Where to eat when the hike is finished

Hawaiian Breakfast Special ($13)

Unlike dining in tall buildings, why not give nature a chance and take to the tops of trees in lush Manoa Valley? Treetops Restaurant is most famous for serving generations of locals for more than 30 years with its great service and mouthwatering meals.

This much-loved eatery sits on the top level of a two-story building surrounded by Manoa’s greenery. The restaurant offers a daily lunch buffet, an a la carte menu with breakfast served all day and a bar. The eatery also is known for catering private parties off site and hosting events on site.

Treetops features a stage, main dining room and banquet room for special occasions of all sizes.

One of Treetops Restaurant’s most beloved meals is Garlic Mochiko Chicken Plate Lunch. For just $12, patrons indulge in a dish made with fresh chicken that has been marinated overnight. “It’s coated with mochiko flour, and we fry it with teriyaki sauce,” explains head chef Letecia “Tess” Panoncillo. The tasty chicken is served over rice with a house salad on the side.

Another favorite is Hawaiian Breakfast Special. For $13, who says you can’t enjoy breakfast at any time of day? This hamand-cheese omelet is topped with scrumptious beef stew and served with rice.

Garlic Mochiko Chicken Plate Lunch ($12)

“All of our food here resembles home cooking,” explains Panoncillo. “We’ve learned our recipes by experience and have kept on the menu what the customers love.”

Since Treetops Restaurant is located near Manoa Falls hiking trail, the eatery attracts a lot of hungry hikers. In addition to the tasty aforementioned dishes, treat yourself to After-Da-Hike-Lemonade ($8). This refreshing cocktail is made with Maui Pau Vodka, lemonade and a splash of cranberry grenadine — guaranteed to quench your thirst after a hike.

While many customers enjoy Treetops Restaurant’s a la carte menu, they equally love its buffet. Set to be featured in its Mother’s Day Buffet is a dessert you cannot miss. Saving the best for last (or first, if you’re impatient), sink your teeth into White Cake with Butter Cream Frosting. This moist vanilla cake is like no other and is sure to make Mom smile.

Treetops Restaurant

3737 Manoa Road, Manoa
988-6864 (restaurant); 988-6839 (catering and events)
Daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; buffet: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; open evenings for reserved parties
Reservations required on weekends.
Parking is free all day in upper lot located across the building.