Tucked along the coast on Waikiki’s west side, La Mer makes good use of its enviable location inside the Halekulani hotel — doors open up to welcome in the tradewind breezes and the sound of the ocean.
The Neoclassic French ...
READ MOREOur Inspector's Highlights
- The restaurant has stunning views. Plan to arrive before the sun goes down to witness the spectacular sunset.
- The blend of the haute cuisine and elegant décor with the open-air dining room and fresh ocean breezes — it’s truly a singular experience.
- This is a perfect setting for special occasions. The restaurant lends itself to celebrations with a private dining room, Salon La Mer, that faces the ocean and accommodates up to 16 guests. A second, larger private room called Salon du Vin fronts the restaurant’s exceptional wine collection and seats up to 24 guests.
Things to Know
- Halekulani, which means “house befitting heaven,” has sat on the Waikiki sugar-sand shore at 2199 Kalia Road for nearly a century.
- You’ll have to wait until dinner to eat at La Mer, the restaurant is only open in the evenings.
- La Mer has managed successfully to combine the relaxed Hawaiian atmosphere of Oahu with the formal French vibe of gourmet dining and you should dress accordingly. A long-sleeved collared shirt or a jacket for men is required. Ladies will want to dress to impress in something sophisticated as well.
- La Mer doesn’t have a cancellation policy. If you’re waffling on plans, go ahead and make a reservation even if you aren’t entirely sure that you can keep it. While the restaurant won’t charge you a fee for canceling on the fly, the splurge-worth eatery deserves a heads-up as soon as possible.
- For those looking to score a table at the last minute, continue to call throughout the day to see if a table has become unexpectedly available.
The Food
- You can also expect the Neoclassic French cuisine to live up to the graceful environs.
- One popular dish is the rouget (red fish) of Hawaii with fennel puree and crustacean Nantua sauce.
- For dessert, it’s hard to pass on La Mer’s Hawaiian vanilla soufflé with key lime, coconut and banana sauces topped with cocoa nibs.
The Look
- The space exudes elegance, from the gorgeous fresh floral displays at the entrance, to the tables arranged to make the most of the majestic panoramic ocean views.
- The view really is the thing. The restaurant boasts amazing views of the Waikiki Beach and deep blue Pacific Ocean below.
- The open-air dining room feels utterly romantic and we suggest dressing to fit in with the grand but serene ambiance.
Amenities
Bar
Dinner
Jacket/tie required 
Private dining
Reservations recommended
Getting There
Stories
