La Mer is the French fine-dining restaurant at the Halekulani hotel, 2199 Kalia Road, in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. It occupies an oceanfront position on Waikiki Beach, with views toward Diamond Head, and is widely regarded as one of the most formal and prestigious dining rooms in the Hawaiian Islands. The restaurant has long been associated with high-end French cooking adapted to island ingredients, and it is a destination for anniversaries and milestone celebrations.
The cuisine is French, presented as a seasonal tasting menu that features Hawaii seafood courses alongside classical techniques and refined sauces. Dishes change with the season and the catch, so specific plates are not fixed, but the structure is a multi-course progression rather than an a la carte format. Wine pairings are a significant part of the experience, and the hotel is known for a serious cellar suited to French cuisine.
The dining room is hushed, elegant and romantic. A jacket-required dress code applies, reflecting the formality of the room, and service is polished and attentive. The pace is leisurely, with a full evening typically needed for the tasting menu. It is not a place for casual dress or hurried meals, and children are not the usual audience.
Reservations are required and are made through halekulani.com. Dinner is served typically Tuesday through Saturday, though days should be confirmed before booking. Demand is high for sunset-timed tables and for peak travel periods, so booking several weeks ahead is sensible, and further ahead for holidays and special occasions. The tasting menu is priced at roughly US$200-300 per person before beverage pairings and gratuity. The Halekulani is on the quieter western end of Waikiki Beach, a short walk from the main hotel strip, which makes arrival easy for guests staying in Waikiki.
| Price | $$$$ (tasting menu about $200-300 per person; US$200-300) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Dinner, typically Tuesday-Saturday; confirm days |
| Reservations | Reservations required; book through halekulani.com |
| Address | 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
Signature dishes
- seasonal French tasting menu
- Hawaii seafood courses
Good to know
- Known for
- Oceanfront French fine dining inside the Halekulani hotel with a jacket-required dress code
Location
2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
21.2757, -157.8298 View on map
Highlights
- Oceanfront French fine dining at the Halekulani hotel
- Seasonal tasting menu with Hawaii seafood courses
- Jacket-required dress code and polished service
- Views toward Diamond Head from Waikiki Beach
Tips for visiting
- Book through halekulani.com several weeks ahead, longer for holidays.
- Request a table timed near sunset for the best ocean views.
- Jackets are required, so plan attire in advance.
- The tasting menu is the format; budget roughly US$200-300 per person before wine pairings.
- Allow a full evening, as courses are served at a leisurely pace.
When to visit
Dinner, ideally timed near sunset, offers the best views. Weekdays are easier to book than weekends.
Accessibility
La Mer is within the Halekulani, a full-service hotel with accessible entrances and elevators typical of luxury properties. Guests with mobility needs should confirm arrangements when reserving.
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a dress code at La Mer?
Yes. A jacket is required in the dining room.
How do I book La Mer?
Reservations are required and are made through halekulani.com. Booking several weeks ahead is wise.
What kind of food does La Mer serve?
It serves French cuisine as a seasonal tasting menu, including Hawaii seafood courses.