Help pick a Restaurant for me on the Kohala Coast for my Birthday
 

So my SO is taking me out to dinner on the Kohala Coast near Kailua-Kona and letting me plan a romantic get-a-way for my birthday weekend. It's the perfect birthday present... With one thing missing: a birthday dinner restaurant.

We're looking for somewhere nice... somewhere I'll get a free cake ( ;) ). And somewhere not operated by Roy's. I've read all the threads and are rather familiar with Kohala Coast restaurants, but want some insight.

So... any suggestions?

Aloha, Slippahs. Been awhile:) Does it have to be on the Coast? My favorite restaurant on the BI is definately Merrimans. That is where I always choose my birthday dinner. I was just on island and I had a chance to eat @ Tommy Bahamas new place next to the Mauni Lani. Food was fantastic! Avoid Blue Dolphin in Kawaihae at all costs.

Where are you staying? My S.O works @ Mauna Lani. PM me if you are staying there...

I've thought about Merriman's but have heard about poor service at the one in the King's Shops. But, we will give it a second thought, per your suggestion. :)

Will be staying at the Marriott Waikoloa even despite the renovations, which should have been completed by now, but isn't. Great kama'aina rate for the nights we're there for and hopefully we'll get a nice renovated room.

http://www.danielthiebaut.com/

In a New York minute!

When I took my wife there for her birthday in January, I let the waitress know and she said "I'll take care of it" with a smile, and an amazing dessert appeared after dinner, complimentary.

Merriman's @ King's Shops is a different restautant concept, more of a bistro or cafe. The staff is not near as experienced as the staff in Waimea, it is much more of a fine dining atmosphere. The food @ King's Shops is good, but the service and food is much better in Waimea.

Have to at least put in a word for Cafe Pesto in Kawaihae. I've only been to their Hilo location, but would presume that Kawaihae would, like Hilo, feature a lot of very fresh local ingredients. Both have ocean views, of course.

Are you there for more than one dinner? If so, make it Merriman's (I've had great service in Waimea and the chocolate purse dessert is excellent) and Daniel Thiebault. Cafe Pesto is good, but not in the same league as the other two. Have a wonderful birthday!

BTW, here's a little story about a recent experience a friend of mine had at Merriman's that will give you some idea of the service. I had recommended the restaurant to her and told her she had to have the chocolate purse. Well, she went for lunch and was told they don't make the purses at lunch. She told the waiter she was so disappointed because that was her last day there and she'd come all the way just to have the purse. He winked and said, "Let me see what I can do." He came back and said the kitchen would be very happy to make a special chocolate purse for her, and they did.

I'm so sorry, Slippahs. I forgot to mention Happy Birthday....

Agree completely. Cafe Pesto is good -- and on a good evening, very good -- but not in the league with the others. And the view of the Kawaihae Harbor is not the best ocean view that there is on the Big Island.... ;)

We will be there for more than one dinner. However, I like the idea of staying in for one night and spending the other out driving to Kamuela. ;) Though Cafe Pesto does seem like a good option, if we do feel like going out.
Thank you! My birthday is in early August, but we're in planning phase now for the trip.
Thanks! :D

I've read 100s of reviews on many sites and the Pahu i'a at the Four Seasons (I think) on the Kohala Coast is always rated REAL high. Very romantic I've heard. :)

Phil

Just got back from the Four Seasons Hualalai where we had numerous meals at Pahui'a. Super romantic for sure, great beachfront location with the waves rolling in lit up at night by floodlights. The food was NOT all that great (especially for the prices). The ingredients were cooked perfectly; presentation was wonderful but the plates as a whole failed to excite taste wise.

Now the great meals we did enjoy were at one of the other restaurants at the Four Seasons, The Hualalai Grille by Alan Wong. Alan is the man !!!! ^ ^ ^ His use of local foodstuffs and the combinations of flavors he creates is terrific.

So The Hualalai Grille by Alan Wong would be my rec. Perhaps not as over the top romantic as Pahui'a but certainly romantic in its own right.

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Happy Birthday Slippahs!

My vote is a sunset (book early to reserve) view table at Pahu'ia. Get there abit early and enoy a stroll through the FS grounds.

Never had a bad meal there, the presentation is classic and the service impeccable. Have your SO make the booking and mention it's a birthday celebration and I bet they do something extra special for you.

Ditto on Pahu i'a - ask for a table on the far right patio. We had an excellent dinner there & the setting is incredible!

The Coast Grille at Hapuna Beach Prince has very nice food. A large part of the seating is outdoors with a view of the beach and sunset. We have never had a bad meal there.