WAI' OLU - TRUMP WAIKIKI

WAI'OLU 

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL - WAIKIKI BEACH

HONOLULU, HAWAII

WAI'OLU

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL - WAIKIKI BEACH

223 SARATOGA ROAD

HONOLULU, HAWAII 96815

808-683-777

HOURS: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Lunch

                3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Happy Hour

                6:00 PM to 10:30 PM Dinner

http://www.trumphotelcollection.com/waikiki/waikiki-hotel-overview.php

Enjoyed some nice cocktails and pupu's at the Trump Waikiki.  This indoor/outdoor bar is great during the sunset and evening hours but is a bit hot when the sun is beaming into the place during the day.  The service during our visit was top notch.  While all of the lanai tables were reserved in advance for the the Friday night Fireworks from the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the host let us know what table we could have and until what time.  Seems most are reserved around 7:00 PM just prior to the Fireworks display.  We settled into the oversized couches and chairs that surrounded a large table with a revolving center.  The polite and gracious waitress quickly moved in to welcome us and take our drink orders.  My rich friend with an unlimited expense report ordered double orders of Crispy Thai Chicken Wings ($9), Ahi Sashimi ($12.50) and Poke of the Day ($9). The food arrived quickly along with another round of drinks.  The Chicken Wings are a bit sweet with just a hint of heat, the Poke was a bit bland and the Sashimi was, well Sashimi.  Nothing here to rave or complain about.  Checking the menu I found that they also offer a Shrimp Salad, Nachos, Cheese Platter and a few more Sushi choices.  A glass of wine during Sunset Hour (3:00 to 6:00 PM) is $6.  This is a good deal for their wine as they go from $10 to $20 plus per glass.  I liked the atmosphere at Wai'olu.  You can wear a pair of shorts and golf shirt or get dressed up like some people did.  I opted for shorts and fell right at home.  The service and staff was excellent and make me want to return.  If you want to try the Worlds Best Mai Tai, they have the winning concoction at Wai'olu.  Their version of the Hawaiian Classic tourist drink was selected as Worlds Best in 2011.  

Click link below to my earlier post on Wai'olu.

http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2010/05/waiolu-at-trump-waikikig.html

WAI' OLU 

VALET YOUR CAR AND TAKE ELEVATOR UPSTAIRS TO WAI'OLU AT TRUMP WAIKIKI

BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR LANAI SEATING IS GREAT AT SUNSET BUT REALLY HOT DURING DAY

INSIDE BAR AND SEATING IS COMFORTABLE AND IN THE SHADE

BEAUTIFUL SUNSET VIEWS AND GREAT PLACE TO WATCH FIREWORKS ON FRIDAY NIGHTS

VIEW FROM OUTDOOR SEATING INTO BAR AREA

LARGER LANAI TABLES HAVE A LAZY SUSAN THAT REVOLVES SO YOU
CAN EASILY PASS YOUR PUPU'S AROUND THE TABLE

FRESH ISLAND AHI SASHIMI

POKE OF THE DAY

CRISPY THAI CHICKEN WINGS WITH BLUE CHEESE DIPPING SAUCE AND CHILI OIL

CALI ROLL WITH CRAB AND AVOCADO

WORLDS BEST MAI TAI 2011

WAI' OLU AT TRUMP WAIKIKI

WAI'OLU AT TRUMP WAIKIKI

HONOLULU, HI

Some of my friends wanted to get together and check out the new Trump Waikiki Hotel. We met at the restaurant/bar called Wai'olu. This place is indoor/outdoor with comfortable couch seating outside under the stars. Problem is that when the sun is out, the couches are useless as there is no shade. Once the sun goes down it is great. I about died when I opened the bar menu and looked at the prices. A glass of wine runs between $13 and $32. This is PER GLASS. A 3 oz glass of champagne is $46. I am not joking here. Just think about this when you have a table of 8 people. A bottle of beer is $7. Cocktails are $14. O.k., we started with a beer. We ordered some appetizers that were good but expensive. The Trump Onion Rings are $14. Good but not worth over $2 per ring. The cold cut with cheese plate is $25. Again good, but c'mon twenty five bones. I really liked the mini loco mocos served in a spoon and topped with a quail egg.  Could eat a dozen of these. The manager came by as we were deep into our drinks and food. He offered us a champagne tasting with appetizers for what I think was $35 per person. Three shot glasses of different champagnes and a variety of small plate appetizers. We went for it. The total tab for this little night out was around $1000.00. Glad everyone pitched in. We had a fun time here but the prices were just too high. Service and food were good. Make sure you bring people with money to this place. It will break your bank.