This should come as good news for Leeward residents who no longer have to drive to Hoku's at the Kahala Mandarin, Oriental or Orchids at the Halekulani to experience a lavish Sunday feast.

Executive chef Randall Ishizu described Azul's new Sunday brunch as "high-end," complete with a cold station that will be replete with raw oysters, house-smoked salmon and even caviar.

"We want to keep it quaint," said Ishizu, who has been with Ihilani since the resort opened 12 years ago. "We want to pay attention to detail and not numbers."

Food and beverage director Michael Mangan shares this opinion and sees the Sunday brunch as an opportunity to offer kamaaina a place to spend special occasions.

"It could be a birthday or an anniversary," he said. "Or, maybe they just want to splurge and have a nice Sunday morning."

Regardless of occasion, it's certain that guests will enjoy the a la carte brunch entrees, such as the completely indulgent Maine lobster Benedict, porcini-dusted lamb chops, prime rib of beef or the pan-roasted onaga.

Brunch is available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $45 for adults ($40 without champagne) and $24 for keiki 5 to 12 years. For reservations, call 679-0079.

"Imagine, waking up, sipping on French champagne, basking in the sun and surroundings, and dining on fine food," Mangan said. "It's the absolute best of everything."