Food takes starring role

A5 Miyazaki Wagyu (Part of Chef’s Tasting Menu, $130 per person or $175 with wine pairing). Photo courtesy of The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Dining at Hoku’s at The Kahala Hotel & Resort captures a total experience, satisfying all of the guest’s senses.

It stems from chef Eric Oto, who artfully melds fresh ingredients in his own signature technique influenced by his travels and his childhood memories of being taught about food by his father, an avid fisherman. Hoku’s at the Kahala offers diners three distinct special menus — the Chef’s Tasting Menu, Global Cuisine and Island Flavors. The restaurant also has a refined wine list to accompany the cuisine.

Among the items on the Chef’s Tasting Menu ($130 per person or $175 with wine pairing) is the Amuse Bouche featuring Torched Kampachi. This menu also includes Big Island Abalone, Shellfish Ravioli, Sauteed Foie Gras and Strawberry-Hibiscus Pavlova.