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La Mariana Sailing Club
Category: Restaurants Seafood Seafood [Edit]
50 Sand Island Access RdHonolulu, HI 96819
(808) 848-2800
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
128 reviews for La Mariana Sailing Club
Review Highlights
"Yes, for real, the honest to goodness tiki bar."
(in 42 reviews)
"It is a cute, off the beaten path kinda place."
(in 7 reviews)
"Great value, great taste, $7 for a super strong mai tai."
(in 15 reviews)
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128 reviews in English
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Review from Charlotte D.
Honolulu, HI
2/2/2012
Here's the deal, no one goes to LMSC for the food!
I'll be the first to admit that it's not for everybody. It's a tiki dive. Sorry, but it is. And I love and defend it.
In fact I go there at least once a month and I never eat their food. I already know that's just gonna piss me off.
If it's daytime I sit in the bar at a table where I can see the harbor. It's really quite pleasant. Even on hot days with the fans going and a fickle breeze off the water the heat is tolerable. They serve ice cold beer and iced glasses.
Cold beer aside, the main reason I go is that I love looking at all the kitschy stuff in the restaurant. The blow fish crack me up, they are so 70's with the light bulbs in them. And it's Xmas year round there, as it should be.
Corky the parrot had to be moved upstairs, he was getting ill they told me. So they they took his nasty little finger biting butt to safer quarters. I do miss hearing the occasional tourist scream because he/she stuck his/her finger in a cage that had a BIG sign on it that read "THIS BIRD WILL BITE!!!" Ahh, the good old bloody days.
Everything in LMSC has a history. Where it came from, who owned it, who stole it, who had it their garage for 20 years, it's actually a microcosm of 70's and 80's tiki chic. If you ask the bartender or the waitress they may still have the hand out they had made about the place. The building itself has a story like none other.
I digress....
If I go at night I sit at the bar and there'a always someone in there who likes to talk story. It's a local hangout, the same people go there day after day, week after week. They all know each other but they aren't unfriendly.
Call and ask which nights the piano player is working. He plays the most beautiful old music and some new, but like I say this is not about critiquing. Remember, he does appreciate tips! How he knew we were sneaking up him to put money in his bowl I'll never know, except that he has developed other senses and we were jackasses trying to fool a blind piano player. (Wish I could remember his name, darn!)
LMSC is an experience. And as such if you get all bent outta shape by the food or the waitresses then you have missed the point completely.
Take a camera and snap away, they do not mind at all, but ask first like a good guest.
Sit back, relax, have a beer, listen to some good piano bar music, wander around and check out the oddities in the place and most of all...smile and have fun. There's no place left like it, embrace it for what it is! -
Review from Larry G.
Honolulu, HI
1/25/2012
For the ambience alone, this place gets four stars! Definitely a kitschy place but fun at the same time. Went with the extended family a few weeks ago; called for reservations due to our size and they had no problem accomodating us. It's a little sketchy when you drive up on the place (have to go through industrial area first) but once you actually get inside the compound, it's all good. Loved the Tiki touches and the back room with the waterfall is hilarious! Food was hit and miss; Mahi with Macadamia nuts was good but the serving size varied from plate to plate; the blackend Mahi was really blackened almost to the point of not being able to eat it; the fried shrimp were really good though (BTW...nothing is fresh; most of the food is flash frozen within the past few days but is local).
Drinks were good and strong and not expensive; draft beer selection ok but pass on the wine selection (or lack thereof).
All in all, a place I would go back to for appetizers and drinks; great atmosphere, good drinks and again, can't beat the ambience. -
Review from Liz P.
CA
12/10/2011
I came here for a big work party to wish two of my friends luck in their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. Let's start with the (relative) highlights -
The good (ish)
- The food wasn't terrible
- Atmosphere was nice
The bad
- Most of our food came out cold or room temperature
- I make better nachos at home than they offered there
- Mashed potatoes were boiled potatoes that had been lightly smooshed.
The ugly
- It took an hour, maybe more, to get my first drink. A glass of wine. This is unacceptable
- It took 3 hours to order, receive, and consume food and to get checks. Most of the last hour was waiting for them to get the checks together. Many couples at this dinner had one person completely finish their food before the other person's food came.
- They added a 20% gratuity to all checks.
Here's the thing, guys. I worked in a restaurant. I know how that stuff goes. I've been slammed by big parties before. But you had over a week and a half notice about our party and yet you had 3 servers working the night. Our party had 40 people alone. That makes NO SENSE. Then, you ask us if we want separate checks and then, when the bill comes, say it's our fault for wanting separate checks. If you can't do separate checks, don't offer.
Finally, I ALWAYS tip at least 20%. Always. As a rule. Unless the service is atrocious. 3 hours for a glass of wine, some nachos, and a cold prime rib dinner (poor quality), with NO check ins and without even asking if anyone wanted another round of drinks? That's atrocious. When my date and I explained that we were NOT giving them 20% for the poorest service I've ever received, they started throwing a fit and emotionally blackmailed the person who planned the party into covering it. Lame. Totally lame.
I will NEVER go back there. This is the worst restaurant experience I've ever had AND an innocent person got to give them 20% tip for it. -
Review from Shawn S.
Honolulu, HI
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good pupu platter. Friendly wait staff. A true local look & feel. A must if you want to get away from the Waikiki rat race!
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Review from Shan T.
Honolulu, HI
1/30/2012
I went here with my wife and a lady friend for dinner last night. Being first timers at this place, we probably expected too much.
If I were to rate the just the place alone it would have been 5 stars. However with everything included, well...
So here's my breakdown:
Atmosphere/ambiance - 4 to 5 stars
Staff/Service - 4 to 5 stars
Food - 0 to 1 star
The nachos was not that good, something you can buy cheap from a store. The salsa was even worse. I've had salsa bought from stores that were way better. Theirs was just dry, paste like texture, may be old stuff they just found inside their cupboard.
We also ordered calamari but to our disappointment they look more like breaded fish fillet and they taste nothing like calamari.
The steak was good, more of OK than spectacular. I believe they need to work more on their food and its preparation. I think they should consider changing the place to a bar and grill type of restaurant. In all fairness, at least their soda is refillable.
I will never go back to this place to eat but I will surely go back for a drink and for the sunset.
For you who might be considering to check this place out.... one advise... when it comes to this their menu, lower your standards. -
Review from Rebecca C.
Seattle, WA
1/28/2012
I am having my wedding reception here and they have been great to work with! Toddlyn is wonderful and accommodating. I will update this once we have the event but I have no doubt that everything is going to be perfect. I highly recommend them for events/ buy outs, especially if you have guests from the mainland. :)
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Review from Leslie P.
Don't let the name fool you. It's not only a sailing club, but it is also a restaurant and tiki bar. There is a sign that says that they only serve sailing club members, but just ignore it. They welcome everyone!
This tiki bar is hidden in an industrial part of town off of Nimitz Highway. There is a small little sign directing you where to go, so it's easy to miss. We pulled up and I thought the restaurant was completely empty because we did not hear any noise whatsoever. Then we walked a few steps to the front door and the place was almost filled!
We missed pupus and drink hour that runs from 3-5pm. I opted for their mai tai (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). It was small, but strong! For food, I ordered the fresh seared ahi tuna salad (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) that was available at market price. It was $25 that evening. I chose Italian dressing to accompany it, but I felt like it ruined the taste of the fresh ahi. They should have made their own dressing or just offered olive oil and vinegar. The fish was definitely fresh!
The rest of the items on the menu were decently priced with steaks at around $17. My two friends ordered this and were both satisfied. The waitress kindly separated our orders into three checks fo our convenience.Listed in: As Seen on TV, Ocean Friends
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Review from Daniel k.
Honolulu, HI
1/9/2012
Review based purely on the ambiance of this Gilligan's Island era dive. The food is suspect, but it's the bar that serves the only reason to go. If you've been to Trader Vic's or similar type of tiki room venues, then you'll have an image of a tacky, yet fun place for happy hour. This place looks like it should be overflowing with tourists in Waikiki, but it's far from the tourist trap and great for visitors or hanging out with friends. Cold beer, live piano, lighted puffer fish fixtures and a sunset make for a great place.
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Review from Theresa A.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2011
I had a fabulous lunch here with coworkers today. Beautiful view outside, great ambiance inside, and the food was fanflippintastic. I had a bowl of bean soup and a mahi mahi cesar salad special and both were so so mmm mmm good. The fish in the salad was cooked to perfection. I'll be back soon, and ready to eat more seafood!
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Review from Gary S.
Tucson, AZ
Last Tiki Bar on Oahu. This is a must do when you are on this Island. Food and drinks are incredible. Not the easiest place to find but once you do you won't regret it. Mai Tai's are the only thing to drink when you are here.
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Review from Alan Y.
10/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
La Mariana is an old school tiki bar in the tradition of Ernest Gantt's Don the Beachcomber and Victor Bergeron's Trader Vic's. Long before the world shrunk with transcontinental flights, cellular phone calls, and the internet, this pastiche of faux and traditional Polynesian culture, Pan-Asian cuisine, and good old American ingenuity known as "tiki culture" flourished in the 40s, 50s and 60s.
As you enter, there is a sign inside claiming this establishment is for members of the La Mariana Sailing Club only, but fear not. Your dollars are welcome here. The decor inside is heavy on bamboo and nautical implements such as fishing nets and glass fishing floats. There are several ki'i or tiki decorating the room, I cannot attest to their authenticity or provenance, but they look damn cool.
We came only for drinks and appetizers. The food was unspectacular, typical fried bar fare. But the drinks, the drinks were sublime. I had two maitais and they put me in the exact "relaxation" state of mind that you search for when going on vacation.
A few days after going to La Mariana, we saw it again in a television episode of Hawaii 5-0. Pretty cool, eh? -
Review from Scott K.
Honolulu, HI
7/26/2011
Dark, friendly, isolated magic. So much unadulterated magic you're dizzy.
Pull up a bar stool, listen to blind men play piano, dance a jig, sing a sea shanty and marvel at the quintessential Tiki bar...
Ripe. -
Review from Jody S.
I've always been somewhat of a fan of La Mariana. It has a very kitch and kooky vibe to it, complete with old seafarer's ware and old Hawaii decor.
The place is usually quite busy during lunch with a wide range of tourists and business folk alike. The cuisine is simple, nothing fancy, yet the ambience does make up for it.
I've only been to the locale a total of 3 times since I was introduced to the place about 10 years ago by a business associate and enjoyed the ambience quite a bit. Yet every time I go there, I enjoy it.
It's historical and it's just plain fun! -
Review from jen t.
7/6/2011
LA MARIANA IS SOOOOOOOOOOO COOOOOOOOOOOOL. While I lived in Hawaii up until my 22nd year of life, I never really understood *Tiki Bars*. I used to think they were just cheesy tourist traps with overly sugary drinks and bad food. But after spending a good amount of time away from the isles and having incredible access to the best and worst tiki bars in the Pacific Northwest, I GET IT NOW.
It's not about stealing poor widdle tourists' hard earned dollars and tricking them into thinking that this is the "real deal." (Because honestly, what person in their right mind would think that a tiki bar represents the *real Hawaii*?) It's about having a damn good time and getting drunk while you're at it. Afterall, it's JUST A BAR.
But what distinguishes a good tiki bar from a bad one is the amount of effort one puts into decoration, vibe, and making a good cocktail. La Mariana does not skimp out on putting out that old Hawaiian charm, with bamboo everything, pretty little hanging plants, and even a quaint view out onto the water. And they definitely didn't skimp out on the booze in my gorgeously huge Lava Flow ($7!). For a good time, call on La Mariana. You won't regret it. -
Review from Ashley D.
Honolulu, HI
7/31/2011
You have to know what to expect at this place. Its dark, a bit crowded, a line at the bathroom.
Now - with that said....
This place is totally old-school tiki bar! Its like stepping into a time machine and heading back to the 1950s. I particularly enjoy the dried blow fish above the bar.
First time we went we shared a drink with a real sailor! Tattoos and all.
Last night we went to listen to a super sweet surf rock band Tiki Taboo (Bass player kicks serious ass), enjoyed a beer and a pupu platter and had a fun relaxing time.
Highly recommend checking this place out for a step back to what tiki bars used to be before all the fake torches. -
Review from Lois M.
10/31/2011
Hubby's friend invited us to join him for late afternoon cocktails at this truly authentic tiki-bar. It's a throwback to the 50's and 60's style bar featured in endless Elvis and surfer movies. It's in the middle of an industrial park, and a bit tricky to find. Thank-goodness for GPS! While the sign at the entrance indicates "members only", we can only surmise that anyone that wants a good honest drink is a "member". The décor and atmosphere is pure kitsch and tacky in a very authentic and tasteful way - a real contradiction! We were immediately taken in, and I ordered the first of (shame to admit) multiple tropical drinks. Normally, I don't do this, but just had to have something in a tiki mug with the fruit and umbrellas. Tropical Lava Flow...disgustingly sweet and deceptively high in alcohol content. You don't realize how many you've 'sucked down' until the room starts swirling, and you are convinced that Don Ho is actually sitting up on the stage and singing. Hubby is giving me "the look", but I had such a good time. I just recall laughing a great deal, telling Hubby that he is probably the most articulate and fascinating conversationalist, toasting the upcoming APEC meeting (reason why we are there!) and eating what I know was mediocre bar food but declaring it the finest haute cuisine in all of Polynesia. We ended up spending the entire afternoon there. I did '86 myself and ordered a cup of coffee. Slept all the way back to our hotel with memories of tiny bubbles....BTW: They were so nice and let me keep a tiki-mug as a souvenir!
For any tourist to the islands, strongly recommend you make a pilgrimage to probably one of the last real tiki bars in the downtown area. Reasonable prices and absolutely wonderful service! -
Review from Serena W.
Makiki - Lower Punchbowl - Tantalu, HI
11/16/2011
On the hunt for my favorite in town mai tai, this one was on the tastier side, a bit small not too strong...(not nearly as good as turtle bay, hang ten with a free sunset hot tub ride, but nothing is ;) I really like the atmosphere and the seats and table are in a good relationship, I find that in some places, I feel awkward and large, and I'm only 5'7" geez. Anyway, I've been here a few times, the food will leave you in a coma, hence the many stars. Don't start your night here, it's far from the scene and you will be too satisfied to do anything else!
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Review from Jeffrey R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/11/2011
Classic Tiki dating back to circa 1957.
The ambiance is the big key to LMSC. The restaurant is right on the waterfront not far from the Honolulu airport. It's a beautiful setting with classic tiki all around the dining room.
The food and the drinks are good. We particularly enjoyed the ahi spring rolls. I also liked the Jalapeno poppers -- gobs of deep fried cheesy goodness. On the other hand, the salsa tasted straight out a jar of ortega and the accompanying chips were a little stale.
Drinks are good though - a decent enough mai tai - and the service was friendly on the two occasions we visited.
La Mariana Sailing Club is located in a corner of an industrial park adjacent to the waterfront. Blink and you will miss the turnoff from Sand Island Access Road to the Club. Definitely worth a trip for the drinks, pupus and especially the classic Tiki setting. -
Review from Katie S.
Kailua, HI
5/24/2011
The four-star rating is for the ambiance. This place is seriously cool! The decor is fun, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the service is good. Halfway through dinner we realized that the music we were hearing was actually a man playing piano in the corner!
As for the food-- it's nothing too special but it's good. They have a good drink menu-- my brother-in-law got the Zombie Mai Tai and would probably recommend it. ;)
I also love a place that serves ice cream for dessert! I got the chocolate macadamia nut ice cream-- delish!
Go for the ambiance!!! -
Review from Janine L.
Honolulu, HI
8/5/2011
I have to agree with Carol below.
It is a cute, off the beaten path kinda place.
We went for lunch on a work day, so we planned about 50 minutes. Our table was outside and was more the size for a bar than for lunch. The slab outside sloped down to the railing and it was very uncomfortable to sit at while waiting and eating. There were flies too.
Our food took 35-40 minutes so we had about 8 minutes to eat and then flag down our check. I ordered a burger and a side of sweet potato fries. The burger came dry so you had to ask for condiments ( more wasted time) and I got a baked sweet potato. Hubby ordered a Cajun Mahi burger and it was pretty nice, he also substituted onion rings and they were tasty. The ice tea was real but you had to ask for refills. Serice was really lacking here.
I won't go there again for lunch ( 30 bucks) but might give it a try as a bar. -
Review from Carol M.
Honolulu, HI
4/20/2011
There six of us who went there for lunch. The food was OK and the curry was pretty tasty. The ambience is charming in the old fashion Hawaiian way. If you sit next to the water, I'm sure the view is beautiful.
The service was slow and our waitress argued over returning tip money to us. We didn't feel the service was great (too slow, especially during lunch on a workday) and wanted to leave a 15% tip. She said that they normally charge an 18% tip for parties of 6 or more and calculated that she didn't need to give us change. That left a poor "end of the meal" taste with all of us after a happy lunch with friends.
I also got 11 mosquito bites on my legs and am still itching 2 days later. -
Review from Russell M.
San Rafael, CA
1/27/2012
What happened? Over many years we have frequented this local spot, food is generally good. We had reservations, ordered dinner, food arrived and it began to rain outside and then inside. I brought this to our waitress' attention who then contacted Toddlen, the floor manager. When Toddlen arrived, both my wife and I were soaked with water running from the top and front of the booth. The manager brought us a dish towel from the kitchen. Her explanation was "that the roof had been leaking and it was fixed, and now it was the pipe on the roof that was leaking". I explained to her that the roof leak problem was not my concern or responsibility and that we would like to be seated at a different table. She snickered, walked away and never returned. The rain continued our booth was soaked, we finished our dinner wet and standing next to our table. The waitress was oblivious and asked if we wanted anything else. I requested the bill and to speak with the floor manager. I received the bill but no manager. I contacted Judith Calma, the general manager twice she has not returned my calls.
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Review from lauren c.
Honolulu, HI
4/16/2011
I really wanted to like this place. I mean I really, really wanted to like this place. I had read so many amazing reviews here on yelp, watched Tony Bourdain fall in love with this place on T.V and just basic word of mouth singing the praises of La Mariana Sailing Club.
Hostess sat us very quickly, but gave our menus to the table next to us. Found that a little odd, but hey, those poor smucks were sitting there before us with no menu for god knows how long.
The waitress came to take our order. She was not very polite or engaging at all. I don't even think she gaves us her name. Never made direct eye contact or seemed interested to be there.
We went for a late lunch/snack and a drink. Husband orders the nachos and the lava flow and I order edamame, calamari and the famous zombie. Drinks came out quick ( but not our water, we had to ask twice for it) but were just awful. Lava flow was sickly sweet and my zombie, well, I hate to say it but I think the bartender was dead on the job because it was just disgusting. I know it's a drink that is intended to be strong (heavy on the rum) but come on. I did my fair share of slinging drinks in the not so distant past and I would be ashamed if I had served this.
The food was sub par at best. I don't know how you can mess up nachos but they did it. I think they put a whole red onion on that plate. The calamari was huge, hot and rather bland. The edamame was decent enough. Plain with salt is kinda hard to mess up. We asked for the bill and left with the quickness!
At the end of the day I hate to say it, but this Yelper does not approve. -
Review from The e.
Honolulu, HI
8/16/2011
La Mariana....This is a place that I've gone to for many years. I remember always seeing "Auntie", the owner walking around and making sure everyone was happy with their food. She passed away though, but, lived a good life, and was in her 90's when she passed away.
La Mariana is one of the coolest places to eat, I think. It is right on the water, and when you go there, you feel like you're stepping back in time to Old Hawaii. The place is decorated with old school tikis, puffer fish lamps, and old Japanese fishing floats. If you have visitors coming in, it's a definate must! Go on a Thursday night, to experience piano playing by blind musicians, and the audience participating by dancing hula, or singing along...
I recently had lunch there, with my parents. If you are on a low fat diet though, this is NOT your place to go. The restaurant is definately a "cardiologists delight". Many of the meals come with fries, and we were all dissapointed that we could NOT substitute a salad for fries. I wish management would alter this, and allow substitutions of salad for fries. If Auntie were around, I think she would take notice to the trend of people eating healthier, and would allow this!
Well, for our meals.... I had Ceasar Salad with Chicken. The salad was actually very good, and generous, but I wanted some fresh cracked pepper... And they didn't have any! Bummers! Auntie, next time the chef goes to Costco, could you ask him to buy some pepper mills there? They are in the spice section of the store, and come with pepper, and are very cheap! Thanks eh?! :)
We also ordered Onion Rings 5 bucks, for a basket, that came with Ranch Dressing, but, when we got our onion rings....There was no ranch dressing! We actually had to ask for it. So, the Chef missed it, and our server did too! Bummers to the both of you!
Crab Cakes... 10 bucks for two Crab Cakes that were the size of Silver Dollars! I think these crab cakes actually make more money for La Mariana than silver would! The cakes also came with a cream sauce, that had the taste of a juicy creamy mayo. Not sure if I would order this again.... Maybe I would, if there were three, and the mayo sauce was a little better...
My dad had the cajun mahi, which was excellent, perfectly cooked, and nice brocs on the side....
My mom had the French Dip, 11bucks, which she liked, but she didn't use the 'dip' at all. The sandwich already had enough.
We also had a mud pie for dessert..which was very good, and a nice way to end the meal.
This is a fun place to eat, if you're around Sand Island, and a cool place to bring your visitors from the mainland. I would definately increase my rating to 4 stars, if management at the restaurant would think about allowing healthier substitutions, and improving the prices on some of thier products.
I have been going there since I was a kid, and, will continue to do so.
Aloha -
Review from Pinky and the B.
New York, NY
3/2/2011 2 photos
It is near the air port and the place to go before leaving Hawaii ,drink a lot so you don't cry too hard when the plane takes off for the stinky main land! And yes I always cry when leaving Hawaii. Maybe one day I can go and never come back!
Over the years, it has become a sort of museum of Waikiki's Tiki past: the Tiki's here came out of the Kon-Tiki in the Sheraton-Waikiki, lamps came from the Trader Vic's, and tables and chairs came from Don the Beachcomber. Original owner Annette La Mariana Nahinu still runs the operation today.
Anthony Bourdain went here and tried the famous Zombie drink. http://www.tvfoodmaps....
It is a kitschy touristy piece of Hawaiiana. But hey I am a tourist! -
Review from Jeremy S.
Sacramento, CA
10/10/2011
One of the greatest Tiki Bars I have ever been too. The drinks, food, view and decor were excellent.
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Review from Lynnette S.
Honolulu, HI
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is the hawaii your dad & grandfather always tell you about, The decor is super cute & a lil cheesy but perfect for a vintage hawaii theme. Our dinner didnt look impressive BUT the macadamia nut crusted mahi was to die for! My husband had the seafood pasta and he didnt want to share it was so good. Teenage daughter had the hamburger on a french roll. It was huge & she took lots of pix of the decor & waterfall! The drinks were NOT watered down or over priced. Its the perfect place to take a visiting friend or for a romantic night out. The outside tables are really nice overlooking the marina but wear bug spray. The only con, no air conditing. Our server was from Brazil and she was GREAT! I LOVE THIS PLACE
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Review from Jennifer W.
Pasadena, CA
3/6/2011 1 photo
They used a Patron bottle as a vase in the ladies room... yes I'm easily amused.
One of my local friends brought me here when I was visiting Oahu last July. The place was pretty empty for dinner on a Tuesday night. Food was ok, a bit on the bland side... I ordered a pasta dish with fish. Drinks were decently priced.
The atmosphere is pretty intimate, especially with the lights in the evening. Good place to come after work or just for drinks. Too bad there wasn't anyone playing the piano when we went.Listed in: Here fishy fishy
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Review from Margaret w.
Ewa Beach, HI
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Come at night so you dont have to see the terrible industrial area that has been built up around this great place. Good food, awesome decor and friendly staff.
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Review from Susan F.
12/13/2010
WARNING - the yelp maps gives wrong directions to La Mariana.
Li hing mui MARGARITA and MAI TAI were stiff drinks... and very tasty.
My bf and I shared the KALUA PIG NACHOS and we both thought it was just okay. Maybe better than most places that sells nachos on the island. Nothing made it stick out compared to other joints. Portion was large and the toppings seemed to be distributed fairly well, so most pieces of chips were covered with at least cheese on it. The one weird thing about the nachos was that the beans were on the plate and the chips were on top of it. Which didn't bother me at all, because I don't eat beans. But if I did eat beans, I would be upset that I didn't notice them until most of the chips were gone.
This is definitely a spot you would want to take your tourist friends that are here from out-of-town. Not my cup of tea, but overall a cool place to stop in for some drinks when your friends come into town or right before they leave. I will definitely be bringing my out-of-town guest here, but will probably not be going there because its so cool. -
Review from saul m.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2010
Our worst dining experience in Hawaii!
First, finding it at night tries your patience. After driving around a dark dreary industrial area for 10 minutes we saw an only car drive down a long drive way toward a lighted building. We followed the car & luckily the car led us to La Mariana.
Then, when we got out of the car we were hit with the unpleasant smell of burning rubber and/or heavy smog. Maybe caused by someone working overtime at one of the industrial sites nearby.
Upon entering there was a handwritten sign proclaiming the restaurant was only for members of the sailing club. When we asked the waitress she said "no, the restaurant is open to everyone." Why the sign?
We ordered crab cakes & a spinach & scallop salad. What a disappointment! 2 small bland tasting crab cakes-$10 & a medium sized mediocre salad with a few scallops-$15. Easily the worst value of any restaurant we have tried in Hawaii. The crab & shrimp salad we had at Jameson's in Haleiwa was so much better. It was twice as big & had many large whole pieces of fresh crab.
We should have read reviews more carefully. Had we done so we would have noticed most of the favorable reviews mention the alcoholic drinks, not the food.
The decor is cute. Carved Polynesian woodwork throughout very kitzy. While I don't recall seeing her smile, the waitress was competent.
Obviously we shall not return. -
Review from Paul W.
Honolulu, HI
9/27/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I went to La Mariana for the second time in a week as I had to drop people off at the airport. It's become my "Default" airport-run routine, and I highly recommended it for a stress free departure from paradise! It's right next to the airport, with quick and easy access...even in traffic.
First I head to HNL 2.5-3 hours before the flight, drop people off to check-in and have their luggage checked. Then I do a lap, two at the most, pick them up and head to La Mariana! We now have about 1.5-2 hours to enjoy some strong umbrella cocktails and yummy food! Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the ambiance! What better last memory of Hawaii then a waterfront classic Tiki bar?
As for what I like here...the pupus are what they do best! My fave is the Ahi Spring roll! It's got a big hunk for mostly rare ahi in the center, and the wasbi/tarter sauce is yummy.
Drinks, well what can I say. This is the only place I will order and drink with an umbrella in it. They are strong! After 2 zombies, everyone is guaranteed a good flight home! -
Review from Vanessa R.
Rowland Heights, CA
7/18/2011
A true tiki bar! Definitely a must while in Honolulu. We stopped here just to have a drink our last night on Oahu. What can I say, cool ambience, large drinks, and decent prices, a winner in my book!
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Review from William E.
Aiea, HI
2/21/2011
A bit off the beaten path, I can certainly see myself eating at this place a few times a year. It's a nice atmosphere (I feeling like humming the Tiki-Bar TV theme song every time I walk in) and it's acceptable food. There is parking along the street wherever you don't see a "No Parking" sign. There's a sign posted along Sand Island Access road pointing you to the correct side street but it's a small sign.
I went with a small group of friends just recently. We were all happy with our food and stayed way past closing just having a good time. I ordered the Cajun Ahi and Mudd Pie as dessert. Had a Li Hing Mui margarita, too. Prices are a little higher than you might expect, but not eye-popping. Expect to pay around $20-30 for a well-rounded meal, less if you forgo cocktails and dessert. -
Review from Gordon P.
Sherwood - Tualatin South, OR
6/4/2011
If you don't go just for a drink and to soak up the "Old Hawaii" that's here, then you will have missed an iconic look back in time. Yes just maybe the food ain't so hot and yes it's way off the beaten path but more than worth the trip. I've been twice this year, a trip to Hawaii is just not a trip unless one stops by this museum of Tiki Tackey.
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Review from Nancy W.
Ewa Beach, HI
9/7/2011
This is the place to go if you want to chill with your friends for good conversation. Very casual atmosphere. Pulled pork nachos aren't on the menu. They are my fave and enough to share with 3 people. Easy to miss if not looking out for the white sign with red lettering on the utility pole to the right. Anthony Bourdain loved this place.
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Review from Justin W.
Honolulu, HI
11/23/2010 1 photo
We went here for lunch today and it was pretty good. I had the Hawaiian Cajun Mahi Mahi sandwich and it was really good. It came with really crisp and green lettuce, tomato slices, a sliced pickle, and some delicious tartar sauce. For my side I had ordered the cole slaw, which was really good.
Parking is on the street and along the back side of the restaurant. You do not have to pay for it which is a plus, but you can only be there for 2 hours. The best part about this place is the ambiance, this is a real tiki bar and it is beautiful inside. The fact that it is right on the water is even better. This is a must visit if you are on Oahu. -
Review from Kalani C.
Okay, this place is awesome. Friend's been coming here as his "secret" spot for years and finally decided to share it with me.
Literally walked through a time warp as if Don Ho and Martin Denny music suddenly flooded my ears. Funky & authentic. I immediately envisioned my grandparents coming here in classic Hawai'i 5-0 attire sipping Mai Tais and Zombies.
Bellied up to the bar and ordered beers and burgers with sweet potato fries. Food was okay, not the best, but hit the spot as we took in the kitschy view. Skipped the mixed drinks (yeah, I know), but plan to come more often and try them soon.
Where has this been all my life? Answer, here. Waiting for my slow a*s to discover. "Sorry, you're too far away to check in here." Of course, I'm in the middle of nowhere, transported to 1950's Hawai'i. Check-ins never existed back in the day. Sweet!Listed in: Hawai'i 5-Star…, ROTD Winners
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Review from Leimalani F.
Honolulu, HI
7/28/2010
Great place to stop for a drink after a long flight. Stopped in here Sunday afternoon with the FBI (from big island) crew.
The view of the water through the jungle foliage was calming and the tiki lamps and lauhala wall hangings swayed in the breeze in the late afternoon. A regular was celebrating her 101 birthday.
Good selection of beers and mixed classics. We always go for the poke or the poke platter which comes with two types of poke and sashimi. Not the hugest order, but one bite and you will understand why... this joint has some of the freshest ahi (as in still flippin'). And they serve their ahi and tako poke maui-style (with onions, tomato and cucumber) YUMMY! Also a fan of the ahi rolls which are perfectly deep fried and rare in the middle. The nachos are huge.
Stay for happy hour and watch the sun go down over the water in the winter. Live piano music played by a regular who happens to be blind. Some of the waitstaff have been here since this place opened. Really can't beat this old school ambiance. -
Review from jesus c.
Honolulu, HI
9/3/2011
" anywhere that serves a $3.50 dirty martini is a 5 in my book. "
- this place is definitely a gem. awesome food and awesome atmosphere.
