Seafood Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Hawaii

1 star for the service and 3 star for the food. It was our last dinner on the Island before heading back to the mainland. So we ordered a bunch of happy hour finger food (coconut shrimp, hot wings etc) and a couple of drinks and so far so good but nothing spectacular. We then ordered an Ahi sashimi and a Seared Poke ($19) to complete our meal. Waitress brought a poke salad to us instead. She knew it was not what we ordered so she apologized as she handed over the poke salad to us and asked if we'd be ok to take it if she paired it with a bowl of rice because Seared Poke comes with rice. We said ok because it was close enough and we didn't want them redo our order as they seemed to be quite busy. The seared poke was extremely salty and tasted awful. We didn't finish it even thought it comes with only a few pieces. We didn't complain to them about the food. The check came and they charged us the price of the Poke Salad ($24) and price of rice ($4)! When we asked the waitress about the charge, she was like "well, you ate the salad..." we were a bit stunned about her wording but explained to her that this was not our expectation when she tried to get us to take the wrong food. She was not happy and yanked the check from my hand and walked away... A few moments later, she came back to our table with another lady who, without introducing herself, started yelling at us and blaming us for having the wrong order and walked away. The waitress probably felt bad and started apologizing and explained that lady was the bar manager and she had adjusted the check... Well, what a shady business with bad service! It ruined our evening. We had a great time visiting the island and people were all nice and friendly until this final dinner.... We will come back to the island but for sure won't come back to this...

What a find! We loved our first visit so much that we came here two nights in a row.

First things first: our experience with Danby (our server) was exceptional. She is efficient and committed to ensuring her customers have a great time; but more than that she is warm and empathetic and we connected with her immediately.

The most surprising part of our visit was the food! We went in thinking this would be a standard coastal seafood place making the standard seafoody staples ... but we were in for a surprise. Chef Aaron turns out upgraded, higher-end dishes like a Roulade of Ahi on mashed potatoes, with a side of vegetables with a truffle drizzle. Amazing.

Over our two dinners we also had the Ginger Steamed Clams served with Parmesan bread to sop up the delicious broth (delicately spicy and generously rich with clams); the Cajun Chicken BLT with pineapple macadamia cole slaw (truly next level BLT), the Steamed Swordfish with cilantro, slivers of ginger with jasmine rice; and the Black Bean seafood combo. All made with care and craft, and would not be out of place in any nice high priced New York eatery.

They also have great cocktails - I had a vodka martini both nights and these were expertly made, and gum chillingly cold. My wife had a Mai Tai and Paniau Sour - both delicious, generously tipsy and not too sugary.

We are staying at the Westin nearby, and they never suggested this little jewel as a place to eat. That is a huge miss. Compared to the typically overpriced and average fare you get at these resorts, this little gem of a place deserves to be on your itinerary whenever visiting the...

Yup, I'm a fan and plan to go back to this place next time I hit the Waikoloa area in the Big Island of Hawaii. It isn't the location or the view, which both are horrible! It is the kitschy tiki bar décor, food, drink and warm service that did it for me to rate a 5, which I rarely do.

So, yes, the location is not the most pleasant but who cares with the old Hawaii past tiki bar look that they got going on in the place. It is actually very comfortable with the casual feel of the place. I felt immediately relaxed by this place.

Now you have to try their Long Island Ice Team which I heard that the house rules are that you are only allowed 2. I'm not a big drinker any more or cocktails for that matter, but their Long Islands are very good and I do recommend them for sure. I wasn't driving, so getting tipsy wasn't an issue. However, if you are driving, please be responsible.

I was there with an old friend, so we ordered family style so that we could share dishes. I absolutely loved the Black Bean Seafood. It was just such a great dish with flavor and lots of seafood. The Seafood Fried Rice was also very good and I do recommend that as well. We also enjoyed the Pupu Steak and the Oysters Rockefellers.

Our server was Aloha and she was fantastic. So sweet and nice as well as patient with us while we decided what to order as well has walking us through the menu. She was nicest server from all the restaurants I ate at while in Waikoloa for the week on business.

Great place. Check it out and enjoy the great grinds and drink along with the excellent service. I hope to be back soon to try more of...