Celebrating People and Momentous Occasions

The next time you find yourself in the middle of Waikiki, be it for work or for pleasure, pay a visit to Hawaii Prince Hotel, a favorite destination among kamaaina for its vast selection of international and island-style fare. Overlooking Ala Wai Harbor, Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki is home to premier buffets at Prince Court, and authentic flavors of Japan at Japanese restaurant Hakone, which specializes in kaiseki, the finest dining style of Japan’s imperial court.

Come Wednesday, April 22, Prince Court honors all administrative professionals, as it hosts a special lunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mauna Kea Ballroom. The cost (non-refundable) is $50 per person/$500 per table of 10.

Executive chef Kirby Wong leads Prince Court’s culinary team, creating edible art, which features subtle blends of the classic culinary techniques of East and West, prepared with fresh, locally sourced products from land and sea. Headliners include Ahi and Clam Poke, Quinoa Salad, Steamed Catch “Chinatown Style” with Lup Cheong, Mochiko Chicken, Asian-Style Braised Beef and more. Other highlights, such as a pho station and an assortment of desserts, also are on the menu.

Reservations are recommended, as seating is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

“It’s a Hawaii Prince Hotel tradition to celebrate Administrative Professionals Day,” says hotel manager Wade Gesteuyala. “We appreciate the dedication and hard work they do to get things accomplished. Our luncheon is designed to honor these professionals with great Hawaiian entertainment and award-winning food!”

Yet, before showing the administrative professionals in your life just how much you appreciate them, take the opportunity to congratulate Hawaii Prince Hotel on its quarter-of-a-century milestone.

“It is an honor to be part of the hotel’s silver anniversary,” Gesteuyala exclaims. “This important milestone gives me an opportunity to reflect on the past 25 years with our loyal staff and guests. I’m so proud of what this team has accomplished, and I look forward to what the next 25 years will bring.”

Tomorrow, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club will commemorate its 25-year anniversary and “A Legacy of Serving” its guests and the local community. Attendees will be treated to an exquisite wine selection, and the hotel’s talented chefs Gary Strehl, Eberhard “Hardy” Kintscher, Goran Streng, Masami Shimoyama, Peter Abarcar Jr. and Kirby Wong will craft stellar dishes. Donn Takahashi, president of Prince Resorts Hawaii, also will prepare one of his signature dishes in honor of this momentous occasion. All proceeds will benefit Easter Seals Hawaii’s Autism program.

“We have a lot of loyal guests who regularly return for a casual meal or to celebrate a special occasion, and they can expect to find the usual high-standard quality, as well as a wide array of options,” says food and beverage marketing assistant Joy Basuel.

With breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner options, Prince Court’s buffets have earned quite an outstanding reputation with both locals and tourists alike, and was named last year’s first-place winner of Honolulu Star-Advertiser‘s Hawaii’s Best Awards for “Best Buffet.”

Prince Court’s seafood dinner buffet (available daily) features mouthwatering crab and, of course, prime rib. In addition, the lunchtime crowd has taken a liking to the buffet’s shabu shabu offerings. Senior discounts for guests age 50 and up are available as well, and from Monday through Thursday until May 7, patrons who mention the hotel’s “25th Anniversary Promotion” will receive 25 percent off their meal (some restrictions apply). For more information or to make reservations, call 944-4444.

On the brink of graduation season, Basuel also mentions that “for banquet events such as graduation parties, Prince Court offers 50 percent off the private room fee and 10 percent off Prince Court’s Seafood Dinner Buffet for new bookings for events held Monday through Thursday with a minimum of 50 guests.” Restrictions apply. Call 952-4789 or email hphw-c&cs@hiprince.com for more details.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, Hakone beckons those who want a taste of Japan. Its sushi presentation is made to order by chef Shimoyama, who utilizes the freshest ingredients from the sushi bar. Restaurant manager Ikuko Shimizu, who also serves as sake sommelier, is on hand to recommend the best drink choice to complement your meal.

As for both restaurants, all desserts are made in-house. Marukai members also can enjoy a special discount at Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki’s dining outlets.

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki

PRINCE COURT

Breakfast: Monday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-10:30 a.m.; Sunday, 6 a.m.-8:30 a.m. (8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. located in Hakone)
Brunch: Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch: Monday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Seafood Dinner Buffet: Daily, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Note: Prince Court is located on the third floor. Resort/business attire requested.

HAKONE
Friday-Sunday, 5-9:30 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.
Note: Hakone is located on the third floor. Resort/business attire requested.