Alan Wong’s is Open at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort
Our take
Alan Wong’s has made a triumphant return, now open at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort, delighting both locals and travelers once again. After 25 years of celebrating milestones and special occasions at its original King Street location, the beloved restaurant temporarily closed in 2020. However, the wait is over, as it reopened earlier this month, bringing its renowned culinary artistry back to the vibrant Oʻahu dining scene. The response has been overwhelming, with reservations already filling the next two months, showcasing the restaurant's enduring popularity. Guests at the resort can indulge in an elevated dining experience that marries local flavors with sophisticated culinary techniques, all while soaking in the breathtaking ambiance of The Kāhala. Discover the magic of Alan Wong’s once more.
The reopening of Alan Wong’s at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort marks a significant moment in Hawaii’s culinary landscape, especially for those who cherish authentic dining experiences shaped by local culture. For over 25 years, the original Alan Wong’s on King Street was a cornerstone for both locals and travelers celebrating life’s milestones, from birthdays to anniversaries. Its closure in 2020 left a palpable void in the community, one that has now been filled with a renewed vibrancy as the restaurant opens its doors once more. Already fully booked for the next two months, this enthusiastic response from resort guests and locals alike underscores the deep-rooted connection the restaurant has with its patrons.
What makes Alan Wong’s a standout is not just its exquisite cuisine but the ethos behind it. Award-winning chef Alan Wong has long been a champion of Hawaiian culinary traditions, paying homage to the islands’ rich heritage and utilizing local ingredients. This commitment to authenticity resonates with modern diners who are increasingly seeking experiences that reflect the culture and environment of the places they visit. In a world where dining can often feel homogenized, Wong’s approach ensures that each dish is a celebration of the islands’ unique flavors and history. This philosophy aligns with other local efforts, such as the initiatives highlighted in articles like Blue Water Task Force Kauai: High levels bacteria across almost whole island, emphasizing the importance of quality and sustainability in the community.
The reopening of Alan Wong's is not just about a restaurant; it reflects a broader narrative of resilience and revival in Hawaii’s hospitality sector post-pandemic. As travelers return to the islands, there is a palpable desire for genuine connections and memorable experiences. Alan Wong’s stands as a testament to this trend, offering a space where guests can indulge in culinary artistry while engaging with the island’s rich cultural tapestry. This celebration of local flavors is also echoed in other discussions within the community, such as the culinary highlights featured in The Best Banana Bread on Maui in 2026, showcasing how the islands are nurturing their culinary identity.
Looking ahead, the success of Alan Wong’s can serve as a bellwether for the future of dining in Hawaii. As the restaurant continues to draw in eager patrons, it raises questions about what other culinary gems may emerge or re-emerge in the wake of this revival. Will we see a greater emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients across more dining establishments? How will this impact the overall visitor experience as travelers increasingly seek out authentic connections to the places they visit?
In a time where luxury and authenticity can coexist beautifully, Alan Wong’s at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort offers a glimpse into the future of island dining, inviting everyone to explore, discover, and indulge in the vibrant culinary landscape that Hawaii has to offer. As we celebrate this reopening, it is clear that the spirit of adventure and community remains a thriving part of our island lifestyle, encouraging us all to savor the moments that truly matter.
For 25 years, locals and travelers celebrated milestones and a variety of occasions at Alan Wong’s on King Street on Oʻahu.
The restaurant closed in 2020, and more than five years later, Alan Wong’s reopened in The Kāhala Hotel & Resort earlier this month. It’s already booked for the next two months, with resort guests and locals eagerly awaiting the restaurant’s return.
Led by award-winning chef Alan Wong, the restaurant continues to pay tribute to the Islands’ heritage and local ingredients. Alongside exciting new dishes are familiar favorites from Wong’s King Street restaurant, including the ginger-crusted onaga; kalbi-style short ribs with gochujang sauce; and the whole tomato salad with li hing mui ume dressing.
Photo: Courtesy of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort
As one of the pioneer chefs of the Hawaiʻi Regional Cuisine movement, the menu reflects Wong’s well-known approach to celebrating the Islands’ community of famers, fishermen and ranchers, while also honoring local culinary traditions. From Polynesian canoe crops like kalo and ‘ulu to contemporary flavors like kimchi, lup cheong and kalbi, “I want our guests to be able to taste Hawaiʻi,” Wong said in a new release. “That comes through in the ingredients we grow here, the fish from our waters, and the local flavors so many of us grew up with.”
The restaurant creates a sense of place for guests, from the thoughtful dishes to the inviting setting with sweeping ocean views. “Welcoming Alan Wong’s is deeply meaningful for our resort,” said Joe Ibarra, general manager of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort and vice president of Resorttrust Hawaiʻi. “We celebrate the extraordinary legacy chef Alan Wong and his peers built through Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine, while starting a new chapter that reflects our hotel and the spirit of Hawaiʻi today—where culture, community, and hospitality converge to deliver an authentic and memorable guest experience.”
Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m. The Kāhala’s Signature Sunday Brunch continues to be offered from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., featuring live music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are available through OpenTable.
5000 Kāhala Ave., kahalaresort.com, @alanwongskahala.
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