Lighthouse Restaurant

The food we ate at the restaurant here is easily the worst of any golf course and downright terrible. My complaint about many places is the service but the service here is not the problem, the food is. Rarely, maybe never, have I wrote a review live, but the French Dip is easily the worst I've ever tried. It's very salty and bitter. Very bitter.

The au jus is the culprit. Eating the sandwich without the dip was bland but way better without the very bitter and way too salty au jus. The au jus was thick and I've never had thick au jus that was good.

The roast pork was better but bland with a stale taste. Like old cereal, and it was a little tough with no fat. Who makes lean roast pork? Here, and the results are not good.

The only good for the day here was the seasoned fries. A better version of Jack in the box's curly fries.

Okay, some caveats: we had been driving all day and were hungry. We had just come from Turtle Bay resort where every restaurant and eating experience is impeccable. I was given the responsibility of finding us a place to eat and had spotty mobile phone service. I did not take a good look at the dining area pictures, which would have shaped my expectations significantly. We also came in very close to closing time.

Now that's out of the way, let me go through by category:

Service: Wonderful. Our server was a lovely person and was playful and attentive. She even brought over the sauces my brother-in-law requested so he could mix some 'special ketchup' for his fries. Could not have been more friendly.

Ambiance: (again, we had just come from Turtle Bay) If junior high cafeteria is the epitome of your preferred dining experience, you are in luck.
This has it all: stackable chairs in a wonderful neutral grey that set off the contrasting dark tables that have a chic 'roadside score' or even a 'Faceb--k Marketplace, category: free stuff' vibe. The chipped flooring completed the elevated design aesthetic, until I visited the bathroom where I was greeted by an amazing 'forgotten high school gym' experience, complete with clogged toilet, leaking sink and drain, and teal tile facade. Clearly the designers thought of everything!

The clientele is truly breathtaking as only 'golf-bros' and 'trophy wives' can be. La elegance! It's a place where the beer flows like wine, and the excitement about how close to par they played is of such high import that meaningless events like the birth of a child or siblings' wedding are quickly forgotten in the flurry of "bro!"'s and "right?"'s that a bonding experience like walking in the grass for three hours provides.

Next up: food

Food: I could not do better praise than to compare what we ate to those escalated giants of gastro-molecular excellence, Denny's, Sonic, and Am-Pm. The Lighthouse has perfected some amazing techniques in their dishes that you rarely find. Things like: day-old-bread, unmelted cheese, and fresh Food Land fries (reheated). I, also, appreciated their clear respect for the customers palate, where many restaurants will add sauces, spices, or spreads (clearly trying to trick people with 'flavor') to their sandwiches, none of that is utilized. Therefore allowing the Patrons de Idiot to invent their own food experience through imagination and hope. Truly an event in and of itself.

All that is to say, we will not be returning. However, if you do find yourself here. Please do lower your expectations. No, lower. Keeeep going. Lower still, please. Nope. You're not there yet. You see the earths core? Keep going lower. Alright. You can stop.

Hawaii Kai golf course restaurant is our go-to lunch place with our grandchildren. The staff especially Lisa is extraordinary and attentive to the kids, like being with family. The restaurant features daily specials that are prepared with a local touch. It's a great stop for a fun and relaxing experience.

We came here one weekend to try it out. They always have advertisements and coupons in the back of Safeway receipts so I wanted to see what they were all about. Lighthouse restaurant is located at the Hawaii Kai golf course. It's a pretty big restaurant that overlooks the golf course. It looks like a great place to have birthday parties and graduation parties because the restaurant is one big open room.

Anyway we went for lunch and they have a pretty wide selection of food items available. We didn't know what to get so we asked the waitress what she recommended. She said they're burgers are good. So I ordered the bacon cheeseburger and my husband ordered another type of burger. We got my daughter breakfast pancakes because she loves pancakes. Then the waitress comes back and tell us that the just sold their last burger. Sad face.

So I ordered the fish and chips and my husband ordered the kalbi. My fish and chips were huge but I wasn't really a fan. The kalbi he got was small and wasn't very flavorful. But my daughters pancakes were really good.

It's a nice restaurant and service was great. I'd like to come back again and try the burgers, and hope they don't run out this time.

I ordered the mahi mahi sandwich with the side of fries.
Pros:
- The fries were delicious. Crispy exterior and fluffy interior... what more could you ask for.
- The service was excellent. Our waitress was incredibly welcoming and accommodating.
Cons:
- The mahi mahi sandwich was bland.
- The sandwich was served on a burger bun that had an odd spongy texture and taste. I had to completely remove the buns after a few bites.
- The mahi mahi was chewy.
- The atmosphere was off-putting. The tables are right next to store merchandise (ex: golfing shirts) and there is no AC so it is very stuffy.
Overall:
I personally don't think the meal was worth the price so I would not return. But, keep in mind that there aren't many restaurants in the area.

Although the layout of this restaurant (located above their shop) is basic, don't expect basic their service and food.

Yes, it's not a high-class food establishment. But after spending in insane amount of time out in the sun playing golf, A/C and good local food is what counts. Plus their service is awesome.

I would definitely come here again!

Service here is WONDERFUL! Company was wonderful..

Thank you Terry K for inviting me out and bringing me to this nice and cozy place. The chef that works here is friends with Brian M. We had a nice intimate breakfast. Sadly, his friend wasn't working that morning so I couldn't try some specialty dishes.

I ordered from the lunch menu, their soft shell crab salad and 2 scrambled eggs. I must have eggs in he morning! Soft shell crab was ok. Salad was very light on the dressing.

If you're playing golf it's a great place to come eat after... If you wanna drive all the way down to hawaii kai just for breakfast well I don't know if I would do it because I love sleep and it's far. Maybe if that chef was there and I got to try the speciality I would say different?

The Lighthouse Restaurant is tucked away upstairs in the Clubhouse at the Hawaii Kai Golf Course. When we visited early on a Saturday morning we were the only ones there so the dining room was quiet and cool, with a gorgeous view. Our server was warm and friendly, with suggestions and recommendations on the menu.

The meat loaf loco moco was hearty and delicious with a white cream-based sauce that was an unusual upgrade from the traditional brown gravy. Unfortunately the eggs over easy were over cooked, with solid yellow yolks instead of runny as they should be.

The Malted Belgian waffle itself was decent, with a generous serving of fresh fruit on top. The Mango Stuffed French Toast was a standout, with a sweet and tarty filling and perfectly done toast. The Vegetarian Omelette was overstuffed with fresh vegetables, and quite tasty.

We finished up the breakfast with the mango lilikoi cheesecake, which was also wonderfully presented and the perfect way to finish up a great family breakfast. The Lighthouse Restaurant is quite a gem.

Cheerful service!

by Tommy Li

He said he's only been an employee for the past 6 months,
but he sure doesn't act like it!
So, I had to ask!
Yup - he has significant experience in the Food Service industry!
And - it shows! He's very personable and helpful!

We dined here for breakfast after hiking the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail. The GPS directions were a bit off, but we edited it and changed the pin location, so it should be all good now.

LOCATION: at the Hawaii Kai Golf Course. It's upstairs, above the pro shop.

PARKING: free and plentiful

AMBIANCE: casual, bright, and spacious! We liked the large windows with scenic views!

FOOD: yummy! I had the Meatloaf Loco Moco - so delicious! I finished it and enjoyed every bite!

I wouldn't mind returning and having other menu items! It's a drive, but it's worth it!

Lighthouse Restaurant is located on the grounds of the Hawaii Kai Golf Course pn the second floor.

Formerly known as Queens Beach Restaurant they have totally revamped the whole menu. A new name, change of menu and New Chef in place which now offers a mixed variety of small and complete local dishes to try.

Chef Mitch formally from Corner Kitchen (now closed *sad face*) has a lot of dishes not ever seen at your local Golf Courses restaurant. Yes, CK was my hangout to get good local grindz and cold brews. After hearing that he landed here I had to come and test out some of his food. Ahh yes, it brings back those wonderful memories from the past and now looking forward to future tasting some of his new creations.

Reasonably priced for golfers finishing up a tough round, people hitting at the driving range or hikers going or coming from the Makapuu Lighthouse post hikes. There are 3 different menus, Breakfast menu served till 11am, Lunch menu after 11am and Pupu menu after 2pm. Great place for larger gangs that's looking for a place to rehydrate and relax after a good workout.

On my first visit we tried the..
Fried Ahi Belly, 4 nice size pieces. This is the way Ahi Belly should be cooked, crispy skin.
Lechon Pork Kawali, it a lettuce wrap dish with a tomato lomi. Super good crunch from the crispy skin and surprisingly not oily like your normal roast pork. It was delicious and deceivingly filling. Love this dish!
Second visit with my Wonderful Yelp Buddies, we sample the Banana Pineapple Lychee Foster's Pancakes, Breakfast Sandwich, Soft Shell Vrab Salad, Fried Ahi Belly and of course the Lechon Pork Kawali. I think the concensus did the favorite dishes was the Pork Kawali because of the crispy crunch from the pork skin. Also the Banana Pineapple Lychee Foster's Pancakes. Such great company along with good food made for an enjoyable afternoon om a sunny day.

One thing that you have to remember, this is a golf course restaurant and if the course is close due to some unforeseen reason, than most likely the restaurant will be closed also.
I really hope they would bring back Local talent and Hawaiian music to this venue, that would be a great reason to drive out to here. It's totally in the works so be on the lookout for Awesome Hawaiian music playing here on selected evenings on the far East end of Oahu.

Update: Talented Big Island Artist and Multi-Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner Mark Yamanaka will be playing on March 10th Friday from 6:30-8:30. No reservations are taken, so first come first serve. I'm sure they'll be more talented Hawaiian musicians to play here in the future.

There will be special hours when there is entertainment playing, so make sure you call first to check.

So worth the Beautiful Ocean views and scenery while driving here, so check them out!