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CanoeHouse Exterior - CanoeHouse, Kamuela, HI

CanoeHouse

4.8 (4081)
$50 and over
Creative Japanese
View menu
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Kamuela, HI 96743

Make a reservation

A photo of CanoeHouse restaurant

CanoeHouse

4.8
$50 and over
Creative Japanese
Kamuela

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 61 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
Dine in the company of friends old and new at CanoeHouse, where Hawai‘i’s deep connection between land and sea is celebrated through soulful, Japanese-inspired cuisine. Set against the backdrop of golden sunsets and the Pacific’s horizon, this cherished oceanfront restaurant has welcomed generations of guests since opening in 1989. Once a humble canoe storage site frequented by legends like Duke Kahanamoku and Babe Ruth, CanoeHouse has evolved into a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang brings a rich island heritage to each thoughtfully crafted, seasonal dish—highlighting Hawai‘i’s diverse ingredients, farmers, and purveyors with every bite.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Creative Japanese, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Executive chef
    Rhoda Magbitang
  • Private party facilities
    Whether celebrating a special occasion with friends and family or hosting a group gathering, CanoeHouse offers two distinct spaces to host your events - both with unparalleled views, delicious food and welcoming service.
  • Private party contact
    CanoeHouse: (808) 885-6622
  • Neighborhood
    Kamuela
  • Cross street
    Valet Parking is available at the Mauna Lani Resort - free for three hours
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 4,081 people are saying

CanoeHouse reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Hawaii

    Best Ambiance

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Overall

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Food

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Service

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Best Ambiance

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Great for fine wines

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Romantic

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Good for special occasions

  • Hawaii / Big Island

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
CanoeHouse offers a "breathtaking oceanfront setting" and "impeccable service," making it a top dining destination on the Big Island. Guests rave about the "culinary excellence" and "creative food preparation," with standout dishes like tempura lobster and Iberico pork. While prices are high, the "unforgettable dining experience" is worth it.
4,081 Reviews
  1. Heather Gold

    Seattle5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The view from this restaurant is amazing! Our server was outstanding. The fresh catch (Mahi Mahi) was incredible as well as the garlic rice. Highly recommend.

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  2. robert Gold

    Tucson10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just the absolute best experience. Superb food snd service!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Brian

    Los Angeles1 review

    4.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Most food was very good. Service was slow at times as we had to chase down the waiter. The highlight was the kanpachi. Lowlight was passing off pacific oysters as Kushis. When called out on it, the server confirmed the chef also didn’t think they were Kushis but their supplier was adamant.

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  4. Steven Gold

    Phoenix10 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Make no mistake, the ambiance at CanoeHouse is hard to beat—you’re dining next to the ocean while the sun goes down and the waves rolls in—but unfortunately that’s about the only saving grace of this overpriced, underwhelming meal. The service you’d expect at a restaurant like this is lacking in every way, from the maître d’ to our waiter, we were quite surprised. Our waiter seemed angry he had to speak to us at all and had zero patience to answer our questions or help in any way. He also never checked on the cooking of our A5 wagyu and as a result, we ended up with a plate of overcooked steak (not ideal at $32/oz). The rest of our food was fine, but not one dish was exceptional, apart from the bread service…which is probably not where you want your meal to peak. The wine selection is fine, but mostly overpriced to force you into $40+/per glass selections vs. providing variety at more reasonable price points; but if you’re ordering a bottle, you’re probably not worried about that anyway. Overall, I would recommend this to someone who wants a beautiful view and is okay with mediocre food. I’d certainly think twice about returning and to be honest, would rather spend $100 on forgettable room service than $600 on a forgettable dining experience.
    CanoeHouseResponded 4 days ago
    Steven, Thank you for your candid review. This is not the experience we wish to deliver. I left my email in a private message should you wish to follow up on your dining experience further. John

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  5. Erica Gold

    Houston8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food and ambience, such a beautiful restaurant!!!
    CanoeHouseResponded 4 days ago
    Thank you for your 5- star review!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Joan Gold

    Hawaii8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was outstanding. Beautiful setting with an early reservation the sun was challenging! Kind of the restaurant to move us out of the sun . The standouts were the bread ,salad and fish dishes were also fantastic. Server was attentive and receptive to our needs.
    CanoeHouseResponded 4 days ago
    Thank you for your review! I have passed along your excellent feedback to our service team for recognition John

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  7. David Gold

    Orange County11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s our favorite place to go to in Hawaii! The meal was the best I’ve ever had but it was a bit pricey. Very romantic setting on the beach and sun setting. Beautiful!
    CanoeHouseResponded 4 days ago
    Thank you for the kind words. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Joanne Gold

    West Palm Beach50 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on June 6, 2026

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Food was average. The service was friendly, however it did not have the level of a fine dining restaurant.
    CanoeHouseResponded 7 days ago
    I regret to hear about your experience. I have left my contact information in a message separate- please feel free to reach out if you wish to share more regarding your dinner at Canoehouse. I look forward to connecting soon.- John

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  9. BIlly Gold

    Houston1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 5, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent waiter (Ian). Food was delicious but expensive. Ambiance was on target

    Is this helpful?

  10. Brie

    San Diego8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 4, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    CanoeHouse was by far my favorite dining experience on the island. The service was wonderful, the food was fantastic, and the view was superb. I highly recommend this restaurant. We are already trying to get reservations to go back again.

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Creative Japanese, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Executive chef
    Rhoda Magbitang
  • Private party facilities
    Whether celebrating a special occasion with friends and family or hosting a group gathering, CanoeHouse offers two distinct spaces to host your events - both with unparalleled views, delicious food and welcoming service.
  • Private party contact
    CanoeHouse: (808) 885-6622
  • Neighborhood
    Kamuela
  • Cross street
    Valet Parking is available at the Mauna Lani Resort - free for three hours
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, CanoeHouse takes private party bookings and welcomes special events. Guests have held anniversaries and larger family celebrations there; contact the restaurant or hotel events team to discuss group menus, private‑event spaces, and seating for special occasions.

Generally yes, CanoeHouse lists dinner service daily, and guests have dined there on holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Holiday evenings can be especially busy and may feature fixed menus or special seating, so reserve early and confirm any holiday hours or special menus with the restaurant.

Yes, guests frequently request birthday desserts, allergy accommodations, seating preferences, and private‑party arrangements. Reviews note that staff often handle allergy substitutions and celebratory touches (occasional complimentary desserts), and the restaurant accepts private party bookings. Call the restaurant ahead to confirm specific requests (dietary needs, seating for sunset, accessibility).

Portions are generally generous for sharing starters and some mains, but guests are mixed on value. Many people praise shareable items (whole fish, seafood tower, lobsters) and say servings aren’t stingy; others find some entrees small for the price. Sides are often ordered separately. If you want to be sure you won’t leave hungry, plan to share a few apps, order a side like Garlic Fried Rice, or choose larger mains (whole fish or ribeye).

Yes, CanoeHouse is a top choice for a romantic date night. Guests repeatedly praise the oceanfront sunset views, attentive service, and elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. The menu leans Japanese‑inspired with shareable starters (Shokupan bread, lobster tempura) and steaks or seafood mains, making it easy to craft a special multi‑course meal. Expect higher prices, it’s a splurge‑worthy spot best for anniversaries or celebrations; book early for a sunset table.

CanoeHouse offers indoor and outdoor oceanfront seating, a bar area, and space for private parties. Guests describe dining on a patio by the lawn and ocean, cozy interior tables, and bar seating for a more casual experience. The restaurant also accepts private party bookings, so larger or special‑occasion groups can be accommodated.

Warm, romantic, and distinctly oceanfront, CanoeHouse blends casual‑elegant service with dramatic sunset views and Pacific breezes. Guests praise attentive staff, live music at times, fire pits after dark, and a relaxed luxe vibe that’s great for celebrations. Note: some nights are lively with families or windy conditions outdoors; book accordingly if you want a quieter table.

Dress code is Resort Casual. Guests typically wear smart casual or island‑elegant attire appropriate for sunset dinners at a resort restaurant. If you’re attending a special occasion, a slightly dressier outfit fits the atmosphere.

Busiest: sunset hours (roughly 6–7:30 pm), weekends and holidays, many guests book specifically for sunset. Quietest: early dinner openings (5:00–5:30 pm) and some weekday evenings are generally calmer. If you want a relaxed meal and quicker service, aim for the early seating or a weekday.

Yes to family‑friendly seating, CanoeHouse welcomes families and has a Keiki (kids) menu for younger guests. Guests often bring children and celebrate birthdays; there’s a grassy lawn nearby where kids sometimes play. Accessibility specifics (ramps, ADA seating) aren’t listed, so call ahead to confirm any mobility or seating needs and request accommodations.

Yes, CanoeHouse is known for its outdoor oceanfront patio and sunset‑facing tables. Guests frequently praise dining outdoors with ocean and sunset views, as well as nearby lawn space and fire pits after dark. Outdoor seating can be subject to wind or weather, so check conditions and request indoor seating if needed.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Hawaii
  4. Hawaii / Big Island
  5. Kamuela

Make a reservation

A photo of CanoeHouse restaurant

CanoeHouse

4.8
$50 and over
Creative Japanese
Kamuela

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 61 times today
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