Best Restaurants for Birthdays in Hawaii Kai

Our server Grace and her assistants were pleasant and attentive. The food was very good, the steak and the lamb were cooked perfectly, and we left very full. Thank you.

As you eat a meal at Merriman's, you can tell that each ingredient is selected with care. Sure enough, when I asked I found out the food is locally sourced from farms that the owners and Chef know and trust. Many items are hand selected by the box, not the truck load. Since the Chef from Maui transferred over to Merriman's Oʻahu, our entrees have been especially ono. At lunch today I planned to take home one of my two fish (ahi) tacos. No way! I couldn't stop finishing both. Last night my husband and I walked into Merriman's without reservations and sat at the bar. Who cares if we didn't get a table? The gregarious host, Cody Merriman, stopped by to share a laugh or two and answer our questions about the menu. My husband ordered their chicken entree for dinner and said it was the best chicken he'd ever had. And my taro falafel was also delicious. We can't resist their Waialua Chocolate Purse for dessert. I felt a little decadent afterward, but what the heck? There are lots of restaurants in our neighborhood, but for five years now we keep coming back to Merriman's which seems to be even better the last six months. Could it be the addition of the Maui Chef? We like the vibe. Energetic without being so loud you cannot carry on a conversation. We both think their Hawaiian music playlist is the best in the City. Wish I could think of something negative to say to make this review real. But having just come back from a great lunch with memories of a wonderful dinner there last night, I am only happy and satisfied.

The pork wasn't as good as it may have appeared, the lobster, prime rib, and snow crab exceeded my expectations. The bread pudding with it's sauce wasn't overly sweet which without loosing it's wonderful flavor. The genuine Kona coffee was a rare gratifying experience with it's rich, robust, taste and morning appealing aroma.

Food and service always a cut above all others. The view makes this restaurant a must for visitors and Hawaii residents alike. We return here several times a year or more and have never been disappointed.

Original Roy’s at Hawaii Kai delivers an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly blends culinary excellence with a great sunset view. The food is nothing short of outstanding, showcasing bold flavors and impeccable presentation that highlight the restaurant’s Hawaiian fusion roots. The service was superb—attentive, friendly, and seamless from start to finish, making us feel truly valued. To top it all off, we were treated to a stunning sunset view from the second-floor dining room, which added an extra layer of magic to our evening. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a perfect meal in a beautiful setting. Oh, and by the way, don’t forget to save room for one of the soufflés. We had both the chocolate and the seasonal pumpkin. Both were delicious!