Legacy of Aloha: Announcing the Winner of The Kāhala’s Memories of Alan Wong’s Contest

Alan Wong, Special to HONOLULU magazine.

Since we closed the King Street restaurant, people have always asked me, “When are you going to open another restaurant?” My usual reply is, “Why, what was your favorite dish?” Or, “what do you remember most about the restaurant?” 

They may remember a dish or our menus signed by the staff, but mostly they reply with a memory of a special occasion with friends and family. I remember couples getting engaged or parents bringing their families, and over the years I’d see their kids grow up. Those are the memories we want to recreate now at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort as part of our Legacy of Aloha. 

So we invited the community to share some of their memories of Alan Wong’s King Street.  

The response was truly humbling. Hundreds of stories came in, each one reflecting what made the restaurant so special to you. So many of you shared memories of anniversary dinners that became traditions, family reunions, milestone celebrations across generations and favorite dishes that inspired culinary journeys and even careers. Some of you also included photos, capturing moments of laughter, connection and memories that linger long after the last bite. 

Reading through these memories was a reminder that the restaurant has always been about more than the food. It has been about people, relationships and the moments we share. Together, these stories speak to a true legacy of aloha, shaped not by any one chef or place, but by the community that gathered there. 

After careful consideration and a thoughtfully crafted scoring system developed by a committee, one story was selected for its emotional depth, clarity and connection to the spirit of Alan Wong’s. 

Winning Submission  

Photo Courtesy of The Dinells

So many family memories revolve around food. Our family began with letters – and a little help from Alan Wongs. 

During the emotional journey of an international adoption from Japan, we needed letters of reference. When our closest friends stepped forward with deeply moving testimonies of trust and community, we were overwhelmed. How do you thank the people who help bring your child home? The answer was Alan Wong’s King Street. It felt right that their generosity – helping us build our family – would be celebrated with a gift of a memorable meal at a place that represents the best of Hawai‘i’s hospitality and creativity. 

Those letters were successful. Our son arrived, and our family was complete. 

Years later, during the pandemic, that same “Legacy of Aloha” sustained us. Even in “to go” containers, the love and care of Alan Wong’s cuisine and staff was unmistakable – every sauce labeled, every detail precise. Sharing those meals at our kitchen table, when we couldn’t go out, taught our son about the flavors of the islands and the community of friends who made his adoption possible. 

-Daniel and Lynnette D. 

Top Finalists 

I also wanted to recognize a few additional memories that beautifully captured the spirit of Alan Wong’s: 

Just a few days after her May 27 birthday, we celebrated the Queen of our family, my grandmother Florence, at Alan Wong’s King Street on May 31, 2015. Even with her walker, the staff welcomed her with warmth and kindness, treating her like royalty. Her smile in that night’s photo still lights up my heart. 

Special dinners at Alan Wong’s were always meaningful for our family. They are the times we gather to celebrate life’s important moments. After cooking for us for many years, it brought us such joy to treat Grandma and watch her enjoy these beautifully plated meals. She grew up on a sugar plantation in Lahaina, Maui, so evenings out felt extra special. 

Grandma loved fresh fish. Her face lit up when the ginger-crusted Onaga arrived with Kahuku corn and silky miso-sesame vinaigrette. We laughed and shared stories with every bite. 

For dessert I ordered the famous “The Coconut.” Grandma smiled and said how much it looked like a coconut before asking for a bite. The staff surprised her with a complimentary chocolatey birthday dessert, which she loved. True to form, our gracious Queen made sure everyone tried it. 

Though Grandma passed the night before my wedding on October 29, 2022, memories like that evening keep her spirit close. Alan Wong’s King Street was the perfect place to celebrate life’s important moments with genuine aloha, part of the Legacy of Aloha that lives on at The Kahala Hotel 

-Marissa R. 

My clearest memory of Alan Wong’s King Street begins with the quiet pride in the room. It wasn’t flashy or showy, it felt grounded, like everyone there knew they were part of something meaningful. 

When the first dish arrived, the server told us about the local farmer who grew the produce upcountry and the fisherman on the Northshore who had brought in the catch that morning. That’s when I realized the real legacy of Alan Wong. It wasn’t just about creativity on a plate, it was about respect, woven into every detail. 

The flavors surprised me. Bright island citrus danced against rich umami, delicate herbs layered over slow-roasted depth. Every bite felt intentional. Across the table, we paused between courses, not because conversation had faded, but because we were taking in the care behind the food. 

What stayed with me most wasn’t a single dish. It was the sense of being welcomed, not as a customer, but as someone invited to share in Hawai‘i’s story. The staff moved with warmth and humility, embodying aloha not as a word, but as action. 

That night, I left understanding that a legacy isn’t measured only in awards or acclaim. It lives in how people are treated, how local communities are honored, and how a meal can quietly remind you that you belong. 

-Andre E. 

Mahalo and Welcome Back 

We received so many thoughtful and deeply personal entries, and while we could only highlight a few, we are sincerely grateful to everyone who shared their story and helped us celebrate this next chapter. 

As we are now opening our doors at The Kahala, we carry these memories with us and look forward to creating new ones with you. 

Mahalo,
Alan