Haute Dining: The Cabana Experience


Oahu’s landmark pink hotel,  The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort has certainly increased its ‘it’ factor in the last year with oh-so-chic renovations, the revamped Mai Tai bar, and the addition of the newest ocean front restaurant in town, Azure. This haute eatery boasts cool cutting-edge décor, fresh from Pier 38 fish, a wine list to swoon for, and seaside cabanas.

Azure recently unveiled a new dining experience, the ‘Royal Papa’aina’ (aka Royal Table). It’s an eight-course tasting menu focusing on local ingredients by acclaimed Chef Jon Matsubara. Complete with wine pairings, this intimate culinary affair is set within your very own private beachfront cabana. Although the intimate affair is a popular choice for the occasional proposal or two, it’s truly ideal for any special occasion and a must for all food and wine mavens.

Begin your foodie fantasy with an amuse bouche of black sturgeon soy caviar followed by chilled Kona lobster, a Wagyu beef course, potato scaled Hawaiian moi with Kona abalone, an intermezzo of hibiscus and Tahitian lime sorbet, then veal cheek ravioli, a selection of cheeses, finished off with a grand cru of chocolate. All courses are paired with the most perfect complimenting wines. A private server and tableside sommelier epitomize the royal treatment.

Azure specializes in fresh island seafood, locally caught fish, and indigenous ingredients prepared using the most innovative techniques. The Royal Papa’aina is available for $150 per person including wine and cocktail pairings for a maximum of four guests.

For more information or to book The Royal Papa’aina, call 808.923.7311.

Chef Jon Matsubara