The story
At Kaimana Beach Hotel on Kalākaua Avenue, Hau Tree brings together locals — kamaʻāina — and travelers from around the world under the shade of its namesake tree, just steps from the Pacific. The ethos here is straightforward: the relaxation, fun, and freedom of beach life woven into every plate and glass, from breakfast through dinner.
The setting does a great deal of the work. Dining directly on Honolulu's quieter Kaimana Beach, away from the busiest stretch of Waikīkī, the restaurant trades spectacle for something more genuine — salt air, open sky, and a menu that keeps pace with the unhurried mood of the shore.
Hau Tree has earned a reputation for what the restaurant itself calls Honolulu's best weekend brunch, alongside a lunch and dinner service that carries the same casual, beach-centric spirit. The kitchen leans into fresh, made-to-order preparations, and the beverage program is serious enough to have earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence in 2024 — recognition that the wine list holds its own alongside the food.
The broader dining ecosystem at Kaimana Beach Hotel fills in the picture: Sunset Provisions, just outside the lobby, pours specialty coffee from Kaimana Coffee Co. and offers grab-and-go items — overnight oats, yogurt parfaits, salads, and pastries — ideal for a morning on the sand before Hau Tree opens for its full service.
One detail worth knowing: Hau Tree is open to non-hotel guests. You don't need a room key to pull up a chair. The restaurant welcomes anyone looking for a beachfront meal in Honolulu, whether that's a leisurely weekend brunch or a dinner as the light fades over the water. The combination of an awarded wine list, a genuinely beach-casual atmosphere, and a location that few restaurants in the city can match makes it a natural stop on any visit to Honolulu.
Recognition
Ambience
Location