Afternoon Delight
Tea time around Waikiki
Anyone who has ever done afternoon tea knows it is a luxury that should be enjoyed at least once—more than that, if you ask us.
Here in Waikiki, indulge in an experience like no other: with scenic views of the Pacific blue and mountainous peaks as tropical trade winds drift through the air. This, in addition to deliciously crafted tea sandwiches, pastries and cakes, of course.
ORCHIDS AFTERNOON TEA.
PHOTO: COURTESY ORCHIDS AT HALEKULANI
ORCHIDS AT HALEKULANI
There’s something so grand about the afternoon tea experience at Orchids.
Its breezy dining room and patios provide an oasis from an otherwise bustling Waikiki scene, while seating in most sections provide stunning views of the outdoors.
Afternoon tea service begins at a very reasonable $32 for Halekulani’s Classic Afternoon Tea. For those looking for an enhanced experience, a Champagne Afternoon Tea and Celebratory Afternoon Tea also are available.
Begin by selecting one of 12 fine teas. Flavors range from Jade Oolong and Earl Grey Supreme to Queen Emma Rose, a delicate black tea scented with rose petals, which was a favorite of the late queen.
Then, sample savory tea sandwiches, as well as freshly baked currant scones (served with Double Devonshire Cream, Lemon Curd and Kula Strawberry Preserve), and pastries and cakes.
“It starts out always with flavor,” says pastry chef Mark. “Flavor is first.”
Items change seasonally, and everything is made in Halekulani’s very own bakeshop.
As an added bonus, be on the lookout for beautiful accent pieces on dishes and tables featuring the restaurant’s namesake: orchid flowers.
Orchids Halekulani
2199 Kalua Rd. [D:7 Waikiki Map]
(808) 923-2311 | halekulani.com
VERANDA TEA SERVICE. PHOTO: COURTESY THE VERANDA AT MOANA SURFRIDER, A WESTIN RESORT & SPA
THE VERANDA AT MOANA SURFRIDER, A WESTIN RESORT & SPA
The Veranda is as open and airy as its name suggests—a relaxing interlude for any afternoon. Located oceanfront, its afternoon tea experience is a serene one.
Choose from three different tea services, starting at $34: Veranda Tea Service, Moana Classic Tea Service or the First Lady Tea Service.
Six house-blended teas are available to choose from. Its most popular one, Moana Sunset, features notes of Hawai‘i’s ohelo berry and mango. Others include: Moana Royale, Veranda Breeze, Jasmine Phoenix Pearls, Mango Mele, Darjeeling and Lemon Rooibos.
All tea services include finger sandwiches, as well as pastries and scones, which change every season.
Pastry chef Nanako Perez-Nava utilizes as local ingredients when possible, and draws on inspiration from Japanese and French pastry styles. She also incorporates local flavors, such as haupia (coconut) in many creations.
Something to consider: those who select the First Lady Tea Service get to go home with a gift to remember their experience by.
The Veranda Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
2365 Kalakaua Ave. [C:9 Waikiki Map]
(808) 923-3111 | moana-surfrider.com/dining/veranda
SPIKED AFTERNOON TEA. PHOTO: JEFF SANNER
RUMFIRE AT SHERATON WAIKIKI HOTEL
Maybe you don’t drink tea. Or, maybe you’re just looking for an entirely new take on the afternoon tradition.
Make a stop at RumFire in Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and have a blast experiencing its Spiked Afternoon Tea. Here, refreshing flavors like pineapple and ginger are still available to sip on, but with the added bonus of additions like Jack Daniel’s or vodka.
Order a tea cocktail for just $10, or upgrade to the high tea experience for only $22, which includes a cocktail, two sliders and a dessert of choice.
Popular drinks include Lavender Mint, made with American Harvest vodka, double strength black tea, house-made lavender syrup, lime and fresh mint. Also on the menu: a Ginger Peach Green Tea, Jack’s Peach Tea and Plantation Pineapple.
Savory sliders like The Thai Lady (roasted chicken with siracha aioli and lemon grass curry) or The Spiked (grilled mahi mahi in a chimichuri and miso brown butter sauce, garnished with a basil Kahuku corn salsa and served in a flour tortilla), pair perfectly with drinks.
And to end on a sweet note, select one of three desserts: Chocolate Addiction, The Tart or Red Decadence, a miniature red velvet cupcake topped with cream cheese frosting.
Tip: request a table outside or near a window and enjoy watching the waves.
RumFire Sheraton Waikiki
2255 Kalakaua Ave. [D:7 Waikiki Map]
(808) 922-4422 | rumfirewaikiki.com
