Royal Hawaiian’s Exquisite Easter ‘Hop’-penings

Spring into Easter as The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, is gearing up for its annual Easter Egg Hunt and Easter brunch, April 8. The fun kicks off at 9:30 a.m. as keiki of all ages are invited to participate in one of the largest Easter egg hunts in the heart of Waikiki, with more than 2,000 treat-filled eggs scattered throughout the resort’s Coconut Grove area.

“The Easter egg hunt is a very exciting tradition that we have here,” says Camilla Carboni, sales/on-line marketing coordinator for the resort. “Everyone runs out and searches for eggs. We have two Easter bunnies that will greet our guests and take photos with them.

“There also will be opportunities to win prizes, because in some of the eggs are little tags to win different offerings such as gift baskets and night stays at the resort — there’s a huge selection of prizes,” she adds. “We’re expecting close to 250 people to show up for the Easter egg hunt.”

Once all the eggs are accounted for, guests will continue to celebrate the joy of Easter at Surf Lanai Restaurant. Easter brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is priced at $88 for adults and $53 for children ages 6 to 12. (Children ages 5 and under eat for free with a paying adult.)

Executive chef Hans Stierli has created an alluring brunch buffet, and plans to captivate taste buds with an array of upscale cuisine.

“The Easter Brunch is all about the freshest cuisine,” Stierli says. “The buffet is reflective of the diversity of our kitchen and different cultures here in Hawaii. We try to use local ingredients whenever possible.”

Carboni adds, “This is the first year that our Easter Brunch is being held at Surf Lanai Restaurant, and we really want to give that ocean-view experience. It’s a little more casual this year, but very family-oriented. The buffet is a mix of Western, Asian and Island-inspired cuisine.”

The buffet offers something for everyone, including stations for omelets and eggs, waffles and soups. And breakfast entrees run the gamut, spotlighting morning favorites such as Eggs Benedict, Canadian Bacon and Hollandaise, Crispy Bacon, Banger Sausage and Bacon Onion Rosti.

“I really think the abundance of the seafood is really impressive, and our Dry Aged Prime Rib served with Horseradish and Fig Onion Marmalade is always a hit,” Stierli adds.

The cold seafood display is an exquisite feast for any seafood aficionado as it highlights an abundance of fruit from the sea, including chilled prawns, crab claws and lobster tails paired with savory American cocktail sauce and island dipping sauce; Shrimp Ceviche; Pier 38 Fish Ceviche; and Ahi, Tako and Shrimp Poke.

Roasted Suckling Pig served with steamed bao buns and a hoisin plum sauce also will make mouths water, in addition to Whole Steamed Onaga, and an expansive sushi bar, which features nigiri and maki sushi, temaki, futomaki, chumaki, hosomaki, and ahi and salmon sashimi. Also gracing this magnificent buffet will be the Asian noodle station, international cheese display, salads, island fruit display and pastries.

And according to Chef’s orders, “You must leave room for dessert!” Of course, what premier buffet would be complete without the sweetest of endings? Chef Hans and his team have whipped up a plethora of sweet creations ranging from Royal Hawaiian’s Play on Key Lime Pie to Opera Cake, Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Pie, Wailua Chocolate Pot de Creme, Chocolate Mousse Cups with Fruit, Bread Pudding, a chocolate fountain, and more.

“Our Signature Pink Haupia Cake is what we’re known for,” Carboni states. “It’s a layered pink and white haupia sponge cake topped with seasonal fruits of strawberries, blackberries and blueberries, and garnished with coconut flakes. A lot of the time we also add a hint of gold flakes for a finishing touch.”

Make it an Easter to remember at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. Seats for the brunch are filling up rather quickly, so make your reservations now by calling Starwood Hotels & Resorts Waikiki’s Dining Desk at 921.4600. Four hour complimentary valet and self parking is available with validation.

Surf Lanai Restaurant

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