53 By The Sea is a fine dining restaurant at 53 Ahui Street in Kaka’ako, Honolulu, set on the Kewalo waterfront with views across the water to Waikiki and Diamond Head. Since opening in 2012, it has become one of Oahu’s best-known special-occasion dining rooms. Its glass-walled, mansion-style building, grand staircase and Hawaii Regional Cuisine draw anniversary diners, engaged couples and food-focused travelers.
What to Expect at 53 By The Sea
The kitchen, led by Chef Kawai, pairs seasonal island-grown produce with local seafood and hand-cut meats. Recent tasting menus have featured cured kahala with pohole fern salad in sudachi-coconut vinaigrette, smoked ricotta agnolotti, lu’au-stuffed J. Ludovico chicken and a market catch with roasted kabocha. Separate menus cover dinner, Sunday brunch, happy hour, desserts and beverages.
The dining room is built around its view. Floor-to-ceiling glass and a terrace face the surf break and the Waikiki skyline, so the room glows at sunset. Service is formal but warm. The kitchen can usually adapt dishes for vegetarian and gluten-free diners if you mention it when booking.
- Grand Staircase: The sweeping entry staircase is a favorite backdrop for wedding and proposal photos.
- Chef’s Tasting Menus: Multi-course menus built on local fish, limu and island produce.
- Diamond Head Views: Window and terrace tables look straight down the coast to the crater.
- Sunday Brunch: A daytime seating from 10AM to 1PM with full ocean light.
- Wine Events: Ticketed Wine By The Sea dinners, such as winemaker-led evenings, run through the year.
53 By The Sea at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 53 Ahui St, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Kaka’ako / Kewalo Basin waterfront |
| Operating Hours | Tue–Sat 5–8:30PM; Sun 10AM–1PM and 5–8:30PM; closed Mon |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$ fine dining; tasting menus at a premium |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | TheBus stops on Ala Moana Blvd; on-site valet parking |
| Official Website & Phone | 53bythesea.com · +1 808-536-5353 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book a 5PM or 5:30PM table through the official reservation page and ask for a window seat to catch sunset. Weekends and holidays fill weeks ahead. Valet is the easiest way to arrive. You can also take TheBus routes along Ala Moana Boulevard and walk about 10 minutes makai on Ahui Street.
The main entrance features the grand staircase, so call ahead to arrange step-free access to the dining room. Before or after dinner, you can walk to the Kaka’ako Waterfront Park promenade, the Kaka’ako street murals around Auahi Street, or Ala Moana Beach Park, about 10 to 15 minutes east.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 53 By The Sea open?
Dinner runs Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 8:30PM, with Sunday brunch from 10AM to 1PM. The restaurant is closed Monday. Sunset seatings are the most requested.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, reservations are strongly recommended. Expect $$$$ pricing, especially for tasting menus and wine pairings.
How long does dinner take?
Allow about two hours for à la carte dining and closer to three for a tasting menu. Brunch typically takes 90 minutes.
Is there a dress code?
Resort elegant is the norm: aloha shirts, dresses and closed shoes suit the room. Older children are welcome, though the atmosphere is best suited to adults.
When browsing more top-rated new american restaurant in Honolulu, consider pairing your visit with nearby highlights such as Senia (2.2 km away) and Children's Discovery Center (0.3 km away).
