Cuisine & Specialties
Holoholo Grill showcases Hawaiian regional cuisine with a modern twist, emphasizing island flavors and fresh local ingredients. Helmed by Chef Sam Choy (Hawaii’s “Godfather of Poke” and a James Beard Award winner), the menu offers gastro-inspired Hawaiian comfort food in a casual poolside setting. Diners will find a mix of Hawaiian fusion dishes and American favorites – from hearty local classics to creative seafood plates. For example, the poke bowl (one of Choy’s signature items) features fresh ahi tuna with crispy onions, wasabi aioli, avocado, and furikake rice. The house Holoholo Burger is a standout as well, made with wagyu beef and a tangy tomato jam for a “real magical flavor”.
Some signature dishes frequently praised by guests include:
- Sam Choy’s Famous Poke Bowl: Silky cubes of fresh ahi in a savory-spicy marinade, served with taro chips.
- Holoholo Wagyu Burger: Premium local beef topped with housemade tomato jam, showcasing a fusion of island and classic flavors.
- Kalua Pork Hash & Loco Moco: Island comfort foods featured at breakfast – tender kalua pork hash and a hearty loco moco (burger patty over rice with egg and gravy) are filling favorites.
- Banana Macadamia Pancakes: A popular morning treat – fluffy pancakes with local mac nuts and banana, often noted as a must-try for brunch.
- Coconut Shrimp: Crispy coconut-battered shrimp (available as an appetizer or combo platter), paired with a spicy lilikoi (passionfruit) dipping sauce.
- Kauai-Style Fish Tacos: Fresh catch fish-of-the-day folded in grilled tortillas with pineapple slaw and sriracha mayo, blending sweet, spicy, and tangy elements.
The menu spans all day dining, so you can start with island-inspired breakfasts (like macadamia-nut pancakes or avocado toast) and later enjoy lunch and dinner items ranging from ahi sashimi to gourmet flatbreads and salads. Vegetarian options like a colorful vegetable stir-fry are also available, and many recipes incorporate local produce (even the breads are baked in-house with Kauai sugar). In short, Holoholo Grill’s cuisine marries traditional Hawaiian favorites (poke, kalua pork, fresh fish) with a casual gastropub flair, delivering bold island flavors in every dish.
Notable Features & Ambiance
Price Range: Holoholo Grill is a moderately priced ($$) venue – typical entrees are under about $30. While it’s located at an upscale resort, the restaurant itself maintains a relaxed vibe, and guests frequently comment that it “wasn’t super expensive” for the quality and portions. During the Aloha Hour (happy hour) from 3–5 PM, many appetizers and tropical cocktails are offered at discount prices, making it a great value window for visitors.
Ambiance & Décor: The grill has an open-air, al fresco layout overlooking the resort’s famed pools and gardens. Seating is split between an outdoor deck by the pool’s cascading waterfall and a breezy indoor space – though even “inside” is largely open-air, with high wooden ceilings and big windows that let in the island breezes. The overall vibe is laid-back island casual. Dress code is officially “resort casual” – you’ll see everything from swimsuits with cover-ups at lunchtime to aloha shirts and shorts in the evening. Décor is unfussy (expect simple patio-style tables rather than formal linens), keeping the focus on the lush tropical surroundings and fun atmosphere. As the sun sets, tiki torches may be lit and you might even catch live Hawaiian music; on many afternoons/evenings the grill features local musicians, adding to the relaxed island mood.
Amenities: Holoholo Grill offers a full bar with island-themed cocktails, local craft beers, and wine. There’s a long bar counter where you can sit (both inside and poolside) if you prefer a casual drink or to chat with the bartender. The venue is family-friendly – children are welcome and there is a kids’ menu available (complete with coloring activities to keep little ones entertained). The ambiance is lively yet suitable for all ages, as evidenced by many families dining comfortably here. Additionally, the restaurant provides takeout service for those who want to enjoy meals in their rooms or poolside cabanas. Accessibility is well addressed: the establishment is wheelchair accessible and has convenient nearby parking for restaurant patrons. If you’re not a hotel guest, you can park on-site (the resort has a public lot) – just check in at the security gate or front desk to ensure you’re in the correct area. Free Wi-Fi is available as well, so you can snap photos of your colorful tiki drinks and share in real time. Overall, Holoholo Grill’s setting can be described as “leisurely island” style – it’s a place designed for fun, informal dining where “we’ll bring the grinds (food) and aloha spirit” while you relax and enjoy.
History & Background
Holoholo Grill opened in 2017 as the signature restaurant of the Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, marking Chef Sam Choy’s first culinary venture on the island of Kauai. The name “holoholo” is a Hawaiian term meaning “to go out for a pleasurable journey” – fitting for a restaurant concept built around celebrating life’s pleasures and the joy of culinary discovery. From its inception, Holoholo Grill was a collaboration with Sam Choy, a famed Hawaiian chef and television personality known for pioneering Hawaii Regional Cuisine and popularizing poke worldwide. Choy, often called Hawai‘i’s culinary ambassador, worked with the resort to craft a menu that showcases the “freshest seasonal flavors of the island” and his own local favorites. For instance, the menu features Sam’s signature poke, braised short ribs, and even a special Koloa sugar-cane spice rub for meats – unique touches Choy developed exclusively for this grill.
The ownership and setting tie into the resort’s story. Koloa Landing Resort (part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection) wanted a standout eatery to complement its luxury villas and award-winning pools, so they brought in Chef Choy to lend both his recipes and his renown. An interesting anecdote that speaks to the local ownership: the fish & chips dish on the menu is playfully named “BC’s Fish & Chips” after Bill Child, the resort’s owner. Little touches like this have helped endear the restaurant to the community.
In terms of recognition, Holoholo Grill quickly became noted as a dining highlight on the south shore of Kauai. It has been featured in travel press – for example, Travel Weekly spotlighted its opening as “Kauai’s first restaurant with award-winning chef Sam Choy”, praising the island-inspired dishes and signature cocktails. The grill has also been a key part of resort events, such as hosting an annual “Choy of Cooking” demonstration and being integral to Koloa Landing’s culinary festivals. While relatively new, it has earned a positive reputation for its combination of chef-driven menu and approachable style. Many visitors discover Holoholo Grill while staying at the resort, but it has also developed a following among Kauai locals (especially for its happy hour and for Sam Choy fans eager to taste his creations). In summary, the founding story of Holoholo Grill is one of a resort partnering with a legendary local chef to create a venue that celebrates Hawaiian food culture in a fun, modern way – a recipe that has proven successful and authentically Kauai.
Review Sentiment Snapshot
Holoholo Grill enjoys generally favorable reviews (around 4.1 out of 5 stars) on major platforms, with guests often highlighting the tasty food, friendly service, and relaxed atmosphere. Many recent visitors say it’s an “excellent poolside spot” for a casual meal, whether you’re grabbing breakfast or unwinding at happy hour. Common themes in positive reviews include praise for the flavorful dishes (the poke bowl and fish tacos get frequent shout-outs), the generous portions, and the convenience of having such quality food right by the resort pools. The breakfast in particular is a hit – one guest called it “a great breakfast spot,” loving the live music mornings and fresh-baked pastries. Families note that the kitchen is accommodating to picky eaters and that the kids’ meals are well-portioned and enjoyable. The bar drinks also earn kudos: tropical cocktails are described as “very good” (if a tad pricey) and the local beers on tap complement the food nicely. Overall, the ambience and setting contribute strongly to positive sentiments – multiple reviewers mention how nice it is to dine outdoors with views of the pool and how it truly feels like you’re “on vacation” while eating here.
That said, some critiques do recur in reviews. The most common negative feedback is about slow or inconsistent service during busy times. A few guests felt service was too relaxed or inattentive – for example, there are comments about long waits to be greeted or served when the grill was crowded. One reviewer who visited on a holiday noted the service was slow (possibly due to staff shortages on that day). Price is another point of occasional critique: while many find the prices fair for a resort, a minority felt certain items were “expensive for what you get”. In particular, some compare it to off-property eateries and say Holoholo’s convenience comes at a slight premium. A couple of diners who expected a gourmet, white-tablecloth experience were underwhelmed – they commented that the setup felt more like a “roadside bar & grill” and that some dishes were only average in taste. However, these harsher opinions are relatively rare. The consensus from recent patrons is that Holoholo Grill delivers a fun, satisfying dining experience. In summary, guests regularly praise the delicious food, the poolside-happy-hour vibe, and the welcoming staff, whereas the recurring critiques are limited to slow service at times and the recognition that this is a casual eatery (so expectations should be aligned accordingly).
Practical Visitor Tips
- Hours: Holoholo Grill is open 7 days a week. Current operating hours are roughly 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner continuously. (Breakfast generally runs 7/8 AM – 10:30 AM, Lunch from 11:30 AM – afternoon, and Dinner 5 PM – 9 PM, with a light “aloha hour” menu in mid-afternoon.) They do not have a weekly closed day – even on weekends the schedule is the same. That said, the restaurant can sometimes close early or reduce hours for special events or severe weather, so it’s wise to call ahead if visiting during an off-season. Note: The Aloha Hour (Happy Hour) is daily from 3 PM – 5 PM, featuring discounted pupu (appetizers) and drinks. If you’re looking for the best deals (or a seat without waiting), going during happy hour is a great tip.
- Reservations: While Holoholo Grill welcomes walk-ins, reservations are recommended especially for dinner and peak times. The restaurant is popular and can fill up in the evenings, and resort guests often dine here on-site. Many visitors report that making a booking saved them wait time – some even use the Yelp app’s reservation feature or call ahead. If you plan to dine at prime dinner hour (6–7 PM) or have a larger group, it’s advisable to reserve a table by phone or through the resort. For breakfast and lunch, usually you can just drop in (the venue is spacious and turnover is quick). As one guest noted, “we went early and didn’t need a reservation” – timing can make a difference.
- Visitor Entry: If you are not staying at Koloa Landing Resort, you can absolutely still dine at Holoholo Grill (it’s open to the public). Just let the gate attendant or front desk know you’re coming for the restaurant, and you’ll be directed to visitor parking on-site. Parking is free and readily available, but be sure to park in the designated guest areas so you don’t inadvertently use owners’ spots. The resort address (2641 Poipu Road) is easy to find via GPS, and the Poipu area in general is very accessible.
- Dress & Etiquette: The atmosphere is casual. By day, swim attire with cover-ups, t-shirts, and flip-flops are totally fine – many patrons come straight from the pool or beach. In the evening, you might feel more comfortable changing out of beachwear, but there’s no formal dress code beyond “resort casual”. Essentially, neat shorts and a polo or an aloha shirt/blouse are common. Because it is open-air, bug spray in the early evening can be helpful (on some nights there are a few mosquitoes around the gardens). Also, if you visit after sunset, a light sweater can be nice in case the breeze picks up, though generally Kauai’s south shore is warm year-round.
- Payments: Holoholo Grill accepts major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover). You can also charge meals to your room if you’re a resort guest. Tipping is customary as with any full-service restaurant. The grill does not have any strict “cash only” policy – cards are fine, and there’s an ATM in the adjacent resort marketplace if needed.
- Local Perks: If you’re a Hawaii local, bring your state ID – the restaurant offers a 10% kamaʻaina discount for Hawaii residents on their bill. (At one point in 2022 they even ran a 15% off promo for locals on food items.) It’s a nice nod to the community, and part of why you’ll often see Kauai residents enjoying pau hana (happy hour) here alongside tourists. Also, note that Koloa Landing Resort’s marketplace (right nearby) sells snacks, sundries, and to-go coffee 24/7 – convenient if you want to grab something before or after the grill’s hours.
- Miscellaneous Tips: Takeout and Room Service are available – if you prefer dining in your villa/condo or by the pool, you can order to-go (they even have online ordering hours posted). Live music is commonly featured on certain evenings; if you enjoy Hawaiian music, ask the staff which nights have entertainment (often weekends or during special events). The grill occasionally hosts special prix-fixe dinners or holiday brunches – for example, they’ve done Mother’s Day brunch and chef’s tasting menus for holidays, so keep an eye out on their social media or ask if any special events are upcoming. Lastly, enjoy the vibe – Holoholo Grill is meant to be a place where you “cruise through time… not thinking about the destination but relishing the journey”, as their motto goes. Embrace the unhurried pace, soak in the poolside scenery, and don’t forget to say “mahalo” as you leave – you’ll likely be back for another round of poke and mai tais before your trip is over.
Sources: Holoholo Grill’s profile and reviews on OpenTable and TripAdvisor; Koloa Landing Resort official site and blog; HawaiianIslands local expert review; Travel Weekly (Australia) news blurb; Yelp reviews summary. All information is focused on the Holoholo Grill at 2641 Poipu Road, Koloa, Kauai and is up-to-date as of 2025.
