at that time. It could be because they were busy, so that I understand. I got a filet fish as my main dish, I can't exactly remember what it was. Although, it was rich in flavor and taste, I found the serving to be so small for such a price. I sill can't deny the fact that it was delicious. I was a little upset because I thought that wine was on the house, but turns out that we got charged a bottle. I guess on the house is limited, sorry do excuse me because I'm not used to eating at fancy restaurants. Overall, this restaurant was awesome, and most loveable for their absolutely stunning view of Waikiki beach.
(4)Ariana M.
** Breakfast Review ** Came here on a Saturday morning. Lucky for us it wasn't busy that day and we were seated immediately. It was a beautiful sunny day in Waikiki so I was happy we were seating outside. yelp.com/biz_photos/orch… There was a nice breeze too so that was great :) The staff was professional. More on the quite side and not too talkative. The Grub. [[ EGGS BENEDICT $16 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/orch… This Benedict was cooked perfectly. The potatoes were delish too. One thing I thought was interesting was the tomato, I never had a skinned tomato before. [[ BANANA PANCAKES $13 ]] yelp.com/biz_photos/orch… The pancakes were fluffy. I personally didn't care for the nuts scattered on the top. Overall I thought this place was great! The food and the view was just perfect on Saturday. Couldn't ask for a better stay-cation ;)
(5)Nikki O.
The afternoon tea and little sandwiches were so good ! Definitely would come back again !! :)
(5)Jack W.
Grade drops a very drastic three stars on this updated review; I also actively recommend folks look at other places (buffet or beachside decor - e.g. The Market or Hoku at Kahala) before considering Orchids: - The food continues to be decent (though I have to second another Yelper's opinion about the mediocre omelettes). - The key in the drop in stars is the focus of the staff to hustle you out the door. During the June visit, we were encouraged to leave at about the 1 hour and 15 minute mark. They stack up the reservations and try to squeeze as many people as possible - not unusual for restaurants and the encouragement to leave is common when there are a lot of people waiting. So while it wasn't desirable at the time, it was understandable. HOWEVER, during yesterday's visit, we were chased out 58 minutes after being seated. It was 12:58 pm, with many tables empty already and with no patrons waiting for tables. My plate and cutlery were taken away, as were my coffee cup - with no chance of refill of coffee. My wife was still very clearly eating a three-quarter full plate of food, as we were eating a little more slowly for our anniversary and enjoying the food and ambiance. We were presented the check immediately after and asked if we have a parking ticket to validate...and no one came back to refill any water, coffee, or otherwise pay attention until I put my credit card in the black booklet (when staff were amazingly eagle-eyed and attentive). $59 per person for one plate of salad, one small bun, one plate of entree items, with one coffee and one iced tea and no drink refills for our anniversary luncheon...and hustled out at the 58-minute mark is amazingly expensive. Two visits in a row where this poor behavior is exhibited suggests that this is the norm for Orchids, and so given the price and availability of other good locations in Honolulu for equivalent dining, I am recommending to family, friends, and co-workers that we take our money and celebrations elsewhere.
(2)Sasha L.
I just had the most wonderful brunch this afternoon at Orchids! Our server was the professional and ever so gracious Jonathan! If you go here, ask for him, as his service is impeccable! I normally don't wake up for brunch (or breakfast), but my friends had a reservation so we decided to give it a try after all. They have everything in a brunch that I wanted..an omelet station, sashimi, breakfast items, cheeses and cured meats, an ice cream sandwich station..etc! And everything was absolutely top quality. I normally won't finish my plate if I don't care for the food, but everything was so delicious that I ate and ate, then went back for thirds! A little pricey but for the food and quality of service received, it should really cost a lot more. Plus, that ocean front view..gorgeous!!
(5)Barbea D.
Wow oh wow!!! I will be coming back again and again for the amazing dishes that I had here the other night!!! A friend had invited us to dinner at Orchids and I am sooooooo glad we took him up on the offer! We sat close to the ocean, talked story, and devoured the delicious food sat before us!!! All four of the dishes I ate were top notch delicious and my main course, the Olive Oil Poached Salmon, was out of this world amazing! I accompanied all of my food with 2 watermelon mojitos, Delicious!!!! Can't wait to go again! I will be recommending Orchids to many!
(5)Carmen C.
I went here yesterday for our belated Valentine's/Sunday brunch. It was our first times so yes, we had really high expectations & standards coming in...especially when they 'claim' they're the best buffet on the island. HOLY...food was TERRIBLE. Not worth the $69/person tab...$100/person after tip & tax, NO WAY. I am a buffet lover & expect some really good quality meats. For a $69 buffet, THERE IS NO PRIME RIB!! Instead they have this sad, pathetic, chewy, OVERCOOKED & OVERSEASONED 'roast beef' alternative. It's not worth it, don't even try it. It was so salty, it made my tongue irritated. The rest of their 'chef's selection/hand carved' meats were crap. Their roast turkey was dry. Their roast pig, I didn't even want to bother...it was visibly dry. Also, as mentioned in another reviewer's review on yesterday's buffet, why are the meats SO COLD?!?!? Also, why are all your silverware so old & dirty?!? A lot of the forks & spoons had rust on them...for an almost $100/person buffet, you can't get new silverwares?!? Their dessert selection was sad...I am a HUGE dessert lover & was extremely disappointed. Their almond tofu wasnt amazing...Hawaii Prince has a WAY better one. You guys DEFINITELY have to try their's. Their mini cream puffs were cute & was ok. Their savior was their ice cream & sorbet bar...can't go wrong with unlimited ice creams but I felt like I spent $100/person eating mostly ice cream & sorbet... The only thing worth it, is their coconut sorbet. Yes, I pretty much ate sorbet the entire buffet... Side note, service & ambiance is amazing. Our waiter was very attentive. The view is beautiful, so beautiful that it subconsciously made the food taste better. Man, imagine if they didn't have a nice beach front view...I'd be leaving there 10x more disappointed & salty. Food, don't even waste your time & money. Go to Kai Market or Hawaii Prince instead, they're still my #1 buffets here AND they're cheaper AND a lot better AND they offer kamaaina discount. Sorry Orchids, that was my first & last time. I really don't know how you have the title of 'best buffet on the island', obviously those people have not tried Kai Market or Prince Court.
(1)Littleone P.
We walked into the restaurant for a late Sunday brunch. Price was not cheap. .probably closer to $100 per person w tip. But food and service was impeccable. Buffet was delish..loved that they had all you can eat sashimi and then have pancit w your next plate. This Sunday brunch is more in tune if you want to splurge for your family. .. The location was absolutely gorgeous. .wanted sat facing the ocean. Hotel had heated seats, cuz you know..it's Hawaii?
(5)Holly B.
We were hosted for lunch and it was a real treat to dine at this restaurant again! I can't emphasize enough the million dollar view of Diamond Head that is relaxing and enjoyable amidst the serenity of the Halekulani grounds. Even though this hotel is in the midst of bustling Waikiki, it is a haven of peace and tranquility right at the waters edge! Even the parade of locals and tourists walking along the sea wall don't detract from the lovely experience of Orchids Restaurant! The ahi sashimi appetizer was delicious with a interesting crunch of thinly sliced takuan, sprouts, and a lemon drizzle that didn't overpower the delicate flavor of the FRESH ahi. I enjoyed the seafood curry with toasted coconut and mango chutney w/ raisins over long-grained rice - YUM! Then I finished my meal with Halekulani's famous coconut cake, very light and delicate and oh-so-good! Again, the presentation was superb and the waitstaff were very attentive and accommodating. Did I mention the blended lemonade and the calamansi soda? Both excellent, non-alcoholic drinks, refreshing and tasty! Can't wait to dine here again!
(5)Brent K.
Last night of Restaurant week 2014. Saving the Best for the last night. We booked it a little later so we could sit next to the ocean. Nice cool night, Perfect for out door dinning. We had the special for that week, Three course . And two extra appetizers. We were really hungry ! First a bottle of there 2013 Mosel. smooth and sweet,Goes down really easy ! LOL First course seared diver scallops burnt butter puree, curry vinaigrette. Best scallops ever ! Orchids salad . Olive oil poached salmon with adzuki beans,chorizo, My other haft had the beef & vegetable brochette. , good flavor. And desert, there famous coconut cake. and some kind of chocolate mini extravaganza ! What ever it was it was Delicious ! Great service and a Beautiful Hotel.
(5)Warren N.
What can I say: it's Orchids in the Halekulani
(5)W Q.
The sunday brunch for $69 per person is absolutely amazing. After tax/tip, it comes out to be $86 per person. Honestly the best brunch buffet I've ever had. 110 items, fresh, quality items. I had to make reservation 2 weeks in advance. Comes with fresh squeezed juice, coffee, tea, etc.
(5)Rossi K.
We came here for my brother-in-law wedding dinner. The food and service was impeccable. I can list the appetizers and entrees that was ordered but the list is too long. In short, everything here was ono! The wine was good (ordered 2 bottles) and their coconut cake was to die for. In addition, we got our parking validated. Win, win in my books.
(5)Daisy V.
Re: signature coconut cake. Still can't match the memory, now fading fast, of the Alan Wong Pineapple Room's coconut haupia cake of the 1990s-2000s. The Orchid version is simply too flat, with the cake portion lacking the moisture and textural complexity of the PR one, and the haupia between top and bottom cake layers tasting, frankly, dull, in contrast with the Pine Room's more dobash-consistency, robust, and thick-yet-not-gloppy-because-of-the-sheer-Âcommitment-to-coconut-meat(?-or-flakes?)-within-Âthat-layer haupia. I am so indescribably sad about this. Pine Room haupia cake, where oh where art thou? But this doesn't negate the sheer power of excellent service, plus high-quality fusion-y food, done up right at this seaside Waikiki restaurant. Beef cheeks with gremolata and mustard sabayon (with mashed potatoes that echoed the mustard grains) and some kind of Chinese cabbage (bok choi? mustard? not sure...) plus dill and cilantro: perfectly umami-esque, not too salty, yet assertive and confident. Beef was packed with zingy layers of flavor and quite moist, rather than oily. [But where's the lemon or lime zest in the gremolata? Is my less-than-sensitive palate missing something here? The relish tasted more like a persillade than a gremolata, but oh well, it's not like the average Waikiki tourist or self-described foodie local knows the difference.] Hot and cold asparagus appetizer got points for originality, though am not convinced of the "cold" aka shaved aspara strips part. The grilled (?) "warm" aspara part worked well, though; retained enough crunch to have personality, fresh and likely local, fat and delish. Liked the bits of prosciutto and perfectly flavored coddled egg, but the whole combination almost didn't work, in terms of how they were supposed to combine together. Was I supposed to toss it? But again: credit for risk, boldness, and attention to detail. Semi-yums for the plantation iced tea, though did not display as much uniqueness as the fruity and syrupy Pine Room one (there I go again, with my predictable Alan Wong bias), or even the very excellent and tea-strong Palme d'Or one at Ala Moana. Still, nicely executed, inoffensive, tasty. Friend whose promotion we were celebrating had shochu--no awamori, which was a disappointment--but at least they carried Iichiko. Four stars for the obvious level of quality for the food ingredients/prep, for enough originality to make a difference (though hardly innovative/edgy), for superbly well trained wait staff, and for the beautiful, quiet ocean view with legit Hawaiian musicians from House Without a Key audible and visible a few yards away. For a Friday evening, surprisingly uninhabited from 7-8:30 pm. Peaceful and mouth-joy-making night. Go if you don't want to be where the scene is but rather, where you can have an adult conversation in a gorgeous, elegant, and chill setting, without having to talk over the buzz of dozens of Honolulu hipsters meeting/mating/mingling.
(4)Adrian S.
INCREDIBLE! The entire staff acknowledges you by your last name. Pulls out chairs and sets napkins for you. They even offered a separate chair for my wallet and cell phone and my girlfriends purse so that it wasn't on the floor. The drinks were amazing. Best Mai tai I've had. I'm sure there are really good ones out there, but this was very good. The scallops were massive and flavorful. The shrimp ravioli was perfectly creamy and shrimpy. The house fish was also very good. For dessert, definitely try the home made ice cream. If you can get a table reservation by the lawn with the ocean view, you'll be in for a nice evening.
(5)Jon W.
Have you ever been so disappointed it hurt so much you knew you couldn't possibly be dreaming? That's how I felt after paying my $200 + tip tab for their overpriced, overrated, brunch buffet. Not to harangue, but Orchids, are you the ones that self profess your brunch as legendary? Or is a third party proclamation, you have no problem boasting on your website? I only ask because the statement is unmerited. My dining party and myself thought the entire experience was rather, to put in the most simplistic manner possible, ordinary. Orchids, when you charge $69 per person, shouldn't you serve the highest quality ingredients? The grisly, chewy, under seasoned "USDA Select" grade carving station meat will never be mistaken for prime rib. All the horseradish and au jus in the word won't change this fact. Is the carver instructed to slice each order so thin it's translucent? Though it would have been a little blurry, Diamond Head and the ocean would have been visible had I decided to hold my paper thin slice up and look through it. Orchids, did you forget the viscosity of the au jus and did it slip your mind a liquid will run all over the plate and mix with other brunch buffet items? Is this where your self proclaimed "experience an all-too-rare blend of taste...the flavors of the region" originates from? Any other dining establishment, chains included, offer their diners serving vessels to separate the au jus and horseradish from everything else. Orchids, do you temperature test your food throughout the course of service? Shouldn't food that should be eaten hot be served hot? I'm still trying to figure out why the suckling pig was as cold as the poke and sashimi. Orchids, when a customer pays $69 per person, there are often expectations he, or she, expects. Do you find reusing a fork, or knife, crusted with dried liquid egg yolk appetizing, or appealing? Have you considered replacing the silverware after clearing unused plates? Even if the table setting has untouched silverware, this would be a nice touch, especially considering you have, for decades, received AAA's four diamond rating. Orchids, is it customary for the wait staff to show, blatant, preferential treatment to Japanese tourists over kamaaina? Why were their coffees, water, and juices constantly attended to while ours sat crying for attention? And no, it was no condensation. Empty glasses do not form condensation. If you're going to favor one group over another, it's best not to have the tables side-by-side. Moreover, Orchids, is it protocol to drop off the check without first inquiring with the customer if they're finished? The $11+ mimosa, likely made with a $10 bottle of sparkling wine, was being enjoyed, and we wanted another round. Hawaiian Air first class serves stronger sparkling wine mixed drinks than you. Instead, the waiter implied, "No," here's the check, pay, and get out. Speaking of mimosas, Orchids. Since your have no problem self professing offering a legendary brunch buffet, did it ever cross your mind some diners find pulp putrid and revolting, and it would behoove the wait staff to ask "pulp or no pulp?" Come to think of it, if I was a Japanese tourist, I'm sure the waiter would have, first, checked. Where do I start expressing my disappointment in the experience, from start to finish? Maybe after a good nights sleep I'll find an appropriate outlet to voice my emotions. Until then, thanks for a memorable, for all the wrong reasons, experience. The desserts were good, specifically the Mango Mousse Final edit...Orchids, if you're going to have, and enforce a diner dress code, don't you think you should also have an employee appearance standard. Seeing an employee with silver teeth does not "wet" my appetite. Think about it
(1)Stefanie S.
All-in-all, I had a great experience at Orchid's. We went there to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday, and everything was flawless. The only criticism I can muster is to say that the lights were a bit too low. The older members of our party had to use their phone's flashlight to read the menu--but, I think they did this so you could better enjoy the night-time view of diamond head and the lights of Waikiki, and that was definitely nice. From where we sat, we also had a great view of the entertainment at House Without A Key (standard low-key hula dancer and live Hawaiian music). It was also nice that the waiters weren't too formal or treat us like tourists. We're locals and so are they, and it might seem silly, but it's nice to enjoy Waikiki without any of that pretense. I have celiac disease, and when I let the waiter know he immediately knew what I was talking about and told me he would let the chef know. The menu is marked with which dishes can be prepared gluten free, and it's nearly all of them! The waiter made me feel very comfortable about ordering, and when my food arrived whichever server brought it out would confirm that it was gluten free. My cousin also has food allergies, and I noticed she got the same treatment. It was very reassuring! They even had gluten free bread. It was just sliced sandwich-style, but so delicious. I asked where they got it, and it turns out they make it at the in-house bakery. I actually was hoping it was store bought so I could pick up a loaf! I'm trying to decide if putting in a special catering order is worth it, lol. They brought out a free slice of coconut cake for my mother-in-law with a candle and we all sang. My father-in-law actually ate the cake, and he said it was so good he could have had another slice. Everyone else went for something chocolate, and they all looked really good. Unfortunately, no gluten free desserts, but I was so full by that point it didn't matter. They did offer me some fresh fruit, or dessert coffee, tea, etc. It's been a few days and I can confirm no ill effects from the meal. Highly recommend if you're a celiac looking for fine dining in Honolulu.
(5)Michelle G.
Hmmm I like the food at house without a key better but this place is still good. It's more expensive and portions are smaller. The service is fantastic. Ask if you can get seated near the water (worth the wait).
(4)Bill R.
It pains me to have to update my review to the negative, but my dinning experience last week was so poor it warrants further review. I don't have an issue with paying $50 for a steak, but at least have the courtesy of using a quality cut of meat. I'm not exaggerating when I say the ribeye presented was consistent with what you'd find at IHOP or Denny's served with 2 eggs over easy, and a side if hash-browns. This was a $50 breakfast steak being served in one of the most upscale restaurants in Waikiki. Apparently this is normal at orchids because the waiter was unmoved by my observation, and stated that they "tend to cut it a bit thin" here. Yeah, thin as a shoe sole. They were not able to provide a cocktail menu so we just sort had to describe what we wanted. And the "by the glass" wines were extremely limited. Service staff was great as was the atmosphere. I have dinned here many times before on stellar dishes like olive oil poached salmon and Kona lobster. Maybe beef just isn't their thing, but I find it offensive that they would try and pass this off as acceptable. Perhaps they should stick to fish. I recommend you do the same when ordering. Updated review: August 2014
(3)Jason Q.
A very good location to take guests so they can enjoy the view. I would say they are better known for their seafood dishes. Surprisingly, the curry is very good as well. During my last visit, I started with the duck carpaccio and selected the veal chop for my main course. Both dishes were excellent. For the duck carpaccio, I especially liked that it was served with mandarin oranges which kept the dish light and very refreshing. With the veal chop, it came with some amazing mushrooms which really made the dish that much better. Of course, it is difficult to go to Orchids and not have their coconut cake for dessert. Best cake ever! My only gripe is that I've never had hot coffee at Orchids whether it's for brunch, lunch or dinner. I've been to this restaurant more than 20 times. Every time I order coffee, it is served luke warm. I've always wondered why their coffee is never served hot.
(4)Michael M.
First, understand our expectations were very high, due to being in the Halekulani. We were not disappointed. The food, service, atmosphere were all wonderful. One of our favorite dining experiences ever in Hawaii, and we have been here too many times to count. Price was also much lower than I would expect. Considering it is Hawaii, and everything overpriced, it was a wondeful value. Even the call to confirm our reservation was perhaps the most polite I have received. I cannot recommend highly enough, and will return.
(5)Jennifer T.
The bread basket was cute and omg to the butter selection. It was great! I don't remember what they were but the one with the caviar thing on top was great! Salty and creamy, I actually spread the butter on the rolls which is rare. They also had crackers and it went well with my appetizer. Ahi crudo appetizer was suggested by my waiter, it was definitely delicious but it was hard for me to down it all by myself because of the texture. Thankfully I had those crackers from the basket to even it out. The steamed onaga Orchids style was delicious!!!!!!!!! omg the fish was perfectly cooked, absolutely silky and delicious, perfectly portioned as well. Tt was light and filling at the same time, and the bowl of jasmine rice was awesome with it. I could definitely eat this again and it was worth the $38). Halukelani's signature coconut cake was amazing!!!!! The cake was so light and moist, the amaretto cream was so good, not too sweet. Definitely a great way to end the meal. This restaurant is beautiful and right along Waikiki beach. The service is amazing and everyone is so polite and welcoming, the waiter referred to me as "Miss Thai" hahaha love it!!!!
(5)Lynn T.
Okay, first of all we were seated on the edge of the Lanai and it was drizzling along with humidity. To me one could find better food for a lot less $. The menu is very limited, not a lot to choose from. Our onaga was bland and rib eye was thin sliced and VERY fatty. I'll keep going to Alan Wong's.
(2)Mary Z.
A nice place for Sunday Brunch. Tips, Quiet place, Good service, Most health food, can be cold because of the breeze, book early especially you have a big group-I could not get my reservation for 8 people even 2 month before;(
(5)Aly T.
So my family and I went here for my birthday, 2/18, and it was okay. My bf and I decided maybe we're not cut out for this fancy stuff because my sister and her bf liked basically everything. The bread/butter/oil combination they give is great!! The asparagus soup thing...I had to give it to me sister. Mm as for appetizers, the ahi crudo didn't make sense to me and my bf and it was very fishy, like you could smell it. And then 2 scallops for $32? I guess cause they put a little bit of caviar(?) on top. Lobster bisque only tasted good when you had it with the lobster chunks...all 3 of them. Mains: Veal was amazing! Me and my sister had the beef tenderloin, they got our Meats mixed up cause she had medium well and I had medium, but we didn't care lol. Anyway, tasted good too! Bf had the ribeye and he didn't care for it...me too, I liked mine better! Haha. The Onaga was really yummy too, my mom liked it. The dessert wasn't that great. $14 for kona coffee ice cream? No. Service: AMAZING! Except the people that give water and the guy that dropped off the asparagus soup thing. They were all salty. Mm that's basically it!~
(3)Pj C.
It was a great brunch for Valentine's day. Every table has some sort of view of the ocean and the area is really nice. Food was nice and enjoyable. Would love to go for dinner. Use a reservation app and everything just worked out
(4)G A.
Requested table with a view and mentioned we were celebrating our daughter's graduation on reservation and was completely delighted when both hostess and waiting staff congratulated our daughter. This restaurant may not necessarily be for teenagers but definitely great for a romantic night out or special occasion. Husband and I enjoyed everything from the ambience, cocktails to all the food, we each had lobster and beef cheeks. Days after our dining experience, my husband, continues to mention the great cocktails, Gingerly Fashioned and ..... Pele.
(4)Kristen B.
I booked a reservation at Orchids at the last minute for my last night in Oahu. I mentioned in my OpenTable reservation that I'd really, really love a table overlooking the ocean, as it was my last night in Hawaii, and that I was traveling solo. The service at Orchids, and at Halekulani in general, though I was not a guest at the hotel, was impeccable. I was greeted by name, and asked if I'd like any reading material to accompany my meal, or if the view would be enough. It was a gorgeous night, and I had a pleasant view of the ocean and beach, which more than sufficed. My server, Gary, also greeted me by name, and was so incredibly gracious, friendly and charming. I had the best meal of my stay in Oahu at Orchids. The salmon was so fresh and delicious, as was the wasabi mashed potatoes. I was also treated to dessert, compliments of Gary and the chef, possibly as they took pity on me due to my dining alone, but it never felt like pity. It felt like superior service and care. The hotel is also incredibly gorgeous -- I definitely plan to stay at Halekulani during my next visit to Oahu, and to dine again at Orchids. It earned every one of these five stars, and then some.
(5)Roger S.
Orchids is one of the finest seafood restaurants in the world. the service and style is impeccable. this is a very unique setting. .private dining facilities for up to 8 people in a special area is wonderful. the hotel that it's set in is the best hotel on the island of Oahu. and believe me for that you pay the price. everything is fresh out of the sea and Maui Maui is to die for. The presentation of the meals is really beyond words. All I can say is try this place and you'll know why I wrote it this way.
(5)Chelle M.
Went here for breakfast and it was exception. The dress code is strict but they will assist you with a bottom down shirt if you need one. We had dessert even though it was morning, my favorite was the coconut cake.
(5)Shay F.
I had lunch here with my mom and it's so funny. She said, "I like to come here for the view and the fresh air." So yes, the food is ok and the service is awesome, but please come for the view and fresh air.
(3)K.J. N.
Our reservation was booked via Open Table. I specified a pretty view, and we were given a table on the "upper deck." As the friendly hostess pointed out, it was much more private than the tables below. The view was very pretty, ideal for my daughter who was leaving back to the mainland the next day. We ordered Eggs Benedict, Poached Eggs on Corned Beef Hash, Bircher Muesli with Granny Smith Apple, and popovers. The popovers brought me back to the day when as an 18 year old, I worked the buffet at the original Halekulani, pre-renovation. They still taste delectable, and I dare say, are the inspiration for NM's Mariposa popovers. Everything tasted perfect. Timing of the service could have been a little better, as the muesli was forgotten, and I had to remind the server. Coffee and water is refreshed often though. There was no self-parking that day, and I valeted my car for the 2nd time in the 7 years I've had it. The only other place I will valet is Oahu Country Club. My car is nothing fancy by any means, but I do take good care of it. The valet guys in the front of Halekulani are so personable and professional, They even offered us chilled bottled water while waiting. Great way to end our very pleasant experience at Orchids!
(5)Olga F.
Very nice restaurant. The food is delicious, big selection. I really liked eating breakfast there, the view is spectacular. Dinner is also very nice. Less fancy than La Mer and the prices are more reasonable and affordable. Good quality drinks and desserts.
(5)Natalie W.
Ate breakfast here several times. Really not flattering. If the other breakfast restaurant in Halekulani hotel (House without a key) had been less crowded, I would definitely not go to Orchids for breakfast. Food is average. The egg white omelet looks like a plastic bag filled with rotted mushrooms. But the potato on the side tastes good. Waiters are poker faced. At least they don't even try to be nice. I said thank you on a couple of occasions and they didn't respond with anything. I highly doubt if they are racists. Yeah, that's a strong accusation. The white Americans always get balcony seats closest to the sea with the best view, while Japanese and other Asian were led to sit in the hall if they don't specifically ask for seats. Will only go there if room fare included breakfast. Otherwise no!
(3)Cliff Y.
We had Mothers Day dinner there tonight. Had an excellent table right next to the ocean with a great view. The wait staff were very attentive. We had only one slight issues when one entree where we ordered the steak to be well done but came out medium. While they were redoing the steak the brought out a bowl of soup to ride him over. Then when the bill came out they comp that meal and apologized again. Talk about excellent customer service.
(5)Atlantean E.
Best service and food i've ever experienced. I ate here everyday of my 4 night stay. Service was Outstanding!!! Food was Outstanding! Beyond Outstanding!!! Did breakfast outside with an amazing ocean view a few times. Ahh..Paradise....
(5)Ro M.
We've had dinner mostly here...never lunch. We had same quality of service at lunch which was very pleasant. But it is a nice spot that is right on the beach and very comfortable atmosphere. We had very attentive and friendly staff. Definitely will be a spot to consider for lunch venue
(5)Tina M.
Came here for their Sunday breakfast buffet...the experience is definitely worth the $$$. This buffet is located in the Halekulani Hotel towards the back and right in front of the water! The atmosphere is amazing with breathtaking views and combined with the excellent food and top notch service...what more can you ask for? The selection and quality of food provided can't be beat. The service at this restaurant is one of the best I have ever experienced. The wait staff are so observant yet never overbearing. My glasses never reached half empty and never once did I feel rushed to finish my meal. I wish I had taken a few more pictures of all of the food tables to show you but I was too busy being in awe of all the delectable food they offered. The have everything from sweet, spicy, savory, salty and everything in between. There's really nothing to complain about this place. It's just simply amazing and worth your time to check out!
(5)Ellie W.
One of the best brunches I've ever had. I'm not from Hawaii, so to me, the view is simply amazing here. You're eating brunch while looking out onto the beach and ocean--you can't get much better than that. Locals probably don't think twice about the beach, but I live in the crappy, cold Northeast, so it seemed pretty close to what I think Heaven must be--Beach and Brunch. It can be expensive--be prepared to spend $100+ for two, but it's a beautiful restaurant with really quality, fresh, delicious food, so well worth it. And well, I have to say, it was a nice way to get the taste of lau lau out of my mouth (yes, I tried it, and no, I will never again).
(5)Duke R.
Great table, great atmosphere, great food, unrushed - what more can I say.
(5)Brad Y.
Had dinner here twice in the past month . Always loved the service and atmosphere here, but had stopped coming for a while since we were going to often the menu became old. Nothing was bad with their old menu and some standard things such as the Onaga and coconut cake desert are still there, however like some of the new dishes such as the Opah and Kurobuta pork, also loved the Kampachi tartar served with shrimp chips (sounds weird but it works), another favorite is the shrimp ravioli, portions are not large but great flavor with large pieces of shrimp. Best thing about it like the atmosphere and great service remain. Will continue to return.
(5)Christine S.
I'm not even reviewing brunch, but Orchid's was really good for breakfast!!! I can't wait to experience Sunday brunch. The Crab Benedict was AMAZING, and the best I've ever tried, even in Maryland, home of crab. The service was excellent. The view is nice because you are right at the beach. I don't remember which pancakes we tried, but they were really good! The only negative thing I have to say is that the guava juice wasn't the best I tried, so it was kind of a waste of $7.
(5)Danielle Y.
There is simply no place better for Sunday brunch. This is as good as it gets. I love coming here with my girlfriends to lounge over delicious food for a few hours. :) However, I would skip Orchids for dinner. The food has ranged from good to slightly bland when I've been here in the evening. Just go to La Mer upstairs, keep Orchids for brunch.
(5)Kelli G.
I'm always worried about fancy restaurants in hotels being overpriced and mediocre. Orchids far exceeded my expectations. The outside seating is best on the island that I've seen. The food was excellent. I had the lamb, which was perfectly cooked and so flavorful! I also had a ginger cocktail that was great. The service was also flawless. I've found my new special occasion restaurant !
(5)Jeremy H.
Exemplary. Perfect.
(5)Nadia K.
This is my most favorite place for Sunday brunch. The service is exceptional and the view is gorgeous. Currently it's about $58 per person and $29 for children 5 and older. We like to go to the 12:30pm seating since it feels more relaxed and we can take our time eating EVERYTHING! This last time we went, I attempted to conspire with my 5 year old to try every dessert, but even she told me that would be too much. Ha! She didn't know I skipped breakfast so I could gorge on made to order omelets and hand carved prime rib. The buffet line is extensive with sashimi, poke, sushi, salads, fresh fruit just to name a few. They also have roasted pig and turkey at the carving station. What trips me out is the ice cream station. They actually have someone that stands there and scoops you ice cream. How grand! You can dress pretty casual there, but I have seen the staff lend some Aloha shirts to guests, so I'm guessing men need to wear collared shirts. You can either valet or park in the structure across the street. They are known for their coconut cake. I'm not a coconut fan, but the cake is really good. We ordered one to take home to share. It's pricey at $60 for a 6 inch and $105 for a 9 inch. Knowing how much we paid for the cake alone prompted my husband to attempt to eat as many slices as he could at the restaurant. I just love this place. It is the place to go for brunch.
(5)Monica B.
Service was atrocious, especially considering the price of these meals. While the food was good, portions were laughably small. Every single waiter here needs training in being courteous and professional. Won't be back.
(1)T S.
We had the Sunday brunch and it was AMAZING. This buffet has high-end, good quality food. There was also a carving station with turkey, prime rib, and pork. In addition to the omelet bar, and dessert table, there was also an ice cream station! The staff was very kind, even when my 5 year old made a happy mess with chocolate and bacon. The tables are set beautifully with dishware, white linen napkins, and tablecloth. The staff is attentive as they were constantly quick to replace forks and remove plates every time we came back to the table with new plates of food. We could see the ocean from our table, which topped off an already perfect experience. This restaurant has a beautiful view, delicious food, and excellent service. We will definitely visit this restaurant again.
(5)K G.
Sunday brunch was phenomenal. Very pricey but so worth it. Not somewhere you go every weekend but was a great treat. Had a great view of the ocean from our seats. Staff was super friendly. Had an amazing experience.
(5)Marilyn B.
Best meal we have had in Honolulu. Beautiful setting on the beach. Quiet dining atmosphere with attentive servers and the most incredible coconut cake ever!
(5)Don D.
Man....where do I start? Short version: Just look at the pictures I included with the review cause the food was awesome. Longer version: My wife and I took out two family members for a birthday lunch. We made reservations for 11:30 which is the time that they open for lunch. The hostess sat us on the "patio" side which was awesome because it was such a nice day and the views of Diamond Head were AWESOME! Our birthday family members even got complimentary desserts. Here are the food items we ordered as well as pictures that my wife took of them: Ahi Crudo-$22 : yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… Slow Roasted Hawaiian Red Veal-$16 : yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… Lobster and Crab Burger -$22: yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… Kahuku Shrimp Ravioli-$24: yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… Onaga "Orchids Style"-$36: yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… Beef Tenderloin-$36: yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… Raspberry Bavarian Mousse-$11 yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… Kona Coffee Ice Cream-$11 yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… Tiramisu Creme Brulee-$11 yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… Orchids Signature Coconut Cake$11 each but it was compimentary for their birthday. All I can say is that everything was awesome. Everything looked fresh and made THAT DAY! The Ahi looked like they cut it from the fish 5 minutes before they brought it out. My beef tenderloin was cooked perfectly and it was tender! The fruits in the desserts looked soooo perfect! I will definitely be coming back here soon to try the other things on the menu. The food wasnt the only thing that was awesome. The hostess sat us promptly, and our servers were awesome. It seemed like our table had two servers, but Agapito's name was on our receipt. They were both awesome in serving all of us. Water was refilled all the time before glasses went empty. They did NOT rush us at all! Food came out and was presented correctly without hesitation or confusion. They cleaned plates well and they were very verbal with us to make sure things were ok. Even the manager came by to see if everything was ok. This was a top 5 restaurant visit for me! Parking was through hotel valet and it was validated for 4 hours free from the hostess.
(5)Chad A.
Their Sunday Brunch is EASILY the best meal I have ever ate. Service 5/5, ambiance 5/5, value 5/5, food 5/5. The only things that could possibly be improved would be fully validated parking, and offering of a Military discount.
(5)Tina K.
Went to sunday brunch and we loved it! The buffet spread was beautiful n delicious! My fav section was the poke.. they had different kinds of them n of course the sashimi! The desserts were so good! My fav the tiramisu n their famous coconut cake! The ocean view was great n service excellent! We were very happy we got to eat here.
(5)John G.
AMAZING!!!! View is fantastic, service is perfect, and food amazing. Fish and chips is made from Sea Bass! Grilled Mahi Mahi was wonderful. Went two times with customers and will be going again tomorrow!!! Thank you for a wonderful experience!
(5)Anuhea D.
My family and I come to the Sunday Buffet four times a year. Before the holidys come around I always take a weekend off to spend time with the family. We really enjoy the breath taking view, wonderful service from the staff and the quality of the food. Yesterday my family and I had the worst Sunday Buffet experience ever!!! The quality of the food went down!!! No shrimp!!! No sashimi!!! No prime rib...you can't say that was prime rib, the meat was so darn tough!!! What type of meat was that??? Stew meat!!!! You should charge everyone $18 for this buffet not $68!!!
(2)Jessica A.
I went here this past weekend for a girlfriends birthday. I was really excited since I heard great things about it. When making reservations they informed my gf about the dressed code so make sure your NOT in bum clothes, "resort wear" was the dress code, no bathing suit and slippers. We arrived about 20 minutes late and the restaurant was very accommodating. They sat us outside with a beautiful view. As soon as we sat down the waiter came by and offered us coffee which we all eagerly accepted, only to find out later it was 6$ a pop. Not that I mind paying for the coffee but I felt a little jipped because when someone offers you something, its usually complimentary. Why not wait till we order our drinks instead of coming by with coffee to lure us in? OK maybe I'm being a little petty. All the dishes were good, nothing spectacular but very well prepared. It was classic breakfast food made with quality ingredients. The price was also really reasonable, a little more than regular breakfast places but for a hotel with a beach front view, I didn't think the price was that bad! All together I had a really great experience here and would come back for breakfast on those days that I wake up early enough to get dressed up and look pretty, otherwise I'm hitting up a regular joint breakfast place with my bum clothes and make-up-less face.
(4)Mike O.
Unbelievable service and food with a view to die for. They are serving a Degustation Menu that changes weekly. $65 for 4 courses of fabulous food is well worth it. This was our dishes Chilled Pear Soup Roasted Pistachio, Rosemary Cream Hirabara Greens Poached Tiger Prawns, Kumquat Jam, Avocado, Red Wine Vinaigrette Seared Sea Bass Barbecued Pork Belly, English Pea Puree, Spinach Coulis Waialua Soda Float Strawberry Gelee, Rum Espuma All were so good....Soda float was my fav!
(5)Leann F.
Our experience was great as always and much of that because of the very gracious and professional staff.
(4)Inthira M.
My family and I used to go to The Prince Hotel for Christmas brunch, but switched to Orchids for a couple of years now. Why? Because it's the best! First off, the service. The service here is exceptionally good. Glasses are never empty, waiting for a refill. Your dirty plates are never sitting on the table for very long. And the servers make you feel like this is a 5-star restaurant. Second, the ambiance & scenery. I'm not sure if we always get lucky and get a table overlooking the ocean, but it is simply Heaven to sip on your coffee and look out at the gorgeous ocean. I'm not sure if they had it this year, but in the past there has always been a harpist, so you can imagine how dreamy it is to stare at the ocean with soft music playing in the background. Finally, the food is exceptionally good! They have the normal things-- omelet station, salads, main courses, and desserts, but they really go the extra mile. For their entree's they have regular breakfast food (bacon, eggs benedict, sausage, potatoes, etc), but they also have real main entree's like a pig, turkey, prime rib, roast chicken, etc. They stepped up their salad station this year by adding a lot more items, but the one thing I do wish they'd add is crab legs!! Although, I guess cracking shells and dirty fingers does not add to the elegance of this place (that was just my own selfish ploy to add this to their menu) If you know about the Orchids Sunday brunch then you know you have to call waaay in advance... in our case, we always call a year in advance to get reservations. Don't wait to try this hidden gem!
(4)Aeris W.
4 & 1/2 stars. Came here with my folks a few months ago and it was a pleasant experience. We made a reservation for the Sunday brunch buffet 2 weeks before our vacation and we could only get a table at 1:30pm. After spending the whole morning at Pearl Harbor, we were starving and looking forward to this meal. The Sunday brunch buffet did not disappoint. There was a huge selection of food including sashimi, prime rib, crab cake benedict, banana pancakes, poke, octopus salad, and a bunch of desserts (macarons, cakes, tarts, etc.) Note: The macarons were so-so... They were way too sweet. Everything was fresh as they only make a small batch at a time. The view was gorgeous - We sat in the patio facing the ocean. The customer service was top notch. Our server kept our table clean and refilled our drinks without us asking. Trust me, the Sunday brunch buffet is definitely worth the price ($50/person). Did I mention that the coconut cake was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S? My parents don't like sweets but they LOVED the coconut cake.
(4)Lai T.
We waited for a long while for our server to come back and give us our dessert. By the time we were able to flag someone down, we asked them to box the dessert. I was a bit bothered by the fact that the table across from us came later and got their order expedited before us. They were able to pay and leave before we were even able to get the server to help us. We were a party of two while they were a party of about five. The math just doesn't add up for me. The food was tasty, but the service was really off and slow. Maybe it was due to Restaurant Week. Maybe it was because we got there so early. Maybe it was because our server was going on a break? Whatever it was-I won't be rushing back to this establishment.
(2)Matt F.
My wife and I stopped by Orchids for dinner based on the strength of their Open Table reviews. We were surprised when the chef produced their Pan Fried Sea Bass that was very raw in the middle. When the chef's second attempt returned raw fish in the middle again, we were done eating for the evening. With so many dinner options on the island, it would be challenging to recommend Orchids.
(1)Mella M.
Alaskan King Crab Benedict is very delicious! The popovers are really good; it's actually buttery and not dry/burnt like other places.
(4)Carla B.
What a breakfast spot! Imagine sitting within feet of the ocean, a tropical breeze blowing ever so gently across your face, Diamond Head in your view, and eating a crab benedict with the freshest king crab imaginable, topped with truffle hollandaise. Life should only be that good every day...
(5)Carrie W.
The BEST buffet I have EVER been to! They had EVERYTHING you could think of for a breakfast buffet! I have been to many other buffets, and nothing has ever come close! Besides the wonderful food, the view is breath taking! You can see the waves crashing from your seat. Also, the view of Diamond Head is beautiful! We will definitely be back!
(5)Jess C.
Sunday brunch is as good as it gets.
(5)Jason H.
I wanted a legit, high-class brunch, and I GOT IT! Orchids was everything that I could have hoped for and more! My dear friend was moving back to Minneapolis and we are big fans of brunch so we really wanted to go all out for our last hurrah! We both took a while to decide on what we wanted to get, but we both decided to get the "American" which was $32 per order. It is a set order of Fruit Juice or Coconut Water, Local Pineapple or Papaya, Two eggs any style w/potatoes, a choice of Ham, Bacon, Portuguese Sausage, or Traditional Link Sausage, Breakfast pastries or toast with butter & preserves, and with coffee or tea. I decided to get orange juice with pineapples, two eggs with link sausages, and the pastries with coffee. We also ended up ordering mimosas because it was our last hurrah and what's a hurrah if you're not at least a little bit drunk? Everything was perfect. The view is of Waikiki beach which is absolutely beautiful. I felt like the Little Mermaid (Yes, when she's out of the sea). There are some birds that fly around and I would normally be TERRIFIED of them, as I have a major phobia of birds, but this time it was different. It was like I was freakin' Snow White and they were helping me clean my kitchen. But not really. Anywayyyy, enough with the Disney princess comparisons. I totally loved breakfast here and the service along with the meal was absolutely perfect. It is worth every penny and I can't wait to come here again! FYI: If you want breakfast, you must come before 10:30 AM. I don't know if they take walk-ins, but I searched them on this wonderful thing called Yelp and they directed to me the OpenTable website that allowed me to make reservations really easily. Hope you love it!
(5)No B.
Orchids at The Halekulani is just spectacular! The service and atmosphere really impresses and makes your dining experience feel like you are special! From the moment you arrive at the valet area you are greeted with friendly welcoming. As you walk into the hotel lobby, the security, concierge, house keeping, and even employees just passing by all greet you with warm welcoming! As for Orchids (especially Sunday brunch), the rest is history...the food, atmosphere, and service is just 5-stars without any explanation! I will not go into detail because you have to try it for yourself! If you are looking for special service and want to dine at a 5-star restaurant, this is the place to be!
(5)Jamieee D.
Gorgeous place for a night out with views of the ocean. The staff here was great and did an exceptional job catering to us. For appetizers we got the seared scallops and the smoked ducked carpicco. Scallops were great and the smoked duck had it's own unique taste. Normally I usually have my duck roasted so this was different and really not that bad. As for our entrees I got the veal chop and steamed opakapaka orchids style and the fiancé got the ribeye. First of all the veal chop was amazing!!! It was cooked to perfection and it just melted in your mouth. It was our first time eating veal and really enjoyed it. The steamed opakapaka was okay. Kinda tasted like every other steamed opakapaka dish I've tasted. Ribeye was seasoned and cooked just right. No complaints about that. Their mashed potatoes had a bit of what tasted like wasabi and it tasted really good. My only complaint is that there was not much to chose from and it's a little on the pricey end. Especially the appetizers which came in very small portions.
(3)Niyant S.
We were here in Honolulu for our honeymoon, and my wife had found out about Orchids through Yelp. She made us a reservation when we got to the island, and so we came here for an "upscale" brunch! Orchids is a little bit on the fancy side, but we came here for brunch so it's not like I wore a suit. Dressed comfortable but presentable, as did the wife. We were seated promptly and had a great view of the ocean from our table. At this point, I was desperately craving some good old eggs benedict, so of course that's what I ordered. Without going into to much detail, nothing can beat great eggs benedict, topped off with great Hawaiian coffee, good service, a view of the ocean, and the best company in the world! Another great experience in Hawaii, definitely recommend eating here especially for couples!
(5)AsianRunningDiva S.
Sunday brunch=AMAZING!!! Everything is fresh and replenished quickly! No need to go into details because so many have already reviewed the brunch. But it's a must try at least once! Free validated valet parking if you eat there. Price for Sunday brunch is $59/person until January 11, where it will be raised to $69/person. Takes reservations for 9:30am or 12:30pm, and need a credit card to reserve. You can cancel reservation 36 hours in advance.
(5)Connie H.
The setting was very beautiful. The service was first class. If you are looking for an elegant beach front breakfast experience, this is the place to go. We had our 3-year-old with us, it was a little "too formal" for the little one but the servers were very polite and helpful.
(4)Erika L.
Skip your reservation and head over to Roy's! We went to Orchid's for a date night. Wow. This place is overpriced, the food lacked flavor, and the ambiance is stuffy. Our service was GREAT though. The location is excellent too, but if you dine at night, which we do, it doesn't matter where you are because it's dark and the ocean isn't lighted at all. We started with the asparagus salad. It came with proscuitto and a coddled egg. I could've made this salad at home and honestly, I wouldn't because it wasn't that good. We had the snapper (any fish at Roy's is better) and it was tasteless. We also got the lobster and I was unimpressed by its mediocrity. For dessert? Creme brûlée and it tastes NOTHING like creme brûlée. The custard lacked flavor. At $300 for two people, I expect a high-quality, delicious meal experience. Orchids is a failed attempt at fancy french food. Overall, dining here was a big disappointment.
(2)Preston C.
Macaron's = satisfaction Very eclectic for an open air cafe. Food was impressive and well done. The service was well trained and appreciated. Thank you for a memorable time.
(5)Gordon R.
I stopped eating and forgot I was eating about a dozen times getting lost in the sights. Food was top notch
(5)Jessica I.
Looooove this place. Excellent service, they have a nice view of the ocean and diamond head. My favorite drink it getting the fruit punch with a shot of vodka!!! They also have a good selection of wine pairing with your entrees. I had the chinese style onaga and it always soo good. I would come here more often but it is pricy.
(5)Wesley R.
We made our reservations a month out. Apparently glad we did according to other yelpers. But found it a little deceiving. There were plenty of empty tables the whole time we were there. Not sure if they were no shows or what. I went in with high expectations. I used to be stationed in Bahrain, and that was where I was introduced to champagne brunches. So I have to say that I have been more than mildly disappointed here in Hawaii. We read about the dress code, dressed appropriately, but we're shocked to see women wearing shorts and flip flops. Was kind of disappointing. The food was excellent to say the least. I was impressed by just about it all. I had some sushi (I say some, mean more like 7 rolls, 4 different types), bacon, 2 little sausages, green bean/red onion salad, and a roll. Second go around was a slice of prime rib (excellent doneness, but it is salt crusted. ...I love salt, but felt like I drank the ocean), some smoked suckling pig (looked like lechon to me. ... Pretty sure it was) with crispy skin (excellent and got Filipino approved), another roll with lilikoi butter (the BEST ever..... Going to learn to make it)..... Now for the reason I went. ....I wanted eggs benedict. I usually make my own, but have been too lazy lately, so was happy to go some place to get some. This is the reason this place is 4 stars. ... Very disappointed in the eggs benedict. Luckily, my friends told me to stop expecting a miracle at a brunch for benedict. They have to make them in large amounts, and no matter what, they HAVE to sit out. So the eggs keep cooking. I just think that the hollandaise sauce should have more bite. As for desserts, had a crepe, lemon meringue tart, some Berry crunch, an éclair and some strawberry and orange bar. Was very tasty. As for the things I didn't get to, they had shashimi, somen noodles, potatoes lyonnaise, Mahi Mahi, some lunch type meats with brie and blue cheeses, an omelet station and a turkey station. (Along with other things that I can't remember) Service was great. They kept asking if we wanted more mimosas, which for 4 of us, or total count was 11. They were OK. Nothing great. As for the bill. Well, we are used to Bahrain, where it is all you can drink. Here. ... Not so much. $11.50 a small champagne glass. So it can be a little expensive. We knew it was $60a person to begin with, but a total of $390 for 4 of us for breakfast, was put aback. But no big deal. Not like I ended up washing dishes to go home.
(4)Dustin N.
im concierge at another hotel BUT i must say this is a great place to have an elegant dinner while the service is superb... it's worth every penny!
(5)Yuko A.
I have many fond memories of going to Orchids as a child and eating their Sunday Brunch. We would starve ourselves all morning and then stuff ourselves till we couldn't breathe. They had everything from sushi, hot sliced meats, dessert, cheese, and my favorite station, omelets. I was a little chubbster back then and would often get two omelets carefully watching the chef. Its where I learned how to make omelets, so it always has had a special place in my foodie heart. So when I saw that they were serving a course meal (and their famous coconut cake for dessert) for Restaurant Week I decided to round up a few of my friends, dress up, and eat dinner at the beautiful Halekulani Hotel. I had eaten dinner at Orchids a few years back and one thing that had made a lasting impression in my mind was the coconut cake. Oh my gawd. I had dreams about that cake. And when I saw it on the menu I knew I had to go. I started off with a goat cheese salad, which was more like a log of goat cheese and a few accompanying friends: endive, candied ginger, beets, olive cake, and raisin chutney. yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… If you love goat cheese, get this but if you are like me and only like it as a topping on salads I'd advise getting a leafier salad. The other salad served was more of a basic salad with a few toppings like fruit. For my main I went with the Kahuku shrimp ravioli. It was only three pieces but they were stuffed with plenty o shrimp and mushrooms and lathered with a creamy parmesan sauce. I started to use my bread to dip in the sauce cause it was so good. I hardly ever order cream sauces but this was the perfect pasta to have a bit of a rich sauce. The only dessert option was the coconut cake but honestly, what else would you want there? It's simple with a white chiffon cake with layers of coconut cream and I think a little bit of custard and topped with a whipped cream. Honestly, I don't even really like coconuts but this I could eat slices of. I was almost tempted to order a slice to go take out but I opted against it. The service was like a 5 star hotel should be, spot on. Knowledgeable about the wines we ordered and right by our table to clean our dishes when we finished. Our waters were always filled too. Another great Restaurant Week meal.
(5)Kelly M.
Ambiance - 5 star Food - 4 star Service - 17 stars (on a scale of 1 - 5). Impeccable. Ate here for restaurant week. Choices were good, but not exciting. Everything was well-executed and beautifully plated. Free validated valet parking a plus. These guys were working hard and deserved the tip!
(4)Mike R.
Great service, creative dishes without being too pretentious. Cocktails are excellent, and imaginative, desert menu is excellent.
(4)Sherrie L.
My friend had wedding party here! Very modern restaurant with friendly waiters! The view for our table is fantastic! Can't ask for more while you enjoying delicious food and talking to best friends!definitely will visit again!
(5)Nicole C.
The best thing about the brunch buffet is the atmosphere. The view of Diamond Head and the ocean is phenomenal. It's gorgeous and serene and makes you feel lucky to be in such an amazing place. If I were rating the brunch buffet on the atmosphere and quality of service alone, it would be five stars. Because honestly, the service is impeccable. These people really know how to serve. Unfortunately, the food was pretty average. The selection was wide but just okay in quality. I wasn't terribly impressed with the roast (sirloin, I believe), which I was disappointed about because it wasn't prime rib. I mean, what kind of upscale brunch place doesn't have prime rib? The omelette was rather disappointing; I've literally had better omelettes in my college dining hall. On another note, the two good things about the food were the dessert table and the cheese selection. There were probably more than ten different kinds of cheese. I love cheese. I was in heaven. But you don't come to a brunch buffet for the cheese, which is why I'd have to give the food three stars. Would I come back? Absolutely, but with lowered expectations. I kept hearing about how this was THE brunch place to go to, but I actually prefer the buffet at Hoku's at the Kahala for food quality.
(3)Jarod H.
Five stars. Great foods! Carving station with prime rib, roast pork, turkey (special occasions). Sashimi, sushi, salads, poké, omelette stations, ice cream, pastries, ono coffee & juices. The list goes on. You gotta try here!
(5)Ax C.
Excellent food, good service, great view and setting. In Waikiki where even junk in bad settings with long waits is expensive, I have found that by increasing your budget for a nice meal pays off exponentially. Lunch is a great time as the prices are a bit lower than dinner. I have often found on vacation that having the biggest meal of the day, midday, is cheaper, offers a chance to rest, and usually ends up saving calories in the long run. For a special occasion this is worth the cost.
(3)Nathan L.
Really good service. Went with a friend of mine and had a reservation through yelp which worked perfectly! We had a flight a couple hours before so eating here right next to our hotel and relaxing was perfect. Great view of the beach and people watching too! The wind feels amazing. Food was really tasty. Their guava drink was extremely sweet and delicious. Forgot which meal I got exactly but was one of the breakfast meal plan. Plus the papaya was so good! Melts in your mouth. Would definitely come back :)
(5)Yessen A.
Wonderful place to treat yourself in the morning. Beautiful view of waikiki and diamond head as well as Halekunali terrace. Both eggs benedict and loco moco were well prepared. Service was outstanding!
(5)Deb L.
Incredible - service, food and view. Highly recommend!
(5)Joanne B.
Breakfast at Orchids is simply the best. We found ourselves here last Friday before we met with Halekulani's Catering Manager for our 11:00 meeting to go over the fine details for our upcoming summer wedding. When we arrived, we didn't have to wait long to get seated and was fortunate to get a table out on the patio overlooking Waikiki Beach. Service was great from the start and we continued on with looking over the menu before we decided on the Kona lobster with scrambled eggs on a puff pastry. I opted for the corned beef and poached eggs with asparagus. We also shared a side of hash browns, Portuguese sausage and a made from scratch chocolate croissant. We were trying not to eat too much since we had a food tasting for our reception food scheduled at 11:30 that morning, but little did I know that our food tasting was also going to be at Orchids since they prepare the food for weddings as well! Our food was incredible, probably one of the best places to dine at in Waikiki. The quality ingredients used to put together the magical dishes reflects in your meal. I later learned they make their own ice cream, mango marshmallows (what??!) and whatever it is on their menu, now that's impressive! Good thing the portions for our breakfast weren't over the top, it was enough to get us full. Since our wedding food is also prepared by Orchids, I might as well include that experience in my review, but this will only cover what was sampled during our food tasting since we have a ton of other dishes lined up for our buffet dinner option. The charbroiled chicken with white shrimp and Tarragon cream sauce was excellent. It wasn't dry like some chicken tends to get when it's charbroiled, so I liked that this was juicy. The Asian barbecue London broil was my favorite since it was so flavorful, but the catch of the day (which was Mahi Mahi) prepared with Truffle Veloute was my least favorite; it was too salty, so we're switching our third option for the chafing dish to the catch of the day with citrus lemon butter. All the tasting plates came with roasted potatoes and sauteed fresh vegetables with sun-dried tomatoes and loved how it complimented the main entrees...our 100+ guests will be in for an awesome treat Lastly, we tried our wedding cake, a special order, mango flavored cake. It was per the request of my soon-to-be hubby since our color scheme is mango. OMG, this cake did not disappoint, it was incredible and we loved it! I'm very excited for our summer wedding to get here since we know we made the right choice by selecting Halekulani as the venue for our big day. Five star service, five star food at Orchids on a five star property makes me hopeful that we'll have a five star meal on our wedding day!
(5)Jacqueline T.
Lunch by the beach; beautiful and serene. The poached salmon was so tender and moist. Best non-sashimi salmon I have ever had. The ambiance was amazing, modern Japanese style, surrounded by orchids, plus, you can't beat the view.
(5)Poi L.
Came with my wife and our friend for mother's day brunch. Got a table near the edge, great views! We have not been here in ten years, the prices have gone up a lot, food, while still very good, was not very special for mother's day. The suckling pig was good but the skin was not crispy. Why turkey and not lamb? No harp to add to the ambience. Had the 2:00 pm seating, they started the rush out at 3:15, for the price, they should have remain open till 4:00. Overall a good experience, once in ten years, but probably not more than that.
(4)David C.
Orchids is a classy joint in a beachfront hotel. The service is top notch, they totally pampered us and brought our food with big smiles. The ambience is perfect for a romantic dinner - many ppl equate the sounds of crashing waves to sexy time. We had the lobster bisque, duck carpaccio, macadamia nut encrusted sea bass, and a snapper entree which my wife believes was very tasty but cannot be sure as she was completely trashed from our booze cruise. The lobster bisque was exquisite, yes exquisite. I've had many lobster bisques in my lifetime and many were quite good & creamy. This one was also quite good but I've never had one that wasn't über creamy. This bisque was unique in that it just had essence of the lobster flavor which was a refreshing and very appropriate texture for Hawaii. I also highly recommend the macadamia nut encrusted sea bass. The perfectly cooked sea bass was nicely paired with the roasted nut flavor was a great combo. A great fancy dinner joint but a little pricey.
(4)Nori I.
Their Sunday Brunch sure was amazingly delicious and their service was excellent. I requested the outside seating and we got it. The view of Waikiki beach and Diamond head was priceless.
(5)MONY N.
We celebrated my wife's 50thiest Birthday at Orchid, Halekalani..Our experience was very disappointed. The menu was miss leading....not fit for 5 star type restaurant.
(1)Flynt I.
With beach front dining and glorious sunsets, Orchids is the place to dine. Everything from reservations, to scenic seating, to impeccable service, to the cuisine, the Orchids experience is amazing. Orchids is my favorite dining spot in Hawaii. I called ahead to ask about gluten-free options and was told the staff would inform me of the options on the menu. Just as they promised, the staff provided all the options including substituting gluten-free items in some dishes. They even brought gluten-free bread (slices and not rolls) along with the delicious looking bread basket for the others in my party. (Impressive given that I know of no other restaurant in Honolulu that provides that level of attention or carting.) When I booked the reservation, the staff also asked me if there were any celebrations for the dinner to which I answered it was my birthday. And, the true to form, I was presented with a dessert with a candle (and thankfully with no singing...Ha ha ha). The Halekulani signature dishes are fantastic, but so is everything else on the menu. Needless to say, it was a great meal and a great experience. I WILL BE BACK TO ORCHIDS FOR MANY MORE MEALS.
(5)Dawn H.
We visited Orchids September of this year with our two children. My husband had called in advance for reservations but when I went up to give the man our name they couldn't find our reservation & asked me to step aside so they could help the next person in line. They never wrote my name down or apologized. The following day I contacted the manager and explained the situation. He was very apologetic and asked us to come back in. Unfortunately it was our last night in Hawaii. I do plan to come back in on our upcoming trip in February. I hope to update my review with rave reviews. I've dined at LaMer and loved the food and service. I'm hoping this was just a fluke.
(1)John S.
Since I moved here from the SF Bay Area 6 years ago, I have going to Orchid for dinner on special occasions. I love the atmosphere of the grounds of Halekulani, peaceful, classy, the view is spetacular....first rated everything. The Orchid, however, can not live up to its upscale dining experience due to its laxed service. secondly, I always order the Steamed Onaga because there really isn't anything else interesting, plus, they have not changed the menus for years, perhaps they have changing clientele (tourists). The Onaga is always good, steamed perfectly with the right ingredients. Prices of specialty drinks are high, non-alcoholic drinks are $14.00, with alcohol are $16.00. Although the drinks are well made, still..... The prices on entrées, Onaga @ $38.00, are also high, but the service from the wait staff do not match with the the prices. At this level of dining experience, Orchid needs to train its staff to be more polished, coordinated and professional. Again, perhaps their clientele are tourists, service standards are not top priority. Orchid is still a lovely place to dine, do bring lots of cash and lower your expectations.
(4)Jackie M.
SUNDAY brunch was amazing!! You pay for what you get $57/person with Sunday brunch that comes with plantation iced tea. I made reservation 2 weeks ahead and the hostess placed us with an ocean view. It was very enjoyable. The waiter was very attentive! The plantation iced tea tasted fruity with a sugarcane stick and a glass of pure sugar cane juice as sweetener. Very thoughtful! I probably drank about 4 glasses. There's a meat carving station (prime rib & kailua pig), breakfast food, cheese tray, variety of bread, fish chowder soup upon waiter request, variety of sashimi (tuna), poke, maki rolls, DESSERT table, and some cooked food. Prime rib - Surprisely very tasty, tender, not too well done and the crust was seasoned! - I'm from the midwest area and meat is huge. This is comparable to top notch steak house. Kailua Pig - Tasty and really enjoyed the crispy Skin (need to request for it) Crab benedict - I ate half of it and it was amazing!! Sashimi/poke - very fresh and well seasoned!! Dessert - Macaroons (passion fruit? it was okay..), berry pudding (good) , chocolate cake (good, not too sweet), passionfruit cheesecake (bit bland), almond jello with lychee (homemade i think, jello is not those prepackaged ones- GOOD) The popular coconut chiffon cake WAS DELICIOUS!! WARNING - The cake slices were standard slices - better off sharing a slice with a partner.
(5)Jason Y.
The food isn't something you can't find anywhere else but I'm giving this place 5 stars because the view is amazing, service is great, and it's just a really good relaxing place to have breakfast on the beach.
(5)Dani P.
Orchids offer the best weekend brunch spread on the island. The food is of optimal quality, and there is quite a variety-- from macaroons, to gelato and their amazing coconut cake, so sashimi, and a seafood galore. I cannot recommend it enough!
(5)Jenn T.
Came here for a celebratory brunch on Friday morning. They have a very nice atmosphere, where you can sit along the beach front and have a great view. The brunch is typical hotel brunch, with some hawaiian choices, such as portuguese sausage, kalua pig, etc. They also have a japanese style brunch set menu for you to choose from. I went with the crab eggs benedict and it was pretty standard and delicious. It wasn't the hardiest breakfast, but nonetheless, very delicious. The parents tried the corned beef has and the poached eggs, which they also said was on the smaller side, but good. I have been here for the sunday brunch here too and have always loved it. It's one of my favorite brunch buffets on the island. I especially love the omelet station and the desserts!! The service here was excellent and very polite as always.
(5)Tracy Y.
Homemade gluten free bread. You don't get that very often - not even in the heart of hippieville, Marin County or Berkeley. Love the hotel, the view of diamondhead. The food is delicious too. I had the eggs Benedict but wish I was having their Sunday brunch. They also have a loco plate for a local flavor.
(5)Jorge H.
Sunday Brunch at this place is AWESOME. Unreal selection of foods. You name it they had it. Five Star preparation, presentation and flavor! Impreccable 5 STAR + service as well !!! Thanks Christopher! This place and these folks are first class all the way. Pricey but worth it. Enjoy.
(5)Mari K.
Yesterday was my half-birthday... which means 6 more months until my real birthday... which means another day to celebrate ME! Yes, my family is crazy and we celebrate half-birthdays and now I've passed that tradition on to my fiance and I make him celebrate half-birthdays too :) which is why he took me out to Orchids for my half-birthday dinner! Made 8:15pm reservations very easily on Opentable, checked in on time and was seated very fast. I didn't mention it while making reservations that its my "birthday" or anything but the hostess that walked us down to our seats asked us if we were celebrating anything and of course my better half replied that it was my birthday. We had great seats - facing the ocean, Diamond Head and House Without a Key. They have live music platying at House Without a Key so we enjoyed that for the first part of our dinner. I ordered the Kahuku Shrimp Ravioli. HANDS DOWN THE BEST RAVIOLI I'VE EVER EATEN IN MY LIFE. There were 3 large ravioli, on shimeji mushrooms with a large shrimp and drizzled with a cream sauce. Perfect perportion and perfect taste. He had the Opah and Pork which was a nice piece of cooked Opah on Togarashi Spiced, Long Beans and Kabayaki Glazed Kurobuta Pork. Perfectly cooked Opah with tasty pork on beans. For dessert they brought out their signature Coconut Cake for my birthday. Large piece of white cake with coconut filling and coconut flakes. Delicious. I also ordered a hot chocolate with a side of whipped cream. The whipped cream was so thick and creamy - you could definitely tell that it was made from scratch. He had a decaf pressed coffee. Perfect ending to a perfect dinner. The dress code is collared shirts and slacks for gentlemen and evening attire for ladies. Also, they validate your valet parking.
(5)Patrick S.
Got invited to celebrate my uncle's birthday and was excited. I've NEVER gone to this place but have always wanted to check it out. The decor is nice, elegant, classy with tropical accents. The lighting fixtures caught my eye and look to be from the early 1900's or so. Unfortunately we couldn't enjoy the oceanfront view as it was raining so they had the vinyl treatments drawn most of our time there. Service was impeccable as expected at a place like this. But what was really disappointing was the food. Their "Heart of Palms" appetizer is really misleading. It's actually a salad with a few....yes....just like two or three SLIVERS of heart of palm. The slices were so thin they were almost transparent. Also had some oysters and sashimi which were not bad, but nothing outstanding. My entree was the Onaga which really lacked taste. Thanks to my cousin for sharing some of his sauces that came with his "Seafood for 2" dinner. The garlic sauce made my Onaga worth consuming. On the upside their deserts were decadent. I had the Chocolate & Lilikoi Bar and my wife had their famous Coconut Cake. Both were delicious and memorable. But overall a place like this is meant to be an experience...one you'd remember forever. Each interaction with the wait staff, the food, the decor. Each dish, it's flavor, texture, and presentation. Unfortunately the food prevented me from having a "complete experience". I still had a good time with my family and enjoyed it for that. But if you are looking for a "complete experience", I'd recommend you go elsewhere.....like Michel's.
(2)Amy L.
Had a 3.5-star experience. It's pretty pricey for better-than-average breakfast food. Certainly tasty: I had the scrambled eggs + kona lobster + puff pastry, husband had kimchee fried rice and sausage. Presentation was a bit messy (as you can see from my photos) and the kimchee flavor really didn't surface with the fried rice. As you are outdoors next to the ocean you might also be harassed by birds. :/ Times visited: 1
(4)Janet K.
Out of all the brunch buffets I've had in Hawaii, Orchids is the best hands down. Beautiful ocean view, a harpist, service at it's best and a great variety of food! Make a reservation (in advance) because they do get booked. I was fortunate to dine here on Valentine's Day and it was perfect. They definitely do brunch better than they do dinner.
(5)Leah B.
Great service, friendly staff. The menu didn't state gluten free options but I asked our server if they offered gluten free pancakes and he asked kitchen staff and they did! Excellent option, ate their macadamia nut and banana pancakes and they were delicious!! Would eat here again although a bit pricey! $50 for 2 of us.
(5)Shelley V.
Wow, this place was amazing! We were fortunate enough to go here with a local who decided on Orchids at the last minute. What a beautiful view of the water and lovely dining on the lanai. I had the Orchids salad and Shrimp Ravioli... simply delicious. M had the lobster/crab burger and L had the filet mignon. Very classy place but not in an uncomfortable sort of way. I felt just happy, relaxed and pleased to be dining under such pleasant conditions. Prices are moderate to high, depending on how much you choose to order. I would definitely go back here on my next visit, especially for brunch.
(5)Taylor C.
This is undeniably the most fantastic brunch I will ever have (probably)... both in quality and in price. Let's start with an important side story. I called ahead regarding the dress code, knowing that there were some rules regarding the attire for different meals. I was advised with something along the lines of "no beach wear" but the rest of the instructions were a bit vague. Upon arrival I was given a bit of a look (in a nice t shirt) and given a generic button up Hawaiian shirt to wear. PUT COLLARED SHIRT ON YOUR WEBSITE. Or at least tell me when I call. SOMETHING. I had a 3XL shirt on for the entire meal. I slowly noticed that about 70% of the guys in the place were wearing them. Oh well. I almost immediately forgot about the shirt as soon as I saw the food. It was unbelievable. Forget about the fancy breakfast fare and the omelette bar, I headed straight for the sashimi... or the dessert. They might've happened simultaneously. I am going to do a poor job of explaining the food overall, since my specific memories aren't good enough to list off the items individually, but just picture the fanciest, best-tasting brunch you could in your head and add some off beat items like sashimi and you have a good idea. Everything was amazing. All you can eat. Awesome ... and then the bill came. 65 dollars a plate? Really? I get that the food was great but that is an outrageous price to pay. People don't eat that much at breakfast and I doubt anybody gets close to getting their money back on that deal. If you want to splurge for a brunch, this is probably the best way to do it. But if you want to just have a quality meal to start the day, the sour taste of the bill will probably outweigh the great selection of food
(3)Michael H.
Valentine's day stresses a restaurant, and we had dinner here that night. Breads seemed a day old. Both of us had a fish entree, both nicely prepared. Sashimi appetizer pretty to look at. Onaga and sea bass fresh and tasty. Dessert likewise good. Wine list extensive. Just a bit short of outstanding overall.
(4)sukhpreit s.
Great selection of food for brunch. Right on the water so great view however it is usually obstructed by tourists walking around. Service is very good. Expensive
(4)Pamela F.
The best combination of chi-chi beachfront resort restaurant service and cuisine I've experienced yet. The view of Waikiki Beach as the lights glitter along the bay is so magical, it will be difficult to remember the food. Which would be a mistake. Serving temperatures were perfection (no small feat at an oceanfront dining room), service unobtrusive but attentive. Don't miss the coconut cake, lovely or any fresh catch (which will indeed be hours out of the sea).
(4)Victoria L.
So yummy! I came here for breakfast after walking on Waikiki beach and loved it! I ordered the crab cakes for breakfast and they were perfect. It sort of tasted like half of a toasted English muffin with a large portion of shredded, juicy crab on it. It also came with an egg white omelet, so I was definitely full by the end of my meal. The pancakes were also delicious. I wasn't a huge fan of the popeyes. The guava jam was interesting though. The view is nice - you can see the ocean and plenty of beautiful flowers. When you walk into the restaurant to your table, there are rows of orchids and other types of tropical flowers worth taking pictures of.
(5)Paul Axel C.
According to the Honolulu Magazine this is, "Oahu's Best Brunch!" It's one of the pricier buffets that my wife and I have paid but it's by far the best service we ever received from any buffet that we ate it. It cost us $60 a person! My wife and I usually like to go to buffets that offer crab legs because we know we can get our money's worth for sure. But a friend recommended this place and used the word, "Legendary." So my wife did some research on Yelp and I reserved a table for 2 through open table. The ambiance It's an outdoor elegant restaurant overlooking Waikiki. While we ate there was a pianist who played a variety of music from classic, pop, Disney, rock, and so on. There are Orchids all over the place. There is a sidewalk right in front so prepare yourself. My wife and I spotted a hairy man with speedos on. Thank God he cane prancing through after we waved the white flag of defeat. The Service 5 stars in fact shooting stars. From the moment we came in contact with the staff we felt so welcome. We were celebrating her birthday and the hostess told her Happy Birthday. The host who walked us to our seats offered a tour of what the buffet had to offer. Our server and his assistant gave us the right amount of attention. They both engaged in brief conversations with us and we never felt rushed. The Food A staff member told us that the menu is slightly different every week and that's why they don't have a menu available on line to view. There are several stations available. -SALAD STATION Sorry folks I'm not much of a salad eater. There is all sorts of salads available. There was also a soup station. You can order a hot soup from your server. -SEAFOOD STATION Different types of poke, sashimi, and shrimp cocktail. If you love raw fish then I think this is the best way to eat your money's worth. -CHEESE STATION Different types of cheese. There was soft cheeses, goat cheeses, blue cheeses, and imported cheese. At this station there were crackers and smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers and pickled onions. -CARVING STATION Suckling pig, turkey, and prime rib. The chef is quite stingy with the pig. Ask for a few pieces of skin. He will give you one. -HOT STATION Eggs Benedict, breakfast meats (bacon, sausage), chicken, and fish -MADE TO ORDER OMELET STATION It had Portuguese sausage, ham, green onions, cheese, mushrooms, but no SPAM. What the heck?! People Hawaii is the number 1 American consumers of this processed, Gout causing, tasty, meat in a can. -DESSERT STATION This is the best macaroons I have ever bitten. My wife loves these expensive tiny things and the 1st thing I do when she brings it home. How much did these puny sugar overdose cost you? I've tasted them from several places Taniokas, Cake Works, La Tour Cafe, and Sugarlina Bakery. There were cookies, different types of cakes, cookies, french pastries, pies, chocolate mousse, fresh fruits, popovers, and panna cotta. -Birthday Our server served my wife a few desserts that were offered at the buffet. It had a candle on their famous cake and on the plate it was written in chocolate Happy Birthday. They also have a ice cream station and chocolate fondue station. At the ice cream station they offered different flavored ice cream. Kona coffee, mango sorbet, and vanilla. Overall recommend the Sunday Brunch Buffet for a special occasion. I would call to check what type of food layout they will be offering to ensure you get your moneys worth. Yelp 31 day Challenge catch-up: Sunday Brunch 25/31
(4)Madison A.
The best Alaskan King crab Benedict I ever had! Great service , great resort , beautiful views. Two thumbs up!
(5)Kiana O.
Of all the breakfast buffets that I have been too...this is at the top of the list! By far THE BEST! The service is always excellent and the atmosphere is wonderful! RESERVATIONS IS A MUST!!!! At least a month in advance for regular sundays and at least two months in advance for special days...ex: Mother's Day. My family and I go here at least two times a year and I always look forward to it every time! I always hit up the "Omelette Station Guy" first if there is no line... The next stop is the fresh fruits...they always have the freshest strawberries. You can enjoy the sour cream, brown sugar, whipped cream with it too! YUMMMM! They have a wide selection of breakfast items...sausage, bacon, blintzes, pastries, muffins, eggs, either roast or prime rib, pig and fish items too. They also have lunch items ranging from Korean, Italian and Japanese cuisine! Fresh Sashimi too! And I cannot forget about the dessert items! They are exquisite! Haupia cake, chocolate pie, strawberry mousse or panna cotta, banana cream pie, etc. I could go on and on about the menu...the items vary depending on the season and when you go, but to truly experience the pleasure of fine dining breakfast buffett...ORCHIDS is a MUST! It is pricey, but worth every penny! Enjoy!
(5)Rod U.
Stunning, open air, seaside restaurant serving Island inspired food from locally sourced ingredients, all from an updated, modernized menu. Hawaiian luxury. Dine surrounded by hundreds of fresh orchid blossoms, listen the sound of the lapping waves, smell the clean salt air, and feel the sea breezes. The best part, there is no sandy beach fronting the restaurant so you are spared ummm whale watching. Similar choices for lunch and dinner except the lunch only, lobster and crab burger topped with a refreshing Asian pickled cucumber and a spicy sambal aioli (sweet, exuding lump crab and lobster flavor but excessive amount of filler), and the fish and chips with a smoked fish tartar sauce (thick cut of perfectly cooked white fish but lacks the uber crispy crust expected). Top starters include the ahi crudo with its earthy and hot horseradish, daikon, and acidic sake lemon dressing and the kampachi tartar accented by tobiko and a refreshing ginger gelee. Both pack flavor explosions. Both display perfect acidic balance. For mains, the Kahuku shrimp ravioli is excellent. Chunks of sweet shrimp accented by chewy shimeji mushrooms served in an earthy, slightly pungent parm crust sauce and topped with a crunchy ogo salad. The "Orchids Style" onaga is also a must try. Thick cut of perfectly steamed onaga fillet crisped with superheated sesame oil and dressed by green onions, cilantro, and soy. So simple. So delicious. Sensible swimsuit portions. Don't expect to take home any leftovers. Quality resort service, friendlier with locals if you want it to be. Good wine list. Very high, Hawaii resort prices. Note: The current Restaurant Week 2012 menu is an outstanding deal. Decent selection, nearly 40 percent off regular menu prices.
(4)Sandra S.
Orchids was the best brunch place I have ever eaten so far. If I could give you more than 5 stars, I would! My sister and I had a wonderful culinary experience here while we were in Oahu for a few days. Took my sister for an early birthday brunch at Orchids. The brunch is buffet styled, with different varities of cuisines served (American, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Hawaiian, etc). The foods (including their holy desserts) served were really delicious and fresh. My taste buds were beyond content! Everything was amazing!!!! Tried the coconut pie that everyone on Yelp was raving about, and I have to agree that it was deeelicious! Besides the delicious 5 star rated foods, service was excellent and the staff were wonderful. In addition, we got to enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean and diamond head while we were eating. If I ever come back to Oahu, this is one of the few places I would visit again. Highly Highly Highly Recommended!!! P.S - If you know you want to come to Orchid's Sunday Brunch, be sure to call them a few weeks ahead because it gets booked very quickly. I was fortunate to call 3 weeks ahead and was able to get the last reservation for that Sunday Brunch.
(5)TD H.
Dinner Review! I'm totally motivated to complete this review tonight, from dinner tonight. It was that good. We made an Open Table reservation, checked the website and wore appropriate attire. From the start, the service was accommodating, friendly, professional and welcoming all at once. We sat on the lanai with the best view of the upcoming sunset and Diamond Head. It was awesome! We love to people watch. The waiter offered to take our photo with the Diamond Head backdrop, which we greatly appreciated. Ordering of drinks and food was done at our pace and very smoothly. Drinks: Orchid Cocktail (Mai Tai twist) for me. Sparkling water for the both of us. Appetizers: Smoked Duck Carpaccio w/ Baby Watercress Salad Seared Scallops, Cauliflower Mousseline, Caviar, Gribiche Cream *Excellent Dishes!* Main: Olive Oil Poached Salmon, Big Island Goat Cheese, Pistachios, Roasted Beetroot Roasted Lobster Thai Basil Mole Sauce/Coconut rice *Amazing! Prepared nicely and full of flavor. I barely touched the rice as it wasn't needed for flavor or to fill* Dessert: French Pressed Kona Coffee Tiramisu/Creme Brûlée, Macadamia Nuts and a dollop of ice cream Again---fabulous. My two favorite desserts on one plate? No way! A manager came over and asked us how things were towards the end of our meal. She was discreet and friendly. The restroom. I'll just say that the bidet has come a long way! :-) We'll be back. From the valet, to the hostess, to the wait and table staff, it was a wonderful and romantic evening.
(5)U Q.
Excellent food, great place, great location. Nice place to go to for out of town guest. Absolutely love their coconut cake desert. Very fresh, authentic flavor, and so rare to find here (other than lot of Haupia stuff made with coconut flavoring stuff)
(4)Skydebster S.
Definitely recommended!! Excellent service, great ambience. We had Bottle of Moet and Chaddon, Asparagus Prosciutto, Veal Chop, and Lobster and beef Cheeks. All the selections were delicious!!! Both dishes were prepared exactly as how you request. And both beef cheek and veal chop were amazingly tender, they just melt in your mouth. Our appetizer cold fresh asparagus, prosciutto with warm egg was excellent as well. It was like both hot and cold combo on one dish. If you want to have romantic dinner with your loved one. This is the place to go to. Enjoy~~
(5)Sulia J.
Best Sunday brunch experience ever! You have to make a reservation weeks in advance. They have Japanese cuisine as well as traditional American: eggs, potatoes, sausage, fruit. (I eat my weight in papaya each time I come here!) The Orchids restaurant is right off of the ocean so your brunch experience is accompanied by a beautiful view and the sound and smell of the water. Once I was here during the holidays and they had a harpist and flautist. The service is wonderful and the food is delicious! I definitely recommend coming here at least once! Oh, and it's resort attire. Slippahs are ok, but they do not allow t-shirts (they had to loan my hubby a Hawaiian shirt because he couldn't go into the dining room).
(5)Tiare L.
Love this place! The service is absolutely amazing, the food is sublime, and the atmosphere is peaceful and visually gorgeous. My staple favorites would be the lobster bisque and coconut cake (cake is to die for). The menu changes often and never disappoint. Most recent meal was the lobster half shell with linguine and lobster sauce. Amazing. Wine list is wonderful as well. I insist you try this place if you ever have the chance.
(5)Kelly G.
I had a beautiful beach view accompanied by delicious food and good cocktails. This was the perfect end to a perfect Hawaii day.
(5)E C.
Came for Sunday brunch and loved everything! The ambiance, food quality, variety, service.... Everything was as expected. Sushi was fresh and plentiful, salads were unique and delicious, and of course, the desserts were absolute delight. Their iced tea was refreshing with a hint of mint. Delish! We made reservations 5 weeks in advance and they only had two seating available so book ahead if you are interested in dining here. $59 for adults, $30 kids under 12. Will be returning for their afternoon tea.
(5)Rissa K.
Love this place! Great service and lovely view of Waikiki beach and Diamond Head! Came here for breakfast and I must say everything was very tasty! I had the poached eggs with corned beef hash. Will def come back sometime!
(5)Cece S.
Delicious food,beautiful setting. Pricey, but worth it.
(5)Erik L.
Unbeatable view, excellent food Go for a walk along the beach underneath later. There's a romantic path and every few hundred feet there's something new and interesting on the land side, like hotels that light up huge swaths of ocean or raucous bars. They provide a dynamic backdrop even if you don't ever look away from the ocean. Also, they are far back enough from the water that you can completely tune them out if you want quiet.
(4)Dave H.
I'm in Hawaii, right? I mean, these are the islands. I expect things -- even at an upscale restaurant like Orchids -- to be a little more... islandy. Oh boy, was I wrong. My wife and I, celebrating our 10th anniversary on the islands, decided to splurge on a night out at Orchids. We were super-excited, made reservations well in advance, and I thought, heck, maybe we'd even get a table that we could see the sunset. The restaurant called in advance to confirm our reservations. "How nice," I thought at the time. However, my hopes were dashed as we approached the hostess at the podium, my wife looking stunning in a flowered dress, and I looking dapper in a long-sleeved white shirt and a pair of Tommy Bahama dress shorts. "Hello sir and madam, may I help you?" "You bet! We have reservations for 6:00." "I'm sorry sir, did you not read on our website?" "Read what...?" "Well, we require our male guests to wear a collared shirt and long pants." "Uhhh... okay... why didn't the person confirming our reservation ever mention this?" "I don't know sir..." We stare awkwardly at the hostess. "Well, sir, are you staying here at the hotel?" "No, we're further up on Waikiki Beach..." "Well, sir, if you don't mind, I could offer you pants." "Excuse me?" "Yes, I could offer you pants if you would like?" Huh? Is this like a restaurant where a coat and tie are required offering you... a coat and tie??! Guest pants! Who knew restaurants even had such a thing!! "Well, you bet! I mean, if you have 'em, why not...?" So she goes and gets me a pair of pants in my size (nice that they at least have a choice of sizes!), and I go into a nearby restroom and change. I bring my shorts out in my arm, head hung low as though I just did something really incredibly embarrassing. Despite the hiccup in the evening's start, I wasn't going to let that ruin our special evening together. Even though we were placed a table as far away from a sunset view as one could get, I wasn't going to let that ruin it either. What really completely and utterly ruined our evening was the kitchen's inability to cook a medium rare steak to the temperature ordered. It was my wife's order and it was utterly embarrassing to sit there and watch them bring out not two, but three steaks. The first was well-done. The second was medium-well, but close enough that my wife had had enough of waiting for her meal to be served that she said, "Look, this still isn't right. But I'm hungry and I'm going to eat it." The waiter got flustered and didn't understand how it still couldn't be right after the second try. He insisted on bringing a third steak, even though my wife said to not bother. She wasn't going to eat it. But the waiter wouldn't take no for an answer, and brought out yet a third steak (mind you, I had long finished my meal). The third was closer to the proper temperature, but it was completely unseasoned. Like the chef just threw some meat on the grill for a few minutes and said, "Here, let her eat that!" The third steak being brought out was ridiculous and embarrassing to us. It's like they wouldn't accept the fact that they couldn't cook a steak. We are not difficult people when we go out to eat. My wife ordered right off the menu a simple steak. Any kitchen of this caliber should be able to easily cook a steak to the temperature ordered. Orchids, on that night, could not deliver such a simple dish. To their credit, they didn't charge us for the steak. That takes a little off the bad taste Orchids left in our mouths, but honestly, we would've preferred to pay for the steak delivered at the temperature it was ordered the first time. And also to the restaurant's credit, the dress code is listed on their website. But if you have such a dress code in a tropical location like Hawaii (with a lot of visiting tourists), would it be so difficult to mention the dress code at the time of both making and confirming the reservation? I talked to Orchids two times before I arrived, and neither time did they even mention a dress code -- an oversight that led in this case to an embarrassed customer. When we're in Honolulu again, we will not be visiting Orchids. There are very few fine-dining options worth the price in Honolulu and we're sorry to say that Orchids is not one of them.
(1)Lynn T.
Had it not been for the Restaurant Week menu, I would have never experienced Orchids at all. I don't take paying $20-30 or wearing a dress and painful shoes for such small food portions lightly, regardless of how well-dressed the staff, how beautiful the view, or how much recognition an establishment has gotten. I wasn't planning to write a review, but all the 4 and 5 stars kind of compelled me to. It was really a close call between a 1 (methinks not) or 2 (I've had better) star review. I wanted to give it just 1 star because that was my reaction a couple times and because I know I won't be returning. That said, I gave it 2 for the extremely attentive waitstaff. Once we got there, we were greeted with forced smiles and accusing eyes of the hostess and some manger looking guy. I don't think my friends noticed. We followed their dress code. I even used my designer bag just in case. I'll just say this now, the waiters did everything they were supposed to and more. They checked up on my friends and me frequently without being annoying and filled our water glasses every few sips. However, I wouldn't say the atmosphere was friendly. I couldn't help feeling uncomfortable since that's how everyone else looked. I ordered the Orchids Salad and the seasonal fruit was orange. The salad was overpoweringly bitter and tart. Had it not been for the 3 slivers of orange wedges, I wouldn't have been able to eat more than a few bites. yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… My friend ordered the Big Island Goat Cheese appetizer and I was shocked to find the olive cake was not a cake as described in the menu and as seen in the Yelp photos, but were crouton-like. Luckily, my friend is a big fan of goat cheese and the dish kept her satisfied. For the entrees, my two friends ordered the Kahuku Shrimp Ravioli and I ordered the Fish and Chips. Before the food arrived, I was doubting my decision. I was at what was considered to be one of the best hotels and dining experiences in the state, but I was about to eat... fish and chips! Yelpers kept saying how perfectly seasoned the shrimp was, but I figured I'd get to taste a ravioli from my friends' dishes anyway so it wasn't a big deal. Three pieces of large and very stuffed ravioli with a shrimp and ogo garnish (I'm sorry, that was not a salad) over mushrooms and a parmesan sauce. There was nothing in the ravioli besides shrimp a unnoticeable green onion. The shrimp was undercooked and bland. The pasta hadn't even reached al dente. You'd think the parmesan sauce would save the bland ravioli, but the sauce was also flat. I was very disappointed with this dish. yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… At this point, I was happy I ordered the fish and chips. I'm not sure what type of fish it was, but it was very meaty. I'm guessing they don't name it in the description because it's likely inexpensive for the price they charge. That's fine. I enjoyed it. The breading was perfectly crisp and seasoned. The "chips" are basically pressed baby potatoes. The seasoning on top complimented the sweetness of the potato perfectly. However, I was not a fan of the rich tartar sauce. Waaaay too much mayonnaise. yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… For dessert, the RW menu featured the beloved Coconut Cake! I have to admit, it's everything everyone said it was. I was pleasantly surprised by how big the slice was considering the portion sizes for their other dishes. yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… All in all, I wouldn't say the experience was a TOTAL failure. It was a different experience and I'm glad I know Orchids. The thing is, my dish was tasty, but I can get great fish and chips at a number of places. However, I do get the restaurant's appeal. It's good for a proposal, wedding (we saw 2 during our lunch), or an anniversary. It's just not something I'd splurge on (ever again) because good food is what keeps me coming back; not the view or reputation.
(2)Juliann C.
The Good: *Service was awesome! I noticed that all of them were like.. well-dressed, good english speaking Chinese old men. But there's nothing wrong with that :) *Food presentation was most excellent... everything looked like it could be on Food Network's Top Chef show *The complimentary bread was delicious *Specialty Cocktails were delicious too! *Food was good, but I wouldn't say it was MIND blowing. We ordered the Opah&Pork and Kahuku Shrimp Ravioli. The ravioli did not taste anything like the Shrimp trucks in Kahuku, so don't expect that. *Atmosphere was beautiful! The Bad: *The Food was good, but it was not MIND blowing *Price is so Pricey! *Hidden stairs, so watch out! The Weird: *Why were all the servers Chinese?
(4)Tucker H.
Brunch Review: 4* food, but 5* prices We had brunch here after a wedding, and while the spread was truly outstanding, the $60 price-point (if we'd been paying) would be high enough to offset the deliciousness somewhat. The location would be tough to beat: right on the beach, with the sea breeze and views of Diamond Head to match. The service was both friendly and pretty efficient, especially given how busy it was. The real standout was the food though: everything from some high quality sashimi, to a huge spread of salads, to crab benedict, an omelette station, and of course roast beef and roast pig. Basically everything I tried was above average, and that's impressive from a buffet. That said, at ~$60 per person it had better be. We'd go back for a special occasion, but Orchids wouldn't be in our regular rotation.
(3)Rie N.
I have been meaning to write this review for quite some time now. I just never seemed to get enough time to give it the time and attention that it deserves. During Restaurant Week Hawaii 2012, this was the first stop. I came here for lunch with my mother and thoroughly enjoyed every bite. The Kahuku shrimp ravioli was absolutely amazing with generous amounts on shrimp in the ravioli. I'm getting hungry just thinking about each bite that I took! The service was amazing. But I'm so bummed that I can't remember our server's name, since I would love to rave about the service and Aloha that he provided. I must now go back and hunt down my old receipts to try and find out his name. The view is to die for! It almost seems like Diamond Head is within arms reach. It really feels like another world here. Absolutely serene and beautiful! And the highlight of our entire lunch, was dessert! Mom and I were both so full from our meals that we didn't think we could fit anything else in our tummy. We figured, one bite of the cake then we'd be done. Boy were we wrong! We took one bite... and proceeded to savor the rest of our cake in silence. The cake simply melts in your mouth and the flavor is pure coconut goodness. There is no other way to describe it than just with a 'wow.......' I don't think I have fallen in love with a cake as much as I have this one... but if I did, then it was obviously easily replaced and forgotten. Kudos to the chef for such amazing detail and focus that goes into the presentation and most importantly, flavor of each dish. This restaurant easily falls into my Top 5 Favorites. Definitely a successful Restaurant Week experience. Photo of the menu and dishes (unfortunately, you can't really read the text): yelp.com/user_local_phot…
(5)Michelle M.
Sunday Brunch Excellent!! Must do when in Hawaii and don't forget to book your reservations early
(5)Brad S.
I did not take advantage of the brunch nor a Restaurant Week portioning, so my lunch at Orchids was a little expensive, but it was also a literal stone's throw away from the beach, and being able to sit on the patio and people watch was a very nice experience. The shrimp ravioli is definitely a good choice - you only get a handful of them, but they're comically overstuffed with the good stuff. Even still, it could only amount to a half a dozen worth of shrimp meat, so while the flavors were there, I couldn't see myself justifying the price again. What was definitely not worth the price was the $12 Monoa lettuce salad, which consisted of five slices of tomato, five leaves of lettuce, and five slices of maui onion. Presentation-wise, it looked very nice, but if they had at least mixed it together I might have felt a little better about paying $12 for a sandwich's worth of veg. Orchids provides some incredibly fresh seafood, a moderate amount of culinary prowess, stuffy service, a view to die for, and a price tag to match. How much of that you're willing to pay is ultimately up to you.
(3)Jack G.
Miss having Sunday brunch at the Hanohano room? Orchids at Halekulani is now the place to go! Yes, it'll cost you about $60 per person, but the food is phenomenal! The location on the beach is pretty spectacular too. Everything is fresh and wonderfully tasty. Even if you have a reservation, showing up early can get you seated quickly (we showed up almost an hourly early and were promptly seated). Take a tour to acquaint your self with all that is available before even getting a plate (there is literally too much to try even a small bite of everything, so pick and choose carefully - which is part of the fun). Don't be timid about asking your waitstaff for fresh juices. And don't overlook the ice cream bar that is hidden on the way out (in addition to all the other tasty deserts).
(5)Corey B.
Sunday Brunch. Go. Seriously, make reservations now, and GO! For $50 you get an amazing spread of different salads and meats, including prime rib and a pig! Fresh sashimi and sushi, eggs Benedict, macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup.. and you just can't beat the view My mouth is watering just thinking about!
(5)Steven D.
Could be one of the best lunches I have every had. Service, ambiance, food and drink quality were amazing. Started with a Mai Tai, best of the trip. Classic recipe but served on crushed ice, with an Orchid and a sugarcane stir stick. Presentation and flavor were amazing. My wife had the tenderloin and loved it. I had the Shrimp Ravioli. About the only thing I found was that the pasta was a little al dente. The filling was amazing and the white cream sauce was full of flavor. The restaurant is in the Halekulani Hotel and our table literally was about 50 feet from the water. I imagine dinner should even be better as we had 4 servers making sure our lunch was one to remember. I only wish I had gone earlier as we visited on our last day in Waikiki. Price is worth every penny.
(5)Naoto U.
Orichids has been my favorite place to visit for decades. This is the must place that I have to visit. The service is impeccable and the food is absolutely stunning. Of course the price is way up there but it is worth the visit. -- at Orchids at Halekulani. So what bring is to five out five. 1. The location. The best view for diamond head and have a very nice dinner. You forget that you are in Waikiki. 2. The food. Yes, it is well done and well presented using local ingredient. 3. The service. Perfect. Not stuffy but impeccable. So if you are visiting Hawaii, I would recommend trying this place. You need reservation. You should dress well (casual dressy). If you are from Hawaii, it is a good place to take the people visiting outside from the island. They may buy you a dinner. LOL
(5)Teresa S.
This was another beautiful yet expensive restaurant with a beach view. It is literally right next to House without a key we thought it was the same restaurant. The staff were amazing and the food was better than House without a key. Our waiter hooked me and my friend up for our birthday with decorated plates and a complimentary piece of cake and I was shocked. We read the reviews and see they're very popular for their Sunday brunch but I refused to pay $60-$70 for a brunch buffet.
(4)Maile K.
This was the worst service I've ever experienced... EVER. We found a fish scale in the onaga the size of a dime. When we told the server about it, he literally walked away from us in the middle of us talking to him about it. He consulted with another server before coming over to us and giving us to option to get another one... no apology at all. On top of the horrible service, our food was bland and VERY pricey for what we were given. We ordered: Lamb (about 4 oz for $54, and half of it was fat) Onaga (sent back because it had a huge scale in it) Scallop appetizer (only came with two scallops, making them $12 each scallop) Shrimp ravioli (which was VERY al dente... a.k.a. not cooked long enough) WE WILL NEVER BE BACK!!
(1)Ekso T.
Food is always excellent the few times I've been here. I wish I could afford to go much more often. Service has also been great. Nice beach view. Parking is convenient with validated valet. Orchid is also my new favorite spot for tea service. Used to frequent Moana Surfrider until they upped the price and remove soup of the day from the tea menu. Now Orchid has become my place to go, for lunch, dinner, and tea.
(5)Misty P.
Holy moly, I love this place for brunch! The mega brunch of them all. This one is close to my favorite next to Hoku's brunch. I love that they have EVERYTHING for brunch - from blueberry pancakes with coconut syrup, muffins/pasteries gallore, edamame salad, green papaya salad, poke, kim chee, sashimi, sushi, veggie platters, bacon, eggs, rice, sausage, desserts up the ying yang, A WHOLE ROASTED SUCKLING PIG, and a partridge in a pear tree. One complimentary drink comes with your meal such as a mimosa, or juices. If you pick coffee it is refillable. Service is top notch. Bring your appetite!
(5)Katie H.
This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of trying the Orchids Sunday brunch. Situated in the elegant Halekulani hotel, this restaurant is probably considered fine dining, as they have a dress code, etc. Going in to the experience, I had very high expectations, and that may have been what brought this place down a little for me. At the $58 dollar/ person price tag, I expected a little more. Perhaps I have been spoiled by mainland buffets? (Vegas' Bellagio had more variety at a cheaper price tag, to name). I think I just expected more seafood, like crab legs, maybe some lobster, etc. I did enjoy the poke, sashimi, and the fish entree, but I just felt something was missing. The buffet included a salad bar, sashimi, a crab salad, poke, kimchee, other cold salads, a bread station with popovers (not great cold), waffles with lilikoi butter (YUM), danishes, two cheese platters, a cold pasta salad with bowties and mushrooms, papaya salad, eggs benedict, turkey, roast suckling pig, some kind of beef (prime rib?), bacon, sausages, an omelette station, many many desserts. Can't quite remember everything. The good: non-alcoholic beverage is included with the buffet, omelette station, coconut cake, ICE CREAM YUM, service was great. I never had an empty glass. Thinking back upon the experience, everything tasted good or a few items better than good, but maybe the food presentation was lacking or something. This is a great experience to do ONE TIME, for people who live on island. A great venue for out-of-town guests who would enjoy the gorgeous views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience with a very special friend of mine, but if I venture back into Orchids, I think I will try the regular menu instead of the buffet. Treat your mainland friends on a special occasion.
(3)Nam B.
A gorgeous view from a Waikiki''s five stars resort, looking out at the beach is the perfect place to have brunch while sipping on an expensive small cup of guava juice that just simply taste so ambrosiac, making it all worth it. Lots of cute little birds will land on your table to ask for the hook ups.
(5)S. R.
Great place for breakfast .. You can order whatever you want .. Awesome view and great service!! Perfect place to take visiting friends and family..
(5)Paula H.
we had the poached eggs with alaskan king crab and the coconut cake. it all was amazing! if your in waikiki and you dont eat here all i have to say is..."your crazy!" the poached egg was perfectly cooked on the outside...runny and amazing on the inside. the cake was amazingly light. i have a mega sweet tooth. this wasnt too sweet but it hit the spot! stop reading my review and head down here now!!
(5)Patrick G.
Thank you restaurant week for making Orchids affordable enough to experience on an afternoon that's not a special occasion. This restaurant at the Halekulani was set in a perfect little gardon overlooking Waikiki beach. The restaurant week menu was a great sampling of items. I went with the goat cheese appetizer, the shrimp ravioli, and of course the coconut cake dessert. The service was great, I did not feel rushed through my meal. I also did not feel as though I was waiting for courses to come out. They were spaced perfectly apart and the quality was outstanding. I would definitely come back, but only for a special occasion. As much as I want to eat here every weekend, I would not have any more money to eat here every weekend.
(5)Chelsey C.
If you're looking for a place to impress your significant other or fine dine your family buffet-style, take Orchid's into consideration for their admired Sunday brunch buffet! I am so blown away at how wonderful and consistent their service is and their food certainly doesn't fall short, either. There is sooo much to choose from here. It's a little overwhelming at first because you want to try everything but you know that your belly won't be able to devour it all. *tear*. But whatever you choose, you will love! There is something for everyone: 1. Sushi Bar - fresh sashimi, sushi, soba noodles, ahi poke, tako poke, kim chee, mussels, and shrimp cocktail 2. Crackers and Bread with a plethora of cheeses, smoked salmon, mozzarella & tomato, pearl onions, capers, etc. 3. Salad Bar - pasta, potato, macaroni, greek, tossed greens, etc. 4. Dessert - OK, now we're talkin'! I've never seen so much dessert available at a buffet, EVER! Not only is there a section serving homemade ice cream (chocolate, vanilla, kona coffee, sorbet) plus toppings, there are well over a dozen mini desserts such as eclairs, panna cotta, cream puffs, lemon meringue, their famous haupia cake, and fresh fruit. The panna cotta has to be my absolute favorite.....vanilla bean cream with lilikoi glaze (I think) and a tiny slice of pineapple served in a little shot glass. Ooh soooo good... There were also crab cake benedicts, prime rib, fish, waffles, popovers and croissants, succulent roasted red potatoes with sauteed onions (another one of my favorites), bacon, sausage, mini muffins, and an omelette station. Am I missing anything? I know I am.....but you get the picture. $60 a person but worth the experience; gratuity is also included for parties of 5 or more. My family of 6 came this past Sunday and had fabulous table service. We had two waiters helping us and making sure we were doing fine. Our freshly squeezed orange juice, guava juice, coffee, and water were never empty, and our mopped dishes didn't sit idle on the table for more than 5 minutes. The harpist and flutist playing music while you dine adds a special touch as well. Gosh, I can't wait to go back again... 5 stars for Orchids' Sunday buffet. My family had an incredible time.
(5)Lisa R.
*This review is only for their Sunday brunch* My aunt lives in Honolulu and I spent a good 5mins listing for her all of fab things my bf and I were going to do on our visit; snorkel, Morimoto's, gliding, Orchids for brunch, blah, blah, blah, blah.... My uncle walked in the room and the only thing she said to him was "They're going to Orchids for brunch!" Apparently, that's the only thing that impressed her. If you love tuna, tuna poke, tuna sashimi, this is the brunch for you. I swear they must catch that tuna at 7am and serve it at 10am. It was honestly the freshest, most tasty, most fab tuna that I've ever had IN MY LIFE (and I eat out like a crazy person). This is also the first time I've ever leaned back in my chair full of tuna and said 'enough!'. I mean that's worth the price of admission alone. I'll admit that the rest of the spread was pretty typical (fish dishes, bacon, potatoes in warmers and made to order omlettes), but it was good. Their dessert table was also full of treats and even coconut ice cream, but I barely touched it.... I mean have I mentioned the tuna? TUNA! All of this with a bar and a view. Tuna.
(5)Craig M.
Situated ocean-side in the luxurious Halekulani Hotel, Orchids boasts perhaps the best buffet not only in Honolulu, but the entire state of Hawaii. Adding to the elegance during their spectacular Sunday buffet is the beautiful music of a harpist-flautist duet that wafts over the diners as the warm tropical breeze flows throughout the open-air restaurant. The food is extremely well prepared and presented, and it's difficult not to try a little of everything. But one does try! The salad bar is not just a bar, it's a room - beautiful salad greens, popular salads with a special twise, sushi, poke, sashimi, pastries, soups all conspire to make you load up your salad plate. But don't get over-enthusiastic with salads, for there's much more to come. The breakfast selections included (when we last ate there), made-to-order omelets, salmon egg Benedict, chicken and pork sausages, Portuguese sausage, and crepes. There were many more items, but one has to be disciplined, y'know. The hot entrees included fish and chicken, but I decided to stick with prime rib (perfectly roasted), island pork, and freshly steamed cauliflower. I stuck to my guns and didn't go back for a second helping of any entrée ... besides, my tank was near to being full and I had to save room for dessert. I could have gone hog wild over the desserts, but again I exercised great discipline - only four items made it to my plate: a beautiful guava soufflé in a demi-cup, some almond float, a nice cube of haupia (coconut pudding), and a serving of the best bread pudding I've had in a long, long time. Oh, they had cakes and pies and napoleons and flans, but as I said, I was very cultured that day. The service is impeccable, quick and courteous. The ambiance is top shelf. The view of the ocean is breathtaking. The food is beautiful and absolutely delicious. What more could a person ask for in a restaurant and Sunday buffet?
(5)Pua M.
Haven't been here for years. We used to have tea at the Halekulani in the afternoon years ago and it was always the highlight of our day. Just a relaxing, enjoyable, luscious afternoon. Haven't been to Orchids for Sunday brunch EVER - until today. What a delightful experience! What can you say about food that is prepared fit for the Queen? Scrumptious! My son-in-law made reservations early, so we could have an ocean side table. It was a perfect setting; the food was fabulous; the wait staff PERFECT; the company incomparable. One tiny negative - maybe 1/2 of 1% negative - the Eggs Benedict, although done to perfection, could have been warmer. Expensive - Yes. Worth the expense? Absolutely! This is one of those dining experiences that is bound to remain in your memory forever! Mahalo nui loa to my SIL and to the Halekulani for a Day to Remember! A hui hou, Pua P.S. If you're local and use the valet service, be sure to get your ticket validated. Of course a tip is de rigueur, but you don't pay for parking.
(5)Bitsy M.
We had a lovely dinner looking out over the beautiful Waikiki beach. My shrimp ravioli's were wonderful as was my husband's fish. I can't remember which it was but it started with an O and was Hawaiian. The service was also top-notched like everything is within the Halekulani. Certainly worthy of a return trip when we are next in Hawaii.
(4)Caryn W.
HC and I decided to go to Orchids' Sunday brunch the day after our wedding. He had never gone before, so he was looking forward to eating somewhere new. There were tons of Japanese tourists waiting in line before us, so I was worried that we'd have to wait a long time, but fortunately, they all seemed to be part of the same group. We had made our reservations through Open Table and for some reason, the hostess thought it was one of our birthdays. We politely corrected her and told her that we had just gotten married. We were seated right away. Our server was excellent! He was always quick to fill our water glasses and bring us fresh cups of juice. I got the pineapple juice, while HC got orange. There were lots of things to choose from on the buffet floor, including different kinds of salads, poke, cheese, breakfast options, fish, chicken, and desserts. We pigged out on everything. Near the end of the meal, our server brought out a slice of cake that read Happy Birthday. We again mentioned that we had just gotten married and it wasn't any of our birthdays. The poor guy looked so embarrassed and said that that was what our card read. We were able to keep the cake though, which we polished off. Interestingly enough, our bill came and I noticed that the total was nearly identical to what we paid at Alan Wong's the night before. I think it'll be a while before we come back to Orchids again. It's nice to come once in a while, but it sure is pricey.
(4)Jannet L.
Beautiful setting, fresh food, great service, validated 4 hr valet parking and lunch for 160 bucks - what a deal. Well in all seriousness it was my moms bday and we both had two drinks and two apps and two mains and they brought out their signature cake with a candle. So I think we got our money's worth. I wonder if rich people get sick of eating delicious fancy food in beautiful locations with incredible service?
(5)Anita S.
This was obviously an upscale place, but from what I saw, the food was only good. Not great, not four stars, not quite as good as I would expect from a place with a dress code during lunch hours. I had the Orchids Salad, which consisted of a few leafy greens, dandelion leaves and three to four pieces of fruit, topped with a good, but overly acidic dressing. My throat had a bit of a hard time handling it. My brother had the Fish and Chips, which was made with an unnamed fish, but was deliciously flaky and served with some sort of small, flattened whole potato. I am in two minds about calling and asking what type of fish they used, but honestly am not sure they would know. For dessert, my brother and I shared the Tiramisu....very disappointing. It looked amazing, but I've had better tiramisu...just about everywhere else I've had tiramisu. I also had a try of a margarita, and while it was favorably strong, it was nothing amazing That said, the view was wonderful (but what view isn't in Honolulu?) and the service was pretty good. Very friendly and patient wait staff. I can't comment on dinner, but for lunch this was a good choice, but not somewhere I'm craving to go back.
(4)Tap Sum B.
I only ate breakfast here but it was the best breakfast I had on the island. The prices are reasonable for breakfast where for two people it came out to about 60$. This includes drinks. I understand that their brunch is about 60$ a person so breakfast on other days is more than a bargain. You really can't beat the view and the surroundings. The place is super clean and quiet. I felt like I came to an exclusive oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Get the macadamia pancakes.
(5)Janice L.
Book at least a month in advance. My friend just got married, so we got VIP seats. Try to book seats in the outside area where you have a view of the water. Orchids is located in a nice hotel too! All you can eat. I read a couple reviews telling me that I can order one free drink, so I ordered a mimosa and was charged almost $12. I think it only includes one complimentary NON-ALCOHOLIC drink. Don't forget to get the lychee and kona coffee sorbet. If you get there early, there are different types of sashimi (they ran out of the white ones early). Fresh poke. Loved the fruits too - gigantic blueberries, blackberries, local papaya, pineapple etc. Guys need to wear collar shirts and girls should dress up a little.
(4)Angela K.
Breath Taking view of Waikiki Beach and beautiful ambiance for brunch. Food: The must order items were the brown sugar pineapple pancakes WITH COCONUT SYRUP. My friend got the french toast (which were a bit plain) but WITH the coconut syrup = AMAZING!! I would suggest they use smaller plates because the food look small on the plate even thou it was completely filling. Going to say - skip on the Kalua Pork Omelette, pork wasn't too flavorful, nothing out of the ordinary. Service: They first told us they ran out of the coconut syrup - and we were very disappointed b/c without it - we didn't want to eat our breakfast without it. Luckily the other waiter overheard us ask for it and said he would go fetch some for us at the other restaurant. Seriously, the syrup made all the difference for our breakfast. We were celebrating a belated birthday, and they surprised our table with a slice of haupia cake. That was very nice of them and the cake was delicious!!! The food is good, not anything out of the ordinary, but you are really paying for the ambiance and view. Try to nab one of the tables on the edge - no window - and you just have the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head. Great for brunch and photo ops! Other tips: Free Valet: if you eat at the restaurant Open Table: They take open table reservations - 100 pts
(4)Scott L.
Elegant, Classy, restaurant on the beach in the top Hotel on Waikiki. Top notch location. Professional service, dependable but not memorable food. Steamed Cantonese style Onaga was a little over done. Liked the "Signature" Coconut Creme Cake the most.
(4)Ren L.
I got a bit tired of going to Eggs and Things, so we picked a new spot to explore for breakfast, and this place came up. We were situated near the beach, which was just pleasant with the heat starting to pick up. I grabbed a drink and their "Island Favorite Breakfast" which was Portuguese Sausage and a sunny-side up egg over Kimchee Fried Rice. For a high-class place like Orchids, they definitely delivered a great meal to begin the day. Service and prices were acceptable, and we definitely took the time to enjoy our surroundings around Orchids and Waikiki beach. A pleasant experience, indeed.
(5)Renee A.
I love having breakfast here at orchids. The food is out of this world delicious and the staff is so sweet and friendly. This is a bit of a pricey place for breakfast but it was worth every penny. One of my favorite places on Oahu
(5)Les M.
COTDAMN! Its a New Day!! I said Cotdammit, this probably the best buffet I've ever been to, but, I've only been to about 20 or less. THE GOOD- Suckling pig (think Anthony Bourdain), fresh ahi sashimi yelp.com/biz_photos/AmaE… A cheese station (blue, goat, etc), prime rib, giant shrimp cocktail, about 43392 different cakes and desserts, an ice cream sundae station (vanilla, coconut, chocolate and mango sorbet flavors) etc etc etc ETC E T C. Another good thing was that there is NO TIME LIMIT, so from 9:30am until 2:30 pm you can EAT LIKE A FAT KID AT A BUFFET. literally. Also parking is free validated and service is top notch. THE BAD-Our server was sweating like a pig, but I was more interested in the suckling pig (which was the star of the buffet btw), but he gave us excellent service and I never asked for water or had .0004 seconds before my empty plate was picked up to make room for my next mound of morsels. THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC- Right when we arrived there was a trail of miniature black ants making their way in between the breaks of the tablecloth, the waiter told us they were a common problem due to the fresh flowers on the table, I also seen them by the shrimp cocktail, but not IN the food. Also, there were these stealthy finches that were perched above the carving station, but out of the way of the food, that would time their swoops to the muffin rack when nobody was around. I did notice one bird actually land on a muffin and seen a worker there sheww them away....but didnt dispose of the bird claw muffin. Also at $58 per person (not including tax) you'd better be ballin' or have someone else pay if you want to eat here more than once every couple of months P.S.- Next time i will bring a ziplock and pack about $58 worth of sashimi in it, im part chinese and the other half mexican, what can i say?
(5)Traci H.
Went for lunch on a weekday and had the 3 course complete meal for like $32! First it was a beautiful day and we had a table on the edge overlooking the water and Diamond Head. Friendly and fast service. The appetizer was a really fresh tasting salad, main was a curry that had really great hints of Indian spices, and the dessert was a tapioca type of dish. Wow it was quite good. The portions didn't look all that huge but it was quite filling and was very enjoyable. Very fresh food and very tasty. I should add that I also LOVE Indian food so the Indian spices totally rocked my palate. If you expected a Japanese style curry then this would have been a total surprise but for me it was great. I can't wait to go back and see what other exotic spices they can throw in. There weren't all that many things on the menu that jumped out at me though and the curry dish I got isn't always on the menu so I'm not sure what I'd eat next time, but hopefully there'll be a good special, otherwise I'll be stuck! I also hear their Sunday brunch is great so I'm waiting to go there one day too!
(4)Laura H.
I honestly don't know what the hype was about. I read the reviews and it all sounded great. We made reservations here for Sunday Brunch. They stop serving at 3pm. The hotel is gorgeous and the view is beautiful. But the food wasn't that great. The eggs benedict was stale from just sitting in there.. Anyone can make an omelet. The sushi was okay. And the brunch was expensive. I was really disappointed in this place because I had such high expectations.
(2)Steph J.
Locals don't venture into Waikiki much. But I grew up in Waikiki so it's like my backyard. I love going in to the different hotels and checking everything out. So when I first came here after years of forgetting about breakfast in Waikiki, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this place. First off, the view is great. You can see the ocean from edge to edge, check out the passersby walking and if you're lucky, you get to see some hotties that don't even know you're sitting there. Secondly, the menu is very reasonable. I mean, if you're used to breakfast at McDonald's, you'll want to pass on this place. But if you're expecting $25-$30 breakfast buffets at hotels, you'll be happy. You can find a lot of items on the menu for about $15. The service is impeccable and it's so nice and relaxing to dine oceanside. There's no charge for valet parking with validation, up to 4 hours. So after brunch, we walked around Waikiki and perused the shops. After we were all done shopping, we picked up our car from the valet, gave them a nice tip and went along our merry way. If you have a chance to go, definitely check it out!
(4)Lindsey J.
Every time we go to Oahu, Orchids is a must. The food is great, but we mostly go for the location and ambiance. It is a great place to have a classy relaxing breakfast in Waikiki. It doesn't hurt that every time we have gone we have had a celebrity sighting : )
(4)Faye M.
Hands down, my favorite "special occasion" place to dine!! I love to dress up and go out every so often, OK - every other week! And this is at top of my list for doing just that! The ocean views (and Diamond Head!) make for a romantic meal to share with that special someone, or a whole group of them! I've been to their Sunday Brunch for a lot of occasions, which is soo good - so many stations to check out, I always miss something! There's also a harpist, that adds to the beautiful setting. But I've also been to Orchids for dinner; with the sun setting and Diamond Head in your face - it's a really great place to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. I've had many delectable meals here and always leave satisfied. Service is the best around - no arm jutting in front of you with a water pitcher here! And no matter when I came (day, night, or AGE!), I always felt like I was welcomed and happy to be served - unlike other uppity uppity places I've been to. I mean, they're all so nice here - I actually don't mind when they call me "ma'am" - and I HATE when I'm called "ma'am"!
(5)Grant U.
Breakfast this morning was outstanding, relaxing, bacon and ocean breeze..life in Hawaii!!
(5)Pinky And The B.
We went for breakfast. It was amazing from start to finish. Service was 5 star ,food was 5 star, atmosphere and view were 5 star-perfection! My husband does not eat fruit. He tried the papaya and fell in love with it. He loved it so much he bought some papayas when we got home to New York. They tasted like plastic compared to what we had at Orchid's. The waiter spoke the same dialect of Chinese as my husband. He was warm and friendly. He told us a lot about China town and Honolulu. I can still taste the pop overs! The eggs Benedict were the best we ever had! We have found no equal maybe because of the view of Diamond head,and the Pacific Ocean. They served a potent Kona coffee and they gave free refills. It was a great beginning to a great day.
(5)Angela Y.
Beautiful restaurant. My boyfriend wanted to do something special for me for Christmas Eve and he decided on this restaurant. It's a lovely setting with the candlelight, orchids surrounding the tables and oceanic view. We came during the sunset! The service was stunning. But I would expect that from such a high-end restaurant. There was nothing to complain about and I was very happy. The food was tasty. The flavor didn't overpower the actual entrees. We started off with Seared Ahi. They had roasted corn chaat with it and it was absolutely amazing! I loved it. The Ahi was also cooked very well and tasted very fresh. For my main entree, I ordered an Onaga "Orchids Style" which is a steamed tail snapper with shiitake mushrooms, sesame oil, soy sauce and green onions. It was very tasty but I think I enjoyed the dish my boyfriend got which was the Opah and Pork. Dessert was also great! He got the Pina Colada and I had a Creme Brulee. It was such an enjoyable experience. Loved the setting, good service and food was delicious. Not five stars yet because I would still like to try their Sunday brunch. I will be back, Orchids!
(4)David P.
The misses and I celebrated our four year anniversary by having dinner here not too long ago. I found this place via yelp and was not disappointed. This is definitely a five star restaurant and I will tell you why. First the food: Everything from the complimentary bread and butter to the food was fantastic. For appetizers, we had the abalone. They asked if we were sharing, we replied, "yes", and they cuts it in slices on the shell for us. Great tasting with the sea asparagus surrounding the shell. For the main course, the misses had the onaga and I had the lobster. Both were exquisite. Nothing was too salty, and the portions were not massive and worth the price on the menu. I had the lobster and in my humble opinion, I say this was the best lobster I have ever had in my life. For lovers of the rich types of food like fettuccine Alfredo, and certain cheese dishes, you will love the lobster here. Good buttery taste with one of the softest cooked lobsters I have ever had in all of my culinary travels. Dessert was great too. They gave us a their signature coconut cake on the house because it was our anniversary; very nice! We enjoyed it with the small dollops of glaze surrounding the cake; very delicious. We ordered the creme brulee. That was great too, however the cake is the way to go in my opinion. Second, the service: Spectacular! From the greeting when we first entered the restaurant, to when we got the bill, simply amazing! We were warmly greeted when entering, then when we were ordering and had many questions about the menu items, the waiter without any trace of boredom or disgust told us and portrayed an image of succulency. He was not wrong about anything from the food suggestions, the drink suggestions, and the dessert suggestions. We had to tip him big, it was the least we could do to repay him for showing us such genuine aloha during that special day. With great food and awesome service, what more is there to consider when thinking about coming to this place or not? Try it out and if you disagree on something, please let me know. I'll go back and see for myself whether we were just lucky on that day. Happy yelping everyone!!
(5)Nicole R.
I went here for the Sunday brunch buffet on Valentine's Day and was pretty blown away. Orchids is definitely a place to go for those extra special occasions. The setting is exquisite - the restaurant has such a breezy, open feel to it and you have a stunning ocean and Diamond Head view from just about anywhere you sit. The morning we were there, two women were playing a harp and a flute. They have a huge carving station with everything from kalua pig to roast turkey and prime rib. The seafood was excellent - we loved the sashimi most of all. When it came time for dessert, we tried to behave. Really, we did. But on special occasions you just have to go for it - especially at Orchids. Mini chocolate éclairs, panna cotta, napoleon, you name it. Every bite was heaven!
(4)Chris M.
Sunday Brunch at Orchid's is a nice experience; I just wasn't very impressed by the food. + Attentive service + Quality ahi & hamachi sashimi + Beautiful desserts & ice cream bar + Live music - harpists! + Nice view of Diamond Head and the beach - Open air restaurant = too humid & sticky in the daytime - The ants go marching one by one on the buffet tables (they're attracted to the fresh flowers) - Nothing remarkable about the food - EXPENSIVE for what you get All I can remember about the food is that I filled up on plates and plates of sashimi to try and get our money's worth. Wish I saved more room for dessert! Their made-in-house Kona Coffee ice cream and bread pudding were my personal favorites. A good choice for tourists because of the view and relaxing ambiance, but in my opinion the food is not good enough to make it worth the $60+ price per head.
(3)Katherine W.
We took out of town guests to the Orchids for dinner because of the wonderful waterfront location. The sunset view was splendid as we knew it would be. I was underwhelmed by the menu, however, thought the offerings were not varied enough. As my daughter noted there was a lot of focus on "GMO" -free and gluten-free on the menu which I found distracting. The onaga was rather salty. The accompanying brown rice is lackluster. The lychee fraisier dessert was a confusing and I could taste what I thought was strawberry jello powder sprinkled on the side.Just a bowel of lychee sorbet would be more tasty. My husband thought the coconut cake was very good. Hopefully the Orchids Sunday brunch still retains its quality . The dinner was a bit disappointing.
(3)Kelly G.
This is the BEST brunch buffet on th Island !!!! We treat ourselves on special occasions and it is always top notch .... from the valet, host desk, servers, fabulous views, etc. and the food is so YUMMY with a wide array of selections !!! I also like both the lunch & dinner menus as well. Note: I did work here back in the day and it is very clean
(5)E B.
Very attentive staff, onaga prepared perfectly, prix fixe menu somewhat limited for the price, ambiance relaxed
(4)David L.
Yelp caught me in a good mood today, as I am writing three reviews with 5 stars. It's been a good food week for me I guess. So my fraternity brother's parents came in town for vacation. His mother asked for a recommendation for a nice place to eat for her 60th birthday. Long story short, after much debate, we recommended Orchids. Hale Kulani is well known for their service, and with the special occasion, I thought it warranted some pampering. Orchids was the perfect place. Our friend made reservations for us, and noted the birthday celebration. When we arrived, we were greeted and the mom was wished a happy birthday. We were seated closest to the beach, and had a great view of Diamond Head and the sunset. They loved it. The wine list was on point, and the dad found one of his favorites. I originally ordered the roasted chicken, but was advised by the waiter that there were much better items on the menu that I may like. I was offended at first - because I like what I like - but didn't want to make a scene, so I ordered the tenderloin. I was glad that I did. I normally hate ordering steaks at restaurants, because honestly, I grill them 100x times better at home for a fraction of the price, but this one was perfect. We had a great night, and they even brought out a complimentary dessert for the birthday girl. At the end of the night, Orchids was a great choice and it made me look great for recommending it. Definitely a place to experience at least once while in Oahu.
(5)Len C.
What makes this an outstanding location for dinner is the elegant atmosphere and superior service. The menu is good but not the reason to eat here. Enjoy the sunset, relax with a glass of wine and come back for brunch.
(4)Richard G.
DINNER: Reviewing an establishment like Orchids on a first meal is not entirely fair but so be it. We went for an early dinner and sat on the lanai as the sun set and the trio playing classic Hawaiian geezer tunes on the House w/o A Key's terrace. Atmosphere: +++++ SELECTIONS: I appreciate the decision to focus on a small number of appetizers and entrees. My wife examined the menu and said "I'm having a salad and an appetizer or two." When I come to Hawai'i I'm looking for one thing: Well prepared fish. WIFE: Salad, while plain, was very fresh and not over-dressed. Mushroom soup was excellent. Scallop appetizer was cooked perfectly. ME: The "Opah and Pork" sounded off-beat but when described as grilled opah accompanied by long beans cooked with pork belly (lardon) I was sold. If that was the whole story it would have been a hit. But the chef decided to cloak the whole preparation in a monotonous karate CHOP of Japanese pepper (togarashi). The overcooked green beans were chopped into one inch pieces and didn't taste fresh. FAIL. Pity. WINE: I was only looking at the Chardonnays. The sommelier has done an excellent job of going from the low to the high end in California Chards: Varners' second label Foxglove (store $16, here $50), Rombauer (store $30, here $90), Forman (store $25, here $100). We went with the Forman as a change of pace. I'm not complaining about the prices: Most restaurants in the Islands do not allow you to bring in your own wine and Lord knows somebody has to pay for the sunsets and wonderful weather.
(3)Alex P.
One word - Splendid. Tip: Request a table by the ocean and dress elegantly. Prefferably, no jeans.
(5)theresa s.
previous to this visit, i had only visited orchids as part of restaurant week. BF and i recently attended a charity event, where we won dinner for 4 here. we did not get a "deal" on this item, but it was a good excuse for me to spend money especially since it was for charity and i wanted to go back to orchids again =) ironically, my friend candice and i had just gone to le mer the night before (yeah, you can say i was kinda spoiling myself this particular weekend) and this would be considered, from a pricing standpoint, a more "affordable" dining experience. we were seated at a great table on the edge of the patio. surprisingly, orchids offers a very good choice of wines from the reasonable ($9 per glass) to upwards of whatever is your pleasure. i usually order the onaga, but forced myself to try something different. the ladies ordered the kona lobster and the guys ordered the steak, along with some beautifully presented seafood appetizers, like the kampachi tartare. everything we ordered was delicious. i was especially surprised at how well my BF's steak was prepared. i would have never thought to order steak here, but it was so flavorful and the crust on the steak provided a great texture. the steak was not overdone which can happen when a crust is attempted, and was cooked to perfection. the lobster was tender and juicy. desserts were also very good. BF got the creme brulee and he couldnt have been happier. our whole meal lasted about 4 hours, and it seemed to fly by. the service was impeccable and attentive. i have yet to enjoy their buffet, which i hear is stellar! perhaps next weekend?!
(4)Melissa S.
There are anniversary dinners where a year from you say "remember that night" and then there are anniversary dinners 10 years from now you say "remember that night". Tonight was that night. Gary was our waiter and we could not have asked for anyone better. He was incredible and gracious the whole time, even bringing us wine tasters when we could not decided on a wine to go with our dinner. The dinner was EXCEPTIONAL and all of the food was incredibly delicious. I had veal and my husband had the tenderloin. The veal won hands down! It was all I could do to refrain from picking up the bone and chewing on it. Because it was our anniversary they brought over desert and on the plate, "Happy Anniversary" was beautifully written in chocolate. Their coconut cake has always been wonderful but it seemed extra delicious that night! So moist and light that I couldn't put my fork down (and I'm not even a big coconut fan). Everything including our dinner table (right on the window with a "snuggle" bench seat for two) was absolutely perfect. Thank you so much to Gary and everyone for a wonderful anniversary that we will always cherish and remember.
(5)Karen L.
Got all dressed up and spent our last night on the island at Orchid. We had an incredible view from where we sat, it was beach front outdoor fine dining. I kind of expected more from the food there, but the ones that really stood out in my mind as being really tasteful and having great textures were the ahi tuna salad and the oyster shooters. Overall, the experience here was good. One of a kind view and friendly service. 3.5 stars from me!
(4)DJ S.
OMG, went here for restaurant week and took out my gf for our 6 months anni. The set menu was priced at $40 (great deal!!!) for such awesome food. Our appetizers were fresh mushroom soup and the orchids salad. The mushroom soup was very flavorful with chunks of tasty mushrooms in it. The salad was extremely fresh and refreshing. Our main courses were the gf's Shrimp Ravioli with Shimeji Mushrooms, Parmesan Sauce, Ogo Salad and my Organic Roasted Chicken. I tried a small piece of the Ravioli ( i have allergies to seafood) and it was super flavorful. It was bathed in a cream sauce and rested on a bed of mushrooms. The organic chicked was extremely good and the portion was breast, thigh and leg. On the side was a Quinoa and Parsley "Tabbouleh," Grape Must. For dessert, my gf had the Halekulani's Signature Coconut Cake, a Chiffon Cake Filled with Coconut-Amaretto Cream Finished with Whipped Cream and Shredded Coconut and I had the Tiramisu Crème Brûlée Caramelized Nuts, Candied Lemon and Almond Nougat Gelato. Both were excellent and satisfying. The service at Orchids is great and the waiters are highly attentive. Take your significant other there for a special occaision and you will not be disappointed.
(5)A L.
This was probably the biggest disappointment of my entire trip, food-wise. We booked the place well in advance of our arrival, after reading all the yummy reviews here. It's located in the beautiful halekulani hotel, and yes the location is fantastic, and there's a great view. Service is top notch here as well. But ultimately, you come to a buffet for the FOOD, and that's where orchids failed to impress. If you've ever been to a buffet in Vegas...i don't care which one...this place would not be able to hold a torch...especially at the $65/person price. They had the smallest buffet selection I've ever seen, and the options didn't even seem that appetizing. Yes, it's a brunch, so they had a lot of breakfast options, but the only good breakfast option they had here was the omelet bar. I kept going back to the buffet line, hoping to find something to make up for the lackluster performance of my previous trip, only to come back with only 1-2 items that even looked appetizing enough to try. By far the only redeeming things here were the omelet bar and the dessert bar. They had a lot of dessert options and most of them were delicious. I usually save the desserts for last, but i was pretty much eating desserts for brunch cuz there was nothing else to try. My advice? Save your money and go treat yourself at morimoto waikiki's...prices actually end up to be quite similar at the end!
(2)Lisa R.
Expensive but for a special occasion you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jennifer C.
This is the place you want to bring your gfs for their Bridal Shower or for a lovely brunch. This is also the place to bring your significant other for a romantic getaway. Ambiance: Fancy Shamancy. Since it's beach-side, you can come in flip flops and shorts. Food: I think this is the most amazing buffet of Brunch Food I have ever experienced. Where else can you try (an unlimited amount if I may add) a Cheese Plate, Sashimi, Fresh-made Omelet, and Macadamia Nut Vanilla Ice Cream? I am probably not doing the menu justice but be reassured, it's ono! Drinks: $15 for champagne... I guess I should have expected this. But damn!
(5)Rachel M.
First off, to someone who mentioned something about this buffet being unable to compare to a Vegas buffet, UHHHH HELLO! This is HAWAII and NOT LAS VEGAS! Everyone knows a lot of the buffets in Las Vegas are 5 star quality while customers only have to pay $10 or whatever. HOWEVER UNLIKE Vegas, Hawaii's tourist and hotel industry does not make it's profits from GAMBLING AND ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS, therefore yes to get a good buffet you have to be able to dish out the $. Why don't we just compare housing prices too while we're at it... geez... Anyways to the actual review of the place... I just went here for the brunch buffet and this place was awesome! The hotel is absolutely beautiful. The service was excellent! It seemed like your standard upscale Hawaii hotel buffet with the seafood selection but one thing that was different was their poi pancakes which were so noms! The roast big was also super good and tender. The only thing I tried and didn't care for was their salmon. For breakfast I usually like to start with a lox bagel but their salmon was super tough and had a weird texture. Some people might like it I'm just saying it wasn't my cup of tea. They also have the best dessert selection out of any brunch buffet which I've ever been to in Hawaii so I was impressed. I'll definitely be back again! Loves it!
(5)Karen D.
We ate dinner here for a special occasion. The restaurant fulfilled our expectations for romantic ambiance, a beautiful view, and great service. We were not as impressed with the mediocre food, especially considering the price we paid. (The one standout for us was the sea scallop appetizer, which was perfectly prepared and delicious.) You are definitely paying for the location here. Five stars for view and service, three stars for food. Not sure when we'll be back since Orchids did not deliver the total package.
(4)Daniel R.
One of my favorite brunches in Hawai'i, or in general rather. Like the "refuge" Halekulani is, it's hard to believe that you could escape the craziness of Waikiki, and find this fortress of solitude I like to call BRUNCH. It's nice to sit down and relax and just stare at the ocean as you eat breakfast, it's really calming. I totally thought this was the weirdest thing when I first heard of it, but the Kalua Pork omelette is amazing. If you like Kalua Pork, you'll definitely like this omelette. The juices and fresh fruit are always a hit with me, I'm always satisfied when I leave. Everytime I'm home in Hawaii, I look forward to having brunch at Orchids everytime I'm home.
(4)Justin L.
Orchids has a great view of the beach and diamondhead. Service was good. Now on to the food. The food was ok. It did have its highlights. They had really fresh sashimi, suckling pig, coconut cake, and pancakes with coconut syrup and lilikoi butter. A turnoff was all the ants on the table with the syrups. There was some syrup/butter that spilled onto the buffet table and the ants were swarming all over it. Not pleasing to the eye and not appetizing. It's expensive. You're paying for the view and service.
(2)E L.
It's one of the best Sunday Brunch places on the island. Nice view of Diamond Head and the beach. Service - 5 stars
(5)Appi Y.
After reading all the reviews on this place, I decided to give it a try. I took my boyfriend here to celebrate his birthday and was pretty impressed by the whole of the restaurant. The ambience of the restaurant was very romantic yet relaxing. We were seated by the ocean and it was very beautiful looking up at the stars and listening to the waves crashing on the shore. The candles and orchids set on the table also gave the room a beautiful glow. The service was wonderful- I had noted to the receptionist that we were celebrating a birthday and almost all of the staff that served us wished him a happy birthday. The waiters were very attentive, and their recommendations were spot-on. The drinks we ordered were tasty. I loved the prosecco they served me (Unfortunately, I forgot the name of it) while my boyfriend ordered the Ginger Lychee and Mango Martini, which were both very flavorful. The food was also tasty, although I was slightly disappointed by the serving size considering the price (although I suppose this is expected when you go to a high-end restaurant). The abalone we ordered for an appetizer only came with one piece. For our entree, we ordered the Seafood for Two which came with two pieces of snapper fish, two lobster claws, two lobster tails, Kahuku Shrimp, and steamed asparagus. These were also served with three types of dipping sauce, each having a distinct and original flavor. The entree seemed small for its' price but I found that it was pretty filling. For dessert (also a small order), we ordered the Lilikoi Chocolate Bar which was very flavorful. Since we were celebrating a birthday, we were treated with the infamous Coconut Cake which was delicious, considering I am not a big fan of coconut. We were also given two pieces of Brandy Cherry Muffin Pastries on the side, which were amazing. After dinner, you can take a stroll along the beach under the stars, or sit by the fireplace right outside Orchids. They also have a Jazz Bar where you can chill with drinks. Overall, I was impressed and satisfied with my experience at the restaurant. I would recommend coming here if you are celebrating any special occasion. Note: Dress code is strictly enforced here. For men: collared shirts, long pants, and covered shoes. For women: evening wear.
(4)Arman K.
Great dinning place. Very romantic. Tenderloin is great. Fresh oysters are very tasty. Make sure you get the coconut cake with cappuccino.
(5)Phillip B.
If you want an extensive list of fresh seafood to choose from in a romantic setting, this is it. The room does not get any prettier. The service---impeccable. Limited tables that face directly on the water and they will not reserve these, but still great water views from almost any table in the room. My only complaint is the wine list. Not a lot of choices, with the least expensive of the reds at $125. But hey, for a special occasion its worth it. I would not say its kid friendly, but there were kids there including mine--but next time I would get a sitter. There really is not one dining room or bar in this hotel that is not fabulous.
(5)Kristi S.
First of all, I would never recommend this restaurant to any of my clients or friends. The service was terrible. I took my husband there for the first time for his birthday, and they did not even ask if we were celebrating a special occassion. We had an older male waiter with glasses, cant remember his name because he was not memorable whatsoever. We both ordered the lobster tail with 3 different types of aioli. When I asked the waiter to repeat the 3 different types, he arrogantly begins to explain what an aioli sauce is. Excuse me, but I dont need you to educate me on what an aioli sauce is. I asked what were the 3 types! When I explained that I know what it is, he disappears for the rest of the evening. A completely different waiter has to bring us the bill. The lobster was overcooked and overpriced with terrible service as the cherry on top. Spend your time and money elsewhere.
(1)Sheryl G.
what: a casual but luxurious oceanfront restaurant with open view of the beach :) ! something good: i loved the scenic feel of this restaurant! and our waiters paid special attention to our needs; our glasses weren't left half empty for long~ ! the food was good although some things were a lot better than others. the best thing about this place is the open windows, i felt like i was dining on a front porch of a beautiful house! something not so good: the portions are medium to small so you definitely want to order some appetizers to start off with :) !! something to try: king crab "cocktail" (18) & salmon (29)
(4)Kasey M.
We enter here for our 1 year anniversary. We had an awesome table front row towards the beach. The view was beautiful and the ambience was relaxing. Service was amazing. As soon as we sat down I took my camera out to take a picture of the view. Immediately a waiter came by and asked if we'd like our picture taken. He even took the effort to walk out on the lawn, take 1 with diamond head in the back and 1 with the beach in the back. He also made very useful suggestions. He made the veal appetizer sound so good we decided to try it. It was delicious! Also he recommended the seafood for two which we went with and it was awesome. I couldn't decide if I liked the shrimp, the onaga or the lobster the best. Too be honest I wasn't excited about the shrimp when I read the description but this was WAY better than the kuhuku shrimp I'm used to getting out north shore side. Because it was our anniversary they even gave us their signature coconut cake for free. We were stuffed after the appetizer and main and planned to skip dessert bit it was so good we gobbled it all up. If I had to change one thing I would say the drinks are a bit pricey. $11 for a martini is a lot and it wasn't a large glass. Overall super happy about our experience. Would definitely go back for other special occassions!
(5)Dmitry O.
we came here for my husbands birthday. It was very good food. He ordered the filet mignon I ordered the lamb. Both were small portions yet very tasty. As an appetizer we ordered the watercress salad with palm hearts (meh) I would not order that again. The service was good and attentive. The coconut cake was great. The only complaint was that our tea tasted terrible. Otherwise good restaurant. This restaurant didn't strike me as anyplace I would die to go back to it was good but not extraordinary.
(4)Connie W.
My boyfriend enjoyed Orchid's Sunday Brunch so much that he had it twice in one visit, although it didn't taste as good on the way up. The end. Oh sorry, that wasn't descriptive enough? If a brunch is good enough to send a big local guy yielding to the porcelain throne (okay, I'll stop), you know it must be good. We came to celebrate my birthday, and it was the perfect way to start the day. I was tempted to try a little bit of everything, but that proved impossible. If I had to choose my favorites, it would be the omelet bar, eggs Benedict, Hamakua mushroom salad, and the whole friggin' dessert spread. The wait staff here is brilliant. And ninja-like too, because we hardly noticed them although they were always there when we needed something. Definitely request a table with a view, be it of Diamond Head or the ocean.
(5)Sonja B.
I have to say that this was a very disappointing dining experience for what is supposed to be a fine restaurant with an executive chef. The steak was dry and not well spiced. But worst of all was the manoa lettuce salad. It looked like a plate of hamburger toppings. A row of lettuce on top of a row of very uninteresting tomato slices with a little onion on top. When I clearly expressed to the waiter that the salad was unacceptable, he just smiled and did nothing about it. Very poor service. At the very last minute, as I was finishing typing this review, the manager came over and asked how our dinner was. He did comp the salad. In short, the view is lovely, but the food was expensive and nothing to write home about.
(2)Constance J.
Came here for the dinner and got a great table with a view of the ocean. Service here is top notch. We tried the orchids salad which I was not a big fan of. It did not appeal to my taste buds at all. We shared the island seafood. The sauces that accompanied the dish were interesting, but the seafood itself was in my opinion sub par. I don't think its worth the price you pay. Standout of the night was the coconut cake. I'm not too big on cake, but this cake blew me away. Cake was super light and airy with a hint of coconut. This place is pricey, but that's expected since it is in the Halekulani. Food is alright, you pay for the view.
(3)Ash R.
I've been here for mothers day brunch maybe 6 years in a row. Quick tip: if you're trying to book a reso for mothers day, call a year in advance! The selection of food is great, definitely what you would expect out of Hawaii. It's basically Asian-fusion, but separately. For any special occasion family gathering I would recommend coming here, it's a gem. Service is excellent, I love seeing purple orchids everywhere. There's a harpist which plays off to the side of the buffet. Gorgeous views of Waikiki beach and a reason to get dolled up. There may be a bit of a wait but it's never more than about 20 minutes max max max.
(4)Kellie P.
We had dinner here as part of a package we purchased through Halekulani. This meant that we didn't get to choose from the menu, but ate a pre-determined set of dishes. Everything was good, except the beef curry that we were served as an entree. It was overly seasoned, too spicy, and very dry. I think the server knew that it was a bad dish, because he came back shortly after serving it to us to ask if it was okay. We tried to be polite about it, but he followed up in a way that made us comfortable to say that it wasn't good. He immediately took it away, apologized, and brought us a menu. We chose a new dish with his recommendation, and it was really good. We were not charged extra for this, even though we should have been with the rules of our package. The entire staff went out of their way to ensure we had a great experience, and it was much appreciated.
(4)May T.
The candle burned, the waves gently lapped against the white sand, and our table overlooked a beautiful stretch of Waikiki Beach. We sat contemplating the mysterious, colorful drinks we imbibed. This could have been the most romantic dinner ever, but too bad my dining comanion's husband wasn't sitting across the table from her, and my fiance wasn't staring longingly in my eyes. Ah well. It was a business dinner with hilarity, nonetheless, and was highly entertaining. We shared a luscious seafood platter for 2. She started with a king crab app that looked amazing, and I had the abalone bisque. The seafood platter came steamed with lobster, prawns, snapper, asparagus, shitake mushrooms, and a side of steamed rice. 3 aiolis were provided: chili, miso and saffron. The saffron was to-die-for. Another colleague stopped by for a nightcap, and we closed down the restaurant picking away at the lightest, most angelic coconut cake I have ever eaten. EVAH. Sigh....I will savour this un-romantic dinner for a long time.
(5)Susan F.
***SUNDAY BRUNCH**** HIGHLIGHTS: Suckling pig was extremely soft, sashimi was extremely fresh, HUGE shrimp cocktail, omelet bar, cheese (many different types of cheeses), sundae bar (pick and choose your toppings of fresh fruit), chocolate cheese cake, cream puff, tiramisu, potatoes (very garlicky), Prime rib (bloody and tender the way I love it), with a harp playing in the background, and the view of diamond head My sister ordered hot chocolate and the waiter brought a glass of ice in case she wanted it cold rather than hot, which she did so that was awesome. The dessert plate they brought for her had awesome writing in chocolate with a variety of the desserts that was served and the lady playing the harp was played happy birthday. Staff was very attentive, always asking if we needed anything. Our water glasses were always full. THE BAD: Tako was fishy and gross (probably the worst thing that I had that day).We had ants on our table from the flowers, but they kept apologizing for that (even having a special tool to remove the ants) so I guess its a common problem they have with their flower arrangements. You know when you had an AMAZINGLY-AWESOME brunch when you don't have to eat for the rest of the day... if I could I would give them 10 stars out of 5.
(5)Aya T.
Watching the ocean while enjoying your lunch is such a nice luxury. I was very happy to chow down on the delectable lobster/crab burger once again :).
(4)Teresa M.
Superb service. Beautiful view. Delicious food. Just wish it wasn't so $$$$!
(4)Mike C.
When you read those travel magazine ads where people are dining at a beach side table, those photos were probably taken here. Nestled in the beach side area of the Halekulani Hotel, the restaurant provides a scenic and relaxing atmosphere. I've dined here twice, once inside and once on the patio area, for their famed Sunday buffet brunch. This is a more traditional Sunday buffet spot with its cold station, hot plates, omelet, carving, and dessert stations. The nice twists are the poke station with a variety of different styles of preparation and the ice cream station where you can build-your-own sundae. This is definitely a special occasion type of place with its ambiance and setting. If you are visiting the island, you definitely should make reservations in advance; also, make your reservation early for Easter or Mother's Day Sundays. The meal fits the elegance of the hotel.
(4)Shaunna C.
This is one of my lunch spots. The food is good, but it isn't anything that will blow you away, and to top it off - super pricey. $25 for Fish & Chips - no joke. Now, I do have to say that the coconut cake here is to DIE for. Like, one of the best coconut cakes I have ever tasted. All and all, I come here for lunch because I know the food will always be good and the dining atmosphere is pleasant. I don't mind paying the higher price once and a while, but I really wanted a larger selection for lunch time.
(3)Chris O.
I simply love this place! I have dined here probably 10 times, and it has been a consistently good experience. First, the food is outstanding, particularly the fish. It is always perfectly cooked, appropriately seasoned, and well plated. Dessert is a weak spot, but not weak enough to drop them to a 4-star. The service is great; knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly. (Jeff is our favorite.) Of course, it is difficult to beat the location. It is one of the few places that is equally appropriate for discerning tourists, a business dinner, or a date with your spouse or significant other.
(5)Amol P.
We had lunch at Orchids during our recent trip to hawaii. The lanai is overlooking the ocean and diamond harbor. Service was excellent to state the obvious. We ordered the following entrees Onaga "Orchids Style" with Steamed Long Tail Snapper, Shiitake Mushrooms, Green Onions, Sizzled with Sesame Oil and Soy Sauce Scallop and Shrimp Curry - Steamed Basmati Rice and Papadom Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Grilled Lemon and Watercress Salad By far my favorite dish was the moroccan spiced chicken -- the texture and flavors were just about perfect. Onaga was perfectly cooked and the fish curry had a rich coconut milk aroma with a variety of chutneys to supplement the flavors.
(4)Nicole C.
Nothing beats having brunch with your family at Halekulani's Orchids. The atmosphere at Orchids definitely deserves five stars. With both open Lani seating as well as indoor seating, the restaurant is filled with the scent and vivid colors of the various dishes, the fresh sea breeze, and the sound of harps and flutes playing live in the background. Throughout the meal, you will be dazzled by the gorgeous view of the hawaiian shore! Our family sat at a long indoor table right next to the buffet lines (as expected--close to food), separated into two sections. The section downstairs near the entrance offered appetizers as well as fusion dishes from different cultures: papaya salad, japanese sashimi, shrimp cocktail, etc., while the table on the second level served entree's: french toast, prime rib, an omelet bar, and an entire table devoted to desserts that have a touch of hawaii. To my greatest amazement however, was an entire suckling pig with perfectly crisped skin, which was graciously served to you by their chef. The dishes were surprisingly delicious for a brunch buffet! Having finished my entree, I eagerly headed to the ice cream bar! My honey ice cream topped with the freshest blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, and sprinkled with chopped macadamia nuts, vanished quickly! Sunday brunch at Orchids is the perfect place to just sit back, relax, and simply enjoy a pleasant meal while spending quality time chatting away with family and friends! However, the restaurant fills up quickly, so, don't forget to do your homework and make those reservations before arriving!
(4)Can L.
I rarely give a 5 star rating, but I absolutely can not help myself. I will be the first to admit that I was a skeptic about shelling out $50 bucks a person for brunch; especially at such a fancy place, since they typically have mediocre food at best. I am now a believer. The service, ambiance, and food; well, it was without a doubt worth the hefty price tag. I called and made reservations prior to landing in Hawaii, and requested a table outside with a view of the ocean. They accommodated my request and the view was gorgeous. The service was first class as the servers were very attentive to drink levels and clearing empty dishes. In entering the buffet area, I personally recommending taking the layout before proceeding. This way you can formulate a battle plan on how your stomach will accommodate a little bit of everything. The food, well, what isn't there to say? The spread was ridiculous. Just from sitting down you have your choice of a vast assortment of beverages, but fresh Passion Fruit juice is king. There is so much to choose from when you enter the buffet area. There was the typical but great tasting breakfast fare all the way down to sushi/sashimi. The carving station had so many different meats to choose from. Definitely go for the roast pig. I asked for a little skin and the guy piled my whole plate up with skin. Best EVER. If you are in Hawaii and feel like spending a little extra, this is definitely a worthwhile experience.
(5)Jon W.
So far we have had two breakfasts, afternoon tea and a dinner here. Service is top notch morning and night and i's a pretty restaurant with a great view. The food is stronger than its average Yelp rating would indicate. Dishes not to miss are the Japanese breakfast (yes even for you round eye), the lobster and egg in pastry for breakfast. For dinner, the oysters, tuna carpaccio, abalone, snapper are all rock (fish) stars. Signature drinks were all expertly crafted. Afternoon tea (with champagne) was really top notch whether you think you might like it or not. It's served in a very nice room with some of the highest quality tea sandwiches ever and a scone basket with lemon curd, strawberry preserve and Devonshire cream that will rock your high flying world. Afternoon tea, it's not just for the top 1/10th of 1% any more!
(5)Guido B.
Boys beware you must wear long pants and a collared shirt or you'll end up perhaps with the beach dirt. No where did we see this dress code advertised for my birthday dinner. Not a problem for the men to to dress but it IS a problem if one doesn't have advance notice.We missed my birthday soiree I'd planned 6 months in advance and missed fab food because of their not telling us.... so 3 days later they offered me a free drink and comp appetizers on my NEXT trip! How cheap is that? Like they'll really remember me next Oct 2013? Come on Orchids, you can do better than that, I know so.
(2)Joyce Z.
Was here for a friend's wedding reception and the beautiful views, great food, and excellent service really made the experience a wonderful one. They were kind enough to substitute dishes due to diet restrictions, preferences, etc.. The cake cutting was outside with the view of Diamond Head in the background or ocean if you prefer. The only warning is it is bride/groom central there. During our 2 1/2 hours there, 3 other brides/grooms came through and a wedding starting outside the Great Lawn when we left. I believe that the location for wedding ceremonies are only in the Great Lawn and a couple of other facilities they offer but not on the beach or outside the restaurant as they want to ensure the experience for diners at the neighboring restaurants are not inconvenienced.
(5)Michael O.
Wow... walking into this place you know immediately that this isn't a typical buffet spot. My girlfriend and I, being in Hawaii decided we would splurge a little on a nice meal the morning after partying in Waikiki. Found this place thanks to all you Yelpers and was quite impressed. Granted, the price was a little steep at $60 for a brunch that DOESN'T include champagne. Really, not even one glass? Here is the most important thing, I feel like we would have been ripped off if we hadn't of been sat on the patio facing diamond head. AMAZING View. The service was impeccable, I swear Ninja's must train these waiters. I was constantly surprised by how quickly and stealthily my dirty plates and cups were removed or my coffee and water were refilled. Now about the food. Massive Selection from fresh sushi and pokis to a whole pig, an ice cream bar with fresh berries and a plethora of Japanese and conventional breakfast food. We could have spent all day eating and watching the sail boats and people cross our view, but we had other things to do. Why no 5 star? Well, simple, if you don't get the patio on a beautiful 80 degree day, and you don't eat a whole lot you will feel it's a little over priced. So, easy, come hungry, request the patio or near it and prepare to be relaxed.
(4)Steve L.
Chose this spot as my wife's dinner spot during our trip to Hawaii. We got in just on time to make watch the sun go down, and get some pictures of Diamond Head and the sunset... Servers were very helpful. If you're one of those people who use how often you have to ask for a refill as your measure of service... This place doesn't even let your glass get less then 1/4 empty... We ended up getting the island seafood for 2 combo, which wasn't too bad. A little bit pricey, but probably that way because of the lobster tail that's included. If it were me with a normal appetite, I would have gone out somewhere else looking for more food elsewhere, but it worked out. They gave a complimentary birthday cake to my wife which was great! As a heads up, the creme brulee is a bit sour as it's made out of lilikoi.... Oh, by the way... GUYS HAVE TO WEAR CLOSE TOED SHOES, AND SLACKS. Fortunately I had running shoes I brought with me to run with, and a pair of khaki's for my sister's wedding... I felt kooky, but I guess they really wanted their close toed shoes as they suggested the running shoes...
(4)Odette C.
Booked Sunday Brunch for 3 people so we can relax and stare at the sea for 2 straight hours. I know you can do this for free @ the beach but @ Orchids my tummy is very happy. Choices of juice: Guava, fresh pinapple, orange, grapefruit My favorite selections from the buffet: Ahi tuna sashimi, imported cheeses, mixed fancy mushrooms (cold), cold papaya salad, Kalua Pork with the crispy crackling skin, coconut sorbet. Dessert generally good. In summary food is good, not worth $57 for sure (if you compare to Vegas buffets $30); however I am just happy to sit by the beach and enjoy the seabreeze for 2 hours.
(4)Kaliko L.
The service was excellent. The food tasted great. Had a great selection. Atmosphere was awesome, nothing like seeing diamond head and the water while eating breakfast. Well worth it especially when being there with a special person.
(5)Maria G.
LOVED IT! After escaping from the zoo AKA Hilton Hawaiian Village, we were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of this place. The food was amazing, service was everything we asked for and the views were unforgettable. Highly Recommend. Tip: Don't stuff your face with their bread too fast...it's good but fills you up
(5)Robert M.
Dinner review. To make it quick...if you want a restaurant for the ambiance, the service, and the view, go to Orchids. The food, however, especially when compared to the price you pay, is not that good. As a local I have been to Orchids a few times and to Roy's across the street many times, and I would choose Roy's every time. Orchids has a better view, but everything else (even the prices) are better at Roy's.
(2)Un-Soo W.
I got married at the Halekulani eight years ago, and had breakfast at Orchids before my wedding, so I wanted to go back with my family. Unfortunately, a lot has changed in eight years--namely, the level of service. I thoroughly enjoyed my entire stay at the hotel eight years ago, because the entire staff was so friendly and attentive. This time, at Orchids, the entire staff seemed stoic, indifferent and disorganized. They did honor my Open Table request for an ocean view--we even had a view of Diamondhead later when they raised the shade. However, I had to remind my waiter that I had ordered coffee when he brought me the first course of my American breakfast. Later, I had to ask him to refill my coffee. There were so many waiters, runners and a manager running around, but they were not consistent about checking on their customers. I saw the manager serve one table, but he never even came by our table to see how we were doing. The servers lacked the aloha spirit, which I was so impressed by eight years go. The pineapple brown-sugar pancakes were good, as were the baked goods, but the low level of service definitely detracted from the overall dining experience. I will NOT be returning.
(1)Nina L.
I wanted to like this place but there was something about the dress code (boys need to wear closed-toed shoes) and unnecessary snootiness that was off-putting to me. However, my review of 3 stars is based only on the food and service. My favorite was their signature steamed onaga over a bed of veggies and shiitake mushrooms with a side of rice. It was well done but seemed pretty simple at the same time. It reminded me of a good steamed fish that I can have at a decent Chinese restaurant. As appetizers, we had the seared scallops that were prepared well but it was a tad too salty. The "King Crab Cocktail" was good but not very memorable. We were seated in the patio overlooking the beach bar with Hawaiian music and a beautiful Hula girl dancing, which was a nice touch. Our waiter was ok but seemed a little aloof and had a more difficult time explaining the dishes.
(3)KT T.
The Sunday brunch was worth the price and lived up to our expectations. We asked for (and were seated) at a table on the patio, looking at the water. So many little tid-bits to choose from, I left with a "food baby" which was not ideal for the tight fitting dress I wore. Everything was just sooo delicious...
(5)Meep M.
the food AND service was poor. The server came to our table twice asking us if we wanted to have bottle water and both times we told him regular water was fine. Our cocktails come, but still no water or bread. This didnt bother us as we figured they were busy, so we look over the menu as we wait. They come over to see if we are ready to order, but we were not and he leaves (still with no water and bread). We figured out what we wanted and waited for the server to come back. I see him relaxing by the pos computer talking to a group of other workers. We wait and wait while the workers just kick back and ignore the floor. Finally the busboy brings us water and bread and the server comes over a few minutes later to take our order. Our food came our timely and when the busboy broke a glass on our table, the server did give us a free desert. All in all, I'll probably not go back.
(2)Sarah K.
Firstly, I'm vegan. I was looking for a nice place my very non-vegan husband and I could enjoy our anniversary dinner. There were some items on the menu I thought might be so I called to make reservations and told them that I'm vegan with a milk allergy. The lady was very helpful and said they have several vegan options. Several actually turned out to be only one option. Which I guess is understandable but disappointing. A lot of times with nicer restauarants like this, the chef will often throw something together for people with allergies or food specifications. Anyway, the sole vegan dish was a mung bean risotto. Which wasn't bad. But also tasted pretty close to the brown rice and bean dish I had had earlier that day- an instant heat-up meal by Kashi that cost about $3. This was a $30 meal. In defense of other food served there, my husband order the filet. It came with "sides" of a pea puree and potatoes. Except the "sides" were actually about a tablespoon and a half size, no exaggeration. My husband finished off his $50 meal and ended up eating more than half of my food to fill him up the rest of the way. So unfortunately, food-wise, I was pretty disapointed and so was my husband. I will say the service was impeccable- that's what the two stars are for. The waiter was very kind and thoughtful and went through the whole nine yards of pulling chairs out for me, etc. Also very knowledgable with wine...Not as knowledgable with food because at the end of the meal he brought out two darling little chocolate orangey dessert things, which were complimentary. I guess he didn't realize vegan also means no eggs because after coming back to let me know it didn't have any dairy in it, he replied that it was basically chocolate and eggs. My husband enjoyed both of them though. Overall, atmosphere and service were amazing and huge A+++. View was incredible. BUT...for the price you're paying for food, it flat out sucks to not even offer to ask the cook if he can do anything other than mung bean. Even some sauteed vegetables would have been better. :/ And portion wise- non-vegans, prepare to be hungry if my husband's dish was any example of all of the rest of their dishes. Probably shouldn't be called a "side" if it's less than a bite and a half.
(2)Elizabeth R.
New chef much improved. We had a lovely dinner for 4 two weeks ago. The sun is setting. The Hawaiian music is playing - beautiful setting. I also had breakfast a few weeks ago. It's always my favorite for breakfast, great location...it just doesn't get any better.
(4)Jennifer P.
I grew up in Hawaii and Waikiki was one of my favorite childhood memories. Although I never ate here as a child, I recently visited to island for the first time since moving. My mom and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Orchids. We had the seafood dinner for two and it was perfect. There was plenty to go around and all of the different seafood was steamed perfectly with lemongrass. Our server told me that they had the best mai tais in town. He was not exaggerating. They were icy cold and delicious.The restaurant has breathtaking views of Diamond Head. There was a mix of locals and tourists -- which is always a good sign. The coconut cake and the "candy bar" dessert were to die for. You must order both. Tip: if you get the mai tai, be careful when you pick it up -- it is so cold that ice starts forming on the outside of the glass -- easy to slide right out of your hands if you are not careful! Overall, it was beautiful and did not disappoint!
(5)Khai T.
One of the Best dining experiences I have had! Definitely will be back!! We scheduled our reservations for right about sunset, they saved us a table closes to the water! The Dinner started out with a bottle of champagne compliments of the manager! We picked the Kona Kampachi and the island seafood for two! As the dishes came out our taste buds were pleasantly impressed by the bite!!! As desert came around it was already dark and it concluded our special dinner night with their famous coconut cake! The waiters were all very knowledgeable on the menu items, the hostess (Liz) was very great at her job, and the food seemed to come out right on time!!!!! World Class service + great Diamond Head and ocean views + Amazing seafood culinary = great dining expereince!
(5)Tara C.
I thought I'd add my review since we go here for dinner..(gasp!!) did you even know they served dinner? Well, although Orchids is the stepchild to the much more famous LeMer, don't let that deter you from a spectacular evening. On our last visit, despite the fantastic fish menu, we are craving RED MEAT. So J (the brave, the bold, the husband) and I make a deal: we'll both order red meat and get a big ole' red wine to boot. He has veal and I have rack of lamb, and we start with foie gras. And we have Justin Isoceles, which neither of us have had in far too long. The service is friendly and prompt. Our table faces the water, but is against the planter with flowering orchids, their gentle vanilla scent just soothes my feathers even further. I can't wait to go back, and I already know what I am having for dinner when I do: Kumamoto Oysters (to start) and seared Moi. I don't know what wine we will have...I haven't memorized the wine list...yet.
(5)Kevin S.
Orchid's is THE fanciest restaurant we've been to on the island. DRESS CODE WARNING! There is a sign at the entrance advising patrons that "appropriate resort evening dress is required." I'm not exactly sure what that means, but don't try going here in shorts and a t-shirt. I actually had to dig khaki pants and closed toed shoes out of my closet. I don't think I've worn pants since we moved to Hawaii, with the exception of my uniform at work. Even then, I normally wear shorts and a t-shirt in to work and then change into my uniform at work, so I'm never NOT in shorts outside of work. Anyway, Orchid's was truly extraordinary. The service was impeccably professional. No, not snooty. Yes, friendly, warm, very knowledgeable, very courteous and polite. It was the type of service I would expect if I were signing over ownership of my first born son to pay for dinner. The atmosphere overlooking the Pacific Ocean with Diamond Head in the background was wonderful. The Mai Tai's were delicious and the food was absolutely to die for. We could never afford to eat here more than once every... lifetime or so? This is NOT someplace I'd recommend taking the kids.
(5)Elle B.
Elle's rare five star stamp of approval is for Sunday brunch. The Sunday brunch buffet is huge, beautifully presented, and will help relieve the bulge in your overstuffed wallet. The cold seafood especially the Ahi sashimi and shrimp cocktail is top notch. The charcuterie, cold apps, and salads represent a good variety. Their popovers are yummy with guava jam. Good hot entree selection in chafers and the carving was turkey, roast pig, and prime rib. All perfectly prepared. Dessert spread had many things that were meticulously prepared in individual servings. The ice cream sundae bar is a nice touch. This place rivals Hokus for best sunday brunch (but I think Hokus has better sushi, not to mention the miso butterfish, king crab, and lobster). Unlike Hokus, Orchids is open air so it does get kind of hot and crowded if the trades are not blowing. Service is on point. This is Halekulani after all...
(5)Andy G.
Pros: excellent food, service and ambiance Cons: none Verdict: do it - you won't be disappointed Had breakfast here. Service was 5 star all the way. Waffles were outstanding, poached eggs were perfectly cooked, the blueberry pancake had fresh blueberries inside and out. Omelet was well made too. Smooth espresso, real milk chocolate and fresh squeezed grapefruit juice were all fantastic. The service was the best I have experienced on Oahu. Really friendly and professional team from the first touch point (valet) all the way through. Worth every penny.
(5)Joseph A.
The BEST breakfast in Wikiki!!! Absolute perfection!
(5)Eugene E.
Took my dear to orchids for her birthday, & she loved it. the service, atmosphere, and food. We were treated to a beautiful moonlight dinner, & Romantic setting. We started with the Warm Big Island Goat Cheese and Broiled Vegetables. Very tasty.. For dinner, she had the Seafood Variation "Orchids". Very beautiful dish. I had the New York Steak Fresh Roasted Vegetables, Gratin Potatoes with Brie Cheese and a Truffle Glaze Roasted.. Tasty, & excellent presentation. If you want to taste an awesome truffle sauce, you have to try it. at last Orchids presented her with a slice of a coconut haupia birthday cake. Very tasty, & soft. Thank you orchids for a beautiful night.
(5)Brian A.
One of the best, if not the best, brunch on the island. Also one of the best views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach also. It's all open air so you get a good vibe as far as dining in Hawaii goes. Located right off the beach, so you can see water goers and also hear the rippling tide. The waiters are all very attentive and are quick to serve and clean your dishes off. The chefs are quick to change out the food, so there is plenty and not much is left on the empty side. They often have some musicians playing softly in the background also. It's more on the expensive side, but all in all it's worth it. From the great all you can eat food, excellent service, soft live music, and the magnificent view... it's all worth it. It can be a bit more dressy, so I'd probably go with "island causal" which is something like an aloha print shirt or dress and shorts is cool. Just a suggestion, since you don't want to feel odd with your ABC Store t-shirt and board shorts. Parking? I'd just valet it. It's easy and quick. What's a few more bucks for a great experience?!
(4)Katherine L.
The Ambiance was romantic, with a beautiful view of the ocean, as the restaurant is on the shore. In the background, there is the lulling sound of the rolling waves. You can make your way down the beach for a stroll. All their specialty cocktails are yummy, where it's a perfect balance of alcohol and flavor. I most recommend the Berry Mojito. Service was impeccable. The server was very helpful, polite, and friendly. The food is delicious, but pricey as was to be expected considering the level of dining experience. I thought that the Watercress and Heart of Palms Salad was okay, but nothing special. I thoroughly enjoyed my Colorado Rack of Lamb, as it was cooked perfectly to my liking, with a very refined balance of taste and seasoning. But Halekulani is without a doubt most known for their Coconut Cake, which is simply TO DIE FOR. It is pure heaven, so light and fluffy, with the perfect amount of sweetness where you can't hep coming back for more. I would recommend this place for a special occasion, but you have to be prepared to lighten your wallet.
(4)Nick Y.
Awesome Sunday brunch. Everything I tried was delicious: the salad bar had some very substantial choices, like Thai beef and Peking duck salads; the poke and sashimi were ultra fresh, and of a very high grade; and the carving station offered beautifully roasted tenderloin, crackly-skinned suckling pig, and holiday turkey. Even the dessert station had my girlfriend doing the happy little dessert dance she does in her chair if something truly excites her sweet tooth. The total experience of the ocean view, great service, and delicious food definitely make brunch at Orchids worth it for special occasions.
(5)Suzanne R.
JUST OK! The views are great the service and ambiance are great but the food...mediocre. I go there a lot for business because I like the view and feel it gives but I would never take my family there...just because we love food and don't really care about the ocean view. I've ordered a lot of different things on the menu and it is constantly changing. The fried ahi roll is good and they have good salads but I'm not a big fan of their entrees. I tend to order appetizers instead like soup, a roll, and a salad.
(2)Jules M.
This restaurant is in a BEAUTIFUL hotel. I am definitely booking this hotel the next time I am in Honolulu. Anyway, my husband and I ate here and had great ocean front seats. This is an open restaurant and i loved how you can see and hear the ocean. The service was excellent -- I have no complaints. The king crab app was delicious. Great healthy thick chunks. I would recommend this dish. My husband had the seared ahi for his entree -- it was good/ok. I wouldn't say we would order that again. I had the opah and pork. That dish was also good/ok. I would probably try another dish next time as well.
(4)Gary C.
This review is only for the Sunday Brunch at Orchids. At $57 each for adults, this brunch is far from cheap but it has to be the best on the island. Located in the stunning Halekulani resort on Waikiki beach, the dining room is open on two sides- one facing the ocean, the other facing Diamond Head. The numerous stations offer all the usual breakfast items- bacon, sausage, waffles, omelets made to order, potatoes, etc, plus dozens of other dishes such as sushi, shrimp, salmon, prime rib, turkey, Kalua pig, fresh fruits, salad fixings, several cheeses, vegetables, chicken, lamb, lots of desserts, and on and on. Quality is the best. Hours of operation for the brunch are 9:30 am until 2:30 pm. Sunday only- the rest of the week you order from the menu.This is a very popular brunch despite the price- they're often fully booked several weeks in advance- so reserve as soon as you can. You can ask for an outside table but they can't guarantee it. Valet parking is free with a validated ticket. The dress code is casual resort attire, so you can come in shorts and a t-shirt or aloha shirt, but many people dress up. The dress code is more strict for dinner.
(5)Kara K.
I was introduced to this place by my former boss, and I am forever grateful to him for helping me to begin our relationship. Although I wouldn't say I'm a regular at Orchids, I try my best to come here at least once every two months for breakfast on a weekday. I noticed that many Yelpers reviewed the brunch, which I've never had, but I'm yelping to say that the weekday breakfasts are probably just as good. Orchids is the dream beachfront restaurant with great customer service and even better food. Great atmosphere except for the occasional sweaty shirtless guy who walks past the restaurant. But at that point, I'm so glad to be there that I suppose it adds to the ambiance. There's also validated parking at the hotel, so extra yay! for that. I strongly recommend their waffle with strawberries and cream. The cream is the winner here, but their strawberries also taste exceptionally better than the supermarket strawberries. I had their orange/egg white drink, it was okay but I wouldn't buy it again. The Eggs Benedict is pretty good, but I'm probably not the expert since I'm not the biggest fan of Eggs Benedict. My breakfast and the BF's usually total $45 with tip, one juice, and two entrees. It's a little pricey but worth it for special occasions.
(5)One D.
Overall, the Brunch at $57 is good, but not blow your face off good. I wish they would kick it up a notch to be THE spot in Honolulu hands down for a Brunch in paradise as I know it could be. I think they need SOME shellfish, and more creativity in the offerings. More than a few items were heavy and not delicious like the crepe dish. More than enough great items though to make it a memorable experience. Service is very attentive and relaxed, and you can't beat the setting.
(4)Danielle M.
We were lucky to get a table here! The whole place was full, and I can see why. The atmosphere is to die for, and the service was spot on. I was hoping for a little more choices on the menu, but what I had was good. Next time I want to try their brunch...its supposed to be the best!
(4)Lily B.
BEST BRUNCH ON THE ISLAND. I'd have to say that I'm a pretty awesome girlfriend. Yeah, I kinda sound full of myself... but I really think that I am! :) I wanted my hunny to have a great birthday weekend, yes, not birthDAY, but birthDAY WEEKEND. So... I took him out to eat eat eat! I've done the reviews on Sansei and Ruth's Chris (2 places we ate at that weekend)... and here's the one I was missing. Sunday brunch at Orchids. His birthday was on Saturday... and our good friend celebrated his birthday the following Sunday, so we thought hey, let's get a bunch of us together and celebrate at Orchids! I planned this waaaaay inadvance. Like 4 months in advance. Orchids is in the Halekulani hotel in Waikiki and it's definitely a hot spot for brunch. I booked online and there was only ONE early spot available for our party of 7. And of course we took it! Valet parking is free (score!), and the restaurant is ourdoorsy with a gorgeous view of Diamond Head and it's right on the beach. Two women are near the entrance playing the harp and another instrument... they even played the Hawaii 5-0 theme song! Way cool! :) Fans are twirling on the ceiling as it can get hot... but you do have the Hawaiian AC blowing as well... trade winds always help. Staff service is EXCEPTIONAL. I mean EXCEPTIONAL. Sometimes you get mediocre service at a buffet... but definitely not here! Water was always filled, juices were always refilled, and we had no complaints. We did pay $6 for a fruit punch... which was more like a fruity smoothie... but it was so damn good we didn't mind the $6! Now... onto the food, but wait, where do I start?! Omelette station... choose your meat (portuguese sausage, bacon, ham, spam, shrimp etc) and veggies (mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, celery, etc) cheeses... and they sautee and cook it to perfection! Moving along... the 'cold side'... a bunch of salads (mixed greens, caesar, pasta etc)... soba noodles, sashimi, poke, shrimp cocktail, oysters, sushi galore, sandwiches, cheeses, and then a few hot soups which I can't remember... And then... the main courses... rice, potatoes, bacon, sausage, turkey sausage, pancakes, salmon eggs benedict, lichon (pig), prime rib, chicken breast, turkey breast, pot roast medallions, and an array of other hot meats that were yum yum yum! I can't remember all of the choices because honestly there were TOO MANY!!! But here's the kicker... sometimes too much in QUANTITY equals crappy QUALITY, but definitely not here! The food is TOP NOTCH and the QUALITY is SUPERB! You are DEFINITELY getting what you pay for! Desserts... my oh my... dessert... an array of little cakes, pies, tarts, etc... fresh fruits... a chocolate fountain, whipped cream, sour cream, brown sugar, cheesecake, custards, french desserts, ice cream sundae station... and that's all that I can remember but isn't that enough?! They brought my boyfriend and our friend a slice of cake and wrote a fancy Happy Birthday on it (with a candle) which was cute! We were literally STUFFED and definitely had NO COMPLAINTS! The price... $65/per person for brunch. Seem steep to you? Give it a try... you definitely will not be disappointed. This is a true gem in Waikiki and for the amount of options you get and the quality of the food, it's worth it!!!
(5)Bennie S.
Went for brunch but definitely overpriced hotel tourist food. The food was pretty bland, and just unimpressive. Great service and beautiful views of the beach, though.
(2)Michelle B.
Even bacon tastes bad when it's covered in attitude sauce. If you want to try this temple of delicious brunch you'll have to pass by the eagle eyed hostess who is able to spot a pair of sandals a mile away. Given this talent you would wonder why she insists upon giving people the up-and-down-size-you-up look and haughtily declaring that sandals are not permitted in the restaurant. To figure it out I tried to put myself in her closed toed shoes for a minute and the only upside to this would be the absolutely comical look of confusion that washes across the face of unsuspecting Hawaiian tourists. Or she just wants to keep all the bacon for herself. Beware the buffet that hath a dress code.
(1)Kapo T.
my friends came here to hold their wedding reception and she recommended me to come to Orchids for breakfast. i came here because of her recommendation. we were quickly seated facing the ocean. the view and layout of the place is extravagant. we ordered an crab/eggs benedict and kimchee fried rice with portuguese sausage. the food was ok, nothing that jumped out at me. this is definitely the place if you want to just sit there for hours and enjoy a drink or food. i'd come back here just to sit and chat with friends... but not entirely for the food... or maybe i just ordered the wrong dishes?? until next time...
(4)Cee J.
Very Disappointed. The service tonight was sub par - I've had better servers at coffee shops! Food was 3 stars, oysters were good, beet & goat cheese "salad" was OK, the ginger overpowered everything else on the plate my entree as well. The server lectured me when I mistakingly called the beet & goat cheese a "salad" yes I realize it's not a "salad" in the traditional sense. My chicken was just OK and hubby's veal chop was dry - Brought our own wine and server whisked away my signed by the winemaker bottle after he poured it, could not even catch him he was gone so fast- Not going to rush back - Sorry Orchids
(2)Eric L.
Great food. Better be, with prices u pay
(4)Richard K.
Hmmmm. This review is based solely on my breakfast this morning. Service was great, view outstanding, no complaints on that end. In accordance to Da Boss's command, I was "asked" to take care of a very close family friend with her shopping needs this morning. Part of the mission was to have breakfast at Orchids. Having eaten at Cafe Kalia just a couple of weeks ago, I was quite taken aback with the meal that came out. 3 SMALL (- - ;) pancakes; two pieces of fruit each 1.5 inches in length, the side order of Portuguese sausage came to grand total of three pieces! Our friend had the Japanese breakfast which looked OK, although the broiled salmon had a unusual shine to it, as though oil had been brushed on. Well, I guess we paid for the nice scenery and good service. By the way, I didn't pay so I really shouldn't complain.
(3)Gerard B.
(Mar/ 2007) To spend $30-$40 for a breakfast brunch buffet may sound a bit far fetched, but it is totally worth it at Orchids. Located inside one of the most beautiful hotels, the Halekulani, Orchid sits beach side and on any given day, you can dine with Waikiki beach as your backdrop. What more can you ask for?! The buffet goes on forever. With so much to choose from, you'll definitely be satisfied. After a great brunch, take some time to walk the property. It's gorgeous!
(5)Olivia D.
In regard to the Sunday brunch, the food rates one star, while the setting, view, and service rates five stars. Dine here if you want to relax in a beautiful tropical atmosphere with family or friends. Stay away if you are hungry or are a serious foodie. My sweetie made reservations for brunch as part of our anniversary weekend celebration, and we were quite disappointed with the quality of the food, although we tried to make the best of it. He said that the buffet used to be the best in Honolulu, but it clearly isn't even in the running anymore. The selection of buffet items is not as extensive as at other buffets, and the flavor is sorely lacking. I started out in the cold section and loaded my plate with assorted salads, cheeses, cold cuts, chilled soup, and soba. Everything was disappointing and tasteless: the Asian duck salad, the papaya salad, the Thai beef salad (made with overcooked strips of suspicously leftover-looking roast beef), dry, tough tomato/mozzerella salad sans the balsamic vinegar and olive oil (caprese can't sit out or the cheese gets hard), poke, green bean salad, orange and asparagus salad, bitter soba tsuyu. The best thing on the salad side was the kimchee, which I am sure came from a jar. Oh, and the chilled pureed pineapple and melon soup with Frangelico cream. The rest of the buffet did not fare much better. There is the usual omelette station, manned by an unenthusiastic worker. There is an ice cream sundae station with a lot of good topping choices. The dessert table has an assortment of cakes and fresh fruits. The entree section is quite small and offers dry suckling pig, baron of beef, turkey, a chicken dish, black bean mahi, limp vegetables, potatoes, rice, and bacon and sausage. Not very exciting at all. If you're looking for a good brunch buffet, I recommend the Moana Surfrider for parallel views and ambience and a much more extensive buffet with far superior flavors and quality. I prefer the Moana because they have better entrees and more breakfast choices, a section with chilled shellfish and seafood, and an amazing array of desserts. The Halekulani brunch used to be worth 50 bucks a head, but now lacks flavor, variety, and overall, thoughtfulness in preparation. BTW, this is my 100th post!
(3)J F.
4 for the food 5 for the service and ambience Been here 2 years in a row for the Sunday brunch the morning of the Marathon. Had a reservation at 10am and got seated right away. We were here last year and knew that what you're payign for is definately not the food. The food here is good but not great. I just love the view and ambience of the place, its so relaxing. Got the usual sashimi, some kailua pig and other breakfast stuff. Sashimi is whatever, passable, the kailua pig has no taste. One thing I always get here is the Juices! i love the juices here especiallyt he orange juice hmm so damn good had 5 glasses of it! The dessert here is my favourite part. I love the coconut cake, had 2 slices!
(4)Russell H.
Among my wonderful memories of Aloha, Orchids stands out for some of the most romantic dinners I have ever enjoyed around the world and their Sunday Brunch is beyond words to describe. The elegant setting by the beach adds to the luxurious interior and the service is world class! thanks for so many memories! Aloha!
(5)William L.
Staff is great and the food is even better.
(5)Courtney Y.
Our host in Oahu wanted to take us out to Brunch and Orchid's is the place he picked. He told us this is the BEST place to have brunch. OMG, He was right. As soon as I saw the buffet I got excited amazing! We had to walk through the buffet to get to our seats that were on the second level overlooking the ocean. SO BEAUTIFUL! Now to the best part, THE FOOD! There was EVERY kind of bar imaginable: A Anti pasta bar w/ prosciutto, crackers, hummus, baba ganoush, imported cheeses and more. A Sushi bar w/ different types of sushi, sashimi, three different poke's, seafood salad and MORE A salad bar w/ edamame salad, duck salad, thai something salad, papaya salad, SOBA.. AND MORE A made to order omelet station, I actually didn't order an omelet but I did see they had smoked salmon and any type of veggie imaginable. A hot dish station w/ mixed veggies, mahi mahi, mushroom chicken, potatoes, sausage, small blueberry pancakes w/ coconut syrup and MORE. A carving station w/ turkey, kobe beef roast beef, prime rib and MORE. And FINALLY the dessert station, this station is way too hard to explain. TOO many options. I ended up getting a little cup of chocolate pot de creme and bread pudding. They also had an ice cream station where you can pick a bunch of different toppings. Overall: I LOVED IT.. I absolutely love it and was stuffed the WHOLE day.. so worth it... Yummmmmmm
(5)Stacey K.
I LOVE Sunday Brunch here, it is THE BEST on the island. but dinner sucks. I had dinner here with some friends and none of us liked our entrees. We eat had an appetizer which was average at best. The entrees sucked. The fish was salty and undercooked, the pasta was GROSS, the steak was blah, etc etc. don't waste your time here for dinner, even though it's pretty and peaceful (and empty). but don't miss the brunch!
(3)Sapna P.
Can I say WOW! My husband and I had dinner here and it was super romantic right by the beach. We ordered a huge seafood plate with shrimp, fish and lobster and it was so yummy. It all melted in our mouth. We had the creme brulee for desert and that was delish too. Daniel was our server and he was very nice. We dropped $150 for the meal but it was wroth it! The hotel is beautiful too.
(5)Scott M.
If Orchids were in a basement in Kansas it would still be a 5 star in my book. The fact that is sits with the classic view of Diamond Head, is open to the Pacific trade winds and the music from the House Without a Key floats gently over to you makes this a 6 or 7 star place. The food is outstanding, the staff never misses and the setting is just perfect. I tend to get seafood here, but if the kurobuta pork is on the menu I get that. And of course coconut cake for desert.
(5)Jordan S.
Absolutely great, I eat here every year for a birthday brunch for some family, and I have to say, I have not yet been disappointed with the service or the food except one year when they didnt have ice cream :( , the servers are always rather fast with the drinks and water refills. The food is always fresh and tasty, the best being their carving station of course. The pig last time was nice and juicy with crispy skin! Will be going again this year, will write a review if anything changes!
(5)Chieko G.
Celebrated 2 April b-days for brunch recently with my fam. We really enjoyed ourselves and the food too. The restaurant is undergoing a renovation and should be done either May/June '12. The temporary restaurant is held on the 2nd floor. You still have views of Diamond Head and the ocean. Our view was of the hotel rooms/partial ocean and DH. Fine by me because the food/service was really good. The brunch menu changes which is why they don't have a menu posted on their website. The Sunday we went had a nice spread of appetizers. Fresh fruit, they had about 5 different types of creamy, smooth french cheese that were really good. Dips for breads/crackers, poke, a delicious chicken/apple salad, fresh greens, sushi. Fresh juices. Main entrees were succulent whole roasted pork that was tender,not salty and full of flavor, prime rib, chicken with a lobster sauce, crepes with a rich ricotta filling (so good), french toast, chicken sausages, bacon, potato hash, an egg station, and of course, rice. I enjoyed their many different choices. I had gone to Plumeria's at The Kahala earlier this year and was thoroughly disappointed. For detailed review of our experience there-read Sandie G's review. Orchids blew them away big time. Now onto desserts(my fave)I read rave reviews on Orchid's coconut cake and was bummed because I didn't even taste any coconut flavoring at all. Just the flakes on the cake. It honestly tasted like a light sponge cake with frosting and coconut flakes. That's not enough for me. I love the flavor of coconut, like haupia, and this had none. We added some fresh lilikoi sauce to the cake and that made it really nice. But, I do have to point out their mango sorbet was AWESOME!!!!! For the lack of coconut they made up for it in mango. It was pure mango--nothing watered down or filtered. It was so creamy--almost like ice cream. We did have the dessert smorgasbord. Cupcakes--good, chocolate cake--good, oh! THe bread pudding! YUM! WOW, it was so fresh and so much bread. A lot of bread puddings are very custardy--not this one. Can you tell I love my desserts? We also tried a panna cotta cup with fruit that my sister really liked. Very light. We also had ice cream and a mango cheesecake. They gave 2 slices of cake for the b-day girls. We stayed for nearly 3 hours and never felt rushed. Their brunch is pricey($57?) but it was so worth it Service was very attentive and cordial. I want to come here again with my girlfriends this time. At my suggestion, we all went to Plumeria's and I need to make up for that disappointment. Orchids did not disappoint. Our parking was fully validated. Another reviewer commented his parking was partially validated. Parking is across Halekulani and easily accessible.
(4)Janice C.
It's our first visit and we stayed at their hotel too. Food was good but the service was terrible. The hostess had such an attitude that I thought she's my boss. The waitress kept bringing the wrong items to the table, it's not a pleasant experience and it's a big disappointment.
(1)Doris D.
Orchids was pretty standard fine dining fare--mostly American and a dash of Hawaiian inspiration here and there to please the locals. Orchids is more famed for its brunches and its next door neighbor, LaMer, tauted as the best restaurant in Honolulu. The entrees weren't mind blowingly inspired but cooks here are capable so I was pretty satisfied. I'm not sure if I'd come back though. There was this tomatoe-y butter spread for the bread that was weirdly addictive and different, which is a good thing. Appetizer - Kona crab maki. It was okay... I liked the tempura battered nori; it was something a little different. My entree - Seafood variation with scallop, shrimp, and lobster tail on a bed of mushroom risotto. The scallops were done perfectly which pleasantly surprised me and the risotto was nice and creamy. Matt's entree - Duck thigh and breast with plum reduction and couscous. Talk about getting a bang for your buck! I'd never seen so much duck in one entree for a 3 star restaurant. The plum reduction was pretty interesting. Dessert - This was something really special. I think this was my favorite dish of the meal. Haupia fruit tart with blueberries, strawberry mousse, and pomegranate sorbet. The strawberry reduction bordering the two sides of the plate were really intense... the flavors went well but then again a bunch of fruit slapped together would always taste good. I don't know about you, but I was impressed with the butterfly chocolate, call me easy to please. This was a totally enjoyable dessert.
(5)Yen P.
Walked into the restaurant and it was beautiful and breath-taking. Love the open view of the ocean and the orchid flowers everywhere. The staff was very polite and professional. They seated my friend and I a little further than the windows but we were higher up to get a view of the sea. Well, it was already dark so we heard the sounds of the waves. The food was presented nicely and the cocktails were great. I wish I could try more, but my stomach could only eat so much in one seating. Dining at Orchids is definitely on top of my list to go back to for special occasions.
(5)Sean V.
Not very many places get a 5 star from me. Orchids however is rightly deserving. An excellent wine list and great service rounded out my experience. The staff are willing to take meticulous direction to special orders and requests, which is perfect for the finicky eaters. For a close to gourmet experience, you cannot go wrong here. Ambiance and staff attitudes are great and their professionalism impressed me. I frequent this restaurant at any chance i get.
(5)Tri D.
I can't imagine a Sunday on Oahu without brunch at Orchids. Yes it a bit pricey but the food is scrumptious and the service is gracious. We had our 15 month old with us and they smartly put us in side area across the lawn from House Without a Key. This worked out great since we still got a great view and didn't have to worry about our daughter bothering all the other guest. In the end it she was great so it wasn't an issue, but I do appreciate thoughtfulness.
(5)Bryce M.
Best brunch in town. I been here several times and this place consistently is my go to place for a good Sunday brunch. The lineup selection is big and the quality if really good. There was everything from omelet stations, salad bar, fruit bar, soups, carving stations, entree's, breakfast items, sashimi, and deserts. Usually a good indicator of the quality of buffets is how good the sashimi is. At orchids, the sashimi is really good, not mushy and fishy tasting like the cheaper buffets. The carving stations was my favorite though. They had prime rib, roast turkey and a suckling pig. The views and ambiance is really good especially on a sunny summer day. The service is excellent and they always are checking up to make sure everything is going okay. Reservations are a must as this place get real busy. Parking is free for 4 hours with validation. The buffet is a little pricey but I guess there is always a price to pay for good quality!
(5)Gina G.
Halakulani Sunday Brunch at Orchids is the best buffet brunch ever. I have been going here since i was little and it is impeccable! The sushi, sashimi, Poki', cheeses, fresh fruit:strawberries with sour cream, brown sugar, whipped cream, half papayas, the BEST popovers, hot entree's, mahi, eggs benedict...need i say more. I travel to the islands every year and coordinate my trip to eat at this venue. One crticism the chef has recently changed and he is making some changes that are a bit fru fru, for the local regulars. The eggs benedict is not the traditional and it is made with crab. I mentioned that to the manager Matt, and he said wait just about 90 seconds and he came back with my traditional eggs benedict with canadian bacon and impeccable hollandaise. IS THAT SERVICE FOR YOU. Addendum, The best server in the universe- Francis, is moving to Singapore, and evryone will surely miss him and the Halekulani brunch will not be the same! Our fond ALOHA, Francis!
(5)Emi O.
Most amazing buffet I've ever been to!!! Was worth the money. I was blown away with the options and the quality. I did think all of the Yelp raves about the coconut cake were overblown, but there were so many other desserts to choose from that that didn't affect my opinion at all. We didn't even make reservations but just got there as soon as it opened and we only had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated. Service was great. Will definitely go back next time I'm in Honolulu.
(5)Amy A.
It was great meal, wine, champagne, service n location. They locates in Halekulani Hotel and front of Waikiki beach. Sunset time is the best to visit there. They decollate beautiful flowers in the restaurant. I recommend seafood dishes also sweet desserts. Ice creme n coconut cake were awesome. You can enjoy quiet and private moment.
(4)Frank S.
Excellent, if pricey, brunch at the Halekulani Hotel on the beach of Waikiki. Freshest seafood and produce.
(5)Michael M.
I went two nights in a row. Avoid the pork. My suggetions, Scallops, signture fish, coconut cake. Exceptional view and service. Warning: they have a dress code!
(4)Tiffany L.
First off, I would give Orchids a million stars if I could but the limit is 5. This was by far the best meal I had on my 7 day trip to Honolulu recently. In fact it might have been the best meal of my life AND it was a buffet to boot! I was like the other reviews, a bit apprehensive that this was a buffet and so pricey ($57 for Sunday) but it was SO worth it. In fact I probably would've paid more. The lanai outdoor restaurant is located right on top of the beach and one of the most beautiful hotels I've ever seen. Everything was presented in luxury, white linens, sparkling dinner ware and fresh fresh food. We were seated immediately with our reservations in the perfect location - right between the outside patio and buffet. There was a beautiful sunny view of the beach and nice cooling breeze to enjoy our Sunday brunch. They offer fresh squeezed juices with the meals which is rare but not if you're paying that much. Let's move on to the buffet tables. AMAZING. I wanted to try EVERY SINGLE DISH in front of me. The ingredients, dishes were all unique, fresh and delicious. I couldn't believe it! In a world of excess in buffets where all they serve is "filler" food this was unbelievable. The sushi, fresh sashimis, salads, cheeses, breads were all of the best quality. Honestly I loved everything I ate. I could've stayed here for HOURS if I could and I'm pretty sure I ate enough to last me 3 days. This is probably the only meal I will remember for the rest of my life and I will be back if I can help it! Tip: Save room for the dessert because it is out of this world. My favorite was the coconut tapioca pudding. Also the fruit is so sweet and different from what you get on the mainland.
(5)Reese R.
Oooh boy, this restaurant will make me come back for more and force me to empty my wallet! It's that good! Although it's pretty expensive, it's very much worth every penny. My boyfriend and I got the island seafood combination made for two people that included 4 different seafoods: lobster, Onaga, Kahuku Shrimp, .... and some other fish... I forgot... but it was deeeeellliiicccious!! The whole meal was $89, which is actually a good price for all that food. Lobster alone already costs half that. And, remember, the price is for TWO people. Good deal. I know where I'm eating when I visit Hawaii again!
(5)Julie C.
came here for our last night in waikiki and it was such a treat! easy reservation on opentable. excellent waitstaff/service, beautiful atmosphere and nice view right by the water. the food was amazing-- i did the prix fixe. i got the grilled romaine salad which was very unique and tasty, and the poached salmon was to die for (awesome pistachio garnish to top it off)! and of course the light and fluffy coconut cake was a great finish. great dinner and experience!
(5)Lorna M.
VERY BEAUTIFUL. Great place for couples to go. We sat outside and could hear the waves which was nice. I believe the outside is screened. All fine and dandy till you realize that there is a common walking path beyond the screen. A few people passing by had made rude remarks to some of us who were eating. The wait staff- my water was always filled. Never once did I have to wait for anything except my food but that's expected. We were disappointed in our waiter. My husband and I had no idea what carpaccio was and asked the waiter if it was cooked meat. He said yes!!! Later that night after googling it, I found out otherwise. Price and taste- Overpriced, not enough for what you pay for. Taste was ok I never had a "OMG this is the shiz" moment.
(3)Ricky H.
Definitely one of the highlights of my Hawaii birthday trip. My boyfriend and I celebrated my 22nd there for a romantic dinner. First of all, I didn't have anything formal to wear so I threw on a black dress (it was actually made for clubbing in... eek) with some black wedges. My boyfriend, a casual button down shirt (we're talking Levis casual), jeans, and brown leather shoes Second of all, we didn't make reservations. Although this restaurant does have a strict dress code policy, the economy is in such a turmoil that I was hoping they would be more lenient since Hawaii's tourism industry is down by approx. 34% from their usual pull. And I was right. Orchids did not hold the dress code against us nor did they refuse us because we didn't have a reservation. The hostess politely led us to a nice candle-lit table for two with a beautiful view of the ocean. Very classy restaurant; absolutely perfect for a romantic dinner date. The bread basket is interesting; three types to try. For an appetizer we had the salad which was nothing spectacular. However, I had an outstanding steamed fish entree while my boyfriend had the steak. The steamed fish was topped with mushrooms, onions, parsley and simmered in a light sauce. My boyfriend had his steak medium rare with a side of sauteed vegetables. He claims it's the best steak he has ever had. We also had a few drinks (boy, their mai tais are gorgeously arranged and quite strong) to pair with our food although wine would have been the proper choice. For dessert, a slice of fluffy coconut cake with French pressed coffee. The service is outstanding. Our waiter was extremely attentive and polite. Since this is not your typical casual dining experience, the bill will be hard on the wallet but it's well worth it for special occasions.
(5)Tom M.
My wife and I celebrated our 30th anniversary here on February 28th. What an extravagant evening! Started with the hostess wishing us a happy anniversary, followed by being seated at a wonderful table on the lanai just as the sun was setting. We split the seafood dinner for two. What a treat! The snapper was delicious, the lobster amazing, and the shrimp fantastic. Finished it all off with coffee and some awesome coconut cake. On top of all that, our waiter, Gary, made sure the evening was perfect, and it was! Oh yeah, and the most beautiful part of the evening, my lovely wife of 30 years!
(5)Belinda C.
The Sunday brunch at Orchids is famous and won the 2010 Hale Aina Award for Best Brunch in Oahu. I attended a post-wedding brunch here with about 17 people. The setting is lovely - an open air dining area with views of the ocean, a harpist playing softly in the background, and top notch service (5 stars for the service). Watch out for birds swooping in to peck at the food. They have a sushi section including sashimi and poke, omelette station, carving station, ice cream station, and a huge dessert section with fruits, cakes, and pastries galore. My favorite items were the fresh pineapple and papaya and the coconut cake. Easily the best coconut cake I've ever had. It was a very good brunch, but nothing stood out (except for the coconut cake), and the price of $57/person wasn't worth it. For example, the poke was good, but not as good as the poke at Sidestreet Inn or Poke Stop or even Foodland! Only fresh juice (orange, pineapple, passionfruit), coffee, and tea are included; alcoholic drinks are extra. Free parking with validation in the hotel. Overall, 3 1/2 stars.
(3)Ken U.
Ate lunch here during restaurant week and it was great! My review is based on value; they had a three course special for $30, which I ordered the Big Island Goat Cheese, the Lobster Ravioli and the Coconut cake - which all were exceptionally tasty! The goat cheese was very soft and very flavorful. The ravioli had a lot of flavor and big chunks of lobster in it, but the best part was the outside noodle portion was prepared just right - not too soft and not too hard. Most raviolis I've eaten are usually over prepared and too soft. The coconut cake is awesome, a little on the sweet side. I noticed it was supposed to be served standing up as there are a couple of sauces on the side but mine showed up on its side with an Orchid flower underneath and one of the sauces already underneath the cake. Service is what you would expect in a typical hotel restaurant, it was great but not super awesome like some I've had. All in all, good value for $30 in a high end hotel.
(5)n p.
I've been here a couple times for their Sunday brunch and left satisfied every time. Some were better than others but overall the food has been consistently good. It's definitely worth trying out.
(3)Thy N.
I loved Orchids. Such a classy and beautiful restaurant in probably the most beautiful hotel in Oahu. The ambiance is wonderful and the view is perfect. Service was the best here than any other place we ate at on our trip. The food was a little above average. Alot of these restuarants have the typical brunch foods. It's just more expensive. You don't come to orchids particularly for the amazing food. You come to orchids for the ambiance, view, and service. You pay for the whole package. Beware- there is a dress code. They don't allow flip flops and beach wear, which is odd because it's hawaii! We weren't aware of this, but we got in anyway after asking nicely. :)
(5)Janne K.
We had a dinner here with my wife on our recent trip to Oahu and Maui. It was the most expensive dinner we had on our trip, but also way better than any of the others we tried. I believe this place would have a Michelin star if they gave those out in Hawaii.
(5)Sonya L.
Orchid is located in the Halekulani hotel. This restaurant is a slightly upscale version of their other restaurant, House Without a Key. Their menu's are also very different. I've been to Orchid's on three different occasions. My first time was a solo lunch trip to reward myself for all the hard work I've put into my own business. I treated myself to a three-course lunch menu which started with a mango shrimp ceviché, followed by mushroom risotto, a chocolate dessert and coffee. That was nearly 2 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. My second trip was a dinner date with my boyfriend to celebrate our anniversary following his return from Iraq. We were both quite ambitious with our menu choices and definitely went over the top with grilled fish and steak. But, since we knew the menu was over the top and fantastic, we couldn't resist the urge to have dessert and coffee. We liked it so much we bought some of their coffee beans to take home. The service was impeccable. Our last and most recent trip was breakfast. We were going to do dinner again, but it just didn't jive with our snorkeling, parasailing, jetskiing and sun-bathing schedule. So, after multiple changes to our reservation we finally showed up for breakfast. The dress code is a little bit more relaxed since men can wear shorts with closed toe shoes. However, once we were seated we noticed several Japanese tourists wearing flip flops... wtf? They also have a "No beach wear" rule, but again, the Japanese tourists seemed to have entered without a problem. Anyway, about the food. I ordered a King Crab Cake Benedict and my boyfriend ordered the Kalua Pig Benedict. Both were made to perfection and delicious. The english muffin that it sat on was crispy and well-done. The crab was also fresh and not chewy like the frozen stuff. The coffee wasn't as good as we remembered it to be, but with they offer free refill service. Again, the service is spot-on. I love this restaurant due to the location near the water (which is also next to the House Without a Key), its impeccable service, good food and sophisticated atmosphere. The dress code is a bit cumbersome, but it always feels nice to dress up a bit :)
(5)lena k.
OMG! IT IS MY FAVORITE PLACE OF ALL IN OAHU! We only had brunch here looking into the ocean. The restaurant is beautiful (literally, you are dining on a private beach; the food was actually so good that everywhere else we went including Alan Wong's made it look mediocre. How can brunch taste so good and look soooo pretty!?!?
(5)Orlando S.
I made a reservation with the concierge and asked if I would get an oceanfront table even though I was a single diner. I pointed out how my experience doing a lot of business travel is that often single diners end up getting a crummy table in fancy restaurants. The concierge assured me I would have an ocean front table. Sure enough, I arrive at the restaurant a few minutes before my reserved time and am shown to a small table in the back! The hostess said that the tables were given out on a "first come, first served" basis. If that is the case, why make a reservation? Went to Roy's instead and would highly recommend it!
(1)Liz T.
I was more impressed with the postcard-perfect setting than the food in front of me. The breakfast choices are boring and limited--stuff you could whip up in your own kitchen if you didn't sleep in until noon on Sundays. My omelette was ok--the herbs and onions were too subtle-tasting for me. When I was in college, the dining hall breakfast chef made me an egg-white omelette everyday with bacon, tomatoes, and cheese, so I expected more from a $12.50 omelette at Orchids--like an orgasm. I came back for lunch recently, and the food was more innovative but similarly overpriced. I enjoyed the Seared Ahi Nicoise Salad ($21) and the Steamed Ehu Oriental Style ($22.50), but I don't know if I would've without the ocean view and sea breeze. Orchids is a place you bring folks from out of town, hoping they foot the bill while you're wondering what on earth kabocha soup is.
(3)Jeff W.
Wow. I ate here only for breakfast, but an amazing experience. I cannot wait to go back here whenever I return to the area. This is a place that has the trifecta of perfection: Great food, impeccable service, and a view that is inspiring. The banana-macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup were amazing. The service was some of the best I have ever had in my entire life. The food, the service, the view. All worth whatever your final bill will be. Just go. A great memory will ensue.
(5)Miriam W.
If you travel a lot, are a gourmand, a foodie, a luxury hound, or even if you don't do all that a lot but you like to save up and splurge to do the fancy thing more often than the average person, you will find the food mediocre but the atmosphere and decor lovely. If this is your first time in hawaii, you're super forgiving and easy to please (yes, I admit I'm hard to please), you rarely eat at this type of place or lounge around in gorgeous verandahs for champagne brunches, you will appreciate that it's a beautiful scene and you're with great people and probably be willing to forgive a lot. Personally, I'm never going back there to eat anything based off my experience, but the hotel itself looked nice. Beautiful in appointments, gorgeous view, and it's Hawaii, come on. This hotel is listed in the most preferred hotels in the world catalogue/partnership (can't remember the exact title), it's the only "5 star hotel" they say. However, on a sweltering Sunday this past May, we went for brunch and got: - Waiters who had to be asked 3 times to bring a coke at first seating (after they asked us if we wanted drinks) - they did this twice, one round of my friend asking for a coke 3 times in a row across the space of the entire meal, and me asking repeatedly for my spritzer juice thingy. - Waiters who tried to discourage me from combining two juices (ie, the guy actually suggested that I buy TWO juices and that I could mix them myself at the table) - Waiters who dropped an entire tray of the small glass servings of mango mousse, square in front of the stairs everyone needs to use to travel down from the buffet area to the outdoor seating - Waiters who never checked on us to ask if we needed anything and had to be flagged, aggressively. You couldn't even just look as if you wanted to ask for something, you had to demand their attention as they wandered around. - Waiters who rarely, if ever, removed anyone's finished plates or refolded/put up their discarded napkins while they were off refreshing their plates. - I even asked the waiter if there were waffles up at the buffet, because if there weren't I was going to order one from him. He said there were, I went up there and found none. - Sashimi, cheese, butters, and various other items half sitting off the ice, therefore me wondering if the fish is really chilled enough to eat. Everything was melting, the cheese was all on the same board with the same serving knife, the brie was oozing everywhere and all the cheeses were sweating heavily, mushing up, and crumbling. It was gross. Also, there's a middle chunk of the buffet that seems to be getting a lot of natural light which is pretty, but ... not food safe. Which was part of why everything was sweltering, and why I wasn't happy with the state of things that were supposed to be chilled. Olives and pearl onions and other cold vegetables over on the cheese and bread side looked kind of wilted as they sat out ... I feel like they should have a proper referigerated sideboard for these things or have them covered, and all on ice, and the dairy stuff needs to be moved away from the warmer/sunnier area. - Hostess was brusque and prefunctorily dismissed/rejected someone attempting to walk in without reservations. She meet the minimum requirement for business-appropriate, however she did not meet "hospitable" or "pleasant." This isn't a country club and even if it were, this is Hawaii. Get over it. Even with a reservation, she was brusque, to everyone. All her "Thank you for coming" type statements on the way out were lost, they seemed false after her harsh reception on arrival. - Despite the veranday situation and gorgeous views - sweltering hot. They don't have any ceiling fans or misters ... at least have some fans. I found that odd. There was very little breeze that morning. For such a fine hotel you'd think this natural. Here was the clincher - we sat down, a waiter swooped by offering us champagne, we accepted. I asked for a mimosa, instead. Later, I ordered a juice drink like I mentioned - the waiter went to great pains to tell me that the price of the juice was not included in the order. I got that, I said, order it anyway. The check came - we were charged for the mimosas. He went to so much trouble to warn us about ordering other beverages, but was notably silent on a beverage that comes standard with Sunday brunch at fine hotels like this one. Bait and switch, soured the ending. To food: Hot entrees mediocre. Eggs benedict is probably the best hot entree. Liked the omelette. Included kimchi! Dessert table - amazing. Kind of excessive (I was impressed, it's usually the smaller chunk of the buffet), but half of it was fruit so that was OK. Definitely have the panna cotta and the strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar. Blintzes are okay.
(3)Laura P.
How I wanted to give Orchids 4 or more stars. . . Our special occasion was a babymoon & last trip as DINKs. Though baby is taking up most of my space nowadays, I was determined to have the 3 course meal. The salad with Kahuku tomatoes and Manoa butter leaf lettuce was ok. It was more filling than tasty. The tarragon dressing was also just ok. For my entree, I ordered the steamed onaga with long, thin slices of ginger. I really, really was hoping that they'd have opakapaka with black bean sauce (for some reason I remember eating it there years ago and whether my memory is faulty or not, I kind of had that in mind) but I was assured that the onaga was similar if not better. Hubby had the ono with garlic, soy, and ginger. Damn if I didn't like his dish more than mine. His had a little spice to it that I really enjoyed. For dessert we opted to split their house specialty- a three layer coconut cake. It was gorgeous, with the coconut shavings on top. It was light and airy. Not too sweet and not too over-the-top in coconut flavor. So why 3 stars? With our dessert we were given lilikoi marshmallows in a chocolate cup. Sounds delish, but I could barely taste the lilikoi. I'm of the opinion that if you are going to give it that kind of billing, highlight the lilikoi! The marshmallow was technically great, just didn't have the tart sourness I was hoping for. Plus, the dark chocolate seemed more prominent than the passion fruit. I also disliked our loquacious waiter from Texas. Of course, he tried to pitch a cocktail or bottle of wine. I'm getting as big as a house with our little keiki inside, so no booze for me. We asked him what was non-alcoholic and I chose a drink, but he kept on talking over me. He must have known that he pissed me off because later he kept his chattiness to a minimum. Not sure if his other tables of couples appreciated his talkativeness either. All in all, a 3.5 experience. Go if you want a tasty fish entree with a lovely view.
(3)Gayle N.
It was a good thing I wasn't paying for this dinner! The entrée was worth the price though, I must admit, but everything else, from drinks to after dinner latte was over-priced. I had a drink called "Lost Passion" that was sweet, sweet fruit juice...it was supposed to have champagne in it, but I really doubt it. If it did, it was old and flat. It just tasted like old fruit juice from the can, mostly pear. Ugh. Don't even! Then I had the "Sea Scallops", which were rather nice...two medium size scallops nicely done (could have been a smidge larger...I'm sure they were looking for their mommy). The entrée was really worth the Halekulani experience. I had the "Kona Lobster". Already shelled, served in a 'tower' with what seemed like some sort of mash with asparagus beneath. Well presented, very meaty, soft and sweet. Savored every bite. My friend had the abalone appetizer, he said it was good but again, it seemed really little and surely this one was looking for its mother too. (For the price...mmm, one little swallow?) His entrée was the steak, which he said was extremely soft and melted in his mouth...very happy. After that, no room for dessert. Although we did have a $165 bottle of wine which I know I got at Tamura's for about $60, but I guess it's because I had to cork and pour it myself. My latte was extremely ono for $5; had to be, huh? (Just too lazy to find a Starbucks at that hour; besides, what's $5 more after all that?) I've got to admit though, the service was just right, not too overwhelming and not too little where we had to look for someone. Being that the surf was very high that night and tourists were getting zoned by the waves as they walked on the walkway fronting the restaurant, the entertainment factor was so amusing also. All in all, it wasn't a bad experience.
(4)Diego R.
Made reservations for dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary as a surprise. My wife, son, and I absolutely loved it here. The valet attendants were very helpful and professional. The restaurant staff were attentive and courteous. The food was amazing. My wife had the Kona Lobster served with Crispy Tofu, Bok Choy and Saffron-Mussel Sauce and for the 1st time I tried the Veal Chop-cooked med rare with Shishito Peppers, Lyonnaise Potato, Shallot-Soy Glazed. It was delicious, it seemed like it melted in my mouth. The view of Diamond Head, the sunset, and the entertainment just completed the whole night.
(5)Robert V.
Great atmosphere on the ocean with attentive wait staff. Food was good quality - we both had seafood dishes that were fresh and nicely presented.
(4)Maude L.
Delicious! Their tiramisu creme brulee is fantastic - save room for it! I got the opah and pork and really enjoyed it, along with the gorgeous view and perfect service. This place is pricey, but worth it for that special occassion (I think there were 5 wedding parties the evening I was there). I wouldn't change anything. :)
(5)Jocelyn L.
Great brunch and really good dinner..."
(4)rebecca p.
Best red snapper it was heavenly.
(5)Kat N.
The rest of my party left Hawaii early and I wanted to enjoy a nice breakfast before my flight even though I was by myself. I got to Orchids around 8am on a Saturday. I was promptly seated by a very nice hostess. She realized that it was my last morning and she gave me a great table with full view of the beach and Diamond Head on the left side. She even brought me a newspaper to enjoy. Ah, the service. It was so nice to be served attentively by three different waiters and my coffee cup was always full. I had the delicious Portuguese Sweet Bread French Toast with maple & coconut syrup and a side of eggs. Ahhhhh. The food was beautifully presented and delicious. Why can't brunch places in LA serve coconut syrup with moist sweet bread french toast? And those eggs! The yolks were bright orange and actually tasted eggy!! After my big breakfast, I asked for the path to the beach for a walk and the manager himself walked me to the path outside the restaurant. The whole combination was worth every penny. It was the perfect way to begin my last day in Hawaii. *note - Orchids is inside the elegant Halekulani Hotel (which also has House Without a Key). I wish I could stay there. The front desk saw me looking at the orchids and guy at the desk gave me one for my hair :)
(4)Jessie C.
This review is only for the Sunday brunch buffet. We went to the brunch buffet because the yelp reviews made it sound life-changing. Our impression? Overpriced. Way overpriced. For $60/person I expect a mimosa included. I also expect a much bigger selection of food, the dessert table was as big as the rest of the tables combined and I don't consider a whole table of salad toppings and dressings to count as food. I mean the food they did have was great, the hotel is beautiful, the view is unbeatable, but we didn't feel like we got even close to our money's worth. There are other oceanfront restaurants with brunch buffets for half the price. We might go back there to order off the menu sometime but we will not go back for the Sunday brunch buffet and won't recommend it to our friends.
(2)Kione E.
Sunday Brunch at Orchids in the Halekulani is heavenly. Picture a restaurant with no walls, plantation shutters, marble white columns and floor, lush green tropical plants and Hawaiian flowers surrounding you and the sparkling blue-green waves of Waikiki in front and Diamond Head to your left. The various delicacies ranges from Sashimi to Locks. Benedict's to Omelets. Poke to Kimchee. Prime rib to Lechon. Lilikoi cakes to Miniature Eclaires. The Pastery Chef''s skills are amazing. The selections are incredible and over whelming. The service is the finest i have ever received. Though the servers are personable, and genuinely kind. Old world service with Hawaiian hospitality. You can easily spend a couple hours there without even realizing it. Time does fly by when you're in bliss. *Reservations are required for brunch (at least a week in advance). I especially enjoyed the lunch setting. Although the Portuguese Bean Soup isn't made the way my mom makes it, it was none the less tasty. The Red and Yellow Tomatoes and Big Island Goat Cheese, was practically a dessert with those sweet vine ripened tomatoes. My Grilled Mahimahi on grilled Bruschetta with more sweet tomatoes and pesto was perfect! I had a half of Ev's Lobster Tail and King Crab Salad on a House made Croissant. Oh man. Perfect. I don't generally hang out at hotels when I'm back home on O'ahu, but the Halekulani is more of a resort (and even more an escape), and the people who work there are gracious beyond belief.
(5)Rob T.
Orchids is absolutely a restaurant that offers the finest and elegant Hawaiian dining experience in the heart of Waikiki. I always recommend Orchids to any one of my friends visiting the islands. Let's start with the ambiance. It's located in one of Hawaii's finest hotels in Waikiki, The Halekulani has been hosts to dignitaries and other notables. The dining room, located on the oceanfront of the Halekulani, has no walls disrupting the beautiful scenes of the Pacific Ocean. I recommend going just when the sun is going down, making it a romantic evening during the Hawaiian sunset. They will have a pianist for a nice dining music experience. The menu doesn't change too frequently, and why should it: Don't fix something that ain't broken. The locals always keep coming back for their menu creations that Orchids have made a name for themselves. If you like fish, there is a ton of choices that they offer. Don't worry, they also offer steak and organic chicken. They offer some really great wine too. HAPPY EATING!!
(5).Hon H.
We had breakfast here on our last day in Oahu. The view is beautiful and the service was prompt and cordial, albeit a bit formal, as you would expect in a restaurant located within the Halekulani. I chose the breakfast buffet, which was delicious and plentiful. They had everything you could want for an American or traditional Japanese breakfast, which explains why I had scrambled eggs AND miso soup. A chef is also available to whip up custom omelets if you desire. Great place to end a trip.
(4)Benjamin N.
Great view, amazing service, flawless food, superb presentation! Highly recommended!
(4)Steve S.
Most likely the best buffet at which I have ever grazed. While I did not sample everything there, I did have plenty of the items that I favored. The sashimi and poke were excellent. All the food was fantastic and the service was the best. It's far from the cheapest brunch in town but, I knew that going in. It is about as far from any kind of typical steam table food as one could get. You must book this Sunday brunch approximately three to four weeks in advance, as it is very popular with everyone in the Honolulu area. Highly recommend for any foodie.
(5)Nate K.
While most know Orchid's for a great spot for Brunch, I have to say that they also have some of the best fresh fish on the island. The restaurant itself is inside one of the best hotels on the island and it has a great view of the beach. The service is what you would expect for a top notch restaurant and the wine list is very impressive. Although, I have only been to Orchid's a few times, it is somewhere i will always remember - great food and a great view - you really cannot go wrong.
(5)Rei H.
Great service! Overall food was good. I really liked seared ahi tuna, perfectly seared outside with soy marinade. Inside was rare and tender. Onaga was their specialty and good. I could use more ginger though. Hamachi tartar was also pretty good. We also tried Kona Kampachi which was so-so. Quality of dessert was inconsistent. Coconut cake was so soft, moist, and yummy! But Cream brûlée wasn't very good. Nice atmosphere. Some tourists didn't know about dress code. I saw Japanese tourists showed up in T-shirts and shorts... They offered him a jacket and pants to change.
(4)Thomas G.
Three key items peak an interest of excellence while searching for high quality dining. The ideal restaurant includes the following: remarkable food, refined service, and a brilliant ambiance (which for Hawaii means a spectacular view). Without exception, Orchids Restaurant exceeds all expectations to the top of superiority within its realm. An extremely significant guest had arrived on the island, and "pulling out the stops" was of utmost importance. Thorough research had been made in order to provide the perfect location for an evening of splendor. Pleasingly, Orchids was on the top of this list. Orchids' reviews of service had further encouraged my study of Hawaiian restaurants to cease. Needless to say, I was pleased with my decision. After a most helpful conversation with a hostess from the restaurant, it was decided that we would arrive promptly at six that evening to obtain the "Diamond Head View", which was incredible. Another pleasing factor of the evening was the Hawaiian band playing at House Without A Key. The music was just the right addition to our splendid view the Diamond Head. However, the children playing in the lawn between House & Orchids were a bit distracting, thankfully this ended within the hour. Additionally, as the sun set upon Waikiki beach the view of Diamond Head and the ocean became absolutely spectacular. Our server, Chris, attended to our every need that evening with grace & attention to detail. We were pleased to obtain such elegance & focus as our evening unfolded. From this alone, I am pleased to recommend Orchids Restaurant on the note that service is of sophisticated elegance. Additionally, recommendations of food and timing of meal courses were impeccable. We were able to dine at leisure and pleasure due to incredible service. Praise and accolade are to be paired with the quality of food at this restaurant. Although beverages are priced a bit high, it was worth the extra expense to have as a compliment to our meal. ($10-$13 is the average price of an alcoholic beverage). Strongly, we recommend the Mai Tai, which was served with a piece of sugar cane for stirring. Very nice touch! Crispy Crab Maki (very delicious) & Tataki Beef (a bit bland) were our appetizers of choice. Dinner included a seafood dish of lobster, scallops, and shrimp, as well as a separate dish of filet mignon...both of which were sumptuous. In fact, the filet mignon was the finest I've ever had. For dessert, we enjoyed Crème Brule with a cappuccino. All portion sizes were ideal. We were well pleased. Considering the elegance of Orchids, the only two downfalls were the children playing in the lawn and the high price of beverages. However, paired with this special occasion, these things are minute on the overall rating of this event. Overall, the event at Orchids Restaurant was a luxurious evening, filled with a wonderful memory.
(5)Rita L.
such a serene ambiance! the brunch is the best here! I love having brunch here with our friends and enjoying the view! the staff here are soo great, we feel well taken care of...ahhh...kinda pricey but you eat quality food here! make sure to make reservations!
(4)Alex S.
Love this place, especially for dinner. Ask for a table where you can see Kanoe Miller doing her thing. The chef is a local boy who started out washing dishes and moved up through the kitchen -- now he makes the most insane lambchops and has a lovely light touch with fish. Wines are pricey but the setting is divine and service sublime. If you want to know where Chef Daryl eats when he's not behind the piano, check out my blog post -- love it when Chefs cop to their eat lists. hawaiirama.com/2006/10/c…
(5)Seth L.
What a wonderful restaurant. The view and atmosphere is only topped by the food and attentive but invisible service. We had a business dinner that started with drinks at House Without a Key next door. The Halekulani has a quiet sophistication that makes it a great place to entertain business associates. I was a little concerned we would interfere with the couples having a romantic dinner, but the staff was forward thinking enough to seat us far enough away from diners with more romantic intentions. As a table we tasted a variety of the appetizer and entree items. The hamachi tartare and oysters stole the show for me. The oysters were quite possibly the best I have had anywhere. Their providence is not listed on the menu, but from the taste, they were west coast oysters that were plump, exactly the right temperature, and had just the right seasoning. I had the opah and pork and couldn't convince any of the other diners to part with a piece of their meal, but all weighed in that their entrees were perfectly cooked, seasoned, and were exactly what they expected for the price on the menu. My opah went along those party lines. Heavily seasoned and just cooked through, the opah sits on a bed of diced, slow-roasted pork cubes and savory sauce that plays perfectly with the flaky, tender fish. I had never had moonfish that seasoned and savory before. It was unexpected but very good. Service was impeccable. The staff appeared when they were needed and were well versed in the needs of the table. Each staff member was polite and charming and not in a forced way. The waiter even pointed out the gratuity already included for the larger party, so we did not mistakenly double tip. That comment alone added a nice side tip to the bill. My only complaint would be with the wine list. It is rather small and tends to lean towards common varietals and well-known vineyards. It would have been nice to see a little more imagination in the wines for the price point of the restaurant. Overall, an excellent meal, I would recommend it both for large business parties and quiet dinners for 2.
(5)J S.
Overpriced, and which outdoors place on the beach in Waikiki still has a long-pants dress code in 2011? A bit too full of itself....
(1)CingCing J.
The best brunch in honolulu. Sometimes they are so full on their reservation that you need to wait about 3~4 weeks. So do plan early if you want their Sunday brunch. Service was good. I have been to their brunch twice and will definitely go back again. The selection for hot entree isn't much but they have many selections on the desserts. So if you like cakes it will be perfect!
(4)Marky M.
Went for dinner with my girlfriend. Everything... service, food, atmosphere was wonderful. Highly recommend.
(5)Tinou B.
Was in Waikiki for Thanksgiving, and Orchids was one of the few restaurants still taking reservations. That should have been a sign. The restaurant has a beach front view, and the service is good, but the food was just ok. For Turkey Day Orchids did a buffet dinner. I've been to a couple of very good Las Vegas buffets, so there was no way they were going to top it. Wouldn't have been so disappointing, except their average buffet was very expensive.
(3)Kristen S.
The brunch here is really, really, really good. We made our reservations a couple months in advance. When we showed up, a couple in front of us asked to wait for an opening in case someone dropped their reservation, and the hostess kindly said that it was really, really doubtful. This is no ordinary brunch, and you should be willing to spend some big bucks on it. Save this place for an anniversary, birthday, or other special occasion. The layout of the Orchids brunch is really pretty. Inside the Halekulani hotel, the buffet has white tablecloths and fresh tropical floral arrangements- really big pretty ones. There was light ambience music courtesy of a piano and a harp player, which was nice. I would have preferred something a little more tropical or hawaiian sounding, but it was a really nice touch. We had a seat as close to the ocean as you can get (and there's still a barrier of shrubbery and a walkway) and it was a good table to have. The brunch: different sections including a custom-omelette station, meat-carving station (mmm roast pork was delish!), hot breakfast items - sausage (not portuguese or traditional breakfast sausage, it was a "spicy" sausage- bummer), bacon, potatoes, different kinds of prepared fish (mahi mahi with capers), potatoes, etc. There's also pastries, muffins, and the whole 'continental' spread- the pastries were really good. There's a salad bar and a full poke bar (ahi, ika, tako, and more), soups, a few Japanese items. Then there's the dessert table that has all kinds of desserts and real fruit sauces (guava, lilikoi), and a separate ice cream bar, with a server who scoops it out of a freezer (he told me they make all their own ice cream- chocolate, macadamia, to name a few) and at least 50 toppings you can put on yourself, including fresh blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, nuts, sprinkles, sauces, etc. A beautiful buffet. (i never thought that was possible!) Definitely worth the splurge... (or, my dad's splurge in this instance :) )
(5)Nicole S.
What's up, buffet lovers. If you happen to find yourself in paradise, why not dine at an all you can eat foodie paradise? For the somewhat steep $50 pricetag attached to this buffet, I managed to exceed any $50 limitation by eating my way through the sashimi, poke and hot meat selections. Let's just say that more than one species - land dwellers and sea creatures - became acquainted in my belly that day. I went to the Sunday brunch, which requires a reservation WELL in advance of when you plan to dine. But it is well worth it. Especially if you love a tropical ocean front setting, minus the shuffle of sand clogged flip flops and screaming children in various flotation devices. Here, you can dine to the tune of Peking duck salad and Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes on harp and flute, minus the traffic and other distractions of Waikiki. It is open, airy and relaxing - as is the rest of the Halekulani. The food is fresh and innovative. The staff is friendly, warm and attentive. Some of the memorable moments of my meal include the roast sucking pig, the sashimi and poke assortment, vanilla bean panna cotta, and the create your own sundae bar complete with tart lilikoi syrup. If you are vacationing, call from the mainland to make your reservation. Why I am sharing this with others, I do not know, because this is one of Waikiki's best kept secrets. Whoops.
(5)The Next Time O.
This is my 3rd visit to Orchid's. It's become a tradition to visit when on vacation in Hawaii. First time was dinner on honeymoon and perhaps it's why we still visit. For dinner, if you sit outside toward House Without a Key where live music is accompanied by hula dancing around sunset, food is just the bonus. That was my first experience and this is probably what Orchid's offers every night around sunset. My 2nd visit was for Sunday Brunch, very similar experience less the sunset. Now for my latest visit, we didn't enjoy the same experience as it was raining on and off so the live music and hula was under the roof at House Without a Key. However, it's still easily the best scenery/food combo on Oahu. For starters, Seared Ahi and Salad were both excellent. Entrees, Onaga Snapper was a delight. Big Eye Ahi was well prepared. New York Steak was extremely tender. Service top notch as always. Price, expensive as expected. If you go for dinner, make sure to sit outside. The Next Time: Same as above but also go for Sunday Brunch.
(4)Glenn R.
Sea scallops...very good although bacon was very crunchy and not at all tender. . Watercress salad...meh, it's a salad. Onaga...quite delicious. $53 lamb...pedestrian and really not very impressive. Creme brûlée...good flavor. "Signature" coconut cake...um, if you're billing it like that, shouldn't it taste more like coconut? Service...fine. Return? No.
(3)Porky Penguin S.
Went to Orchids for breakfast on Wednesday morning, 1/20. There was a group of 7 women. Several ordered the popovers because that was supposedly their specialty--nah! Burnt to a crisp. When the group complained, they didn't bother to replace it with a fresh one! And, we got charged for it anyway...Why do these people go there anyway? We could have gone to Prince Court where we would have had a better view, PLUS air conditioning. My raisin bread toast was mushy and cold. The butter just congealed in a white paste on top of it. OMG, there are tons of great breakfast places in Honolulu. I sure wouldn't bother with Orchids again.
(2)John L.
After considering several "nice" places for a special occasions, we decided on Orchids because one thing that they have posted on their website is the 'island-inspired' tasting menu, which to our minds it will be about a twist on local food with local produce. Well the time that we were there, instead, they have a special guest Chef from the 'Imperial' hotel in Tokyo. So the menu is pretty much the 'classic' of the Imperial's. Not what we're looking forward to :(. So we opt for the regular menu, had the kampachi, delicious, cept some pieces were fishy is the best way to described it. Seared scallops, deicious, Hamachi tartar, delicious and interesting, gets was salty towards the end tho. Opah and Pork was delicious but after a few bites it becomes very salty also, Opah was overcooked :( Also ordered Moi which was delicious, perfectly cooked, yum..yum...yummm... Ordered their coconut cake, excellent and also chocolate 'pudding' cake, very nice. Service was warm as well and hostess was very nice.
(3)Katie T.
Pricey. Very. If you're interested in going here, that probably doesn't concern you too much. Made reservations only a few hours ahead, but that was on a weeknight. Very empty when we arrived--clearly one of the major reasons to go here is for the view, and with a reservation for 9 pm, we missed it. It's still quite nice to sit on the lanai and listen to the waves, though. The bread basket and smoked salmon spread was quite nice, and filling, so we skipped the appetizer, went straight to the entrees: sweet potato gnocchi is very good, although the focus is really on the grilled eggplant and mozzarella in the middle of the dish--I only got about 8 pieces of pasta. The other entree we tried was the mixed Asian seafood, which was not as good as the gnocchi. Might be something to do with the time of day; late evening is probably not the best time for fresh seafood. But still. It was fairly uninteresting. (The accompanying touches--mushrooms and ginger and such--were better.) On the plus side, the coffee was quite good. The chai creme brulee (with accompanying pavlova) was flavorful and well-presented. Unfortunately our waiter wasn't terribly familiar with French pronunciations, and a lot of words were butchered. Personal complaint: I was out with one other person, looking nice, dressed up, but I forgot my ID. They did, in fact, refuse to serve me a glass of wine. I know that I look a little young, but... is the Orchids really a place you'd go to try to cop an underage drink? Oh well. I guess he was just doing his job.
(4)Tolkien L.
Honestly it's one of the best Sunday Brunch places on the island. Great atmosphere, service and food. A bit pricey, but if you can put a bunch of food away, you should at least try it once.
(4)George Q.
If I was to rate this place purely on food, I'd probably give it a 2. The place has gone through soo many chefs, it amazes me that all them still manage to screw up the menu. However, the ambiance and service is about as good as it gets on this island, it easily gets a 5 from me in that genre.. They can practically feed me crap and I still have to give them a 5 because the workers are so on point and the setting couldn't be more perfect.. They used to not have a dress code, but now they throw a hula shirt on me if I walk in with a t-shirt.. I looked way goofier and casual with the hula shirt versus wearing just my black T today. Anyhow, it's truly unfortunate that a place with such great service and ambiance can't step up to the plate and make some honest decent good food.. I've tried out the menu and challenged all kinds of things, but after all the disappointments, I usually just play it safe and order sashimi/seared ahi off menu, manoa salad and whatever fish orchids style. oh yeah, they have the best Mai-Tai in the world and that's usually the highlight of the meal. Maybe that should earn them an extra star, but I'll stick with my 3 until they upgrade the food.
(3)Burke B.
Great service, excellent food, perfect atmosphere. Not to be missed when you're visiting Honolulu. (I live here and look forward to special occasions when we eat at Orchids.)
(5)Anh V.
i needed to take my cousin, a tired and new mom of a 6 month old for a girly night out. the space was beautiful. the reception was so kind to escort us to the restaurant. we were seated right at the edge overlooking the water. it was the day after the island wide blackout but it did not show any signs of it. i would recommend bringing a bottle and paying for corkage since the wine prices were a wee inflated. we opted for a cocktail or lillet aperitif and glass of wine each. we sipped our drinks as we spread the yummy macadamia but cream cheese spread over the different rolls or lavosh in the basket. 1. the oyster and caviar with mango shooters were briny and they still had shells in two of the three shooters. not acceptable. 2. the kobe beef carpaccio was tasty with the truffled oil. i liked the 3 different types of salt that you can sprinkle. 3. the island salad with sweet corn shoots and figs was very tasty. 4. the seafood medley with shrimp, scallops, and lobster tail over risotto was good but... 5. the herb crusted opa was hands down fresh and delicious. the service for the most part was good. it was a little slow to start - so much so that i was going to get the menus myself...but wonderful and attentive once we got our drinks ordered. it was perfect and i was glad to see my cousin relax and enjoy herself. fyi: regarding the dress code: gentlemen need to wear long pants with collared shirts and no slides/any foot apparel showing toes. ladies need to wear evening resort wear.
(4)Linda M.
I am rather hesitant to write this review as it may become more difficult for me to get a reservation. The Sunday brunch is absolutely wonderful. The buffet food selection large and varied, the service is impeccable, music is lovely and the view is breathtaking. Lucky we live Hawaii!
(5)Shannon E.
I wish I could have Sunday brunch here every Sunday and not just every few years. They could only take us at 9:30 a.m., which isn't that early except that I was out late the night before....waking up for brunch at the Halekulani was worth it though. We had a table closer to the beach and it was heavenly. The weather was perfect and the food was too. I had my fill of poke, eggs benedict, popovers and dessert. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough room for an omelette, but my cousin's looked yummy! Hopefully I'll be back again soon!
(5)scott p.
Um. no. Not that great. Food was uninspired. Service was only ok. Dress code is literally the most ridiculous thing I've ever experienced- you need to wear a collared shirt and...um... closed shoes. So basically show up in a polo shirt, ripped jeans and dirty sneakers and you're cool, but if you show up in your $200 sandals, $150 shorts and $100 t-shirt and you can't sit down.
(2)D G.
Been here for breakfast/brunch 4 times in the past. One of the best I've had. It's a little bit more pricey but it's all about the whole experience (food, location, and service). People should try this place at least once.
(5)Sophie A.
we were recommended this restaurant as a local, fresh food type of place. as fans of alice waters, french laundry et al. who lived in the Bay Area and travel extensively, we were expecting something on par with other fresh and local eating experiences there is no denying the beauty of the location of the restaurant, but for someone who is a foodie and lives in San Diego, I felt like I was eating at Longjohn Silver on the water - my "fresh" mahi mahi was covered, slimed with grease, and was fried within an inch of it's poor life - while I really liked the "local mushrooms" served with my appetizer - the local mushrooms were quite common on the menus of the restaurants we ate at. plus we absolutely were fussed over because we didn't make the dress code, notwithstanding that we were in Hawaii, where everyone wears shorts. the dress code didn't end up being a big deal because they had loaner crap hawaiian shirts and dickies trousers for the men...so the questions are: why have a dress code and why make a big deal of it if you have crap loaner clothes to start off with? I'd recommend this place for midwestern tourists, otherwise, fellow foodies, not worth your time.
(2)Fatty A.
This hotel is the Ritz Carlton of Waikiki. The brunch also boasted the same price of $65 per person. It was worth the experience. The tuna sashimi was extra bloody. The hamachi poke was ridiculously good. The best things I ate here were the silver dollar banana pancakes and the almond jello. Yes. Almond jello. It was freakin awesome. I am surprisingly not a big buffet fan but this one was definitely on the top of my buffet list.
(5)daci a.
I was lucky enough to be treated to dinner at Orchids and it was totally a wonderful experience. I was with old friends and it was great to sit and have dinner and a quiet coversation in such a lovely place. No loud music, just calm and serenity and a waiter who was very knowledgeable and friendly. I'll remember Orchids for a long, long time.
(5)Jana A.
Beautiful hotel... great restaurant.... wonderful view, even at night... i loved the fact that i could hear and see the waves roll in... the staff at orchids was very attentive... and got us cocktails right away... and they were damn good cocktails too... i vaguely remember what i ate.... after a couple of crisp dirty martinis, we began with the tatak beef carpaccio... then from there, i either had the onaga, opah or ono... one of them 'o' fishes.... perhaps i'll go back and stay sober so i can truly appreciate the food!
(4)Alice R.
The setting here is gorgeous for a sunset dinner. Definitely on the pricey side. The wine menu is excellent and offers a wide range of new and old world wines. However, don't expect to pay less than $100 for a bottle. Most of us had the chef's menu offering of the seafood variation. I was not impressed with the salad that came with the meal which honestly resembled the plate of tomatoes, lettuce and onions you would have with a fancy burger, however, the main dish was good although the risotto seemed a little overdone. The desserts made up for it. We all chose different plates: banana pavlova with chai pot de creme, dacquoise, ginger creme brulee, coconut cream cake, lychee sorbet. All of them were yummy! What's most impressive was the attention to detail and the impeccable service. Overall, it was a lovely dinner experience. Thank you Mr. Chun.
(4)Deana H.
My mother, brother and I went here for a late lunch on a Saturday. Great location with views of Diamond Head and really beautifully appointed outdoor seating on the lanai. We had the following: Tomato and Goat Cheese appetizer Salmon over Deep fried tofu Seafood pita Madras Seafood curry Except for the dessert, the food was unexceptional, especially given the price. Additionally, there were no free refills on sodas, which I guess we kind of take for granted these days, however, also the wait staff kept asking us if we would like more refills, so it wasn't as if we ordered additional refills, they offered, which is kind of sneaky if you ask me. I would suggest coming here for some coffee and dessert, enjoying the view, but save the actual dining for some place else.
(3)Jason B.
Terrific service and a wonderful view of Diamond Head. The food was nothing to write home about. Salads, soups, and desserts were the only items that the 3 of us found worth the high prices. Full disclaimer here: none of us are seafood fans - we had either vegetarian dishes or steaks. Having said that, I'm sure we were not eating their specialty dishes. But, eggplant and a few tomatoes should not cost $34. The wine list was great and they have some nice in-house specialty drinks too.
(2)Lina O.
beautiful! i went here with a large group for sunday brunch. the view was awesome. the food was awesome. the service was awesome. loved it! if you have the $$$, its totally worth it! very fancy smancy, with a harp and flute playing in the background.
(5)Lisa M.
I went here with my girlfriends for Sunday brunch. It was really nice. We made a reservation ahead of time which I think was helpful because we were seated at a very good table. The view was GREAT! The breakfast was surprisingly affordable and was very tasteful. I really enjoyed my brunch at Orchids and would highly recommend it. The live harp and flute playing in the background was a nice touch.
(5)Nicky R.
This is the place for brunch. It is elegant, fresh and eclectic. I was a regular when I lived in HI. I have family that are still regulars. Miss it!!
(5)mary r.
went here for a sunday brunch with my mom and her BF while they were on vacation and I'LL DEFINETLY BE BACK! the buffet was stocked with everything including an omelet station where you could create your own omelet and the chef would whip it up right in front of you! there's a seperate section with more "japanese/asian thing" with sashimi and both japanese and korean sushi, soba noddles and salad bar. the hot bar contains some traditional breakfast things and a marvelous carving station with hot fresh roast beef, turkey and whole pig! lastly they have a pretty good desert section with a hot fudge sundae/ice cream station, and fresh fruit. the only thing that keeps me from coming back on a regular basis is the $55 price tag. the breathtaking ocean views, awesome buffet and the great service all make it worth it though, and i recommend this place for any ocassion (birthdays, anniversaries....and even a romantic date).
(4)Victoria K.
For several years, Orchids have been my favorite place to go for birthdays, anniversaries and all special occasions. Views of Diamond Head and beach are gorgeous, service is superb and food fantastic. Alas, this time was far from perfect. My husband and I went for dinner to celebrate my birthday. First, our waiter came only twice-to take our order and then bring the bill. He did appear briefly after dinner, droped dessert menu on the table and walked away without saying a word. Not even once, he asked us if we needed anything else, never checked on us. Meal was nothing special either-we ordered seafood special for two which consisted of lobster, shrimp and onaga with dipping sauces. While seafood was cooked perfectly, it was also bland, with hardly any seasoning. I assume it was because you were supposed to dip it into sauce however sauces(mayo with some spices) was also bland. For $89 dollars I expect lot more than that. Dessert didn't fare any better. I ordered what is described as goat cheesecake with port wine ice cream and grape coulis(sauce). Cheesecake itself was very flat(not more than 5 cm) and piece was about the size of small candy bar. No topping, nothing on top-while taste was fine, it was really plain at the same time. Grape sauce was nothing more than several grapes scattered on the place. Where is the sauce?! Port wine ice cream was ok but amount was laughable-no more than tablespoon. This gives the word downsizing a whole new meaning. Last time I was at Orchids was 1.5 ago and desserts were regular size, not sure what happened in the meantime. Either they have a new chef who doesn't know what he is doing or old one is not on the top of his game anymore. I felt like all dishes but especially dessert were not executed well. All in all, a dissapointment. If I am spending $120 for a meal, I expect it to be fenomenal and this was anything but. I was there for brunch as well and food was excellent so while i recommend hte branch, dinner is not worth it UPDATE: I complained to Orchid's manager about food and service. He said they were sorry and they will consider my comments. He didn't offer me anything other than his appologies. How about gift certificate or free dessert to make up for lame one we had? Yeah... He also mentioned that they did have new chef(who obviously doesn't quite know what he is doing yet). I told manager that i see no reason to return after my meh experience and he's response was"let me know if you decide to visit us again and i'll make sure it won't happen again". Not good enough.
(3)Liz K.
great selection of food. the dessert table is amazing. it books up pretty quickly, so make reservations early!
(4)K N.
The ambiance is very beautiful. This restaurant is right on the beach so you really can't beat the view. However, the food was just mediocre. It was a bit pricey considering the portion size. The flavors were not all that inspiring. In addition, the service was less than stellar. My disclaimer is that I am not speaking for the buffet which I hear is awesome.
(2)Kelley Lee G.
The brunch at Orchids was amazing. I had a continental breakfast of fresh fruits, danishes, chicken apple sausage, and eggs (sunny side up). The staff at the restaurant was up to par. It can't get any better! The morning ocean breeze was very refreshing.
(5)Sherwin T.
Two Wednesdays ago, as we were pulling into the porte cochere, my colleague and I unexpectedly got pulled into a site walkthrough with the architecture and lighting teams. We thought: what guests are working at the Halekulani at 830pm?! No sooner after my bitching started, were we invited to Orchids by our fantastic host in Hawaii. =) Day after day, we've admired Orchids from afar (well, as far as House Without a Key is) and daydreamed about our opportunity to eat there! The place is spacious and airy, the centerpiece of the restaurant is the reflection pool that bounces light onto the white wall that stretches to the second floor. Interior design is subdued and quiet, which is very much in keeping with the Halekulani aesthetic that we've learned a lot about. Service was impressive - our main waiter always seemed to be supported by two to three others (for our table of six); water pours were at the ready, as was our server for drink and food orders. This wasn't a sit around and wait for help kinda place. I believe we started off with the King Crab Hand Roll, which was akin to a sushi roll being breaded in panko and fried. There was only enough for one piece each, but I wish I'd had one portion all to myself! I couldn't make up my mind for dinner, so asked for help...apparently, the "signature" Orchids item is the Steamed Onaga Oriental Style. Honestly, it was good, but not great - especially as the restaurant's showpiece. The flavor resided all in the sauce, which wasn't thick enough to coat the fish with, which is where the accompanying rice comes in handy. Make sure to have some rice soaked in the sauce with every bite of the fish; this, I feel, is the best representation of the dish and its flavors. Orchids, like their signature dish, was good, but not mind-blowingly great. I've heard a lot about the Orchid's brunch (both good and bad). If I'm to believe the bad, then I'd recommend you stick with HWAK's brunch, as it is competent and I'm sure more affordable than a meal at Orchids - it's buffet style too, so you're in control of the food!
(3)Mary K.
Yes, it is expensive, but in my opinion, you do get what you receive, which is great service and great tasting food! Not to mention a spectacular view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. I love the lavosh and the flavored cream cheese. Once, when I was there, they had a truffle cream cheese. It was absolutely delicious. I usually order the Garden Fresh Veggies. The veggies are roasted. I love the asparagus. The rest of the veggies are in a cute little, little pot... There are onions, sunburst squash, zucchini, bits of mushroom and bell peppers. It also comes with risotto. I love the risotto because it is not drenched with cream or gooey with cheese. The taste is just perfect! (Okay... I'll have to admit, it is quite pricy for just veggies and risotto, but it is delicious.) But, at any chance, I'll spend the money again, just to escape from the every day "dog eat dog" world! The atmosphere and experience of sitting near the beach in Waikiki is truly spectacular!!!!! Every time I eat there I come away feeling refreshed and stress free! (Kristina, were you at "The House Without a Key" Restaurant at Halekulani, because there is no live music at Orchids, but you can hear the music from The House Without a Key" and there is a pool at "The House Without a Key", not at Orchids.... At Orchids, there is a view of wonderful view of Diamond Head.)
(5)Tiff I.
This is my favorite restaurant in Oahu! The dinner is great! Very good food! Love their service! My perfect restaurant.
(5)Ken C.
This review is for the Sunday brunch buffet. I made a reservation 3 weeks in advance through opentable.com for me and my wife for our Hawaii vacations. We had high expectation after reading all the great reviews. The restaurant called a week before the date to confirm the reservation and told me - we have a surprise for you. It was a hot sunny day. We arrived on-time and were seated immediately. The dining room is opened-air with two rows of the tables on the patio facing the ocean. My wife and I were seated inside. We also had the ocean view but we were also right next to the area where the servers get in and out. The dining room was very crowed, mostly with Japanese tourists. The dishes were also heavy on the Japanese side. There were 3 kinds of sashimi which seemed pretty fresh, some veggie maki, no nigiri. There were 3-4 kinds of poke, but I only liked the traditional Ahi poke. One of the poke had gelatin texture fish that I think will not appeal to many. There was also an octopus poke which I did not try either. I did not try any of the hot dishes as they look like they have been on the buffet table for quite some time, as well as the rib roast which looked quite dry. I had the Kalua pork which I had to say it was my favorite. We had the pleasure to stay at the Kahala resort and had the buffet there everyday. I preferred the breakfast dishes at Kahala Plumeria restaurant to Orchids breakfast dishes and I think the view at the Kahala is way better. However, there are a few things that Orchids excels though. 1. Service is super attentive. There are probably 3-4 servers taking care of us - anything from filling our coffee, water, or juices, taking dirty plates. We never had to ask for anything. It almost likes they already expect our next request and give to us before we even ask. 2. Dessert table is huge, has a lot of varieties and looks and tastes very good. This is probably the highlight of Orchids brunch. Then I remembered about my surprise. Where was my surprise? The surprise was actually there was no surprise. I don't think they need to tell me there would be a surprise since I would never expect one anyway. Instead they told me something they did not deliver. So, overall it was mixed. For us, it was a good brunch but it wasn't the best we ever had. You should go to Orchids brunch for the experience. However, if you want to come for the best food, I would say spend your $58 somewhere else. My rating is probably around 3.5 stars for the brunch. I wish I had more time to come back here and try out their regular service.
(4)ROSIE R.
from where i heard, they just changed the menu, and im absolutely astonished by the view, well of course the meal was incredible and the company with family was superb... the last time i ate here besides 3 days ago was 3 years ago and although it was delish, wow, if u are ever in the islands and want to dress up and let the bill run high, take a nice happy hour in their bar, the view especially of sunset is incredible, the breeze, the music and definetely the service, we had the most knowledgeable yet very humble hawaiian server erick yamaguchi make sure u ask for him,,, so sweet! and professional, the veal chop is incredible,the lamb is good, but the fish is out of this world... and the coconut cake soooo moist.... love it!!! wine selection is incredible as well as their signature tea.... enjoy!!!!
(4)Derek I.
For her 70th birthday, my wife bought her mother to Honolulu. Her (wife's) aunt and uncle flew in from Florida for the occasion. We also brought our 6 month old daughter. We had brunch at Orchids on Sunday March 6, 2008 to celebrate my mother in law's 70th. Six of us were seated at 10:30 and and asked to leave the table at 12:20 to make way for a 12:30 seating. At first I misunderstood and thought we were being reseated from the outdoor patio to the indoor dining room. I was quite surprised when they showed us the door. Between enjoying a leisurely breakfast and caring for my daughter, I had only gotten to the buffet twice and was planning on having desert when our plans were cut short. I think the level of service was extremely subpar for a supposed 5 star/5 diamond hotel, especially considering the price of the buffet. The wait staff was marginal (we had to ask for drink refills). I expressed my views to the hotel manager (Mark Miyashiro) who promised to talk to the restaurant manager but 3 weeks later, I'm still waiting for a response. The quality of the food is the only saving grace. P.S. I checked and they are now AAA 4 Diamond - it shows.
(1)Hao L.
For my second meal ever in Hawaii, I had lunch at the Halekulani Hotel's open-air, beachside Orchids restaurant, just downstairs from the hotel's other restaurant, La Mer, on Sat Dec 9, 2006. Get there at noon, because they don't take reservations for lunch, and you will want an oceanside table on the terrace. The view over the water is just amazing and so very relaxing, and makes for the best lunch, the superb fare served impeccably by the staff only adds to being transported away by the lapping waves. The decor is just barely better than the food and service! I had the executive luncheon, available Dec 4-16, 2006, 2 courses for $22, 3 courses for $26; I chose the 3 courses: scallop and corn soup accented with a truffle cream; steamed monchong (a somewhat exotic fish with a flaky, tender texture and mild flavor, aka pomfret) served with tofu, baby Chinese cabbage (I think it was bok choy), and a black bean relish; pumpkin brulee with rum raisin ice cream and cinnamon sauce anglaise. I also had a plantation ice tea (which just means it comes with a stick of pineapple) $3.50. I hear the breakfasts are amazing, especially the fantastic Sunday brunch, with its dim sum and cold seafood offerings. I could not have had a better meal!
(4)Kyla K.
I decided to celebrate my bf's birthday at Orchids and was NOT disappointed. We both thoroughly enjoyed the view, our appetizer, our entrees, the view, the service, the specialty wine, and our dessert. I'd recommend Orchids to everyone I know.
(5)andy s.
Don't bother with lunch, but breakfast is awesome, and dinner can be good.
(4)Brian L.
The Sunday brunch here is simply amazing. Not only is the variety quite extensive, but the quality is exceptional, especially for a buffet. This is reflected in the price, but if you like food and you like variety, you can't miss this buffet!
(5)Tess G.
View is definitely fantastic, five star for the location. Food was so so, I'd give it 3 star, maybe 2.5 stars, maybe I ordered the wrong food. My husband and I together with our friend Chito and Mae had lunch here. Chito and I ordered the 3-course meal. My meal started with the chilled avocado soup...I half expected this to be similar to what I've sampled before in some fine dining place I cannot remember the name of. This sort of set the impression for the rest of the meal. The soup was presented in a martini glass, 5-star for presentation, but the flavor was so off, more on the sour side. At first I thought it might have been rancid already...so even though the serving was small, I didn't even finish it. I let my husband try it too and he had the same impression...not good at all. Chito started his meal with a mushroom ravioli...it was good! My meal ended with a sort of coconut cake and I wasn't impressed at all, so only a 3rd of the portion was eaten. It tasted like a store bought cake(more like safeway quality?!!!!) And lunch was expensive! average of about 40 per head!..for the price, I don't think it was worth it at all.
(3)Bravo J.
I was so looking forward to the Sunday brunch at the Halekulani. I made reservations, FAR in advance so I would be guaranteed a seat. I made the reservation in April 2007 for December 2007. I got an 11:30 seating, which, I had no probs with. You don't understand how excited I was about trying this place out. I saw an episode of the "5 BEST BRUNCHES" on the Food Network channel in 2005. So, when I went to Hawaii in 2006, I told myself I'd have to check it out. Well, to my dismay, I was unable to get reservations on that trip to Hawaii. Fast forward ... December 2007, we (hubby & parents) get there and I have to say - the ONLY great thing about the Halekulani Sunday Brunch was the ocean view!!!! For $ 50.00p/p ~ I expected ALOT more. The food and service were average. I was very disappointed to say the least! Maybe it was because I expected too much--aferall, THE FOOD NETWORK glorified it as one of the TOP FIVE brunches .... not to mention ONE OF THE BEST "Seafood" brunches. The entire time I was there, I kept thinking about the WONDERFUL CHAMPAGNE brunch I had at the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay, CA. Now that's what I call a SUNDAY BRUNCH!!! Like the Halekulani - the Ritz has an awesome ocean view BUT unlike the Halekulani - the Ritz has CAVIER - wonderful selection of top grade sashimi and sushi as well as the normal prime rib and "breakfasty" stuff. Granted, the Ritz is alot pricier at 75.00p/p - it's WELL worth it! OH - to be totally honest - the tuna poke at the Halekulani was tasty - but for what I paid - I would've expected EVERYTHING to be "TASTY!" I probably will never got back to the Halekulani for the Sunday Brunch.
(2)Nicole Aka Nik N.
So, my husband takes me to dinner at Orchids restaurant, located in Hawaii, in the heart of Waikiki. The hotel was beautiful, and the view of the ocean, from our table was spectular but I think thats where splendor ends. The food fucking sucks!!!!!!! I mean fucking sucks!!!! Now I'll be honest for the prices we paid, we could have bought everyone at the hotel a happy meal, and a sundae. I mean $500 for some bullshit food, that was smaller than a lunchable pack. My husband & I kept laughing at how ridiculous the portions were. Let me frank, I'd expected small portions anyway, but I think the restaurant made our portions even smaller to ensure our black asses never return to their restaurant again. I was sure to order the same items I saw on other people's plates and when my dinner arrived Iswear mine looked significantly smaller than, other patrons. Did I mention the fake french manager kept coming by our table to check on how we were doing? I swear its like these fuckers had never seen black people that could afford to be there before. I swear the manager looked as nervous as Michael Vick at the county jail showers. We were surrounded by biggoted old farts from the main land, and I don't get it, my money is as green as theirs, so leave your fucked up prejudices back in Oklahoma, or Alabama, or what ever backwoods Pennsylvania small town you are from.
(1)Cindy C.
This was a wonderful restaurant with delicious food. What really put it over the top though and earned it the 5th star was the service. We got here just around closing time, fresh off a return flight from our day trip to Hilo. Unfortunately, the flight was delayed, and we didn't get back to Honolulu until after 9 pm. Having planned to have dinner at Orchids that night, we called to see if we could still get a reservation. Unbeknownst to us, they took our reservation even though they closed at 10. Needless to say, we were the last couple to leave the restaurant. You would have never known though judging from the service! Our waiter was phenomenal - like I mean, absolutely fantastic. He was very attentive and insightful about both the menu and wine selections, and we were extremely pleased with his drink and dinner recommendations. Not to mention, at the end of our meal, he even asked us if we had a camera and offered to take our picture. Mind you, I had the camera hidden the whole time, but aside from having TOURIST plastered on our forehead, we thought it was a nice gesture. :) Orchids is truly a special place where guests are treated like royalty.
(5)Lisa C.
I was happy with the brunch. The selections were abundant. Although they checked someone else in under my name and we had to wait a bit for a table. I was still pleased with the friendly customer service and free valet. Just be sure to validate. The coconut cake and suckling pig were by far the main attractions! Refills on coffee and mimosas kept flowing. Can't beat the view overlooking the ocean. Casual attire was a pleasant suprise. I will most certainly be back, as they change their menu every sunday, with the exception of the main staples.
(4)Pat M.
A review of their Sunday brunch. Service: exceptional (make sure you make a reservation). Food: Awesome. The buffet had everything from traditional American breakfast stuff (pancakes, omelettes, eggs benedict, etc) to Japanese and hawaiian (poke, sushi, etc) and the best bone in ham. Decor and ambiance: only thing better would be to actually be ON the beach. We were literally 20 ft from it. Only thing is ...... birds. If you sit in the patio, BEWARE of the birds! They will poop on you, as what happened to me. Thankfully, the gentlemen were very helpful and scared some that had gathered away, a hot towel, and offered to launder my clothing. None got on my clothes, so no prob there, thankfully!
(4)Angela F.
A bit overpriced. 5 stars for the ambiance and amazing ocean view but only 3 stars for the food. Even with the amazing view and great ambiance, I'm not sure that it's worth the price you pay for your meal. This restaurant is located in the Halekulani Hotel and no doubt, the view is amazing. It's indeed very romantic and relaxing with tables situated by the ocean. The service was excellent and the staff was very attentive. We came here for breakfast and thought the food was mediocre...nothing spectacular: -American breakfast ($23) This breakfast comes with fruit juice and pineapple or papaya, eggs, breakfast meats, a basket of pastries with croissants, danishes, and muffins, and toast. The best part of the meal was the guava juice...it was very fresh. The fruit was very fresh also but the eggs were just average. The portuguese sausage was good too and there was a good variety of pastries in the bread basket. -Haupia bread french toast ($9.50) Good french toast with soft bread but nothing special. Our breakfast for two was around $50...you definitely pay for the ambiance and view here.
(3)Suzanne C.
The view and location is outstanding and very romantic if that's you're goal. The food for brunch was ordinary and over-priced. The quality attention from our server was great. I'm sure after knocking back a few mimosas and soaking in the amazing ocean view - the food wouldn't really matter and the cost wouldn't feel so painful. A guy looking to do romantic brunch with a view and gain awesome bf/husband points.......this is your spot.
(3)Ryan T.
Sunday Brunch at Orchids is yet another reason that we are all so lucky that we live in Hawaii. On my most recent visit, my family and I went to Orchids to celebrate my birthday. From the fresh assorted sashimi & succulent prime rib to the ice cream bar, I think the only thing that they could possibly be missing is if they had a peking duck station. Roy's and Alan Wong's are two of the finest restaurants in Hawaii, but for me Sunday Brunch at Orchids is the place to bring any out of town visitors to Hawaii. Situated right on the beach with a clear view of Diamond Head, I cannot think of a more idyllic setting to feast to your hearts content.
(5)Christine C.
Oh brunch. I love brunch so much. I love THIS brunch so much. I saw this place on yelp when I was looking up places we could go to for brunch during the weekend of our Oahu trip. I saw the dollar signs that accompanied the stars and was thinking, do I really need to be spending all the money on brunch.... However, after mentioning it to my boss who spent time working on a tv show in Hawaii, she said I HAD to come here. That it was well worth the money. It was. We paid $57.00 a person for brunch on Sunday and it was so fantastic. The level of service is out of this world (EVERYONE is so polite and helpful). I requested a seat near the outer perimeter, but got seated just inside. I could still see the beach, but it wasn't as breathtaking. IMPORTANT: Guys, do not wear a t-shirt here. Collared shirts are a must. I don't mean you have to wear a dress shirt, but a polo shirt at least. We saw maybe two guys walk in with plain t-shirts and they had short sleeve button down hawaiian shirts behind the counter that they made them wear. There was a good variety of food from your Hawaiian to typical breakfast fare. They have an omelette station AND an ice cream station! Whaaaat. All of the things are fairly delicious. Drinks are included with your meal. We had fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. There's no doubt you're paying for the lovely atmosphere and impeccable service, but the food was pretty good compared to most breakfast buffets where everything is kind of meh, and luke warm. Definitely recommend coming here!
(5)Kim M.
SUNDAY BRUNCH Orchids is pretty well known for its Sunday Brunch. It was referred to as "Oahu's Best Brunch" by Honolulu Mag. (Wow.) That's a pretty nice honor, considering how many great Sunday Brunches there are on this island... I'd have to agree though--Orchids Sunday Brunch might just be my favorite. The Sunday Brunch Buffet runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays (duh). Service is excellent and the Eggs Benedict is exquisite! RESERVATIONS For special holidays / occasions, reservations are a must for Sunday Brunch. You'll have to book way far in advanced because reservations fill up fast (especially for Easter, Mother's Day, and all those other ones). ENTERTAINMENT There's usually a musical duo--a harpist and flutist--playing during breakfast, brunch, and lunch. When I was younger I used to stand and stare at them... lol. It's kind of mesmerizing. DINNER Dinner is served nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. My usual is the Rack of Lamb. Their current menu features a Colorado Lamb Rack for $53. It comes with grilled veggies and natural jus. It's absolutely delicious. And for $53, it's winner! (As opposed to 3 measly chops from Alan Wong's for $60.) DRESS CODE There is a dress code for breakfast, brunch, and lunch: resort attire, so no "rubbah slippahs," short shorts, bikinis, etc. For dinner, the dress code is pretty standard evening attire: collared shirts and slacks for men; evening attire for women. LOCATION Orchids is located in the beautiful Halekulani Hotel. It's overlooking the beach, so it isn't too hard to find. Yelp 365 - #100/365
(5)Jess C.
I feel blasphemous giving a mere 3 stars.... but while Orchids had a beautiful view, the service and food was not spectacular. The Crab Benedict was decent, and surprisingly better than the Kahlua. The popovers were good, but not $3.50-per-popover-good. I would definitely come back for the Sunday brunch buffet, I hear it's amazing!
(3)Dawn L.
The night of our wedding, we had this crazy idea that we didn't want the fun to end. I passed the concierge desk on the way to my sister's suite and asked if there was any way we could get reservations for 8 to Orchid's the next morning. They didn't laugh out loud, but they did say that Orchid's was booked solid (probably for the next 8 weeks) for Sunday Brunch. Bummer. She said to call them directly in the morning and maybe they would humor us. My brother-in-law was up early and called. Mind you, he's staying in the "Diamond Head Suite" which was so expensive they wouldn't tell me how much it cost...but the way I see it, anytime a room has a name, it's gotta be bucks. Even the Diamond Head Suite guest was rejected for Orchids reservations. Not knowing he called, I got up and called around 8 am. I don't know what they keep in their computers at Halekulani, but I'm thinking it says something to the effect of "this girl just got married here last night; give her anything she wants" because I had no problems getting a table for 8 even if they were booked til the end of November. My mom shows up a few minutes early to be seated and they tell her there is no such reservation. I get there and they say, "Right this way, Mrs. I" =) Sassy. The spread here is ridiculous. I could graze like a cow here forever and never get bored. But I'm not a quantity person so much (ok, maybe after fasting for 4 weeks to fit a wedding gown, I am, but usually, I'm not). Buffets don't usually do it for me. I prefer quality. Here, you get the best of both worlds. You name it, they have it on the Orchids Sunday Brunch menu. And in the best quality you can find. Many of the items from our wedding buffet were here. But my favorite was the fresh ahi sashimi. I think I ate a couple pounds of it alone. I'm pretty sure they have a runner literally going to either the fish market or the ocean and bringing the fish back. It was still beating on my plate, it was THAT fresh. And the mango fiend that I am, I had to have some of their mango ice cream thing--to die for. I don't know when I might have a reason to eat a $65 brunch ever again, but THAT is where I would go if I ever have an excuse again.
(4)K B.
The $57 brunch here is immense. Quality of food is good. Menu has a local and Asian flavor. Reminds me of what you'd find at the Bellagio or Wynn hotels in Las Vegas. The $11 drinks are a bit light on the alcohol considering what they cost. Service is impeccable. On weekends it's sort of mobbed by camera carrying Asian tourists. Only need to come here once a year or so.
(4)Julia H.
Relaxed but upscale romantic setting if that makes any sense (no slippers and tshirt allowed)? Orchid flowers decorate the restaurant. POSITIVES: + Absolutely gorgeous view of the water and Diamond Head + They'll seat you outside for the view, working their way into the restaurant + Creative creations with food, using lots of local-grown, organic ingredients + the coconut cake everyone raves about really is THAT good. + House bread was a basket of mixed breads that included: focaccia, lavash, and oat bread + Service was impeccable + HUGE selection of wine, though only 5 different kinds if you want it by glass. + Complimentary Valet service if you eat here (IN WAIKIKI!!! isn't that amazing) NEGATIVES: - Dress code for guys. (ITS HAWAII...no dress code here, c'mon, hehe) - If you've made a reservation they address you by your last name WAY TOO MUCH. Once is nice...any more and its overkill --just irritating after that. TRIED: Kahuku Shrimp Ravioli Chilled Oysters on halfshell -- i've had better so i'm kinda picky about it. Opa & Pork Strawberry Basil Martini -- so refreshing! Potato Soup -- would order again. Coconut Cake -- the frosting filling is soooo perfect. not too sweet but perfect! KNOW: If your kids are well-behaved, they can enjoy it here. I've seen well behaved Japanese kids enjoy their steak meals and the setting. American kids....they might be too wild and there's no kid-friendly chicken nugget menu.
(4)Duy L.
Visited for a late lunch on a Saturday afternoon, June 16, 2012 (sorry, long overdue review!) Yes, it's a little pricey, and the portions are disappointing. My orange juice came in a tumbler and probably had less in it than a kid's juice box... but if you're here on vacation or on a date to impress, this is a great spot at a hotel right by the beach. Brownie point for the hostess having some button-down Hawaiian shirts for guests unaware of the dress code -- we had our tees on, and they provided shirts to wear instead of turning us away.
(4)Rob W.
We all went to Orchids for Sunday brunch at the Halekulani in Waikiki. We arrived about ten minutes early, as the brunch did not open until 930am. We had to wait a bit past 930am as they called the names of people that had been waiting before we arrived. We were definitely not disappointed. They had everything from sashimi to roasted suckling pig (they even served the crisp pig skin-delicious) to coconut cake and of course macaroons. The food here was top notch and the view was spectacular. We will be back again no doubt. Make sure u wear a collar shirt and no flip flops or u will be stopped and sent packing.
(5)Gloria S.
If your looking to reward your employees, take a special someone out, or just want to indulge in the finer things in life, well I have to say this is definitely a place to go! Aside from the good food the view is spectacular! We had a large group and the waiters were all very attentive! Check out their website for the latest menu: halekulani.com/dining/or…
(5)Lindsay P.
They wouldn't even let us past the hotel lobby because Cam didn't have slacks on. What kind of place still has that strict of a dress code? No thank you.
(1)Mel L.
We had our wedding dinner here three years ago, and we returned for for our belated anniversary trip. This time it was lunch, but the service was just as impeccable. The hotel, the view, everything about this place is amazing. Because of the APEC convention and the crazy traffic into Waikiki, the place was pretty dead for a Saturday, and we got the best seat in the house overlooking the beach. We ordered the sea scallops salad as an appetizer, which included avocado relish, creamed Kahuku corn, and big shavings of parmesan cheese (YUM). For the entree I got the fish and chips, which was a nice meaty sea bass. It came with 'crushed potatoes,' which were skin on crispy lil taters sprinkled with smoky paprika. Nice and fluffy in the middle. The reason to come here is the coconut cake. I am coconut's #1 fan, and this cake is simply the best. It is served with a drizzle of vanilla bean sauce, as well as a raspberry sauce, and it is divine. Definitely worth the calories. Dress code: no flip flops, shorts, or tank tops, even for lunch. Pricey as well ($25 for fish and chips), but a great place for a special occasion.
(4)jeannine s.
From service, to food, to ambiance, this is one of those places that is five stars all around. The one thing that keeps me from coming back more often is the five-star prices. But with restaurant week in full swing, you should not hesitate for a reservation. Open table makes it easy. Here's a sampling of the lunch menu for $30. I had a sampling of everything which is divine bite after bite. Salad Orchids Salad Hirabara Greens, Seasonal Fruit and Pomegranate Vinaigrette or Big Island Goat Cheese Endives, Candied Ginger, Tomato-Raisin Chutney, Olive Cake Entree Kahuku Shrimp Ravioli Shimeji Mushrooms, Parmesan Sauce, Ogo Salad or Fish and Chips Smoked Tartar Sauce and Crushed Potato Fries Dessert Halekulani's Signature Coconut Cake Chiffon Cake Filled with Coconut-Amaretto Cream Finished with Whipped Cream and Shredded Coconut
(5)William C.
great lunch Enjoyed the Onaga "orchids style" which is essentially chinese style. Goat cheese salad was memorable!
(4)Rick L.
Orchids, simply beautiful. Orchids is a classy restaurant with oceanfront view, filled with impeccable staff located inside Halekulani hotel. From the time you walk in until your last bite of their delicious desserts, you can sense the five star hotel treatments. I had the onaga "Orchids Style", a generous serving of steamed Chinese style fish cooked with perfection. Shiitake mushrooms dances on top of the entrée and a side of high quality rice served.
(5)Jackie K.
The view we had from the outdoor seating area of Diamond was beautiful. The adjacent bar had hula dancers and singers for a bit which I thought added nice background music. Overall, no vegetarian options which does not work for my husband so they modified one item to have just grilled vegetables which was good. My lobster was delicious--nothing too special but well cooked. I also had the Japanese Oysters which were very good as well. Overall, I would go back for a special night but the high prices would prevent me from going regularly. Also, the mai tais are super strong--I think they are only liquor.
(4)Lauren S.
In a place like this, where my eyes feel like ping pong balls-bouncing from one table selection to the next, where's a girl (with only so much tummy space) to start first? Why, the dessert table of course! Sunday brunch feels like a madhouse of starving people, who are trying their very best to be patient and proper while resisting their urge to grab fistfuls of everything in sight! This was my first brunch experience, and I was pleasantly surprised! A little lost at first...roaming around from table to table trying to strategically map out the MUST TRYS from the, IF I STILL HAVE ROOM list. For me, dessert is always the first thing on my mind! While my husband ventured off to the omelet and carving station, I went straight for the ice cream cart! There were only three selections of ice cream and a small assortment of toppings (fudge, sprinkles a M&M's), but the most discouraging part was how grouchy the woman manning the ice cream cart was! Not the best way to start or (more likely) end a nice meal...But after assembling my bowl, I quickly whisked off to the mini dessert table where I picked a piece of coconut cake, panna cotta, bread pudding, a lemon bar and a few other treats that looked absolutely divine! Next? The cheese station, where I was greeted with a beautiful assortment of cheese placed on a cutting board with crackers and bread! I can't remember which bread I picked, but I loved the cheese with herbs inside! I think my sister in-law and I took almost the whole wedge (ooopsie). Some poke and a nice bowl of soba later, I was ready to indulge in round one! From there, I ventured from station to station, grabbing seconds, thirds and fourths of my favorites, until I just sat back and exhaled. *AHEM* Can someone please wheel me out? I don't think I can move! Wait....just give me a second...okay, no I'm fine... I got it! OH man...good stuff! :)
(4)Sumner M.
Okay I know I am going to get a lot of jeers for this but I have to be honest. I am even tempted to give it 1 1/2 stars. Maybe I expected too much? I came here with the notion that I would be dazzled and wowed with flavors beyond heaven... DEFINITELY NOT. I will tell you what you get. A rude server that will probably look down on you if you don't order that Oooh so important bottled water. They just look down their noses at you. Okay it's not like we are cheap, I just don't care for sparkling water! Blech! We ended up spending $100 per person, not much but dude can't they be a little nicer and classier. And how could you Daniel took away my glass of water without saying a word to me or ask my permission before you EXCHANGE IT with one with ice cubes? I bet this was just your excuse to kick us out because I ask you why you did that! You just making us feel unwelcome to this restaurant. I pay your bills and ended up I am a paying customer. Okay so we ordered an island seafood for 2 and got these bowls filled with fucking green onion thingy and tea to wash my hand at the end? WTF you are just weird.....nothing personal. I'm sure you're a great person and all, and my 1 star review isn't going to hurt your stellar Yelp rating or your 4diamond ranking. But, you really do need to try a little harder for the price you charge and the expectations you set for yourself. Or some training is needed...also you can walk a little faster......just a little. you ruined my night Daniel! Another thing I had a problem with was I was starving most of the night. The only thing that filled me up was all the bread! Yes, I paid $200 to eat bread! The portions were puny, as expected from a tasting menu but these were just extra extra tiny! Just thinking about this place makes me mad. Every time I see him on TV I jeer! Boo!
(1)