A reflection pool catches your eye. It confuses delightfully, blurring reality as the sky appears to fold over into the crashing waves of the magnificent Pacific Ocean below. Are those floating tables set in the middle of the ocean? Overlooking one of the most photographed representations of tropical paradise, Bali Hai, diners become an essential element of the famous landscape making the Hanalei Café in the Princeville Hotel possibly the world's most romantic restaurant. What otherwise explains the attraction for love-struck honeymooners, celebrities, and hoards of other visitors who come to Halanei Café to celebrate the glories of life by framing them with its spectacular views?

It could be the food and the service. Although the dinner hour is the most celebrated time to visit, the restaurant offers service all throughout the day starting with an elaborate and impressive breakfast buffet. Every morning two large center service tables are piled high with fruits, pastries, bagels and lox and all the trimmings while a hot service line includes French toast, hotcakes, meats and made to order omelets.

At lunch, diners may order from the menu or indulge in yet another feast that includes a variety of hot entrées, salads and seafoods. There are daily theme menu changes and specials, including a well-attended seafood buffet on Friday nights and champagne Sunday brunch. We had the good fortune of experiencing Café Hanalei on the feast of all feasts, Thanksgiving. After watching a steady stream of families take their place in the beautiful classic dining room and floating lanai, it became obvious to us that we were in for a special treat.

Who needs turkey and dressing when buffet tables are laden with snap apart crab claws, sushi and sashimi, jumbo shrimp, oysters in the shell and Hawaiian poke? The salad table included such specialties as duck and pohole fern, turkey and mango and classic Caesar with choice of ingredients. Two separate carving tables gave diners choices from every meat imaginable including kalua pig and prime rib of beef. Yes, there was turkey, dressing and Hawaiian purple sweet potatoes, but who noticed?

Outside on the lanai the torches were lit as families lingered and darkness settled over the bay. Although the restaurant had been serving for many hours by then, chafing dishes were continuously and immediately replenished and service was an unhurried affair. As the music from the Living Room continued to soothe and relax us all, even the hard working waitresses seemed in no hurry to leave this pristine setting. Ours refused to let us leave until we’d tried the French press coffee and made room for just a little dessert. We obliged, snipping off a piece of pumpkin custard, ginger crème brulee, and chocolate mousse pie before slumping back into our cushy chairs.

We decided this tradition would be easy to incorporate into future holiday celebrations. What better way to kick off a season that begins with gratitude and exults life’s comfort and joy?

If you are looking for a restaurant with a nice view as well as good food, Hanalei Cafe has got to be it. The restaurant overlooks Hanalei Bay and "Bali Hai," made famous by the movie "South Pacific" (1958). I can guarantee you that there is no other location more romantic and awe-inspiring than this restaurant, which is set on a terrace of the resort.

WHEN TO GOThe perfect time to go dining is about one hour before sunset. By being there early, we avoided crowds and chose the best possible table even without a reservation. Glass-like water pool by tables and calm waters of Hanalei Bay surrounded by mystic mountains shrouded with clouds were truly mesmerizing. When the sun set over the Pacific horizon with colorful glow in the sky, many guests were out of their seats clicking away their cameras as if they had not seen a sunset before. Indeed the sunset appeared different, and you can only experience it by being there.

FOOD AS AN ACCESSORYNeed I tell you about their food? The scenery is sumptuous enough that I wondered why they even serve food there. But as a courtesy, let me list some of their delicacies:


- Steamed Hawaiian Snapper with ginger, cilantro, shiitake mushrooms, and green onions


- Macadamia Nut Crusted Chicken Breast with grilled vegetables and guava butter sauce


- Broiled Japanese fresh water eel over steamed rice with a mirin shoyu sauce, served with miso soup, pickled vegetables, and green salad


The menu is more eclectic than American, but then what is American if not eclectic? Bon appetit.

After spending all morning at the Princeville Hotel, our stomachs were growling with hunger. We decided to fill our tummies, and our choice was Café Hanalei, which is located inside the Princeville Hotel. Forewarning: It’s EXPENSIVE! Their breakfast buffets were priced at $24.95 per person. I almost fainted. I was ready to walk away when my husband said, "This could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience". Naturally, being the cooperative person I am, I happily agreed to his wishes.

Café Hanalei is in a wonderful location and offers beautiful views of Hanalei Bay. You have a choice to sit inside or out on the covered terrace. Since the weather was unpredictable, we requested an inside table. There were tables all throughout the café. You did have nearby neighbors, but it wasn’t too close for comfort, mind you.

Their breakfast buffet choices were extensive. There were two chefs standing by who were waiting to make your breakfast of French toast, fluffy Belgian waffles, pancakes, eggs fixed just the way you like them, bacon, sausage, toast, pastries, cereals, and so much more. Whatever your heart desired, they had.

Café Hanalei Review:

After spending $51.98 for breakfast, it kind of left a sour taste in my mouth. Although enjoyable, we would not eat here again. We feel we can get the same type of food and "taste" for a lot less. But if you want to splurge on breakfast and have glorious views, then Café Hanalei is the perfect place.

For more information on this restaurant, please visit Cafe Hanalei & Terrace on the web.

Enclosed photo came from the above-mentioned website.

Pricey but excellent. I can't say anything bad about the meal. Great food, superb view, wonderful service. We went here for our anniversary dinner. We were originally booked at the Bali Hai but left due to the noisy scene. We're glad we wound up here. The concierge set us up with reservations promptly at 6pm with a great view, since it was our anniversary. I'm sure all their food is great, but I can truly recommend everthing we ate: seafood chowder, blue pincher crab-taro dip (enough for two--unique and yummy), grilled filet and prawns, lemongrass-crusted Ahi, and for dessert, the chocolate baby cake. If you are planning on a three-course, as we did, go for their complete three-course meal for $53.95; it'll save you a few dollars overall.

Located in the most prestigious hotel in all of Kauai, Cafe Hanalei was a wonderful place to eat. The meal was really good, but the view was spectacular. We made dinner reservations for 7:00 pm and the sunset was at 7:30. The view of the sunset was stunning. Our food was very good. The restaurant has a prix-fixe dinner for $51.95 per person. This includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert. That is the best way to go. My wife and I had filet mignon and it melted in your mouth. This is also an excellent way of getting a dessert, which range from $8 to $13 per person. Trust me, the dessert is worth it. When you go, definitely bring a camera. The mountains to the left and the beach to the right make the view unbelievable for a romantic dinner for two.