House Without A Key
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This was my second visit here, and they did not disappoint. It's been hot lately, so I was a bit worried since the restaurant is mostly outdoors, but today was our lucky day -- it was nice and breezy. We started with cocktails, and I had the Yellow Umbrella, which tasted like a Margarita with lilikoi. It was amazingly good. They also brought out complementary Taro Rolls with passion fruit, pineapple, and papaya butter. One of the rolls had a small poke from a bird, but the rest were great. The soup of the day was Seafood Gumbo. It wasn't exactly what we expected, but it was still delicious and we enjoyed it. We also ordered a couple of items we had last time -- the Broiled Fish Tacos and the Pizza Arugula & Prosciutto -- and both were just as tasty as before. Last but not least, the service was wonderful, and we truly appreciated it. We'll definitely be back again.
Honestly, my husband wanted to try this place! When he walked in for a reservation, I was kind of hesitate to try it.. as they had very limited options on the menu for a vegetarians! Melissa best waiter at this place. We were blessed with her presence. She really welcomed us with an open arm and suggested a whole bunch of stuff. Pizza, burger, fries, some drinks: Mai Thai! She really made us full ultra special. She definitely deserves a double raise. She's one of the most motivated person I've met at this place. The ambience of this place is better because of her presence. She made us feel over the stars. Thank you Melissa for your hospitality! Keep rising away
We stopped by for lunch midweek. They had a wedding out by the tree/ocean before we came and the bridal party was finishing up taking photos as were being seated. It's a beautiful setting and we had dinner next door on Friday night at sunset and that was absolutely beautiful. I don't believe there is indoor seating but it is covered and the tradewind keeps it cooler. There was also a guitar player playing/singing at a comfortable level so we could still easily converse and enjoy the music. The food was fresh and delicious and came promptly out of the kitchen. The area is quite spacious for seating so there were lots of tables available around us. As we were ordering our food the staff was rearranging the chairs and tables in front of us from the wedding. The employees were were very gracious and professional and even volunteered to take some photos for us.
This was a could-have-missed experience for us. It seems you need to queue up way before 5:30 to get a good table for the nightly entertainment (reservations aren't accepted). The restaurant and bar weren't terribly unique. The cocktails are quite pricy for being as mid as they are...we tried to the coconut cake martini and the coconut old fashioned. The old fashioned was fine. Tasted like coconut. The martini did not have all the razzmatazz shown in the menu picture, and tasted like key lime pie, which is fine, but there was nary a hint of coconut. I wouldn't recommend this place, unless you plan your visit better and/or aren't as persnickety about quality menu offerings as we are. Fortunately for us, the rest of the meals and drinks on our trip were so fantastic that this was just a fart in the wind.
What a wonderful way to end a business leisure trip. House Without a Key is one of the only privately owned properties on Waikiki beach. Do access their website, as there is a great backstory regarding how this beautiful property came to be. Spoiler alert: make reservations, request a table with an umbrella by the surf, order one of their famous Mai Tai cocktails, and enjoy their elevated cuisine, service, and entertainment. We arrived and were greeted by staff and directed to the dining area. Our request for a table by the beach was honored, and we were just far enough away from the (wonderful) entertainment that we could thoroughly enjoy it and carry on a conversation. I noticed that their Caesar salad had anchovies draped across the lettuce! Our wonderful professional server, Melissa, gave us a heads-up that the Apps were huge and easily shared. Our split salad arrived, and yes, sharing is the way to go. For our entrees, I ordered the swordfish, and Plus 1 ordered the sticky ribs appetizer for dinner. Swordfish is a tricky one to grill; one extra minute, and the fish turns to chewing gum. My dinner was cooked perfectly, firm and moist. We could have easily shared the sticky rib App. These ribs were tender as all heck and spiced to perfection. Since we were celebrating a special event, we were gifted with their famous Halekulani's Signature Coconut Cake. Wow, Light as a feather and oh so decadent! An adjoining table ordered a pizza, yes, a pizza for dinner. I must say the pizza looked awesome. This was a thin-crust gourmet pizza with some interesting meat and cheese toppings. I am a pizza snob times 10, and I would return just to order that pizza. Pro tip: You will be dining outside, so those pesky birds will be keeping a close eye on any food that you drop. Do not leave your table unguarded, or you will be feeding them (LOL). Enjoy all y'all!
The overall experience was pretty meh! We had reserved a table specifically while we were visiting Waikiki. When we entered, we were really surprised that they asked us to wait even though we had booked a table. We booked an outside table assuming we would get a good view of the live performance but we were seated in a corner. When we ordered our food, they brought bread which was not at all warm. Then, the food came in. I ordered a Margherita pizza and my wife ordered a chicken curry. The food was extremely meh. It had very little flavour and the bread in the pizza was not at all fresh. It was not at all what a ~$150 dinner would look like. We were massively disappointed. I would not want to come back here even though the live performance was quite god.
Update on House Without A Key this morning we celebrated my sister and Allen.N belated birthdays. Everyone enjoyed and their breakfast Buffett is outstanding. My favorite were the Japanese breakfast area along with the made to order omelette station . Service is always top notch and we sat on the same table when we were there last time along with the same waitress Kelly . What's the odds on that lol The view at this restaurant is amazing view of the Waikiki skyline along with Diamond in the distance . Support local
Looking for upscale water view dining while in Hawaii ? Well here you go ! House Without a Key is an iconic, upscale American restaurant at the Halekulani hotel in Honolulu, known for its sunset cocktails, live Hawaiian music, and hula dancing under a historic Kiawe tree with views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. It offers all-day dining with a menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, and burgers, alongside popular items like its signature mai tai and coconut cake, and coconut old fashion cocktails , it's amazing all around ! The atmosphere is casual yet elegant, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and reservations are strongly recommended for dinner. While dining we saw a few A list celebrities and after wards browsed the Louis Vuitton boutique and the resort's shops as well. Fabulous is an understatement and it's not for the budget friendly.
Checked into Halekulani this morning and came to our favorite breakfast buffet. This buffet is really very extraordinary. It's worth every penny. We actually vastly prefer this breakfast to their sunset Sunday dinners. The food options are to die for. Very traditional mixed w very fancy Japanese small plates as well as American offerings. Try this place if you can, it's really amazing. Service is also always really outstanding.
Overall take, nice vibes and atmosphere, especially with the ocean view, hula dance, and hawaiian music. Friendly service. Entrees are unfortunately underwhelming, but everything else does make up for it. It started off with these taro rolls that were really good! Really soft and a subtle flavor of taro that was really nice. We ordered the Hoisin Coconut Ribs, Pizza Arugla & Prosciutto, Signature Local Fresh Catch (which was a Chilean Sea Bass), Asian Braised Short Rib, and the Coconut Curry Chicken Breast. So it did take awhile for the entrees to arrives, but at least the drinks were quicker to be made. The drinks are pretty here and quite strong! I enjoyed the fruity cocktail but one was enough for me for the night haha. First came the Hoisin Coconut Ribs, which we all shared. This was pretty good since the rib fell apart quite nicely. The flavor wasn't that strong, but it was pretty good. The pizza came next and this was pretty standard. I wouldn't say it's anything too special, but it was pizza. Then the other short rib, which was pretty soft as well. Next was the Local Fresh Catch. Honestly this one was very underwhelming because this one basically just tasted like the steamed fish you can get at a Chinese Seafood Restaurant for a larger portion and more worth the price. Especially the ingredients that used to prepare this, it tasted very very similar. The Coconut Curry Chicken Breast was the most unique one of the entrees we ordered. It had a smoky aroma and I enjoyed it with the little garnishes that offered on the side for it! Overall, it does seem like the entree dishes revolve around Asian cuisine, except Americanized. Some are tasty, some don't taste worth it, but the presentation and the vibes of the restaurant are quite nice. Our waiter was also extremely kind and kept updating us when the food would come out. He did make a mistake on our coconut curry and ordered it as tofu curry, so they mistakenly made our dish twice with different things, and ended up getting the coconut curry right. He also covered it for us! Also the desserts, the coconut cake and the chocolate cake were both very nice! The coconut cake was oddly very light and fluffy, so this was pretty good! The chocolate cake was extremely rich as well. We were already so full by the end of the meal.
The moment of relaxation where time slows down. Warm ocean breezes, vibrant tropical colors, picturesque Diamond Head in the distance. Sounds of the blue Pacific offshore with breathtaking views from every seat. As the sky transitions, a beautiful canvas comes forward. Golden hues, soft pinks with rich orange overtones, colors of warm honey and lavender. Intimate yet cinematic. The energy of the day shifts into a glowing ambiance. Curated live music, melodies of Hawai'i. Allow it to surround you, embrace the acoustic immersion. As hula shares the story through song and dance. Atmospheric vocals and smooth island-style compositions. Sensory complete with their signature Mai Tai in your hand. The ultimate sunset cocktails in Waikīkī. House Without a Key at Halekulani. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ First impression: legendary Halekulani guest excellence. Offered in a discreet way with sheer professionalism and a gentle approach, a team member offered to escort my guest and I from the front of the hotel to our destination. To House Without a Key. My trip itinerary unaltered, I was destined to be here. Cocktail seating was finally extended after 40+ minutes, parallel to the century-old landmark kiawe tree and stage. Delightfully entertained for over an hour by The De Lima Ohana, hula by a former Miss Hawai'i USA. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Iconic, unchanged, classic. For over 30 years staying true to the 1950's style without excessive juice. The Halekulani Mai Tai, a signature cocktail. My only choice, it tops my list as one of the best. Featuring a trio of rums, a blend that relies heavily on quality and flavor. Lemon Hart 151, a generous float; smoky and savory with complexity. Creamy depth and sweet nuttiness from almond and rock candy syrup. Elegant presentation, classic Mai Tai glass, crushed ice. Signature vanda orchid garnish. Pair with any appetizing plate from the sunset menu such as delectable Ahi Tataki. Playful sophistication. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ World-renowned guest service of the Halekulani Corporation was extended by almost everyone at House Without a Key. It's marvelous to feel it, to receive it. Highly personalized to exceed expectations, to create a memorable guest experience. I've dined at House Without a Key in the past, breakfast with elevated buffet offerings along with lunch and dinner. Dating many years back when Maui potato chips were served with sunset cocktails, a sugar cane stick in their Mai Tai. Kanoe Miller was the headliner hula dancer back then. Amazingly, she's still here. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Timeless elegance in Waikīkī tailored to meet the needs of every guest. Authenticity and design, classic yet with modern touches. Thoughtful aesthetics and lighting; pleasing sounds, legendary service. The feeling of being deeply cared for, an elevated experience. Halekulani. Culinary art and crafted signature cocktails. Soothing rhythms of the tide, melodies from renowned Hawaiian artists. A spectrum of colors painting the horizon takes one on a sensory journey of profound awe. Secluded luxury at a "House Befitting Heaven". Breathtaking sunsets in Waikīkĩ. House Without a Key.
A great spot for live music and dinner. I made reservations for five and we didn't have to wait that long. The service was good, the staff were attentive, kept checking up on us. We ordered appetizers to share and ordered the sea bass for main dish. The ribs were perfectly flavored, meat came right off. We heard that people come for the coconut cake so we had to order for dessert. Dessert is perfect for sharing.
My family came here on a Saturday evening to watch our friend dance hula. The atmosphere was light, warm, and filled with the Aloha spirit. The venue is absolutely beautiful with the oceanfront view and Diamond Head in the background. The band and hula dancer were the magic of the evening. Food was great too. The crab cake was our favorite and the beet salad was refreshing. Pizza was okay too!Our server, Melissa, checked in on us multiple times throughout the night. She was friendly and helpful. We would definitely come back again!
We were seated inside during one sunset which really took away any "specialness" of the occasion. Even outside, the view was good but not exceptional. Perhaps I came in with too high of expectations. The menu was a little overwhelming as well. We opted for the crudo. Obviously with the location, prices are way inflated. It was fine. The singers and hulu was fine. Again, maybe I was expecting more. Oh well. First world problems but I feel one could do better with both food and scenery. read more
1 year ago
Dinner was great and the entertainment was lovely! There are chairs in front of the stage that don't require you to order food (drinks may be required though?) We came in 45 minutes prior to our reservation and got seated right away. read more
My friend and I had a lovely breakfast at the famous House Without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel! The Halekulani Hotel, translating to "house befitting heaven," is a 453-room hotel on 5 acres on Waikiki Beach with 3 restaurants, with House Without a Key being one of them. The original hotel was opened in 1907 and sold/renovated a number of times and reopened on 3/1/84 with elegance to what it is today. Opened at the same time as the hotel in 1984, the House Without a Key is known as a gathering spot for informal breakfast, lunch, sunset cocktails, appetizers, and Hawaiian entertainment under a century-old kiawe tree. It is noted for its signature mai tai and coconut cake. It is said that the House Without a Key was named after a 1925 novel by Earl Biggers, which is the 1st Charlie Chan mystery, and makes mention of a restaurant named "House Without a Key." Another story mentions it was named after a nickname given to the lanai area next to a young kiawe tree planted in 1987 that was reflective of when locals did not have to lock their house doors. House Without a Key offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. This review is for their impressive breakfast buffet that consists of: * Omelet station. Build your own with meat choices (bacon, ham, Portuguese sausage, shrimp, smoked salmon, onion, cheese, bell pepper, green onion, tomato, mushroom, spinach. * Pastries: croissants, banana bread, mini muffins, popovers, danish, whipped butter. * Japanese: sides (octopus salad, egg w/ ikura daikon, hijiki, natto, cold tofu, spinach salad, ogo, tsukemono); garlic chicken; miso soup and rice porridge w/ condiments; nishime; ramen; white rice. * Fresh fruits: grapefruit, banana, pineapple, strawberries, apple, melons, papaya, orange. * Yogurt and granola parfaits: with mixed berries, dried fruits, chia w/ berries & blueberries. * Cheeses and cold cuts. * Salads: tossed, beet, pasta, kale, baked salmon, potato w/ bacon, truffled mushroom, fresh veggies. * Hot entrees: French toast, salmon skin fried rice, bacon, chicken apple sausage, scrambled egg, roasted potatoes. Cute mini bottles of tabasco sauce are offered. * Cereal with various toppings situated on an angled board. * Drinks: pineapple, orange, guava, POG, tea, coffee. I was impressed with the many food choices and knowing that I could not eat everything, I had to pick and choose my favorites and what looked interesting. I thought the presentation of the food items were excellent, with the complementary dishes, cute parfait glass bottles, angled cereal toppings, and plated arrangements so beautifully placed. I loved the Japanese station, as the dishes and sides were all delicious and authentic; I understand that a new chef from Japan had been hired and is creating these eye-catching dishes. The nishime was on point, and local-style ramen and its condiments was comfort food. Lots of great fruits, with the local papaya so sweet (I saw hotel guests taking whole platefuls of them), but the pineapple was a little sour, as it's not in season. I enjoyed the banana bread, which was so flavorful and moist. Tried a little bit of everything, and all tasted good! Wish I had a bigger appetite to take on the delicious-looking omelets and salads. Plus, a complimentary birthday coconut cake was presented (restaurant planning to charge about $16 per slice soon), and it was the best coconut I've ever had, as it was so fluffy, moist, flavorful, and not overly sweet; it literally just melted in your mouth! We had excellent service by Jack who promptly took away our used plates, refilled our drinks without asking, and checking on us if we need anything. He and other staff all had smiles and wished us a happy birthday. Awesome customer service! The large dining area included an outside open-air patio and covered interior with beautiful views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. If eating in the open patio, be careful of birds flying around and scrounging for food. Almost all tables were taken during peak breakfast hours. There's a nice window-plated open kitchen alongside the buffet line. And if you need to use the restroom, bidet toilets are standard. Hours of operation for the breakfast buffet is daily from 7a to 10:30a. No reservations for breakfast. We showed up at 8a and stayed to closing; we were not rushed to leave. Free validated parking for 4 hours is available. This is an awesome breakfast, especially for a celebration! There is a nice variety of foods that will please everyone. Thank you to my Yelp friend, Donna O., for a heavenly birthday breakfast! I would love to return to celebrate a special occasion! Excellent dining experience! read more
House without a key was a wonderful experience. We made reservations so that we could view the luau with the hula dancers. The drinks were fantastic and you should not pass up the coconut cake. It was clearly the best coconut cake on the island. read more
8 months ago
6 months ago
I saw a magazine article about this place, so I put it on our wish list for our visit to Waikiki. I'm glad I made a reservation more than a week before our arrival. We weren't staying at the hotel (wish it was within our budget). We had a 5:15pm arrival with a very short wait on a comfy couch outdoor. We were quickly seated and I was THRILLED that our table was outside (on a lovely night) where we would be able to hear the live music and see the stage. I wanted the coconut cake, so I ordered an appetizer of their ribs. Wow! They were so tender and delicious! My husband ordered the Fish of the Day. Oh, we ordered the MaiTai ($24.00) which was good-- but Duke's was better IMHO. The live Hawaiian music was delightful. A great trio with good singing. During their second set, a Hula dance arrived and she was really graceful. The view of Diamond Head is stunning, as was the golden sunset. As for the coconut cake, it was good ($16.00). However, I'm a baker and I like mine better, if I do say so myself! Our dinner table came to $200 and that's a big treat for our budget. However, it was worth every penny, as we had the Hawaiian experience in a luxurious surrounding. It's so worth it. read more
11 months ago
1 year ago
5/5 for the view and ambience of the place. Food was underwhelming 3/5 , felt basic despite the hefty price. Drinks were good 4/5. coconut Cake was good, the only thing that I remembered read more
Beautiful atmosphere with traditional live music . Came for a cocktail and coconut cake. This cake is light and fluffy. The plate is ordained with raspberry and vanilla sauce. It was almost too pretty to eat. The coconut cake martini tasted a bit more sour than expected with a sweet coconut cream top and flakes of coconut. It was a more key lime flavored with a sweet cream foam topping than coconut , but tasty. read more
House Without a Key was outstanding! From the moment we arrived until we left, the service was top-notch. They offer valet parking, and you can get your parking validated for 4 hours by the restaurant. Melissa greeted us and showed us to the restaurant. There was a short wait, but with the gorgeous view, perfect weather, and live music, it wasn't a problem while we waited for our table. Once seated, Trey was our server, and he was fantastic. He went over the menu with us and recommended some of his personal favorites. We started with cocktails and an appetizer. We had the Lawai'a roll, Pulehu Pineapple, and Coconut Old Fashioned. They also brought out complimentary Taro Rolls accompanied by a tropical butter, which was a nice touch. I'm still thinking about that Lawai'a roll while writing this review! For our main dish, we split the Tutū Mā Asian Braised Short Ribs with roasted red potatoes and home fries--it was just the right amount and very tasty. While we ate, the Hawaiian music continued, and a hula dancer appeared around 6pm, adding to the vibe. To wrap up, Kevin helped us with our car and even handed us two waters. Honestly, we had an amazing time all around--definitely check this place out! read more
9 months ago
Drinks were great , we just sat at the entrance and listened to the band playing music and singing and a hula dancer too The hotel is absolutely beautiful too so make sure you walk around read more
11 months ago
We were four people to house without a key for lunch, and there was a nice view . We took a lot of nice pictures outside of the restaurant, and the waiter was waiting us to order very patiently. The waiter's name was Guy, and answered us all questions when we asked . We were two people ordered a pizza and a sandwich for sharing for two, and other two people also ordered a pizza too and a hamburger for sharing for two, and we asked Guy to give us four plates for sharing. unbelievable, when the food came out and the sandwich and hamburger had cut in half and on the individual plate already, and that made us so happy. The waiter Guy was so nice to us and he knew what we wanted, and he had a great service to us during our meal. We enjoyed the ambiance and service, we loved it. We will back again. read more
1 year ago
Best view at this restaurant. The staff was very friendly and accommodating when one of our salads had dairy. Thank you Darin! They offered fresh bread and to take our picture by the tree Would love to come back! read more
1 year ago
The best part was definitely the music and entertainment. If I were to do it again, I'd skip the dinner and just grab seats for a drink. The food wasn't bad, just wasn't the biggest fan of the menu options. I was hoping to order the coconut shrimp, but that's no longer available. The coconut curry chicken was decent, and the sweet potatoes were just okay. The bread, however, was delicious. Coconut cake was perfect. Overall, it's a beautiful setting--perfect for enjoying a drink or a relaxed dinner. read more
5 months ago
5 months ago
I have been wanting to Nv to come here for the longest of times and we finally made it for dinner. The timing of everything worked out perfectly. We snagged a reservation and were seated promptly on our arrival. One thing I love about the Halekulani is their service cannot be beat. We were walked past the huge open kitchen where we could see all of the magic happening. Our table was in good view of the live singer for the evening which was wonderful and soothing after a long day of work. My husband snuck in a plate of food while I was getting ready so we shared all of our plates. We had the hamachi kama, the catch of the day and the coconut cake of my dreams. Left nothing but bones of the collar, cleaned the plate of our entree and I almost licked the dessert plate. Our food hit all of the right spots and it was a nice way to celebrate our anniversary. Can't wait to come back for the drinks, music, impeccable service and food. I just remember feeling so calm and satiated after my meal! read more
Came for cocktail hour, which also has a sunset band and hula performance! The drinks were so tasty and the atmosphere was beautiful. We weren't staying at the hotel but love that it was open to all. It was a wonderful experience and the views of the ocean and scenery was beautiful. The service was also amazing, and our waiter even gifted us a coconut cake slice. Highly recommend grabbing drinks and enjoying the show and sunset. We took advantage and took lots of pictures here! read more
We kicked off our trip with a meal here and ended the trip with an amazing dinner. House without a key is a beautiful restaurant offering unobstructed views of diamond head, the lush greenery, and crystal clear blue water. We walked up on a Tuesday around 1/2pm and were seated on the patio promptly! We wanted to end our trip with a nice dinner here too and got an 8pm reservation on OpenTable for a Sat night. We came during off hours and loved that it wasn't too busy. Everything we ate: Poke bowl: 4/5, says my friend. Grilled mahi mahi tacos: 4/5, yummy flour tortilla, wanted a bit more pizazz for the fish, but still good. Ahi tataki: 5/5, rich, buttery, seared to perfection. Tasty garlic aioli and side ponzu sauce (one of my favorite sauces ever). I topped each bite with daikon dunked in ponzu. Ribeye w/ asparagus and mashed sweet potatoes: 5/5, ribeye was mouth watering and asparagus cooked perfectly (grilled and crunchy), huge 14 oz portion good for sharing, we just prefer garlic buttery mashed potatoes instead of sweet potatoes. Coconut cake: 10/5!!!! Every table had a slice of coconut cake so we had to get a slice (both times). Airy, creamy, not too sweet, with a little bit of tart raspberry puree. Yellow umbrella: 10/5!!! Best cocktail I've ever had. Who thought of combining tequila, fresh lilikoi, coconut matcha syrup?! I spent the entire trip trying to recreate this cocktail at other bars, much to the annoyance of other bartenders. Orange creamsicle: 5/5. Ice cream in a cup, great non alcoholic drink. We lucked out and got Ian as our server for both meals. He was kind, very patient (I was very indecisive about what to eat and had lots of questions about the cocktails), and we loved him. The hostesses were also friendly and I can't wait to come back next time on the island! read more
We went for a late lunch/early dinner. It is located inside the Halekulani Hotel which is beautiful and picturesque. The restaurant is located adjacent to the pool. I thought it was going to be more upscale, but it was quite casual. Hubby and I both ordered the chicken which is on the menu under sandwiches, but it's actually just plated with seasonal vegetables and rice. It was good, I wouldn't say great. However, I did read on yelp about the coconut cake and so we decided to try that. That cake is it! If you only come here for the cake, that is great! read more
1 year ago
COCKTAIL HOUR REVIEW: We came here for cocktails and to enjoy the beautiful sunset with live Hawaiian music. They have creative cocktails, small plates, and of course, their famous coconut cake. The cocktails were enjoyed by all, and the coconut cake lived up to the hype. This cake melts in your mouth and is unforgettable. As 6:00 p.m. comes around, Miss Hawaii joins the band and performs a hula dance just as the sun is setting. It's the most perfect background. Highly recommend their cocktail hour. read more
The ambience was really amazing with the live music right on the beach during sunset. The server kind of seemed like she was having a bad night, but everything else was so wonderful that we could just look past that. All of the food was really delicious. read more
Blue Curacao, coconut and sparkling wine cocktail and Halekulani Mai Tai. Beautiful ocean and tree views. Live music environment. Great place for a pre-dinner aperitif. Not on the menu, but I ordered chips as a side dish. The chips are Maui chips. read more
Great patio to watch the sunset and enjoy the evening hula show. Drinks were on the expensive side, but the ambiance is classic Hawaiian and the music and view were great. Don't miss the Coconut Old Fashioned. We ate dinner at the restaurant after drinks. Service was good, but the dinner was WAY overpriced and really unremarkable. Seating on the patio is first come, first served, so arrive early for good seats. I'd visit again for the sunset, music and cocktails, but I'd skip eating there. read more
3 months ago
2 years ago
Best fish tacos I've ever had. Everything was perfect from the soft and chewy flour tortilla, crème fresh, and juiciest fish. Didn't think it was possible to have such juicy fish on a taco -they didn't overcook it. The garnish and fresh veggies all made it super refreshing. Besides that, the fruit boat was very fresh and healthy as well. Highly recommend just for the fish tacos alone. read more
I recommend House without a Key just for the experience itself, or if you're looking for a cheaper alternative to a luau. Located in the Halekulani Hotel, this restaurant does an excellent job at creating that quintessential Hawaiian experience for their customers. It's a bit of an upscale restaurant, with a laid back, casual vibe. Its open-air concept faces the beach with views of Mountain Head in the distance. There's also live entertainment daily from 5 pm to 10 pm which includes some singing and a solo hula dancer. Reservations are recommended if you're planning to go for dinner as they can get pretty busy. However, if you're here just for the "Sunset Cocktails", there's seating in the lawn area on a first come, first served basis. I had dinner reservations for 6:30 and only had to wait 5 minutes to be seated. The staff here were all very courteous and the service was excellent. It's noted that there is bit of a premium on the menu items. It's kind of like the price of the entertainment had been included into the price of the food. Their signature Mai Tai was strong, but was good for slowly sipping through the evening. The Kawehewehe cocktail, was a beauty, but had an extremely strong smoky taste. I wouldn't recommend it unless the smokieness is something you enjoy. The appetizers and main dishes were mediocre to say the least, but I would highly recommend ordering a piece of the Halekulani Coconut Cake. It was delicious! The cake was moist, fluffy, and had the perfect level of sweetness. Despite the food being mostly mediocre, the atmosphere was splendid. This was a highly memorable experience as I got to enjoy the entertainment through my meal, along with a beautiful sunset on the waters of the beach as time transitioned into the night. read more
I had friends who told me that "this is the best place to experience a Honolulu sunset." And I think they were right! We visited at about 6:00 on a Friday. The place was packed with customers and we were given a small table not too far from the stage. There was a trio of authentic Hawaiian musicians and a hula dancer to enjoy while we waited for the sunset. We started out with cocktails. They have a list of "Earl's Extraordinary Cocktails by the Sea" that are enhanced takes on many popular cocktails. I wanted to try the Mai Tai since it's the favorite drink of Hawaii. Their version included 2 Bacardi rums, orange Curacao, Orgeat syrup, and fresh lime juice. It was $22 and came with a plumeria for garnish....,very pretty and tropical looking. It was also very tangy and delicious! The glasses were very slippery and my friend dropped his and spilled 1/2 of it. When we let our server know; she provided a him with a brand new drink; which was great since it was not her fault the drink spilled. We also decided to share the "Savory Flatbread," essentially a small pizza. It was hand-tossed and topped with hoisin pulled pork, pickled onions, and jalapeño. It was yummy, but a little pricey at $28. When the sun set at about 6:45 we were very impressed with the spectacular views! The prices may be a little high; but food, drinks, and service were very good and you don't get views like this at too many other spots! read more
On vacation and was truly looking forward to this eat! You are paying for the ambiance though, the food was good but nothing special. Setting: Right on the beach with a gorgeous tree under which musicians perform. The music the night we went was great, but was truly hoping to see the dancing their website writes about. Service: Our waiter was incredibly friendly, but did forget to bring out 1/4 items we ordered. It happens! Food: Delicately prepared food, I enjoyed the glass kitchens you can see through. But at the price point, the sizing is small and be prepared to order more than you anticipate. read more
6 months ago
2 years ago
The hotel breakfast of my dreams! Fresh food, excellent service and so much attention to details! Loved the fans to keep flies away and staff were ready with lids to cover food and ensure no bugs. Some favorites include the omelette station, miso soup bar, Japanese rice porridge, endless papaya, fresh rice, saba, bread rolls and more! read more
6 months ago
1 year ago
Food is always well executed here. The location is as good as it gets in Waikiki, on the beach. This restaurant is the rare combination of excellent food and incredible ambiance. It may sound strange but the two things rarely come together in Waikiki. Service is attentive and professional, these are not college kids looking for extra cash. read more
4.5 The BEST OUTDOOR ATMOSPHERE in HONOLULU especially for seeing a BEAUTIFUL sunset ADD local island musicians setting the picturesque mood complete with hula dancers added to our last evening on the island, EXCEPT possibly excellent FOOD & BEVERAGES Not a large menu, however something for everyone with nightly specials too ~ The ONE item not to be missed is the COCONUT LAYER CAKE, kissed by the angels to be light and will leave you wanting another slice Make a reservation if you can't get one, go early & you might get lucky like we did & get a table for dinner. If you want to just listen to the music, sit closer to the musicians, enjoy the cocktails that's also an option however no food in this area Our server was xcellant, she was personal, professional & efficient read more
Absolutely amazing restaurant. Every time we go to Waikiki we come here for the Signature Halekulani Coconut Cake. They just celebrated 65 years with the recipe and if you try it, you will not be disappointed. I'm not even a fan of coconut but I get it everytime! The catch of the day is always very fresh with a spectacular presentation and cooked perfectly read more
We were able to get reservations on a Sunday night for dinner. The setting was beautiful in the hotel courtyard by the ocean. They had live music playing. I had an overpriced pint of IPA. I started with a cup of barley soup, which was blah. My wife and I shared a cheese pizza. The pizza was terrible. This was the worst place we ate in Waikiki (and the most expensive in terms of menu prices). Admittedly, this is not my scene. To me it felt pretentious and stuffy. Think Ritz Carlton. The service was good. read more
Definitely worth a try. Live music and location near the beach are beautiful. We ordered the daily catch (Chilean sea bass) and the all occasions pizza. The pizza was really phenomenal! The fish was great too. But be warned; piña coladas are $30 and my boyfriend ordered a Coke - they charged him for EACH REFILL. $5 per refill. So he had 2 refills and they charged us $15 total ($5/Coke) . I think it's tacky to charge for refills and not inform the customer, especially since refills are assumed. Overall it was nice and the food was fresh and delicious. Our waiter gave off asshole vibes though. He was a bit smarmy. One last tip - our reservation was at 7:30. By this point, the sun had already set. Live music ended at 8. If you can, come earlier to watch the sun set and experience more of the music. read more
1 year ago
We come here for sunset cocktails and live entertainment. It can be pretty busy. But the ambiance is so nice. Looking over the ocean. Hotel is exceptional and emphasizes serenity. It is relaxing. Cocktails are great. The pulehu pineapple ($24) is addicting and complex. It comes with this slice of pineapple jerky that really makes the drink. I'm not a great drinker but I can have a lot of those. Coconut cake is also really tasty without being too sweet ($16). read more
More info about House Without A Key
2199 Kalia Rd
Honolulu, HI 96815
Waikiki
Directions
(808) 923-2311
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key
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Ask the Community - House Without A Key
Are whole coconut cakes available for purchase?
At their bakery across the street - yes. Otherwise from HWAK it's by the slice.
Where is self-parking? How much is valet parking?
The Halekulani parking garage is located on Kalia Road on the left side before the Sheraton Waikiki Loading dock. If you are dining at one of our restaurants, we will validate self and valet parking.
Do they have high chairs?
Thank you for your interest in House Without A Key. Yes - we do have high chairs available.
Where exactly is this restaurant ? We have a reservation tonight . Don't know where to go. Is this inside a hotel?
Yes, inside the Halekulani. Walk to to the right of the front desk, turn left and walk past the gift shop to the restaurant
It this place Kid friendly?
Good afternoon Sean: Thank you very much for your interest in House Wtihout A Key. Yes - we do have children's menus available. Please visit our website at https://www.halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key/ for more information or call us at…
How much is the weekday breakfast brunch now at House Without a Key?
The House Without A Key breakfast buffet is: Adults: $45 per person – not inclusive of tax or…
How much is the brunch buffet? Is it available everyday?
Thank you for the interest in House Without A Key. The Breakfast (not a brunch) Buffet is…
Is there still a breakfast buffet?
Breakfast buffet is now being offered at House Without A Key.
We are going in April, do we need reservations?
At this time House Without A Key is open nightly for cocktails, Pupu's (small plates) along wiht our Hawaiian Entertainment and a Hula Dancer. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at 800-367-2343.
We are in Late November now... Any word on the opening day for House Without a Key? Not allowed to book a reservation on OpenTable yet...
Thank you for your interest in House Without A Key. At this time we are open nightly for sunset cocktails, hula and hawaiian music. Please call us at 808-518-2019 for reservations.…
Anyone know when they will re-open? The hotel opens October 1st and I hope this will open along with the hotel or soon after!
Halekulani recently announced that House Without A Key will be reopening in late November 2021. For more information please visit us here: https://www.halekulani.com/property-restoration-will-perpetuate-halekulanis-legacy-for-decades-to-come/
When is Happy Hour?
How much is the Brunch?
For 2 Entrees and 2 pina coladas we paid about $50, and it was worth every cent! So good!
Does this place have a happy hour?
Not that I know of. I don't think so. But the mai tais are the best here!
What are the hours of nightly entertainment?
Thank you for your interest. You can find the hours and performers for all of our entertainment by visiting us at https://www.halekulani.com/dining/entertainment-calendar-listing…
Are the tables next to the music performers considered outdoor bar seating or outdoor restaurant seating? Thanks
The tables near the performers stage are bar seating.
Are there a lot of vegan options?
No, not that I'm aware of. Here's their lunch menu: https://www.halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key/lunch-menu and here's their dinner menu: https://www.halekulani.com/dining/house-without-a-key/dinner-menu
What attire is required for evenings ? Are tank tops not allowed
Dressy casual. Tank tops are probably allowed, but probably not encouraged. Most people were casual dressy the day we were there at sunset.
Can you come here just for the sunset show?
Thank you for your interest in House Without a Key. Guests are welcome to visit House Without a…
Is there a dress code? If I go directly from the beach in swimwear and coverups is it okay?
The restaurant host told me that swimwear and coverup would be allowed, however, no bare feet.
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55 reviews that are not currently recommended
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