The holiday season would not be complete without two things: good food and an honest assessment of where you would like to head for the new year (resolutions, anyone?). This ILWU restaurant guide is here to help you in both those aspects!
End of year check-in
With every dollar we spend, we are making an endorsement. As the year comes to a close, we humbly request that you ask yourself – did I support union this year?
And if you did not, not to worry, we still encourage you to enjoy the pleasure of dining out at one of these restaurants operated by your union brothers and sisters.
Two birds with one stone
Chances are, that if you are an ILWU worker, you work hard and want to make your family time count during the holiday season.
A lot of these restaurants in this guide are perfect for celebrating togetherness and a chance for you to support some of the approximately 7,000 of the 18,000 union brothers and sisters that are currently employed by these restaurants.
Union strong
We do not know who will be in the White House in 2020, but we can still place our vote in the meantime by choosing to spend money in union houses.
Please support these union restaurants to show employers that union is here to stay, into the new year and beyond.
(Editor’s note: Many of these restaurants are on hotel grounds. If they are included on this list, they are open to the public, not just hotel guests).
ALOHILANI RESORT AT WAIKIKI BEACH
2490 Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki (808) 922-1233
Lychee ($$$) This breakfast/brunch spot in the hotel has been a hit with tourists and locals alike since it opened in 2017. Open daily from 6 am to 10 am. Wagyu loco moco, crab cake benedicts and kimchi fried rice round out the buffet.
PEARL COUNTRY CLUB
98-535 Kaonohi St, Aiea (808) 487-1558
The Restaurant ($) Affordable American, Japanese and Local favorites. Breakfast from 6 to 10:30 am. Lunch and dinner service from 10:30 am.
The Banquet ($$-$$$) The country club’s banquet facilities can accommodate groups from 20 to 325 people and feature buffet or entree choices for your guests. A popular spot for graduations, birthdays and weddings.
HONOLULU AIRPORT HOTEL
3401 Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu (808) 836-0661
Willoughby’s Restaurant ($$) American, Chinese, Italian and Local favorites: Open daily for dinner 5 pm to 9 pm. Parking is free with validation at this restaurant on the property of this conveniently located hotel.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT, LANAI (note: Maui Division includes units on Lanai)
1 Manele Bay Rd, Lanai City (808) 565-2000
Malibu Farm ($$$) Menu for the health-conscious. Emphasis on local ingredients like Kauai grass-fed burgers, and Molokai sweet potatoes. Open for lunch from 11 am and cocktails from 5 pm.
ONE FORTY American Steak, Hawaiian Seafood ($$$$) A fine dining experience for breakfast and dinner. Have a loco moco with gouda cheese for breakfast or a savory rack of Lanai venison and alii mushroom soup for dinner.
Views ($$) Named for its expansive views of the water, this is a lunch spot with casual fare like salads and sandwiches. Kalbi rib lettuce wraps look ono.
HYATT REGENCY MAUI
200 Nohea Kai Drive, Lahaina (808) 661-1234
Japengo ($$$) Located on the ground floor of the Hyatt; Asian and local fusion. Open for dinner. Enjoy fresh sushi, seafood, and other hot entrees that are sourced locally overlooking the sunset! Must-trys include the clams with kaffir lime and blackened ahi roll.
Swan Court Breakfast ($$$) Enjoy a breakfast or brunch here as live swans swim peacefully past in a surrounding lagoon. Reservations taken only for special brunches on Easter, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
KA’ANAPALI BEACH HOTEL
2525 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina (808) 661-0011
Tiki Terrace ($$) Tom Muromoto, award-winning executive chef from Oahu, takes pride in creating authentic local flavors in all his dishes that are also health conscious (the recipes use as little salt as possible and flavors come mainly from herbs and other spices). Try the ulu crab cakes or seafood lawalu (seafood over mushroom risotto) to indulge without feeling unhealthy! Open for breakfast and dinner.
Sunday Champagne Brunch at Tiki Terrace ($$$) Voted in for many awards by residents, this brunch at the Tiki Terrace is a beloved spot for enjoying a leisurely Sunday brunch complete with live entertainment. More locals than tourists here so you know it is good.
ROYAL LAHAINA RESORT
2780 Kekaa Drive, Lahaina (808) 518-6353
Royal Ocean Terrace ($$) Open for breakfast from 6:30 am to 10:00 am, lunch and dinner from 11:00 am to 9:45 pm. Local takes on standard resort food like poke burger and live nightly entertainment.
