Hualani’s

Located at Timbers Kaua‘i Ocean Club & Residences in Lihue, Hualani’s is revered for its seasonally-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails and authentic Hawaiian hospitality. Integral to the culinary offer here are the farmers and fishermen whose produce - together with fresh daily picks from the on-site organic farm - drive an ever-evolving menu that combines local island flavors with a broader global influence. Led by executive chef (and Kaua‘i native) Alex Amorim - who also runs the culinary program for the entire Timbers resort - Hualani’s delivers innovative and delicious dishes at any time of the day.

Breakfast is served 08:00 until 10:00, and highlights include the Lobster & Spinach Omelet, Kaneshiro Chorizo Burrito and omnipresent Hawaiian staple, Loco Moco. A choice of sides such as eggs, bacon, Portuguese sausage, hash browns, toast and fresh fruit from the farm, essentially allows you to build your own breakfast, and there’s also a good selection of speciality drinks perfect to kickstart your day.

The lunch menu, served 11:00 until 15:00, boasts a wide range of pūpūs such as Crispy Octopus, Coconut Shrimp, Braised Short Ribs and Hōkūla Farm Mango & Mozzarella. The entrées - described here as Mauka to Makai (roughly translating as from the mountains to the ocean) - are headed by the restaurant’s signature Whole Fried Local Hawaiian Fish, and supported by a card of sumptuous casual fare including the Hanalei Kalo Burger (with avocado and smoked Gouda), Lychee Smoked Pork Ribs, Mac Nut Crusted Local Catch, and Fresh Fish Sandwich (blackened local catch and slaw).

At dinner (16:45 until 20:15), the selection of pūpūs is expanded further with Lobster Tempura, Chili Crunch Poke and Blackened Scallops, amongst a number of small plates added to an already stacked list of shareable appetizers. And the main event doesn’t disappoint either, with a choice of high end steaks, fresh fish and hyper-local vegetarian options from Hōkūla Farm that are sure to leave diners spoilt for choice. Some of our favorites from the current menu include the Misoyaki Sea Bass, Dynamite Kona Kampachi and Kaua‘i Shrimp Fettucine. And whilst the menu changes regularly to showcase whatever ingredients are in season, the standards here certainly do not. First-class dining, a comprehensive drinks list and the sort of friendly low-key service that allows the spotlight to shine solely on the food, are hallmarks of Hualani’s at any time of year.

Open to Timbers owners and guests, as well as the general public, reservations - though not strictly required - are highly recommended, especially if you plan to eat here at dinner time, when the already elegant oceanfront dining experience is elevated further by some of the best sunset vistas on the island…