GREAT EATS HAWAII: THE WILLOWS

THE WILLOWS

HONOLULU, HAWAII

THE WILLOWS

901 HAUSTEN STREET

HONOLULU, HAWAII 96826

808-952-9200

808-952-0050 FAX

EMAIL: feedback@willowshawaii.com

HOURS: Monday thru Friday Lunch 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dinner 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dinner 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

www.willowshawaii.com

I love the Willows and have been going there since I moved to Hawaii over 20 years ago. I have to be honest though with my readers. The place has lost some charm and the dinner buffet is good at best. At $37.95 per person this is not cheap but the assortment of food and quality is worth the price to many. What disturbs me about the Willows is that you have this absolutely beautiful peaceful setting that is unlike anything in Hawaii. From the moment you walk through the tree lined entrance you are transformed to the Hawaii of yesteryear. A truly serene venue that will remain in your mind forever. Then you are taken to a very bare and open seating area that feels like a school cafeteria. No effort has been made here to take advantage of the beautiful views of the water or to make the seating area more attractive. That sets the tone for service that is just o.k. While the wait staff was friendly, they did nothing to enhance the experience or make guests feel welcome. So much could be done here to make this a dining destination. The Willows at night serves a Hawaiian Style Buffet with a mix of local favorites plus Prime Rib and Seafood. The dishes were hit or miss for me. The Portuguese Bean Soup was incredibly salty while the Teppan Yaki Steak was seasoned to perfection. My daughter LOVED the Chicken Long Rice. The Crab Legs were good but very skinny and meatless. Got a ton of water out of them though. I liked the Poke here and also the Potato Crusted Fresh Fish. Did not try the Prime Rib on this visit but it looked very good. Lots to chose from at the Willows and plenty of local deserts such as Mochi and Haupia. The Willows is a very special place. Just wish they could be a little more inventive with the atmosphere, decor, seating and food.

THE WILLOWS BUFFET

THE WILLOWS ON HAUSTEN STREET IS A HAWAII INSTITUTION

LOCATED IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD SURROUNDED BY HOUSES AND APARTMENTS

ENTER INTO A HIDDEN OASIS

CHECK IN AT THE HOSTESS STATION

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS

LOVE THE SEATING INSIDE THE CANOE OVERLOOKING WATERFALL

VIEW FROM BUFFET SEATING AREA

DATED AND PRETTY BASIC SEATING AREA REALLY RUINS THE GREAT FEELING OF SURROUNDINGS

the Willows Dinner Buffet
Mon.–Fri., 5:30–9:00 pm • Sat. & Sun., 5:00–9:00 pm $37.95 • Keiki ages 4-10, $18.95 • Senior citizen ages 65+, 10% off
Rotating Selection of Salads
Classic Caesar Salad, Tossed Green Salad, Green Pea Salad,
Potato Salad, Bean Sprout Namul, Ahi Tofu Salad,
Carving Station
Garlic & Hawaiian Salt Crusted Prime Rib
with Horseradish & Au Jus
Traditional Hawaiian Selections and Hot Entrées
Ahi Poke
chilled tuna cubes seasoned with sesame oil, chili pepper & alae sea salt
Tako Poke
tender octopus served with chili pepper water, Maui onions & cucumbers
Lomi Lomi Salmon
salted salmon Lomi Lomi (massaged) with tomatoes, onions, and salt Poi, Hawaiian favorite, taro root pounded until smooth
Lau Lau
pork wrapped in ti leaves & cooked for 2 hours until fork tender
Kalua Pig
slow cooked smoked pork with onions and cabbage
Chicken Long Rice
Hawaiian style chicken noodle soup
Teriyaki Chicken Kara‘age
Fish of the Day
The Willows Original Shrimp & Chicken Curries
with assorted condiments
The Willows Specialty Fire Roasted Portobello Mushrooms
with balsamic butter sauce
Seafood Station
Sushi of the Day
Chilled Snow Crab Legs
Rotating Selection of Desserts
Haupia
traditional Hawaiian Coconut Custard
The Willows famous Fried Haupia,
our delicious Haupia breaded in panko & deep-fried
Pina Colada (Pineapple) Bread Pudding,
Vanilla Crème Brulee, Fresh Fruits,
Soft Serve Ice Cream with assorted toppings Chocolate Mousse Cake New York Style Cheesecake, Macadamia Nut Cream Pie, Tiramisu Beverages
Iced Tea, Hot Tea, Coffee (Items subject to change)