(Dined 04/28/26 TU @ 3:00pm): I went for a "holoholo" to this nearby resort grill for an afternoon!
For my final night on Kaua'i during this short vacation, I decided to take a casual 10-minute walk from the resort to Holoholo Grill to check out their "Aloha Hour" https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=ZTrUECPZ2SGcn7dl5ur6gA for some less expensive grindz. Under the stewardship of one of Hawai'i's most celebrated culinary ambassadors and the "Godfather of Poke", Chef Sam Choy expanded his restaurant empire with Holoholo Grill at Koloa Landing Resort. With menus designed to celebrate local flavors, the spirit of Hawai'i, and his own signature creations, this four-time James Beard Best Pacific Regional Chef nominee has made this eatery a must-dine when on the island. Was it worth the holoholo to this grill!?
PURCHASE(S)
Spicy Mango-Rita ($16.00 HH): Crafted with El Jimador tequila, mango, cucumber, lime, and habanero simple syrup, I preferred more tequila than sweetness in this relaxing cocktail. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=E2Y79-PTRwIo2Pq7AZNbCw
Crispy Calamari ($18.00 HH): A large portion of mostly uniform-shaped rings in a lovely crunchy crust with a side of homemade cocktail sauce, this could've been an entire meal and I would've been very happy! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=120&select=q4X8ibaMCo1ECFajkI8v_w
[ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 5.0 of 5.0 STARS]
Onion Rings ($8.00): A decent portion with rings of medium to large sizes, these were hot, dark golden browned, crunchy, and had a slight tendency to crumble when bitten into, while the onion ring (sweet Maui!) rarely pulled out at times. They were barely oily while no dipping sauce was needed. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=9nvlDm9solIhMbBmp6NtlA
Kaua'i Island Brewing Co. The Fonz IPAaaaaaa Beer 6.7% ABV 16floz Draft ($7.00 HH): Bright amber hazy color, hoppy tropical aroma, low body, hoppy sweet tropical flavor, smooth finish, and hoppy sweet tropical aftertaste... aaah! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=puazSn8xt-53wD9faiXHMA
Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc White Wine ($12.00 HH): Screw-off cap, pale color, citrusy zesty aroma, citrusy tropical flavor, light body, crisp dry finish, citrusy tropical zesty aftertaste, and high acidity - refreshing! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=pJPVDg31qAcFj-iYTFhnKw
Hawaiian Ahi Poke Bowl ($26.00): Made with raw ahi tuna, white onion, limu, sesame oil, avocado, cucumber, edamame ocean salad, crispy onion, sweet soy drizzle, wasabi aioli drizzle, and furikake sushi rice, I seriously needed something healthier which this was, everything was fresh, it was a hearty entree, but the presentation was way too "clean" for me! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=4icP5R2eyusq4EMkkn6v-g
SERVICE
Greeted by two young gentlemen behind the bar, they directed me to the young hostess who sat me at a small table next to the bar. Given a few minutes to review the various menus, I proceeded to order item after item as the drinks arrived quickly while each food dish took no more than five minutes. Any empties were collected immediately as I was checked on and my water glass filled. The entire staff was great - mahalo!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance) I had no vehicle, so I simply walked from my hotel. However, there was a nightly $40.00 fee for guests if they parked on the property I was staying at, and there might've been some free parking along the many nearby roads and streets. Make sure to carefully read any posted signs.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A clean modern spacious layout with plenty of dining tables both covered and uncovered, plenty of lounge chairs, and a small ball all poolside on a gorgeous property. Plenty of natural lighting everywhere while various electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were several muted TVs all around including the bar area while a live musician played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=96&select=cPGN5wekhW9QqrhcOHxITA
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
From start to finish, I enjoyed my time at Holoholo Grill and would definitely return. Everything tasted fabulous, the prices (especially aloha hours) were a tad elevated, the menus were varied enough, and the service was wonderful. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $90.00 BEFORE any discounts, points usage, and/or tip). I used a different credit card for points purposes, but they accepted mine of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more