Lodge + Dine announces a 5-star rating for Canoe House after a day’s visit evaluating the guest experience. The restaurant impressed remarkably in its Japanese-inspired cuisine, oceanfront ambiance beneath the palms, and standout hospitality.
Share moments with friends and family while embracing Hawai‘i’s deep bond with both land and sea, all against the backdrop of a golden sunset over the Pacific. Canoe House offers Japanese-inspired dishes crafted with care and seasonal ingredients, guided by the vision of Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang. Long before its reputation as the premier dining destination across the islands, this site once served as a canoe storage ground where Duke Kahanamoku and Babe Ruth paused to enjoy the serenity of the surrounding beaches.
Inside, the open beams of warm wood create a sense of calm while wicker textures and earth-toned furnishings lend a touch of rustic refinement. Glass-paneled doors fold back to invite in the ocean air, blending the indoors with the lush landscape outside. As the day transitions into evening, candles flicker on tables, the bar glows softly, and the horizon deepens into fiery shades of sunset. Beyond the dining room, guests scatter across the lawn under swaying palms, savoring their meals with the Pacific as their backdrop.
The culinary experience begins with oysters dressed in sweet onion tosazu, touched with Hawaiian chili pepper water and ogo, a combination that feels both refreshing and layered with the flavors of the sea. A beef and foie gras gyoza, dipped in chili garlic ponzu, follows with richness and spice. The Wagyu ribeye, however, is the pinnacle—tender, buttery, and perfectly balanced by roasted vegetables, macadamia nut ponzu, and negi shio tosazu. Seafood holds its own with dishes like the Kona kanpachi paired with coconut ginger sauce, watercress, and crisp wontons, and the grilled whole lobster, boldly seasoned with gochujang, curry leaves, and finger lime. Even the sides command attention: garlic fried rice crowned with a sous vide egg and crispy garlic elevates comfort food into something extraordinary. To finish, the Canoe House Sundae arrives with miso butterscotch, furikake tuile, and toasted buckwheat—a dessert that is playful yet sophisticated.
The bar program is equally impressive, presenting cocktails that feel like an extension of the menu rather than an afterthought. The Last Man Standing cocktail sets the evening in motion, balanced and memorable. Later, the Ube Espresso Martini reinvents a classic with its velvety mix of espresso, coconut, and ube, while the Pick Me Up, crafted with mezcal, coffee liqueur, and amaro averna, delivers a smoky, bittersweet close. Each drink is not just a pairing but a continuation of the culinary narrative, complementing dishes with thought and artistry.
Service ties the experience together with a balance of warmth and professionalism. The staff carry deep knowledge of the menu and describe each dish with precision, their attentiveness creating an effortless rhythm throughout the night.
Canoe House is more than a place to dine—it is a setting where stories, flavors, and history merge into something unforgettable. Whether it is a romantic evening by the water, a celebration with family, or a gathering of friends, the establishment offers a moment that lingers long after the final toast. With its breathtaking views, exceptional food, and genuine service, it remains a radiant expression of Hawai‘i’s spirit and a reminder of how dining can be both an experience and a memory.
Big Island Series: Experience Hawaiian Escape of Oceanfront Bliss at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts
Big Island Series: Indulge in Coastal Mediterranean Flavors with Pacific Flair at HāLani
Big Island Series: Binchotan Bar & Grill, An Asian-Inspired Culinary Promise That Needs Fine-Tuning
Big Island Series: Paniolo-Inspired Dining in Motion, The Open Kitchen Experience at Kona Village