5 splurge rooms in Honolulu, editor-picked. tasting menus and the full big-night-out treatment in Honolulu. All Honolulu food.
Senia ★ 4.8
chinatown · 75 North King Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
Senia in Honolulu Chinatown is the modern Hawaiian tasting room that Anthony Rush and Chris Kajioka opened in 2016, now Rush-led since 2021 with stages at Per Se, Aubergine and Vintage Cave in his pedigree.
Tip: Tasting menu runs eight to ten courses, around $135 to $160 per person before drinks. Book three weeks out via Tock.
Mugen Waikiki ★ 4.7
waikiki · 2452 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Mugen Waikiki is the Forbes Five-Star room inside ESPACIO with a 34-seat dining room, designed in consultation with Alan Wong, anchoring fine dining in Honolulu.
Tip: Reservations open 30 days out. Resort wear is the dress code; valet at the ESPACIO motor lobby is free for diners.
La Mer at Halekulani ★ 4.7
waikiki · 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815
La Mer at Halekulani is Hawaii's longest-running AAA Five Diamond restaurant, French fine dining at the Halekulani in Waikiki Honolulu under executive chef Alexandre Trancher.
Tip: Tuesday through Saturday, 17:30 to 20:30 only. Jackets are required for men; book via Tock four weeks out for window tables.
Sushi Sasabune ★ 4.6
ala-moana · 1417 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96814
Sushi Sasabune in Ala Moana Honolulu is the omakase-only sushi counter chef Seiji Kumagawa opened in 1996, building its Hawaii-mae style around as much local fish as possible.
Tip: Six-seat counter, parties of six max. No substitutions, no soy on the rice; the chef directs every bite.
53 By The Sea ★ 4.4
kakaako · 53 Ahui Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
53 By The Sea opened in Kakaako Honolulu in 2012 with a grand staircase, oceanfront windows out to Diamond Head and a Pacific Rim menu of local fish and prime steaks.
Tip: Aim for sunset, around 18:00 in summer and 17:30 in winter. Valet is complimentary for diners.