Wai’olu Ocean Cusine is an upscale, open-air seafood and sushi restaurant at 223 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, in the Waikiki Beach Walk area of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America. Located within the hotel now known as Ka La‘i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts (formerly Trump International Hotel Waikiki), it pairs polished resort dining with Hawaii-focused seafood, a sushi bar, and happy-hour specials. Travelers come for a relaxed but refined meal close to Waikiki Beach, especially when they want table service and an ocean-oriented setting away from the busiest sidewalks.
What to Expect at Wai’olu Ocean Cusine
The defining experience is the restaurant’s open-air lanai-style setting, where the dining room opens toward Waikiki rather than feeling enclosed like a conventional hotel restaurant. Its setting on Saratoga Road places it a block inland from the shore, near Waikiki Beach Walk and Fort DeRussy. Expect a composed resort atmosphere: attentive table service, seafood-forward mains, sushi, cocktails, and the option to linger over lunch or dinner rather than treat the stop as a quick counter meal.
The sushi bar is a central draw for diners who prefer nigiri, rolls, and sashimi alongside cooked seafood dishes. The restaurant’s culinary identity emphasizes ocean fare and contemporary island dining, while its happy-hour offering makes an earlier visit especially useful for guests seeking drinks and lighter bites. Architectural details are understated but important: the restaurant is integrated into the hotel’s street-level public spaces, with an airy covered dining area that preserves the indoor-outdoor character Waikiki visitors often seek.
- Open-air lanai dining: A covered, breezy setting oriented toward the Waikiki waterfront district.
- Seafood-forward mains: The menu is known for polished seafood dishes in a resort restaurant setting.
- Sushi bar: Order sushi and sashimi alongside cooked entrées rather than choosing between two separate venues.
- Happy-hour specials: An appealing option for an earlier meal or drinks before a Waikiki evening.
- Hotel location: Convenient for guests around Waikiki Beach Walk, Fort DeRussy, and the western end of Waikiki.
Wai’olu Ocean Cusine at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 223 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Waikiki Beach Walk, near Fort DeRussy and Waikiki Beach |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; closed Monday |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | No admission or tickets; dining and drinks are paid individually. See the official website for current menus. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours for a seated lunch, happy hour, or dinner |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Kūhiō Avenue at Lewers Street bus stops; hotel valet parking and nearby Waikiki Beach Walk garages |
| Official Website / Phone | Official dining page · 808-683-7456 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive close to the 11 a.m. opening for a quieter lunch, or reserve ahead for dinner when Waikiki demand is highest. Call the restaurant or use its official dining page before committing to a time if a sushi-bar seat, a larger table, or a particular happy-hour visit matters to your plans. There are no tickets to buy; the practical reservation decision is simply how much certainty you want during peak dining periods. Allow extra time for hotel arrival and valet procedures if driving.
From central Waikiki, walk west along Kalākaua Avenue or through Waikiki Beach Walk to Saratoga Road. TheBus stops on Kūhiō Avenue at Lewers Street are about a five- to eight-minute walk away and are useful for Route 2 service through Waikiki; confirm live route service before travel. The hotel entrance provides a step-free route into the public lobby level, and elevators connect hotel floors; the restaurant’s open-air dining area is on the accessible main level. Request a table with clear wheelchair or stroller positioning when reserving. Nearby, walk about five minutes to Waikiki Beach Walk and the Royal Hawaiian Center, or 10 minutes to Fort DeRussy Beach Park and its broad beach access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wai’olu Ocean Cusine’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed Monday. For a calmer experience, book or arrive near the lunch opening; reserve in advance for dinner, particularly on weekends and during busy Waikiki travel periods.
Does Wai’olu Ocean Cusine charge admission or require reservations?
There is no admission fee or ticket requirement because this is a restaurant. Food and beverages are priced by the menu. Reservations are sensible for dinner, groups, and travelers who want a specific seating time; current menu and contact details are available on the official dining page.
How much time should I budget for a meal?
Plan on 1 to 2 hours. A sushi-and-drink stop or happy-hour visit can be shorter, while a full seafood dinner with cocktails is best enjoyed without rushing, especially if you are walking onward to the beach or evening shopping afterward.
Is Wai’olu Ocean Cusine suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Yes. Families can use the restaurant for a seated Waikiki meal, and the hotel’s main public level has step-free access with elevators. For wheelchairs, strollers, or larger parties, contact the restaurant ahead to request an accessible table layout in the open-air dining area.
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