Navigating through nostalgia. Dining at a place since childhood, a place that's woven into my life…read morestory. This location has been serving generations of local families like mine for decades.
Formerly Queen's Court Restaurant at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, a local gem reinvented five years ago. To WSW Steakhouse. The hotel and restaurant are now officially part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham, still owned and managed by Castle Resorts & Hotels Hawai'i.
A fresh new dining concept replacing WSW will happen soon, before winter 2026. Complete with interior renovations, a refreshed menu, new wraparound bar and name. Here's an authentic snapshot, capturing my dining experiences at WSW before this transformation happens.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tired of waiting for a breakfast table, want the convenience of making a reservation? Don't like your family placed on separate tables? Do you seek comfort and air conditioning in the morning? A venue that offers an upscale breakfast ambiance with ocean views?
This is the place.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
À la carte breakfast at WSW is underrated and deserves promoting. The locals, I feel, need to know about this place. Served Mon-Fri with reservations available via the OpenTable app.
Recently, I did a two-night stay at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. I decided to dine at WSW for all meals and it introduced me to their breakfast and dinner à la carte experiences.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Savory comfort, genuine hospitality, breathtaking morning views.
Hungry? "I'm Starving", the portions and price point sure surprised me. 3 eggs, 2 breakfast meats, choice of starch and a short stack had me content beyond reason. These pancakes aren't premade for quick serving or, so large in size the quality of taste and texture diminishes. They're fluffy, sweet, pillowy with an airy interior, caramelized exterior.
Enjoy an order of their hearty + comforting Housemade Corned Beef Hash, where each component melds perfectly together. The eggs are opulent in color and served with your choice of starch. This is my favorite.
Their Belgium Waffle is light and delicate, deep subtly butteriness and balanced sweetness. Garnished with blueberries and whipped butter. Simple yet prepared with care.
On Saturdays and Sundays, a $25 breakfast buffet with an omelet station is offered. For a $35 upcharge after 8am enjoy steamed snow crab, carved Prime Rib and bottomless mimosas. A champagne brunch experience I've done many times.
As WSW turns into a new dining concept, I hope breakfast remains unchanged. Food, service, ambiance, value, convenience. I currently rate it as the best breakfast spot in East Hawai'i.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dinner. "Sizzling 16oz Ribeye", juicy and tender. Intense sizzle, the flavors were so on-point, the side sauce I ordered wasn't necessary. The quick sear rendered a perfect medium and the caramelized onions were so delicious, I ate them as a no-onion person. Served with garlic mashed potatoes, request a a baked potato upgrade.
The Misoyaki Butterfish, moist with a caramelized glaze and rich umami flavor. I would recommend checking the texture of your rice though. Tinono appetizer, amazing flavor and texture profile. A must along with the creamy Lobster Mac 'n Cheese.
This is the only restaurant on the East Side that offers a salad bar with dinner. For $10 with any entrée, four offerings plus two outstanding soup selections. The most hearty and delicious Clam Chowder I've had in a while, it deserves a spot on their new menu.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Weekend dinner, holiday and brunch buffets, this is what this location is known for since I was a kid. Even though the lavish offerings and prices have changed over time, the same charm of dining here still remains.
I usually only come for two items, the rest is secondary. Snow Crab and Prime Rib. If both are prepared well, I'm satisfied. But there's times the prime rib is inconsistent in-flavor and texture. Yet, I always leave satisfied since everything else usually balances things out.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I feel a sense of belonging, the guest service at WSW makes me feel valued. From entry at the host stand, to the front team, to the managers. I don't feel like I'm just another transaction, but appreciated as a local resident and return customer.
Live action stations (omelet/carving), the kitchen team has moments where their level of service isn't consistent with those in the front. It should add to the overall dining experience, be a part of the "show".
There's a select few, seniors of the front team who create a meaningful connection each time. My dining experience becomes personalized with genuine empathy and emotional awareness. Thank you.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Let's celebrate their evolution, a brand refresh and dining concept change. I'm excited with anticipation and looking forward to supporting your new vision. Thank you for continually elevating the dining experience and welcoming myself + the community back for decades.
As a new chapter unfolds, "Congratulations".
