BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT, O'AHU
Hoku's, Kahala Mandarin Oriental

	Kahala Mandarin Oriental executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi prepares a braised beef dish (with sweet-potato puree, shiitake mushrooms, Chinese long beans) while a roasted rack of lamb rests in the foreground at Hoku's.
	Bruce Asato | The Honolulu Advertiser

No less than a quintessential O'ahu dining experience, the impeccable wait staff and the well-appointed cabana setting are just hors d'oeuvres at Hoku's, a repeat 'Ilima Award winner. The real substance comes from the world-class, world cuisine of executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi and executive sous chef Joshua Nudd, who create compelling dishes perfectly balancing East-meets-West Hawaiian-style. The symphony of 'ahi — pastrami, tartare, poke and blackened — is a prime example, as is herb-crusted onaga with creamed spinach and red wine-shallots. Don't neglect the stunning desserts, either. Don resort dress-up (collared shirts for men, no shorts or slippers) and expect to find your bliss.

Kahala Mandarin Oriental, 5000 Kahala Ave. 739-8780. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. daily, Dinner: 5:30-10 p.m. daily. Sunday brunch: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations recommended. Valet and self-parking. VS, MC, AX, DC, DS, JCB. Checks accepted. $$$.

Web site: www.mandarinoriental.com

Checks: Local checks and travelers’ checks only