Hau Tree

Hau Tree is one of Honolulu’s most appealing oceanfront meal choices: a polished beach-house restaurant at Kaimana Beach Hotel where the setting does real work and the kitchen keeps pace with it. It stands out for breakfast, brunch, sunset dinners, and cocktails by the water, with a menu that leans seafood-forward and a little more refined than the average hotel dining room. For travelers spending time around Diamond Head or Kaimana Beach, it is the kind of place that turns a meal into part of the day’s plan.

What Hau Tree does best

Hau Tree’s strongest card is the combination of view and menu. The kitchen focuses on contemporary American and Pacific Rim flavors, with seafood leading the way and brunch built to feel special rather than routine. Expect oysters, ahi preparations, benedicts, salads, burgers, and dinner plates that aim for a lighter, more polished beachside style. That makes it especially attractive for travelers who want something between casual and celebratory: not formal fine dining, but clearly a step above quick resort fare.

Brunch is a natural fit here. The menu includes several egg-forward plates, pastry, pancakes, and seafood options, so it works well for groups with different appetites. Dinner has a more romantic feel, especially when the light starts dropping over the water. Cocktails and wine are part of the draw too, and the place lends itself to lingering rather than rushing through a meal.

The experience and atmosphere

This is an open-air, ocean-facing restaurant inside Kaimana Beach Hotel, and the setting defines the experience. Lanai seating, sunset views, and the beach just steps away create a relaxed but clearly elevated mood. The room’s personality is beachy and breezy rather than glossy, with a resort-casual polish that feels well matched to the Gold Coast.

That history matters. The restaurant is tied closely to the hotel’s own story, which dates back to 1963 on land associated with the former McInerny family residence. The Hau Tree name comes from the grove that once grew there, giving the restaurant a sense of place that goes beyond the menu. The modern version has also been refreshed in recent years, with chef involvement helping steer it toward a more thoughtful, contemporary style.

For travelers, this is the sort of place that works best when the setting is part of the goal: a leisurely brunch, a date night, a sunset drink, or a meal after time at the beach or around Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park.

Tradeoffs to keep in mind

Hau Tree’s biggest strength is also its main tradeoff: it is a destination restaurant, and destination restaurants can be busy. Service and pacing can vary when the room fills up, especially during sunset hours and peak brunch times. Some diners also feel the pricing lands high relative to portion size, which is not surprising given the oceanfront hotel setting and the mid-to-upper price range.

Weather and beachside conditions can also shape the experience. Outdoor seating is part of the appeal, but it comes with the usual coastal inconveniences. If the goal is absolute predictability, this may not be the easiest choice. If the goal is a memorable oceanfront meal, the tradeoff is usually worth it.

Who it suits best

Hau Tree is a strong fit for couples, brunch groups, and travelers looking for a scenic Honolulu meal that feels polished without being stiff. It is especially good for people who like seafood, cocktails, and a restaurant that can carry a special occasion. Sunset reservations are the safest bet, and brunch is the easiest time to enjoy the place without the full dinner rush.

It is a weaker fit for budget-focused diners, visitors seeking very fast casual service, or anyone who wants a deeply local plate-lunch experience. Vegetarian diners can find a few options, but the menu is still clearly built around seafood and eggs. For travelers who want a beachfront restaurant with personality, strong views, and a sense of occasion, Hau Tree belongs near the top of the list.