Perched along the seawall at historic Gray's Beach, in the luxe Halekulani resort, Orchids is a locus of power breakfasters, ladies who lunch, and those celebrating special occasions at Sunday brunch or dinner. The louvered walls are open to the breezes, sprays of orchids add color, the contemporary international dishes are perfectly prepared, and the wine list is intriguing. Highlights of acclaimed chef Christian Testa's menu include a prime beef filet appetizer, a special lasagnette dish, several creative house-made pastas, and an abundance of seafood options.

Orchids, also in the Halekulani, is a little more casual and while it has a dress code (no slippers), it's not as strict and men don't need a jacket.

Originally from Genoa, Italy, Christian Testa is the Chef de Cuisine at Orchids restaurant at the iconic Halekulani Hotel, located by the ocean on the world-famous Waikiki Beach. Testa’s menu at Orchids reflects his Mediterranean heritage, and features an abundance of local produce and seafood sourced from the islands. Guests keep returning for his artfully-presented classics, including several varieties of homemade pasta dishes, such as a house favorite, the Lasagnette, which happens to be his grandmother’s recipe from Italy and includes warm avocado, shrimp and scallops.

From the serene ambiance of Natsunoya Tea House to the luxurious setting of Orchids, each venue offers a unique twist on this classic experience. Savor exquisite teas paired with delectable pastries and savory bites, all while enjoying breathtaking ocean views or lush garden surroundings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a delightful afternoon treat, these top 10 high tea spots promise unforgettable moments in paradise.

Halekulani's second restaurant, Orchids, has the same stunning views as House Without A Key but concentrates more on Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Hawaiian yellowfin tartare, fresh prawn salad, and sea urchin tagliolini, while landlubbers will enjoy its pasta, veal chop, and prime porterhouse offerings. If you can't make up your mind as to what to order, you can always go for the chef's tasting or prix fixe menus.

A view of Waikiki Beach pairs naturally with the coastal Italian-inspired cuisine of Orchids. Breakfast, lunch and dinner include vegetarian options and choices ranging from light fare to hearty dishes, highlighting local produce and fresh seafood. Dine in the casually elegant oceanfront setting that makes Orchids a perennial favorite of locals and our return guests, especially for our celebrated Sunday Brunch and classic Afternoon Tea.

Located in the Halekulani resort, Orchids offers perfect views of the bay from both the spacious patio and through gorgeous shuttered double-doors in the elegant dining room, which hang wide open during service hours. Chef de Cuisine Christian Testa’s menu is inspired by the coasts of Italy, flaunting bright, rustic flavors, savory seafood, and hearty pastas (the crab ravioli is unbelievable). At dinner, entrees range from $30 to $60.

Make a reservation in advance, as Orchids restaurant is famous for its Mediterranean-inspired Sunday brunch buffet. On their brunch menu (9am to 2.30pm) you will find fish and seafood specialties, omelettes and roasted veggies, or their signature cocktails and coconut cake. Besides really good food, you will fall in love with the ambience.

Orchids is a popular restaurant serving global fare and mouthwatering Sunday brunch in an elegant oceanfront setting. This restaurant provides the ultimate Honolulu experience, serving award-winning dishes, including organic chicken tagine or roasted lobster. In addition, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea.

Orchids is a romantic restaurant at the beloved Halekulani Hotel. Take in the shimmering blue tide at this oceanfront eatery with a refreshing mojito or margarita in hand. Though Orchids is most popular for dinner, the Sunday brunch is also a big hit, featuring a huge buffet that has everything from a carving station to a dessert table.

Orchids(2199 Kālia Rd) is an elegant restaurant with Italian-inspired cuisine, located in Halekulani Hotel. There are spectacular oceanfront views at this restaurant with some of the best Sunday brunches in Honolulu. Start off with the Lobster Salad with fresh celery; English peas; asparagus; baby lettuce and carrots.

One of the most extensive brunch buffets on O‘ahu, Orchids’ Sparkling Sunday Brunch serves everything from standard breakfast fare to ramen, prime rib and fresh seafood. There’s even an ice cream sundae bar. Prosecco or sparkling cider is included in the $118 price ($61 for ages 5–10; under 5 free).

This well-known restaurant gets everything perfectly, from the stunning views of Diamond Head to the abundance of the restaurant’s characteristic flowers. It doesn’t matter if you want a continental, American, or Japanese breakfast. Sunday brunch, on the other hand, is an island-wide phenomenon.

Our quarterly “board meeting” took place over Sunday brunch at Orchids at Halekulani. This brunch is perhaps the island’s most famous brunch buffet. On special occasions like Mother’s Day, you have to be crazy to think you can get reservations less than a year in advance!

Halekulani Hotel’s Orchids restaurant has won Honolulu Magazine’s Gold Award for best brunch. Adding to this prestigious honor, it offers some of the best scenic views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. This may be the one of the most elegant brunch places in Honolulu.

The Halekulani Hotel has the House without a Key, Orchids and La Mer restaurants (listed in increasing prices). Orchids usually has a buffet as well as menu dinner although on Christmas Eve, they may only have buffet. Great food, but on the pricier side.

Take advantage of world class dining such as Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Orchids, House Without a Key and Beachouse at the Moana. Make sure to save room for a famous shave ice at Matsumoto’s or Waiola and baked goods from the beloved Leonard’s Bakery.

This beachfront restaurant specializes in fresh, island-inspired cuisine. Signature dishes include whole roasted snapper and coconut cake. With breathtaking views and a relaxed, elegant ambiance, Orchids promises a romantic dining experience.

Located in the Halekūlani Hotel, this haute cuisine menu designates several land and sea items as gluten-free. The tenderloin filet is a must-try for anyone, and adventurous eaters will appreciate the Grilled Octopus available at dinner.

Also in the Halekulani resort, you’ll find Orchids Restaurant. An oceanfront restaurant with casual elegance vibes, Orchids is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But what we typically visit Orchids for is the decadent Sunday brunch.

2199 Kalia Rd HalekulaniHonolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1936(844) 873-9424. Orchids serves a global fare and is a popular Sunday brunch located in a casually elegant space filled with the namesake flower.

I haven’t been, but Orchid’s, another more refined restaurant by Halekulani also rates as one of the best in Waikiki and can be enjoyed for lunch and dinner.

So if you're looking for a view, then La Mer, Orchids, Roy's Hawaii Kai (even this isn't much of a view), Duke's, and maybe Cassis may be better choices.