Cuisine & Specialties
- Cuisine: Upscale Pacific-Hawaiian fusion with an American/seafood focus. The menu blends fresh local ingredients (ocean-caught fish, Kalua pork, tropical fruits) with traditional American dishes.
- Signature Dishes: Guests note highlights like the Hawaiian-style Kalua pork & kalbi beef duo, coconut-crusted shrimp, and a well-regarded house burger. Fresh fish entrees (daily catch or dishes like pan-seared sea bass with scallops) are common.
- Local Flavors: Hawaiian staples and island-inspired flavors feature prominently – for example, Kalua pork fries, citrusy salads with tropical fruits, and creative desserts (notably an ube–passionfruit cheesecake). Cocktails incorporate local liquors and flavors (rum, passionfruit, etc.).
- Dietary Options: The kitchen accommodates special diets; there are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available alongside the main menu.
Notable Features & Ambiance
- Price Range: $$$$ (fine-dining resort pricing). Expect higher prices reflective of the upscale setting.
- Atmosphere: Elegant yet relaxed “resort casual” vibe. Décor is Hawaiian-chic with an open-air dining room and patio. The name Nanea (“tranquil” in Hawaiian) fits its laid-back elegance. Occasional live music and sunset views add to the experience. Dress is resort-casual (no formal attire required).
- Setting: Located at the Westin Princeville resort, many tables overlook the golf course/mountain scenery (and partial ocean views). A roomy patio allows outdoor seating – though diners often notice wild chickens/roosters on the lawn (the staff humorously provide spray bottles to shoo them away).
- Amenities: Full-service bar with creative cocktails, free Wi-Fi, and attentive table service. High chairs are available, making it technically kid-friendly (though menus for children are limited).
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance and restrooms. On-site parking is available (self-park and valet through the resort).
History & Background
- Origins: Nanea opened in the mid-2010s as the signature dining venue of The Westin Princeville at Hanalei (the resort’s flagship property). It replaced older eateries when the hotel underwent a major renovation.
- Ownership: It is owned and operated by the Marriott/Westin group as part of the Princeville resort complex.
- Local Reputation: Quickly became one of Princeville’s top-rated restaurants (often listed in travelers’ top picks for the area). It has built a name for combining island ingredients with Pacific-inspired cuisine.
- Chef & Concept: The culinary team emphasizes Hawaiian flavors; for example, recent menu items coined by the chefs (like a local-influenced cheesecake) have been noted by guests. The restaurant’s name and style aim to convey the relaxed North Shore setting.
Review Sentiment Snapshot
- Positive: Guests consistently praise the scenic setting and views, the friendly/service-oriented staff, and the creative cocktails and desserts. Many reviewers highlight the relaxed vibe and novelty of island-inspired dishes (like the pork & kalbi duo or special cheesecakes) as enjoyable. Burgers and seafood appetizers often receive upbeat mentions.
- Criticism: Common complaints focus on price and value – the menu is viewed as very expensive even by Kauai standards. Some diners find certain dishes uneven: for example, a few report bland seasoning or portions smaller than expected. Service speed can be slow during peak times (one review noted very long waits for food on a busy brunch day). A handful of visitors mention modest quality in some entree preparations (e.g. under-seasoned fish or cold items).
- Key Themes: In summary, people like the beautiful ambiance and attentive service but are divided on the food: when it hits, dishes are praised for flavor and creativity, but when it misses, guests feel overcharged. The mix of high praise and criticism suggests high but inconsistent standards.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Hours: Open daily for lunch/brunch and dinner (roughly 11:30 AM to 7:45 PM). Note it closes early by some island standards, so plan to arrive by early evening (the kitchen shuts down by around 7:30–7:45 PM). Always check for holiday or special-event schedule changes.
- Reservations: Accepted and recommended, especially for dinner or weekends/holidays when the place fills up (the venue is small to moderate in size). Walk-ins may find seats at off-peak times (late lunch, weekday afternoons).
- Payment & Policies: Major credit cards are accepted (no need for cash or worry about card surcharge). There is no BYOB (full bar on-site). Any resort parking rules apply (valet and self-parking available through the hotel).
- Dress Code: Resort-casual attire is appropriate. The restaurant has a relaxed upscale feel – nice shorts or sundresses are fine, but swimwear or tank tops outside cover-up attire might get a glance.
- Accessibility & Seating: The entry and main dining room are wheelchair accessible. High chairs are on hand for young children, but the menu is more adult-oriented (no dedicated kids menu).
- Quirks: The open-air patio is lovely but attracts local wildlife – you may be joined by curious chickens on the lawn. The staff mitigate this with spray bottles on each table, which is more amusing than annoying once you’re forewarned! Fans of happy hour or late drinks should note there isn’t an evening bar menu without dining. Lastly, most guests note that nights with sunsets are especially scenic, so earlier dinner times can capture golden-hour views.
