Hoku's

Hoku's reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. E

   Elijah VIP

   Hawaii35 reviews

   2.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   From the start, this was a very disappointing experience. When I made the reservation over two months ago, I had specifically selected “Hoku’s seating” instead of “Veranda open-air seating” because I wanted to sit inside the restaurant. The view, to me, is nicer, and the ambiance is more elegant. When my party and I arrived (on time), however, Hui, the hostess, proceeded to seat my party outside. I inquired why this was and mentioned that I had selected the Hoku’s seating inside. Hui acknowledged that I had reserved a table inside but said that they had given away the table to a walk-in party because they were hotel guests. This didn’t make sense to me since I made the reservation far in advance. If they needed to hold some inside tables for hotel guests, they shouldn’t allow so many reservations that specify the Hoku’s seating. Moreover, when I made the reservation, there was no indication or disclaimer that the seating selection was a preference rather than a conclusive choice. I’ve not had this issue on any of the four other occasions that I’ve had brunch at Hoku’s in the last year or so. (I did have a similar issue when they first reopened the brunch buffet). Nevertheless, the hostess insisted that we could not get a table inside unless we were willing to wait 2 hours. Of course, we accepted the outside seating, but this sullied our meal before we even began. Despite this, the food was good, and the service at the table was excellent. Our server, Reyne, was very friendly and very attentive. If not for the fact that we were seated outside rather than inside (and the unpleasant encounter with the hostess), it would have been a nearly perfect experience. The poor service at the start, however, soured the whole experience. It wasn’t until we were waiting for our cars at the valet that they offered for me to speak to a manager. By then, I had already given my valet ticket, so it wasn’t an option. Don’t trust the seating selection or the host service.
   

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2. S

   Susan

   Hawaii21 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Well balanced brunch buffet complete with everything on the website. We were celebrating a birthday and the complementary slice of rainbow cake was beautiful and flavorful. The counter next to the kitchen is where you’ll select various tempura and request the suckling pig, roast, omelette. I would have preferred a more welcoming carving station and omelette bar. Inside seating is cooler, closer to the buffet. We’ve been there several times and will continue to enjoy this wonderful restaurant.
   

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3. A

   Andrew

   San Francisco4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our waiter Duane was very attentive to our experience and the quality of food exceeded our expectations.
   

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4. S

   Stanley

   Hawaii3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food, great service, especially Tony, who was our attendant.
   

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5. R

   Ray

   Hawaii14 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We visited Hoku’s several times for their brunch. Staff overall were very friendly and helpful with us and the food was excellent. I recommend this restaurant to couples, family and friends. Great restaurant to celebrate special occasions too.
   

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6. L

   Lisa

   Hawaii13 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 9, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   a fine dining experience for special occasions when you want to spend extra. Ambiance is romantic and elegant, food is perfect.
   

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7. J

   Jamie

   Yorkshire1 review

   5.0

   Dined on May 7, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food and great service I would eat here every week if it wasn’t a 17 hour flight to get here. The seafood tower was to die for. Couldn’t recommend enough.
   

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8. E

   Erynn

   Hawaii7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on May 4, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This was one of the best experience we ever had on our wedding anniversary. Our server Duane was very informative on the brunch menu, whenever we needed more food he was t always available and when he wasn’t, the other staff was there to help. And not to mention the food was superb!
   

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9. M

   Matarii

   Hawaii1 review

   5.0

   Dined on May 4, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   It as amazing ! The staff was smiling and did a great job ! We even had a piece of cake for my birthday ! ❤️✨
   

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10. R

    Rey

    Hawaii3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Staff very friendly and helpful. True meaning of ALOHA. Will surely come again. Modifying when I said "True meaning of ALOHA" - staff not quite true Aloha as KAMA'AINA. True locals have each other's back. Granted this was all my error and stupidity as I did not inquire if Hoku's offered any type of discount - Kamaaina/senior/military. Looking at my party of 3, very easy to surmise that we are Kamaainas and that my wife and I are seniors. Not upset but very disappointed. ALOHA.
    

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