Chef Chai is a contemporary Pacific Rim and Asian-fusion restaurant at 1009 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, United States of America, in the Kapiolani corridor between Ala Moana and Kakaʻako. Led by celebrated Honolulu chef Chai Chaowasaree, it brings Hawaiian regional ingredients and Asian, European, and island techniques together in a polished dinner setting. Travelers come for chef-driven seafood, carefully composed tasting menus, tropical cocktails, and a long bar suited to a date night or a refined meal before an evening downtown.
What to Expect at Chef Chai
The experience centers on a sleek contemporary dining room and its long bar, rather than a casual counter-service format. Dinner begins with detailed small plates that show the restaurant’s cross-cultural approach: Hamakua mushroom and black truffle arancini arrive with apricot chutney and housemade tomato-basil sauce, while fresh ahi tartare is presented in mini waffle cones with avocado mousse. Hamachi crudo pairs yuzu ponzu with scallions, watermelon radish, cucumber, and jalapeño.
Chef Chai’s menu moves easily between Hawaii-grown produce, seafood, and global technique. Look for Japanese eggplant and zucchini soufflé with fresh tomato sauce, crispy vegetarian lumpia with elephant-ear mushroom and pineapple-plum sauce, and sautéed escargot and prawns in chili-garlic cream. Beyond the regular dinner menu, the restaurant lists a tasting menu, early-bird menu, dessert menu, happy hour (Pau Hana), Full Moon Concert programming, and monthly wine dinners; check the restaurant’s calendar and reservation page for the current schedule.
- Pacific Rim cooking: Hawaiian regional ingredients meet Asian and European flavors in composed dinner dishes.
- Seafood starters: Choose ahi tartare in waffle cones, hamachi crudo with yuzu ponzu, or seafood tortellini with lobster sauce.
- Vegetarian options: Crispy vegetarian lumpia is marked vegan, and the eggplant-zucchini soufflé is marked gluten-free.
- Signature drinks: The beverage list includes a Passion Press with lilikoi and kaffir lime, Guava Paloma, Lanai Tea, and Cucumber Kaffir Gimlet.
- Special-occasion formats: Tasting menus, wine dinners, concert nights, and gift cards make the restaurant a strong celebratory choice.
Chef Chai at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1009 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Kapiolani corridor, between Ala Moana and Kakaʻako |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Tuesday closed; Wednesday 4–9:30 p.m.; Thursday–Sunday 4–10 p.m. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission or tickets; food and drinks are paid. Starters listed on the dinner menu range from $17 to $25. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dinner; allow longer for tasting menus or special events. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | TheBus stops on Kapiolani Boulevard are the closest public-transit option; nearby garages and limited street parking serve the corridor. |
| Official Website / Phone | chefchai.com / (808) 585-0011 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead for Thursday through Sunday, particularly for prime dinner hours and special-format evenings. An early seating is useful if you want a quieter meal or have plans afterward; the early-bird menu is another reason to arrive near opening. Reservations are available through the restaurant’s website, which also links to online ordering, catering, current menus, and event information. There is no entry fee, but this is a $$$ restaurant, so review the dinner and beverage menus before booking.
For transit, use a Kapiolani Boulevard TheBus stop and walk along the broad commercial avenue; riders should confirm their route and stop in the current TheBus trip planner. Drivers should allow extra time to enter a nearby garage or find legal curb parking, as this central corridor is busy around dinner. The restaurant is accessed at street level from Kapiolani Boulevard, making arrival straightforward for wheelchairs and strollers; contact Chef Chai before booking to arrange seating and discuss any mobility or dietary needs. The Neal S. Blaisdell Center is roughly a 10-minute walk west, while Ward Village’s shops and restaurants and Ala Moana Center are generally within a 10- to 15-minute walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chef Chai open, and what is the best time to go?
Chef Chai is closed Monday and Tuesday. It opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, closing at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Book an opening-time or early-evening table for a more relaxed pace.
Are reservations or tickets required at Chef Chai?
There are no admission tickets. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and advisable for tasting menus, Full Moon Concert events, and monthly wine dinners. Reserve through the official website or call (808) 585-0011.
How much time should I plan for dinner?
Plan about 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a regular dinner with drinks and dessert. Allow additional time for a multi-course tasting menu, wine dinner, or concert evening.
Is Chef Chai suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The street-level location can accommodate stroller and wheelchair arrival, and the menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free-marked selections. Because this is a full-service dinner restaurant, call ahead for the best table configuration, high-chair needs, and accessibility arrangements.
When browsing more top-rated asian fusion restaurant in Honolulu, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as 3660 On the Rise (5.8 km away).
