Orchids

This is a wonderful experience when it comes to dining out. It definitely is a dining out, experience, not just a place to eat in Honolulu. The restaurant was oceanfront, which took you away from everyday touristy trap in Honolulu. Even though it may have been on the high end of expense, it was definitely worth it. The food was excellent, the service was superb. we did make reservations and may have waited five minutes in the lounge before we were seated.

We just had our wedding dinner here last weekend and were blown away by how exceptional everything turned out. The staff at Orchids and Halekulani was super easy to work with and very accommodating and attentive. We booked out months in advance and the staff was there every step of the way. They made sure they delivered everything we asked for and then some. We decided on the wedding dinner for everyone which came with a salad, bread, two main courses (Sea Bass with Asparagus Flan, followed by a New York Strip Steak, both exquisitely delicious), and dessert which was the wedding cake which we had upgraded for just a few $$ more and with flavors which we requested, and it was out-of-this-world! Not a crumb left behind on anyone’s plates! The added bonus was that we thought our cake cutting would be on a small table set in the corner. Instead, they set up a table on the lawn with the beautiful backdrop of Diamond Head - much more spectacular than we could have imagined! To the staff at Orchids and Halekulani, a sincere thank you for making our wedding night most magical!

Sunday brunch was phenomenal! From the crab legs to the dill cured salmon to the prime rib to the sashimi to desert bar to the ice cream... It was too much! It is pricey but you won't regret it! Book early because it books weeks in advance. Valet is free after validating with bunch. Definitely going to make this a priority whenever I'm in Waikiki.

The Halekulani hotel is easily one of the best waterfront locations in Waikiki. Make a point to come here for a romantic evening or if you need an excuse to treat yourself. I’ve been to House Without a Key several times and am a big fan. This was my first time to Orchids, which is one of the two the fancier dinner options at the hotel (the other is La Mer). The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the hotel and provides beautiful ocean views. It is also well-positioned to see and hear the live music across the garden at House Without a Key at dinner time. The menu leans Italian and is really well done. The mushroom risotto, veal ossobuco, and coconut cake were all divine. The hamachi crudo and short rib ravioli were also good, but I’d skip the beef tartar. The prices are eye watering, but that’s to be expected with the location, view, and atmosphere. At these prices, I expected mind-blowing food, but I can only call it really good. It just didn’t reach top tier in my book. Unfortunately, the service is totally lackluster and keeps Orchids from bagging a perfect score. Our servers were not friendly, and did not seem even slightly interested in taking our food or drink orders, refilling our drinks, or checking on us during dinner. Moreover, they forgot to bring out a few dishes, which really threw off the dining cadence of our business dinner. Staff and training issues aside, I would absolutely come here again.

We came to Orchids to celebrate 8 months of marriage and ended up having one of those evenings you wish you could replay. Our table overlooked the ocean and sunset, and we even had a perfect view of the hula show. My husband had the carpaccio, I had the tortellini with asparagus and fresh truffle, and both were absolutely delicious. The service was exceptional. Warm, attentive, and effortless. As a sweet surprise, the chef sent over a complimentary brownie dessert, which made our celebration feel even more special. And then there was the coconut cake. Let’s just say my husband and I are still talking about it. As a Local Guide, I visit many restaurants, but Orchids is one of those places that creates a memory, not just a meal. We’ll definitely be back. 🌺🤙