10 Places to Dine Out for Christmas Brunch, Lunch and Dinner on O‘ahu

Let someone else do the cooking on Dec. 25.

Seasonal ravioli with truffles is on the holiday menu at Taormina.

Photo: Courtesy of Taormina

BALI STEAK AND SEAFOOD

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s restaurant will add to the menu creamy tomato basil soup, seared ʻahi Niçoise salad, Wagyu short rib, pan roasted Island snapper and Bûche de Noël.

Dec. 24 and 25, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kālia Road, (808) 949-4321, hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

THE BUFFET AT HYATT

The buffet celebrates the end of its second year with some special items available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Select from king crab, Pacific Northwest oysters, garlic bacon cream udon, roast leg of lamb, poke or other hot and cold items. A carving station will also feature prime rib, honey ham and roasted free range turkey. Kids can pick up chicken strips, penne and cheese, and other favorites at the keiki station. And don’t forget dessert: The place has a hot cocoa station, an interactive soft-serve ice cream bar and more.

Dec. 24 from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. and Dec. 25 from 2:30 to 9:30 p.m. $75 for kamaʻāina adults ($89 for visitors), $33 for kids 6 to 12, 5 years and younger eat free. Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort and Spa, 2424 Kalākaua Ave., (808) 923-1234, hyattregencywaikiki.com

THE KĀHALA HOTEL & RESORT

If your kids can’t wait for Christmas, give them an experience they won’t forget: Tea with Santa at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort’s Maile Ballroom. In addition to a gourmet french fry station, salad bar, sandwiches and a mini cupcake tower—which appeal to all ages—the event also features a visit from Santa, cookie decorating, a balloon artist and an obstacle bounce course for keiki.

Dec. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $60 for adults, $45 for children ages 6 to 12. The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kāhala Ave., (808) 739-8760, kahalaresort.com

Kick off your holiday celebration at the Maile Ballroom with food, prizes and live music by Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning duo Ben and Maila. Guests can try pecan-crusted fresh Island catch served with tarragon caper citrus herb butter in addition to festive favorites that include green bean casserole with crispy onions and garlic. Leave room for desserts such as apple strudel, pumpkin pie and vanilla cream puffs.

Dec. 20, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. $50 for adults, $25 for children ages 6 to 12. The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kāhala Ave., (808) 739-8760, kahalaresort.com

Photo: Courtesy of MW Restaurant

MW RESTAURANT

Dig in family-style at MW’s Christmas Dinner. The set menu includes spicy ʻahi poke, BLT bao buns with house-made bacon, kabocha chicken hash cake, garlic shrimp and crab stew, prime rib, vegetables, Yukon Gold potato gratin and dessert selections, all to share.

Dec. 24 and 25, 4 to 9 p.m. $85 for adults, keiki menu available upon request for children 10 and younger. Menu is subject to change. 1538 Kapiʻolani Blvd., Suite 107, (808) 955-6505, mwrestaurant.com

ORCHIDS

Sit seaside for brunch or a dinner buffet at the Halekūlani. Boasting a seafood display, sushi bar, carving station, cheese selection and a diverse dessert table, there are choices for the whole family to enjoy.

Dec. 24 and 25, brunch is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dinner buffet is 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. $115 for adults, $49 for kids 5 to 12. Halekūlani, 2199 Kālia Road, (808) 923-2311, halekulani.com

RAINBOW LĀNAI

The Christmas Eve buffet will include snow crab legs, a carving station with kiawe-smoked Angus prime rib, steamed mussels with lap cheong, spiced rum chocolate tart, sweet potato pie and other seasonal desserts. Christmas Day, diners can also select from turkey with house-made cranberry relish, braised beef and Chinese-style steamed Island fish. Eggnog custard tart and mango crème brûlée will be among the desserts.

Dec. 24 and 25, 5 to 8:30 p.m. $59.95 for adults, $29.95 for kids 11 years and younger. Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kālia Road, (808) 949-4321, hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

Photo: Courtesy of Stripsteak Waikīkī

STRIPSTEAK WAIKĪKĪ

The Hale ʻAina Award winner will feature a three-course prix fixe menu for the holidays. Stripsteak’s “Instant” Bacon has pork belly, crispy oyster and black pepper-soy glaze. Then, select either coconut lobster bisque with Kona lobster or the winter kale salad with quinoa, pomegranate and pecorino. Diners can dig into garlic and herb crusted prime rib as the main course, before ending with macadamia nut bread pudding. For $35, diners can substitute their entrée for a 14-ounce American Washugyu New York strip steak.

Dec. 24 and 25, 3:30 to 9 p.m. $95. 2330 Kalākaua Ave., Suite 330, (808) 800-3094, michaelmina.net

TAORMINA 

Take your taste buds on a journey through Sicily with executive chef Hiroyuki Mimura’s holiday course menu, Le Festivita. The adventure begins with king crab and Osetra caviar, followed by thinly sliced beef tenderloin. Seasonal ravioli with fresh truffles and sous-vide duck breast fill out the meal before the finale: baked clafoutis, a French fruit custard dessert.

Dec. 24 and 25, 3 to 10 p.m. $120. Taormina Sicilian Cuisine, 227 Lewers St., (808) 926-5050, taorminarestaurant.com

TROPICS BAR & GRILL

The à la carte menu will highlight a few seasonal dishes including Kona lobster and Kahuku corn chowder, kiawe-smoked strip loin served with a Molokaʻi sweet potato purée and Hawaiian bouillabaisse (fish stew). Finish it with eggnog crème brûlée and festive Christmas cookies to get you into the holiday spirit.

Dec. 24 and 25, 5 to 10 p.m. Walk-in only. Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kālia Road, (808) 949-4321, hiltonhawaiianvillage.com

TURTLE BAY RESORT

Celebrate Christmas Day at Turtle Bay Resort’s Kuilima Ballroom with a buffet full of salads, hot selections and desserts. Special menu items include truffled cauliflower gratin, a carving station of honey glazed ham, hot malassadas and s’mores. Enjoy live music and even a visit from Santa.

Dec. 25, brunch seating at 11 a.m., dinner seating at 4:30 and 5 p.m. Brunch is $80 for adults, $40 for children ages 4 to 11. Dinner is $90 for adults, $45 for children ages 4 to 11. Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, (808) 293-6000, turtlebayresort.com