Hukilau Lanai is an upscale eatery at the Kauai Coast Resort. Boasting great views, local seafood, and an inventive menu, customers come here for the excellent service and flavorful appetizers, entrees, and desserts. This resort restaurant also has a separate gluten-free dinner menu for those with dietary restrictions, as well as a children’s menu that might just inspire your kids to try the local fish.
The chefs here are all about cooking food that makes people smile, and it’s known for being a ‘special occasion’ spot for both locals and tourists in Kauai. If you’re organizing a big event, the Private Banquet Room is available for up to 70 guests for private events and up to 60 guests for wedding receptions. There’s also a semi-private room that seats up to 27 guests. Finally, the restaurant offers its early birds a $55 special of five courses and five wine pairings on Saturdays and Sundays.
Since it opened in 2002, the restaurant has gone to local farms and producers for its menu. From its lavender to chocolate to spirits, there’s been an emphasis on not just supporting the people on the island, but also celebrating all it has to offer.
Keep your eye out for the following dishes on the menu:
Lobster Bisque
There’s an exotic hint of flavor in this traditional soup that makes it a must-try. The richness of the lobster and cream is offset by just the right amount of red curry, coconut milk, and sherry. It all makes the dish that much more unforgettable. Savor every spoonful as you drink in the beauty of the island.
Filet Mignon
Tropical trees produce starchy fruits known as breadfruits (or ulu in the Hawaiian language). The Ulupalakua red wine sauce added to the center cut beef makes for a flavorful addition that stays true to the island’s heritage. Served alongside garlic mashed potatoes, this is a gluten-free treat that won’t disappoint.
Wally’s Salad
Wally’s Salad features romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onions. The classic veggies are rounded out with bacon, croutons, and papaya seed dressing. Customers rave at just how memorable this salad is to get the meal started. It has everything to do with how the sweetness of the papaya dressing brings out the best in every fresh bite.
Pork Tenderloin
The chefs of this island know how to bring out the best in a tenderloin. With a spicy Korean BBQ sauce and a purple sweet potato mash, the grilled medallions are surrounded by supporting players that bring out the best of each morsel. Hukilau Lanai serves the tenderloin with a bean sprout salad to balance the palate.
Homemade Pasta
Anything with this restaurant’s homemade pasta comes highly recommended. The daily specials put some of Hawaii’s most impressive seasonal ingredients on full display, all of which taste delicious tangled up in the fresh and delicious stands of the pasta.
There are so many reasons that people visit Hukilau Lanai, not least of which is its stellar reputation for having some of the best food and service on the island. Definitely made for a night of indulgence, we highly recommend this restaurant when you’re ready to paint the town red.
Insider Tips:
-The restaurant is extremely accommodating of dietary restrictions. Just make sure to give your server a heads up before ordering.
-Enjoy live music from 5:30 – 8:30 pm Weds through Friday in Wally’s Lobby Bar.
-If you’re planning a large event, the private banquet room seats up to 70 and the semi-private room seats up to 27 people.