The Veranda

Sadly, I feel I need to drop this rating down a star. I am inclined to drop it more but that would not be fair since I had two good experiences and one really bad one. The expectation in a place like this is high and if they do not come through on several points, it is time to lower that expectation. And score. I called and spoke with the manager after the events I describe below but find after some time to think about it, I am just not ok with the situation and feel it is important to write this review. They need to do better.
Previously, I thought this place was great. So I brought a group of 11 friends for a celebratory tea because the guest of honor had achieved something major in her life. It was to be a surprise (it was, thank goodness!) and what I wanted above all was discretion and for her to enjoy herself and not think about anything or worry about the cost. All guests in party were made aware of the cost (~$ 35 pp plus tip) so all would go smoothly.
I was so disappointed in how we were treated. To start, I called weeks ahead and even gave the staff our orders (upon request) and made them aware of the large number of vegetarians in our party. When we got there, the orders were taken with no apparent knowledge that I had called ahead and pre-​ordered. Vegetarians ended up getting non-​vegetarian food. Since we had pre-​ordered, it seemed silly to have to go through this again and the waitress should have asked each guest if she was vegetarian. Additionally, when taking our order, the waitress was rigid in who she would take her order from and when. I mistakenly gave her my order and she told me to wait instead of taking my chair number and just writing the dang order down. I understood why, each chair is numbered so that when the food comes out they don’t have to stand at the end of the table and call things out, but she should have just taken my order and not embarrassed me. She made me feel pushy.
Several days before the event, I asked everyone in our party (minus our guest of honor) how they preferred to pay — one check or a check for each — and because one person preferred to get her own check, we decided we would all do that. Again, this was done so no one had to feel uncomfortable about anything. When we arrived, I informed the waitress that I would pick up the check for three of us while each of the others would take their own checks. I was sitting next to the guest of honor when the manager came to me a bit later and began discussing the fact that they could not do separate checks. And here is where I get really irritated. First, he discussed this in front of our guest of honor and second, he mentioned that it would take really long to do separate checks. Having worked as a bartender, waitress, and manager of restaurants in NYC, I know that is utter BS. We each had one item on our checks (tea service) and printing them out and handing each guest a check should not have been too difficult for them. I am mostly upset that this was discussed at the table near the guest of honor. I was mortified. Of course, to make it stop, I just told him it was fine. I would pick up the entire check.
The only people in the restaurant at the time of our party was us and another party of roughly the same size. From what I could tell we had a waitstaff of two waiters and a manager to attend to our needs. I found it difficult to get our waiters’ attention. They were not exactly in the weeds. They would just space out. At one point, after a long period of waving my hand, putting it down, waving it again, putting it back down, I had to get up to ask them to come and replenish the hot water in our tea pots. This is something that was never before lacking in my other visits for high tea, so I was surprised they didn’t do this.
I did call the manager the following day to express how upset I was at the experience and he apologized. He informed me that most parties of our size get a sort of contract to sign outlining the details of payment etc., and that was clearly not done for us. He was upset it didn’t happen. I appreciate his feelings about this but in the end, I don’t think I will ever want to return here. There were just too many problems during what was supposed to be a really nice afternoon with friends. Pity.

Oh, my God. I work food service also and we give much better service at our place than the people here. Nobody to greet us when we came in, nobody to say bye to us when we walked out. Nobody explained the menu or made any menu recommendations. Asked for my cabernet sauce on the side and I get it on top of the steak. (My body can’t handle alcohol well, even if it is cooked out.) Ordered dessert without rum soaked berries or wine poached pears. Dessert comes out with no berries, but pears are still there. Tasted alcohol in other components of the other desserts, and had to pick them out. I don’t think our waitress even caught the «no alcohol» thing. She didn’t even write anything down, which doesn’t surprise me as to why she got our order wrong.
Our waitress came to check on us only once. Other times were only when we ordered food. Had to go up to the hostess area to ask for extra chopsticks and later on for the check. The waitresses were snooty; they never smiled or spoke to me respectfully. Just nodded and handed me whatever I asked for.
The food was okay. The sashimi was very fresh, the steak was a little tough, but good. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were instant. First cup of coffee was great. Second cup tasted watery. Dessert was the best course of the three. Try their dark chocolate cake. It’s warm, moist, and rich. The piano player was stellar. Tipped him $ 5.00, since I wasn’t going to tip the waitress anything.
I would feel terrible if I worked here. I could never subject my customers to such poor customer service, especially when they are paying a lot. Here’s some advice: Please give your customers what they pay for, and then some. Overpriced and underwhelming. Would not recommend this place to anyone. I’m staying on the west side.

Service is just normal or low compare to hotel level
And parking fee so expensive and should buy something 50dollors up.

We came for girls party today!
I made reservation this morning n when we came little bit early so waiting when they open. Da waitress were all NICE! They are so smiling, so friendly n explain about menu so WELL! I really love them service! I saw da other UnilocalERS REVEIW so I didn’t expect dat so much but. I took no1 popular tea wat they recommend but forgot dat name., was so aromatic!!! Relaxooo… N they brought scones, sandwiches n sweeties. Was ok!
If you spend over $ 50 u can get 4hours free validation. Dats good enough time for girls talk! Made us soooo luxury n comfortable. Please go with your good friends, mom n someone nice. Spend great time here!
Thank you guys!

The Kahala is still one of the best and classiest places to wine and dine in Honolulu. The Veranda is always a great place for an early or late cocktail and light jazz or check out the Veranda’s afternoon high tea with traditional sandwiches and sweet treats. A great place to meet your friends, business meetings or a romantic rendezvous with convenient valet parking and far away from the loud everyday crowd.

I want to like The Kahala. I really do. But the service here is so second rate, it’s hard to give it three stars.
Here’s the setup: my Japanese friend visiting from Tokyo loves tea. I took her here for a nice «high tea». I’d missed lunch and I love scones so I thought it would be great.
The service is mediocre. My tea was lukewarm. A waiter — not our main waiter but his assistant– brought our food items and proceeded to describe them at a breakneck pace.
I ran out of tea. When our waiter eventually found his way back to the table, I asked for more hot water. About ten minutes later, he showed up with a refill.
The food is yummy. I give you that.
The couple on the sofa behind us was drinking wine. Before we were done with our tea they started to make out. I mean tongue-​down-​the-​throat hand-​up-​your-​shirt making out. Four o’clock in the afternoon.
The Veranda uses nice porcelain. It’s Wedgwood. While we were eating, however, our waiter dropped a cup on the floor. It broke. I was taught that when wait staff breaks something he or she should apologize to the people around. That didn’t happen.
Finally — and I hate when this happens — when I was ready to leave no one was around to give me the check. I waited for 10 mins but no wait staff. Finally, I had to get up and look for my guy. He was hanging out at the busing station. «Check please.»
Bottom line? I’d go back for the scones but the service needs a revamp.

We went out for a girls day here one Sunday for afternoon tea. It was actually our first time at The Kahala hotel, and it’s very nice! Love the outdoor seating with views of the dolphins.
The tea selection was small, about 10 or so but the 3 we had was very tasty. Love the sugar cubes that complemented, and the clotted cream for the scones was a favorite.
I really enjoyed all of the sandwiches, but the desserts were all too sweet for me. The service was also lacking, but all in all it was a good girls day out!

Underwhelming.
Food presentation is above average, flavors are avg/​above avg. Tea is average.
Service was disappointing to say the least. 1 refill of hot water and regular water. Which I had to flag for. Never received a description when our service arrived.
I realize I and my partner are just a small 70 $ morsel, but at least treat us with an ample amount of attention that a customer should be entitled to.
+‘s
Birds keep their distance for the most part, vs. more pestering at somewhere like Halekulani brunch area. Floors were clean to discourage it also.
4 hour valet lets you roam and walk the beach/​dolphin areas after your service.
Breeze is constant, at times a tad more hurricane than I’d prefer, but better too much, than none at all.
Again, the lax service just ruined it for us. Absolutely no excuse a 3 person crew can’t handle 6 tables at non-​peak hours.
Lucky the gf chimed in to give 2. I would have given 1 star.
Hasta.

Great service, food, and live piano music.
Mixed drink was delicious. Get the pear one.
I loved the musubi, asparagus, and the risotto.
Coming back for Christmas!

Late high tea at the Kahala for my best friend’s bridal shower. Holy wind tunnel! Located in the middle of the main floor. Very open air and lots of cross breeze! And being in the middle of the open lobby, we had issues with the birds, but it wasn’t too bad. The tables were beautifully set up with pretty place settings.
The tea was pre-​ordered and paid for as a party so the only choice we got to choose was the tea we wanted. There were a selection, the staff is helpful in answering your questions about the tea, but we didn’t get to smell the actual samples. Each person had their own pot of tea. And if you wanted more hot water, they would come around and refill for you. We also had champagne as part of our package.
The food came on plates on a tiered carrier with «sandwiches», scones, and desserts. I enjoyed the sandwiches, and the scones were good too, but the desserts were too sweet for me.
The staff were all very helpful. The service was good. It was a very relaxed atmosphere. It was a nice place to host a bridal shower intimately. But it’s not somewhere I would want to do high tea again.

Afternoon tea service is excellent, amazing view, comfortable seating, great tea and small bites. $ 8 tea only; $ 20 tea + 4 items; $ 30 tea + 8 items; $ 45 tea + 8 items + champagne. Scones are amazing, sweets are amazing, sandwiches are just a-​ok. I would suggest skipping the sandwiches and get the scones and the sweets.

First night in, I thought a quick bite here. The service much improved but the experience stopped there. Enticed by the fresh fish offer I was hooked. Unfortunately what a I caught was an overcooked 4 ounce piece of fish with a «risotto’ that would make Uncle Ben blush. Insult to injury was the exorbitant price. Should have tossed this one back.

My absolute favorite place for afternoon tea. I love the Classic Tea Service. You get four savory and four sweet two-​bite offerings, in addition to two scones (YES two scones) served with clotted cream (can I have some scone with my clotted cream, please?) and marmalade. And don’t forget the lovely pot of tea.
It’s not loose tea, but I really don’t mind. My favorite tea is the Bangkok!
Service is hit or miss sometimes, but each time I’ve had Kitty and Kelli-​Ann my party’s experience has been fantastic! Thanks Kelli-​Ann and Kitty — 5-​stars experience!

Afternoon tea for our 12 year anniversary! It was perfect! Why all the bad reviews???
First of all, The Veranda at the Kahala is an absolutely beautiful restaurant. I was hesitant about drinking tea outdoors in 90 degree weather (such a hot, humid weekend it was) but the outside seating was pleasantly and perfectly breezy. The view of the pool, dolphins, turtles, the beach from where we were sitting– it was all breathtaking.
The food:
We both ordered the Royal Tea service for $ 45 each which included sandwiches, scones, various other pastries, tea and champagne.
I have a sweet tooth so I of course loved all of the sweet treats that it came with. Lilikoi Meringue Tart, Macadamia Nut Financier Rum Cake, Raspberry Dark Chocolate Tart, Coconut French Macaroon… I murdered it all. Mind you, my husband doesn’t like sweets so, that entire bottom tier was all mine.
I loved the sconessss!!! They were warm and freshly baked.
The sandwiches were the bomb. Although it didn’t look like much and my husband and I were both wishing they gave us more at the time, by the time we were done eating, we both agreed that they gave us the perfect amount. The roast chicken salad was by far my favorite. The others were delicious as well… (Shaved Serrano Ham & Truffled Manchego Cheese, Smoked Salmon & Three Caviar Crème Fraiche, Asparagus Mimosa)
I’m sorry but I don’t remember what kind of tea I ordered but it was really, really flavorful and different. I loved it. The champagne was good as well. Actually, I’m lying. I didn’t drink my champagne… lol My husband drank both of ours because I’m a non-​drinker but he said it was good so I guess you guys can take his word for it… But I did eat the strawberry that it came with and it was good haha…
Service was impeccable. Our server was so sweet and even gave us a complimentary treat for our anniversary!
There’s also self parking at this hotel but it was full at the time we went so we had to get our car valeted which was fine because The Veranda will validate.
Overall with tip, my husband spent $ 125 here which was worth the experience! I’ll definitely be back!

Such a pleasant surprise! My bffs and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon having tea, enjoying the wonderful dishes, breezy and pleasant atmosphere and girl talk! We actually chose this place because it was one of their bdays, it was close to our homes and who doesn’t love the Kahala? As we were preparing to head there, one of my friends and I saw the Unilocal reviews and thought,” oh no!!!” The reviews didn’t look all that great and we were worried because it’s a bday celebration!
So we got there and was greeted with such loving care, sat at a great table that as overlooking the pool, dolphin area and got a great view of the beach! Most of us ordered the classic tea service for $ 30 which I think was worth it!!! The treats and sandwiches were fabulous!!! The tea selections were huge and the tea quality was perfect in each and every way. It surely met my expectations!
I wish I remembered each sandwich and dessert but honestly between savoring each bite and having our girl talk, hours flew buy and so did my memory of taking pictures.
This was such a great experience! Im already planning another occasion and reason to go back!

While known for their high-​tea service, The Veranda at the Kahala Hotel offers a wonderful place for pre or post dinner cocktails. The location is between the main lobby to The Kahala Hotel and their longstanding Hoku’s restaurant.
The drinks are the standard cocktails and beers, wine, soft drinks, etc. They do serve dinner here as well, but I do prefer eating my main meal inside Hoku’s or the Plumeria Café downstairs.
A real plus to having a drink at The Veranda is the fact that they do have live music. On Saturday nights, David Swanson plays piano and sings (he’s been there for many years). His repertoire is quite extensive – jazz, Motown, contemporary, classical. You wouldn’t guess he was a solo artist by listening to his music. Several couples even danced in front of his piano!
When thinking of something similar, House Without A Key in the Halekulani comes to mind. The Veranda is open air, a little bit more casual that HWAK. I would pick The Veranda on a nice, cool night and HWAK on a night where I didn’t want to be out of doors. The Kahala valet is steps away which makes for easy accessibility. Top off your special dinner at The Kahala with a visit to The Veranda… you won’t regret it.

Afternoon Tea on Valentine’s Day!
I usually come here for lunch or drinks after dinner but tried their afternoon tea for the first time. It was a really windy day so they closed the clear colored curtain at the lanai tables so that it won’t be too windy but we can still enjoy the ocean and pool view.
I made a reservation a while ago through Opentable and we could get a really pretty view table and I was so happy! We had Royal Afternoon Tea which comes with a glass of Champaign and full assortment of afternoon tea.
The top plate came with a plain and a cranberry scone with clotted cream and preserves. Those were soooo good! I loved the cranberry scone especially and the cream was great so as the preserve. I tasted some ginger in it but not too strong and it was perfect!
The middle plate had 4 kinds of savory sandwiches which gave me another Wow when I ate.
The Roast Chicken Salad, Shaved Serrano Ham and Truffled Manchego Cheese, Smoked Salmon & 3 Caviar Cream Fraiche and Asparagus Mimosa. Those are all finger sandwiches so it was small but really tasty and I enjoyed the every bite of it.
The bottom plate was sweet treats! Soooo yummy! Loved them all!
My top 2 favorites were Coconut French Macaroon and Lilikoi Meringue Tart.
I looove Macaroons and I liked the one from La Tour Café the best but this Coconut Macaroon could be one of the best one I’ve ever had. It wasn’t dry but still fresh outside and the coconut cream inside was insane delicious… too bad it was tiny :(I could probably eat 5 of them in one time! The tart had delicious lilikoi purée and on top of it had really fluffy really good meringue… hmmm. I’d like to go back for it right now.
Other 2 were also great and I really enjoyed both.
Raspberry Dark Chocolate Tart had a fresh tasty raspberry on top and rich dark chocolate ganache inside. Macadamia Nut Financier Rum Cake was wonderful also with lots of chunk of Mac nuts and had some rum flavor.
One thing I got disappointed was the tea. They doesn’t show us tea leaf samples here. I’m used to it when I go to nice afternoon tea and I expected it here since it was a nice one. We got a menu for tea selection but I was waiting for them to bring me some samples so that I could see and smell but found out I had to pick from the menu.
The tea came in a teapot of course but I got disappointed again when I saw the teabag label on it. They use a nice tea brand, Harney and Sons but my teapot came with a sachet not loose tea leaf. I don’t think I’ve ever had afternoon tea not in loose leaves when I pay more than $ 40 for it.
I would say the price is reasonable. Royal afternoon tea comes with a glass of Champaign but still $ 45 maybe that’s why they don’t provide loose tea? I don’t mind paying more for a nice loose tea in a pot because it makes a big difference for me. What would you say about it?
The service was. well I shouldn’t expect the best on a hectic Valentine’s day maybe? There wasn’t hostess available when we got there and all the servers were running around. I liked to have Champaign first and have my tea a little later but our waiter brought them together and poured my tea right away after he gave me my Champaign. By the time I tried my tea it was already cold. We finished the first teapot but our server didn’t check up on us enough so we had to stop him and ask for more hot water and he wasn’t really friendly unfortunately.
Overall the food was excellent and the view was perfect so I am satisfied and will come back again but I should pick the non special event day to get more attentive service!

Tea please!
Before I got married my besties threw me a surprise afternoon tea. This was the first afternoon tea spot I’ve been to in Hawaii. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. As I’m writing this I want to go back.
The good:
+ the tea: they offered something for everyone and I was happy with the one I selected. So delish!
+ the set-​up: it was clean, the food came in the cutest rack, who doesn’t love drinking tea in the cutest cups and tea pot.
+ the food: the desserts and sandwiches were just enough. super yummy!
The bad:
— the price: I just think it’s a little high for tea.
— the weather: hope for a nice day. It was rainy so they brought down the rain shield by view :(
— the birds: being on the veranda there tend to be visitors. I saw one land on another lady’s table and sat with her as she looked mortified.
Tip: Don’t eat the cranberry scone before the plain one ^_^v
I definitely want to go back.

Tea at the Veranda is one of those experiences that take you to a bygone era. When you sit down at one of the rattan chairs it is almost nostalgic to what I think the plantation era must have been like. Sitting on tables set amidst hardwood floors, a gentle breeze blowing down to the coast, and experiencing the beautiful views. That’s pretty much why you’re going to tea there. The tea, the accompanying food service, and the service itself were ok, nothing truly special.
The tea selection is respectable and offers Harney and Sons teas which will appease the immediate reason you are going there. The accompanying food selection is nothing to sneer at with scones with clotted creams and preserves, and a pretty respectable selection of sandwiches. That being said, the scones were a little stale and the sandwiches missing that final umph in flavor. The roasted chicken was missing a little seasoning while the ham was overpowered by the manchego cheese.
Service was rather spotty and the staff seemed a tad overwhelmed. While the crowds were brisk, water glasses went emptied and it took us a bit to get our check. Granted we weren’t in any hurry by any means, but it still took us awhile.
Needless to say the photos were pretty and the tea good, but if you ask me who wins out between the Kahala and Halekulani. I think the Halekulani takes the prize.

Afternoon Classic Tea Service
the good:
self parking is free for 4 hours
service was friendly and patient
enough food to fill up an hungry runner
the desserts — 4 types and really yummy
the bad:
super water-​downed tea — only ONE tea bag for the WHOLE POT.
super tiny sandwiches
cold scones
I expected more for $ 30 a person. I expected and nice hot pot of Earl Grey with some decadent tea sandwiches. I got a pot of hot water with a single bag of tea. I use one tea bag for one cup. this did not make me happy. and then they did come by to fill my pot with more hot water. the sandwiches which were tasty, were so super small (like silver dollar small). the desserts were delicious. all of them were great. the scones (though cold, were okay) came with clotted cream and pineapple jam.
service was good, they were nice and brought cold water, lots of hot water, and
on another note, the creeper birds are very friendly and will jump on your table and dishes to see if they can grab a snack. oh, and they will if you let them!
over all, not a horrible experience, I’m glad I went, but I wouldn’t go back again.