It's difficult, sometimes, to differentiate fine dining from casual in Hawaii — restaurants here are rarely formal and less than a handful have a dress code. When I think of fine dining, however, I think of careful attention to detail, in food, in service, in surroundings. Hano Hano easily exceeds this definition with it focus on elegance.

From the lobby, the non-stop, express glass-elevator ride up to the 30th floor provides the impression that you are walking into an exclusive restaurant in a large city. The big difference becomes apparent when you see the expansive views from the almost floor-to-ceiling windows revealing panoramic twinkling lights from Diamond Head all the way out to Ewa. Big booths all face out toward tall windows and dining tables are much closer to the glass walls. If your timing is fortunate, you’ll be enjoying your meal against the backdrop of the weekly Waikiki firework show which is displayed less than 2 blocks away.

The Hano Hano features live music, dim candlelight and classic continental fare infused with Hawaii regional touches. Although the menu changes from time to time, there are consistently about ten appetizer choices including the Miyagi oysters with horseradish-cocktail sauce, lemon-shoyu and spiced daikon. Main courses include local seafood such as the Onaga (Hawaiian Red Snapper), Ahi (Tuna) as well as various meat dishes like the slow-roasted prime rib. Other options include lobster and chicken and there are nice personal touches such as the Caesar salad and cherry jubilee flambéed (served in flaming liquor) which, prepared table-side, keep diners riding high.

Service is impeccably professional but heavily influenced with the warmth of the personal touch provided by the island staff who go out of their way to introduce themselves on a first-name basis. Although you’re in Hawaii, be aware that evening attire is required to dine and enjoy a classy Waikiki evening at the "elevated" Hano Hano.

Written By: John Kim

Features
Wheelchair Accessible  |  Beer and Wine  |  Dinner  |  Full Bar  |  Smoke-free  |  Takes Reservations

Comments
A delightful Christmas dining exrience: lovely table, beautiful view, excellent service. Consensus (negative) THE CONSTANT PIANO MUSIC WAS MUCH TOO HARSH AND LOUD FOR "DINNER MUSIC"
- ferguson on Wed, December 26, 2007

I so enjoyed my previous to the Hano Hano Room almost two years ago that I couldn't wait to take my fiancee' there last week. My first indication of how it had changed is when our concierge at the Royal Hawaiian advised that the dress code no longer required a jacket for men, but a shirt with a collar. Indeed, when we were seated I was very surprised to see guests coming and going in blue jeans. The food was pricey and we got the worst table but the service was impeccable albeit very slow. While waiting for the elevator to go down, there were flyers for an upcoming black tie / black lace party featuring a playboy bunny. What's next a gold pole on the dance floor? Too bad, this is one place that should try to cling to it's past classy atmosphere. Did I mention the taped salsa music that came on after the piano player quit at 8:30pm?? Ouch.
- Michael Christian on Mon, October 8, 2007

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