The Plantation House - Deep Research Report

Location & Contact Information

Exact Name & Address: The restaurant’s official name is The Plantation House by Gaylord’s, located on the grounds of the historic Kilohana Plantation estate at 3-2087 Kaumuali‘i Highway, Lihue, HI 96766. It sits about one mile west of Lihue town in southeastern Kauai. The GPS coordinates are approximately 21.97185° N, 159.39131° W, placing it conveniently just off Highway 50 (Kaumuali‘i Hwy) near Kauai Community College.

Website & Phone: The official website is kilohanakauai.com (navigate to the “Plantation House” section). For reservations or inquiries, the contact phone number is (808) 245-9593. It’s advisable to call ahead or book via OpenTable, as this restaurant is in high demand and often recommends securing a table a few days in advance.

Cuisine & Price Range

Cuisine Type: The Plantation House by Gaylord’s features an island-inspired Hawaiian Regional Cuisine with broad influences from Pan-Asian and Mediterranean flavors. The menu is built around fresh local ingredients – in fact, much of the produce and herbs come straight from Kilohana’s own 67-acre farm on site. This farm-to-table approach means you’ll find seasonal, locally sourced dishes that highlight Kauai’s bounty (supporting local farmers and fishermen). Diners can expect a mix of classic Hawaiian fare (like poke and fresh fish) alongside inventive twists on steaks, seafood, and even vegetarian and vegan options.

Price Range: This is a fine-dining establishment with prices on the higher side. On typical rating scales it is categorized as $$$$ (highest tier). Most entrees fall roughly in the $30–$50 range per person (excluding drinks), with appetizers and lunch items priced a bit lower. Despite the upscale pricing, many reviewers feel the quality and experience justify the cost (one forum poster noted it’s “not overpriced” given the setting and food quality).

Ambiance & Notable Features

Setting: One of the biggest draws of Gaylord’s is its atmosphere. The restaurant is situated in the ground floor courtyard of a 1930s plantation manor, and seating is arranged around an open-air courtyard filled with greenery. From your table you can admire lush garden vistas on the estate and even see the distant peak of Mt. Waialeale on a clear day. The historic Tudor-style mansion that houses the restaurant has been beautifully restored to its 1935 glory, complete with period Hawaiian antiques and artwork decorating the interior rooms. This lends a charming old-Hawaii elegance – a mix of historic elegance and island casual. In the evenings, soft lighting and the sounds of a nearby fountain (in the courtyard) create a romantic, almost magical ambiance (many describe the atmosphere as “downright magical”).

Outdoor & Indoor Seating: The dining area is essentially open-air – covered and shaded but with no walls enclosing the courtyard tables, so you get plenty of breeze and garden views. There are also porch/lanai seating and an indoor lounge (the adjacent Mahikō Lounge) for cocktails. Overall, it’s a very “casual elegant” style (resort wear or aloha attire fits right in – the recommended dress is smart casual).

Notable Features: The Plantation House offers a number of amenities for guests’ comfort and enjoyment:

Full Bar & Lounge: A full bar is on site (the Mahikō Lounge is attached), serving craft cocktails, including an acclaimed Mai Tai made with local Koloa Rum, and a dedicated happy hour menu. There’s an extensive wine list and even rum tasting flights available, nodding to the estate’s rum company heritage.
Live Music: Several nights a week, live Hawaiian music and entertainment are featured, enhancing the island ambience during dinner. It’s not uncommon to hear slack-key guitar or ukulele melodies as you dine.
Family-Friendly: Despite the upscale atmosphere, the restaurant is kid-friendly. A special keiki (children’s) menu is offered, and the open space and gardens make it accommodating for families. High chairs are available, and staff are welcoming to younger guests.
Historic Decor: The indoor portions of the restaurant (including a private dining room inside the mansion) are decorated with koa wood furniture, vintage photographs, and artifacts from Kauai’s sugar era. Dining in these rooms feels like stepping back in time. There’s even a fireplace and old-world bar in the lounge, preserving the manor’s 1930s charm.
Other Amenities: Free parking is available on the plantation grounds, just adjacent to the mansion. The facility is wheelchair accessible and generally easy to navigate, even with the historic architecture (ramps and pathways are provided). For private events, there are options like the courtyard, a private dining room, and even the estate lawn; the restaurant caters weddings and functions regularly.

Finally, one unique aspect is that after your meal, you can stroll the Kilohana Plantation – the estate features boutique shops, a vintage train ride, and the Koloa Rum distillery tasting room right on site. Many guests make an experience of exploring the manicured grounds and gardens either before or after dining to fully soak in the historic atmosphere.

History & Background

Establishment: Gaylord’s Restaurant has been a Kauai institution since 1986, when the Kilohana Plantation estate was opened to the public and the restaurant first began operating. (It was originally known simply as “Gaylord’s at Kilohana.”) Over nearly four decades, it has remained “a Kaua‘i island tradition”, popular with both locals and visitors for its combination of history, setting, and cuisine. In 2020, the restaurant underwent a re-branding to emphasize its heritage, hence the name change to “The Plantation House by Gaylord’s,” but many locals still refer to it as “Gaylord’s.” The restaurant continues to be award-winning and frequently ranks among the top dining venues on the island.

Historic Manor: The restaurant is named after Gaylord Parke Wilcox, a notable sugar plantation owner. Kilohana was originally his family estate – a 16,000 sq. ft. Tudor-style mansion built in 1935. In its heyday, the 1930s mansion was the most extravagant home on Kauai, hosting many high-society events and celebrations. After the sugar era waned, the estate was eventually preserved and restored. Despite damage from Hurricane ‘Iwa in 1983, the mansion was meticulously restored to its former glory, retaining its 1930s charm and décor. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a State Historic Landmark. Dining here, you are literally in what was once the Wilcox family’s living areas – an experience that gives a sense of history with every meal. Many staff are happy to share stories about the building’s past if asked.

Ownership: The Kilohana Plantation estate (including the restaurant, shops, railway, and luau show) is locally owned and operated, ensuring that Gaylord’s maintains a genuine, small-community hospitality. The restaurant’s day-to-day operations and service philosophy emphasize the “aloha spirit”, likely a reason it has thrived for so long.

Chef & Culinary Team: The culinary program is helmed by Executive Chef Johnny Saguid, who has been leading the kitchen for a number of years. Chef Saguid is a veteran of Kauai’s dining scene – he brings “decades of experience at Kauai’s top restaurants” to The Plantation House. Under his guidance, the menu focuses on local island flavors presented with polished technique. Saguid and his team craft dishes that honor traditional Hawaiian ingredients (like fish, taro, tropical fruits) while also incorporating contemporary influences. Diners often praise the consistency and creativity of the dishes, a testament to the chef’s expertise. (Chef Saguid is known to occasionally visit tables to greet guests, adding a personal touch to the experience, especially for repeat patrons.)

It’s worth noting that Gaylord’s has received numerous accolades over the years. Most recently, it earned a 2024 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award (placing it among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide on TripAdvisor). It is frequently included in travel magazine lists of “best restaurants in Hawaii.” Its longevity and reputation speak to the successful blend of history, atmosphere, and quality cuisine it offers.

Menu Highlights & Specialties

General: The Plantation House offers lunch, happy hour, and dinner (with a Sunday brunch offered historically, though currently the restaurant is closed on Sundays). The menus showcase a range of island-influenced dishes – from fresh seafood and Pacific Rim flavors to classic comfort foods – all elevated with gourmet touches. Here are some notable menu highlights:

Farm-Fresh Starters: Popular appetizers include the Ahi Poke Stack, featuring fresh local ahi tuna with avocado and wasabi mayo, served on crispy wonton chips. Another signature starter is the Quick Fried Brie, a warm panko-crusted brie cheese drizzled with honey and truffle oil and served with macadamia nuts and baguette slices. Guests also rave about the Seafood Spring Rolls and the Parmesan Truffle Fries – indulgent beginnings to your meal. A homemade soup of the day and hearty French onion soup are usually available as well.
Salads & Lighter Fare: Given the abundance of produce from their farm, the salads are excellent. The Kilohana Cobb Salad is a meal in itself (topped with Kauai-grown greens, chicken, bacon, avocado, egg, and more), and the Local Field Green Salad incorporates seasonal veggies, goat cheese, and candied macadamia nuts for a local twist. At lunch, they also offer gourmet sandwiches and burgers – the Kilohana Cheeseburger (with caramelized onion and choice of cheese on a brioche) is a favorite among regulars, and the Pulled Pork Sandwich with passionfruit BBQ sauce is a nod to Hawaiian kalua pork, very popular for lunch.
Seafood Specialties: As you’d expect on Kauai, fresh fish is a highlight. There is typically a “Fresh Catch of the Day” entree each day, often prepared with an Asian or Hawaiian flair (for example, pan-roasted and served with an unagi glaze and coconut lemongrass butter sauce). The Fish Tacos at lunch are also a big hit – locally caught fish served in corn tortillas with chipotle crème fraîche and roasted tomato salsa. In the evening, one of Chef Saguid’s signature dishes is the Sesame Seared Ahi (tuna) or a macadamia-crusted fresh catch – preparations may vary seasonally, but these island seafood dishes consistently earn praise.
Meat & Poultry Entrees: The dinner menu balances the seafood with high-quality meat entrees. The Filet Mignon Au Poivre (peppercorn-crusted filet in a green peppercorn demi-glace with truffle whipped potatoes) is frequently recommended for steak lovers. They also serve a Grilled Pork Tenderloin (often glazed or prepared with local fruit flavors) and Hoisin-Glazed Spare Ribs that nod to Asian-fusion BBQ – the ribs were highlighted on a Kauai Safaris writeup as a must-try dinner item. For something unique, the menu’s “Vegan Entrée” – a curry of eggplant, ali‘i mushrooms, baby bok choy and other veggies in a coconut ‘ōlena (turmeric) sauce – gets excellent feedback from vegetarian guests. This shows the kitchen’s effort to cater to a range of diets.
Desserts: Be sure to save room for dessert. The crowning glory is the restaurant’s “Original” Banana Cream Pie, which has achieved a kind of legendary status. It’s a house-made pie featuring a toasted coconut crust, rich banana custard, fresh whipped cream and caramel drizzle – don’t forget the Banana Cream Pie for dessert! the restaurant proudly reminds guests. Many diners consider it the “best banana cream pie” they’ve ever had, and it’s often cited as “a must-try” in reviews. Other dessert options include a warm Chocolate Lava Cake and rotating cheesecake flavors, but the Banana Cream Pie is the runaway favorite (it even frequently sells out on busy nights).
Drinks: The Plantation House’s cocktail program deserves mention as well. Given the presence of Koloa Rum on the property, their 1944 recipe Mai Tai made with local rum is very popular. They offer a variety of tropical cocktails (e.g. a lilikoi-infused Margarita, a guava Mojito, etc.) and a good selection of wines by the glass. During the Happy Hour (3–5pm Mon–Sat), pupus (appetizers) and select drinks are discounted, making it a great time to sample drinks on the open-air lanai.

Overall, the menu is praised for balancing traditional Hawaiian flavors (like poi rolls, fresh fish, tropical fruits) with gourmet technique. The chef changes the menu seasonally to incorporate what’s fresh – for instance, you might see a special utilizing local mangoes when in season, or Kauai prawns when available. There are also nightly specials that take advantage of the freshest catch or farm produce of the day.

(Note: The restaurant used to offer a lavish Sunday Brunch buffet that was beloved by many – featuring made-to-order omelets, prime rib, tropical fruit, and more – however, as of the current update they are not serving brunch due to being closed on Sundays. It’s worth checking the official site or calling ahead if you’re visiting in the future, as Sunday brunch may return or be available for special occasions.)

Customer Reviews & Impressions

The Plantation House by Gaylord’s enjoys an excellent reputation among diners, and recent customer reviews are largely glowing. On TripAdvisor it ranks among the top restaurants on Kauai (Travellers’ Choice 2024) and on Yelp it has over 1,200 reviews with an average around 4.5 stars, indicating widespread approval. Here is a summary of the general sentiment:

Praise for Food & Ambience: A common theme in reviews is the high quality of the food and the beauty of the setting. Many guests call it a “must-do” dining experience on Kauai, especially for a romantic dinner or special occasion, thanks to the superior food and even better service and ambience. Diners consistently praise the flavors of the dishes – from the freshness of the fish to the tenderness of the steaks – often noting that the meals are “inventive yet comforting.” The signature items like the ahi poke, the Kilohana meatloaf (on the kids menu, but adults love it too!), and of course the banana cream pie get shout-outs in numerous reviews. Ambiance is universally loved: patrons describe the courtyard seating as “upscale, lovely, historic but also relaxing”. Watching the sunset while sipping a mai tai here is highlighted as a memorable experience. One visitor from a travel blog wrote that “overall Gaylord’s was a lovely place for lunch”, emphasizing that the ambience was great. It’s clear that the unique atmosphere of the plantation estate leaves an impression.

Service: Service at Gaylord’s is often described as warm and attentive. Many reviews recount friendly servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and who often go above and beyond – for example, servers sometimes greet special occasion diners with a complimentary lei or dessert. A number of diners have mentioned the staff’s aloha spirit and genuine hospitality. “Service was top notch… our charming server made our night,” says one TripAdvisor review. Even those who visit with children note that the staff are accommodating and patient. The only occasional critique on service is that when the restaurant is fully booked, things can slow down a bit. The pace is unhurried (which most guests actually appreciate on vacation), but a handful of reviews mention longer waits for food during peak hours. As one guide noted, “service is friendly but can be slow at times… a quick meal would be antithetical to the Plantation House experience”. In general, plan to relax and not rush through your meal – the staff encourage enjoying the evening at a leisurely island pace.

Critiques: It’s hard to find serious complaints, but a few constructive critiques do pop up in reviews. The most common minor complaint is about speed of service on very busy nights (as mentioned above). A very small number of diners have had isolated issues such as a dish served not hot enough or an order mix-up – for example, one review mentioned their spare ribs entrée arrived not fully warmed, and another felt a particular entree was underwhelming in flavor. However, these are relatively rare in the sea of positive feedback. Management is known to be responsive if any issue is brought to their attention. Price is occasionally mentioned as well – a few budget-conscious diners note that it’s expensive (which it is, by Kauai standards), but most agree the experience justifies the cost. Importantly, 99% of visitors come away happy, and many are repeat customers each time they return to Kauai.

In summary, recent customers highlight the superb atmosphere, delicious farm-fresh food, and gracious service as reasons The Plantation House by Gaylord’s stands out. It’s frequently described as a “highlight of our Kauai trip”. Whether enjoying a sunny lunch in the garden or a candlelit dinner with live music, guests tend to leave with full stomachs and big smiles. The few critiques (slow pacing or the occasional off night) are far outweighed by the praise. The general sentiment is that dining here is well worth it for a taste of authentic Kauai hospitality in a one-of-a-kind historic setting.

Hours & Visitor Tips

Hours of Operation: The Plantation House is open for Lunch and Dinner Monday through Saturday. Lunch service typically runs from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, a limited Happy Hour menu is offered in the late afternoon (roughly 3:00–5:00 PM), and Dinner is served from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM nightly (Mon–Sat). The restaurant is closed on Sundays (as noted, the former Sunday brunch is currently on hold). It’s recommended to arrive on time for your reservation, especially for dinner, as the kitchen closes by 8pm and you’ll want to enjoy your meal unrushed.

Reservations: Reservations are strongly recommended, given the popularity of the restaurant. Walk-ins are accepted if space permits, but it’s not uncommon for dinner slots to book up days in advance during high season. You can reserve via OpenTable or by calling. If you have a large party or a special occasion, calling ahead is best.

Dress Code: The suggested dress is “casual elegant” or “smart casual”. You’ll be comfortable in resort attire – sundresses, nice aloha shirts, slacks or dress shorts are all appropriate. Given the open-air setting, bring a light sweater or jacket for evening dinners as it can get breezy or cool after sunset in Lihue (and in case of a passing rain shower, though the dining area is covered).

Parking & Access: Parking is free and easy. There is a large parking lot on the plantation grounds immediately in front of the restaurant, as well as overflow parking by the Kauai Plantation Railway depot – all within a short walk. If you’re coming from Poipu or Lihue hotels, it’s an easy drive (5–10 minutes from most Lihue spots, ~20–25 minutes from Poipu). Rideshares and taxis also know the location well (just mention “Gaylord’s at Kilohana”). The entrance to the restaurant is through the main manor house front doors; a hostess stand is inside. The facility is wheelchair and stroller accessible (ramps available).

When to Dine: For the best atmosphere, many suggest booking a dinner around sunset (the sky and garden light can be beautiful around 6:30–7:00 PM). If you prefer a quieter experience, lunch is more low-key and you can better appreciate the daytime garden views. Happy hour (3–5 PM) is a hidden gem for those who want to sample appetizers and enjoy drinks at a good value – you can sit in the lounge or courtyard and often catch live music rehearsals.

After Dinner: As a tip, plan some time to explore Kilohana Plantation either before or after your meal. The estate has a number of small shops (selling local art, clothing, and sweets), a rum tasting room (Koloa Rum Co.), and even a 15-minute train ride tour that loops the property – all of which can make for a fun add-on to your dining. In the evening, the plantation grounds are nicely lit, and you’re free to wander the courtyard and ground-floor of the mansion to see historical photos and exhibits about the estate’s history. Many diners enjoy walking off their meal with a short stroll under the moonlight, admiring the plantation’s beauty.

In conclusion, The Plantation House by Gaylord’s offers a truly unique Kauai dining experience: a combination of rich history, picturesque ambiance, and farm-to-table culinary excellence. From the moment you step into the old manor house courtyard, you’re greeted with the aloha spirit and a sense that you’re dining in a bygone era. Whether you’re savoring a leisurely lunch with garden views or a romantic dinner with live island music, this restaurant delivers authenticity and warmth. The menu’s blend of local ingredients and gourmet flair consistently delights guests – don’t leave without trying that famous banana cream pie! Overall, if you’re looking for authentic island hospitality, refined local cuisine, and a setting you won’t forget, The Plantation House by Gaylord’s at Kilohana Plantation is a top choice on Kauai.

Sources:

Official Kilohana Plantation Website – Plantation House by Gaylord’s (menu, hours, contact info, and history)
Hawaiʻi Tourism “GoHawaii” Listing – Plantation House by Gaylord’s (overview, description of setting, local sourcing, phone/address)
OpenTable Listing – The Plantation House by Gaylord’s (cuisine types, price range, hours, chef, amenities)
HawaiianIslands.com Review – Gaylord’s at Kilohana (expert review of ambiance “magical”, chef background, popular dishes, service notes)
Kauai Safaris Guide – Gaylord’s Restaurant (historical notes “since 1986”, menu highlights like spare ribs, burger, brunch, banana cream pie)
TripSavvy Travel Guide – Kilohana Plantation (history of the estate: built 1935 by Gaylord Wilcox, 16,000 sq ft mansion, restoration details)
Yelp Review Excerpts (customer perspectives on food, service, ambiance – e.g. “lovely place for lunch…service was great and so was the ambience”) and TripAdvisor Review Excerpts (both positive and critical feedback).