Suggestions for September

Question

My partner and I will be celebrating our 65th trips around the sun this year on 9/14 and 9/15. We are leaving Louisville, KY on 9/10 and spending 2 nights in San Francisco. We fly to HNL on 9/12 and stay at the Hilton HV for 5 nights. When we leave HI on 9/17, we will stop in Las Vegas for 3 nights before heading on home.

This will be my first visit to Hawaii. My partner's only request for this trip is to visit Pearl Harbor. And I would like to have an amazing dinner on the night of my birthday, 9/14.

Can I get your top 3 restaurant recommendations? Ambiance is important to me, and we are not picky eaters.

Answer

Happy early birthday! Celebrating in Waikiki offers a wonderful mix of ambiance, ocean views, and excellent dining. Since it’s your first visit to Hawaii and your partner wants to see Pearl Harbor, I’ll include options that are convenient yet memorable for a special birthday dinner.

Here are three top restaurant recommendations for your birthday evening on 9/14, chosen for both ambiance and quality of food:

La Mer at Halekulani – This is the epitome of fine dining in Waikiki. It offers an elegant, oceanfront setting with panoramic views of the Pacific, perfect for a romantic birthday dinner. The cuisine is French-inspired with Hawaiian touches, and the service is impeccable. Ideal for a slow, indulgent evening celebrating a milestone birthday.
Azure at The Royal Hawaiian – Located right on the beach, Azure specializes in fresh seafood with a modern twist. The ambiance is casual-luxury with the sound of the waves adding to the experience. It’s an excellent choice if you want something sophisticated but slightly less formal than La Mer.
Roy’s Waikiki – A slightly more relaxed option but still upscale and celebratory, Roy’s serves Hawaiian fusion cuisine with beautifully presented plates. The setting is stylish and festive, offering great options for those who want to mix fine dining with a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Additional tips for your visit:

Make reservations as early as possible, especially for a birthday during peak tourist season in September.
Consider requesting a table with an ocean view; even at Roy’s, you can sometimes get a table with a partial view if you book early.
Dress code varies: La Mer is formal (jackets recommended for men), Azure is resort casual, and Roy’s leans business casual.

For Pearl Harbor, plan an early morning visit to the USS Arizona Memorial to avoid crowds and maximize your time. Combining a morning at Pearl Harbor with an afternoon stroll along Waikiki Beach or a relaxing spa session can make for a lovely birthday day leading into your special dinner.

Suggestions for September

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