The Kini Room — the new signature restaurant at renovated Ka La‘i Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts — recently opened.
The 86-seat eatery’s menu is inspired by modern Hawaiʻi. The menu showcases coastal and Pacific Rim influences, along with locally sourced ingredients like kampachi from Hawaiʻi Island, Kahuku corn from Oʻahu’s North Shore, Lāʻie vanilla beans and more.
“Many of the menu’s inspirations are rooted in Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural heritage,” says executive chef Yoshi Ohata. “Sourcing locally allows us to showcase exceptional ingredients at their peak, while sharing the stories, flavors and traditions that make each island unique.
“With the transition to Ka La‘i, it felt like the right moment to reconnect with the flavors, traditions and sense of hospitality that many of us in Hawaiʻi grew up with,” Ohata adds.
The word “kini” translates to “abundance” in Hawaiian, according to director of sales and marketing Patsy Narimatsu, who says that idea serves as the foundation of the restaurant concept.
“We wanted to create a place where friends and family can gather, share and connect over food that is comforting, memorable and rooted in a sense of place,” she says. “The inspiration behind The Kini Room was to celebrate Hawaiʻi’s remarkable ingredients through a lens that feels both elevated and familiar.”
The restaurant is open for both, lunch and dinner; the lunch menu features bentos with choices like miso salmon, New York strip, garlic shrimp and chicken katsu. The Kini Room also features a sunset happy hour daily from 4 to 6 p.m.
The happy hour menu features a variety of discounted, shareable appetizers, along with drink specials. Choose from dishes like ‘ahi poke nachos ($14), oysters on the half shell ($3 each), spicy tuna roll ($14), crispy chicken wings ($15) and wafu strip steak ($23). The latter features an 8-ounce portion cut pūpū style, and served with wilted greens, fried garlic and apple onion soy sauce.
Ask about the featured bartender’s special for the day ($13). During our visit, the bartender’s special is called Waikīkī Sunset, which is an alcoholic version of the restaurant’s Island Sunset mocktail (caramelized pineapple, orange juice, mango puree, grenadine).
Other signature cocktails (not on the happy hour menu) include Ilikea’s Mai Tai ($22) and In-Yo Old Fashioned ($20).
The eatery’s dinner menu features a variety of small plates, sushi and raw bar selections, entrees and desserts.
So far, the double rainbow roll ($35) and Ookii seafood platter ($185) have been popular for sharing. The double rainbow roll features a medley of ‘ahi, hamachi, salmon, avocado, cucumber and spicy ‘ahi topped with tri-colored tobiko.
Meanwhile, the seafood platter includes Atlantic lobster tail, Kauaʻi shrimp, snow crab claws, oysters, Kona abalone, ‘ahi poke, and chef’s selection of sashimi and a sushi roll.
For entrees, the citrus tea crusted amberjack ($56), lemongrass lamb shank ($52) and butter poached Atlantic lobster tail ($90) come highly recommended.
“The citrus tea kampachi features locally sourced fish from Hawaiʻi Island, accented with bright citrus zest and earthy tea notes that enhance the natural richness of the fish,” Ohata says. “Paired with a Maui onion squid ink soubise, the dish is both, vibrant and visually striking.”
The lobster tails are gently poached in butter and paired with Kahuku corn, which is prepared two ways.
“It’s a truffle corn puree and a succotash with brussels sprouts and edamame,” Ohata says. “The sweetness of the North Shore corn complements the lobster, while allowing the seafood to remain the centerpiece of the dish.”
The lemongrass lamb shank ($52) and yuzu miso cod ($45) have also been well received by customers. The slow-braised lamb shank is served with broccolini, pickled chilis and a sweet soy glaze.
The cod features a miso glaze and is served with Swiss chard, finger limes, watermelon radish and ginger-scallion pesto.
Additional side dishes — like roasted marble potatoes ($12), brussels sprouts ($9) and mushroom medley ($12) — can be ordered to share.
Diners can conclude with dessert like matcha crème brulee ($15), coconut sorbet sundae ($16), coconut butter mochi ($15) or The Kini Kini Pie ($20). The Kini Kini Pie is the eatery’s version of a mud pie. This rendition features Kona coffee, ube and vanilla ice cream on a butter cracker crust, topped with candied macadamia nuts, salted caramel and dark chocolate drizzle.
“The Kini Kini Pie draws inspiration directly from the meaning behind ‘kini’ itself,” Ohata says. “Playful, indulgent and designed for sharing, it reflects the communal spirit at the heart of The Kini Room.”
Customers can enjoy four hours of free parking with restaurant validation.
CONTACT
The Kini Room
Ka La‘i Waikīkī Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts
233 Saratoga Road, Honolulu
Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last dinner seating at 9 p.m.)
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
