Roy's Ko Olina

Roy's Ko Olina is a fave of mine.  We’ve always had outstanding service there, and a recent visit only exemplified the service level there.

When our food arrived, everyone’s dishes were placed in front of them except for mine — I was given a salad, which I didn’t order. Turns out, the chicken sandwich I ordered was taking longer than expected, so they gave me a salad to eat while I waited for it.

Most other places would have just apologized for the wait — and that would've been totally fine with me, because keeping guests informed is key IMO, but the Roy's team took it a step further, and I really appreciated that gesture.

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Big Island Burger

Ko Olina Club Sandwich

Ko Olina Dragon Maki

Chinatown Chicken Spring Rolls

Island Fish & Chips

And we were doubly surprised at dessert! We ordered two desserts, and were given a third complimentary. Then when the bill came, our server said they took care of all the desserts!

The Chocolate Soufflé

Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet

Banana Bread Latte Crème Brûlée

I never found out why, but I do know that I can always count on Roy’s Ko Olina for great food and service!

Roy's Ko Olina 

92-1220 Ali'inui Drive

Kapolei, HI 96707

(808) 676-7697

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808 Craft House

We had dinner at 808 Craft House to watch a friend's daughter perform (they have live music 6-8pm M-Sa). 

Ono Onion Rings

‘Ahi Poke

Korean Fried Chicken Wings

808 Giant Pretzel

*Jordēn’s Fiyah Nachos

BBQ Bacon Smashburger

808 Smashburger

Blackened Chicken Club

Loco Moco

I really liked the Onion Rings, and the Blackened Chicken was juicy and tender, with a nice smokiness.  I wish there were more chips for the Nachos, but all the ingredients were flavorful. 

*Manakoto Mango

Kona Coffee Ice Cream Pie

Flourless Chocolate S’mores Cake

*Partyfoul Menu

The Ice Cream Pie was perfect for a warm day.

Overall we had a nice time - the food and service were both great, and the live music really made the night even more enjoyable.


808 Craft House
92-1047 Olani St Unit 1112
Kapolei, HI 96707

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A Night with Michael Mina

One of my favorite restaurants on the island is Mina's Fish House at the Four Seasons Oahu, where Chef Michael Mina initiated the concept of the Fish Sommelier.

On Friday, the media was invited to A Night with Michael Mina, where guests indulged in a thoughtfully-crafted tasting menu highlighting local seafood and dishes with internationally-inspired elements.

Sesame Sweet Soy Poke

Burrata & Stone Fruit

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Kataifi-Wrapped Kauai Prawns

Several dishes were served family-style - the poke, burrata, scallops, and prawns.  I thought the poke was seasoned perfectly, with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy components.  

Everyone commented on just how enormous the burrata was.  It was creamy, and indulgent, and I couldn't stop eating it with the pita croutons.

I love scallops and I love bacon, and together they are great match!

The kataifi offered a delicate, yet crunchy contrast to the tender prawns.  

Caviar Parfait

Kona Lobster Agnolotti

Everyone could choose their own entree, and I chose the agnolotti.  I loved the stuffed pasta, and I would've been happy with just the pasta, but the addition of the lobster, Parmesan, and truffle really elevated the dish, adding levels of umami.

Lobster Pot Pie

Lobster Pot Pie assembled

Kona Kanpachi

Hawayej-Spiced NY Striploin

The tasting menu ended with two delightful desserts.  The shave ice was so refreshing, and the Chocolate Caramel Crunch was reminiscent of a nostalgic candy bar - so delicious! 

Pina Colada Shave Ice

Chocolate Caramel Crunch

At the end of the night, we were gifted with a copy of his most recent cookbook, My Egypt, which dives into Chef Michael's roots.

Although this special event was one-night only, the daily dinner menu still offers guests amazing line-to-table delicacies and signature seafood dishes.

Mina's Fish House
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 679-0079

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Monkeypod Kitchen Ko Olina

Our family used to go to Monkeypod Kitchen frequently for their Happy Hour specials, but it's been years since we dined there.  I was excited to return to eat some of my favorite dishes.

Garlic Truffle Oil Fries

The Garlic Truffle Oil Fries were just as good and addicting as I remember!

Taro Ravioli

The Pumpkin Patch Ravioli was a go-to order of mine, but now they have Taro Ravioli, and it is also very delicious!

Cheeseburger

Bulgogi Pork Tacos

Wagyu French Dip (Special)

Housemade Gnocchi

The Gnocchi were pillowy soft, and I enjoyed the mac nut pesto.  The mushrooms and chèvre made the dish a little more earthy than I had anticipated, but it was still a good dish overall.  

I'm not a fan of pies, but I love the pies at Monkeypod Kitchen.  We got the Orange Creamsicle (my fave), Strawberry Cream, and the seasonal Butterscotch.

They are huge, creamy, and so decadent!

Service was excellent!  

Monkeypod Kitchen
Ko Olina Station
92-1046 Olani Street
Kapolei Hi, 96707
(808) 380-4086

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Gina's BBQ Kapolei

We recently ordered the Large Family Pack at Gina's BBQ Kapolei.  The cost is $93, and you get:

6 pieces Kalbi

10 scoops rice

6 pieces BBQ Chicken, 6 pieces Bulgogi

12 Meat Jun Strips and 12 Man Du

and choice of 5 veggies.  We chose:

Corn

Shoyu Potato

Long Rice

Choi Sum

Macaroni Salad

It feeds 4-6, and all of this food ended up feeding our family of 5 for 2 dinners.  

Everything was very tasty, including the banchan.  The mac salad was seasoned well, and I love shoyu potato, but some of the huge pieces were undercooked (although the flavor was still there). 

My faves in the pack were the BBQ Chicken and the Man Du.  

It was definitely a good deal, especially considering it fed our family for two nights!

Gina's BBQ Kapolei
4850 Kapolei Pkwy suite #305

Kapolei, HI 96707

 

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