Bibas Offers Bounty of Can’t-Miss Cuisine

Situated at the “gateway to Waikiki” on Kalia Road, Bibas Courtyard Grill offers a unique escape to flavor within an inviting, contemporary setting.

Bibas welcomes guests with ample indoor and outdoor seating on the ground level of Hale Koa Hotel’s Maile Tower just past the sprawling banyan tree and adjacent to the hotel’s intriguing koi fish pond. The restaurant’s eclectic menu offers up an array of selections prepared by sous chef Kirby Haynes and the skilled culinary team, which incorporates island and ethnic flavors with classic favorites including steaks, pizzas, pastas and seafood.

Those dining at Bibas must show proper identification noting active duty, retired or reserve status in the military, or as Department of Defense personnel. Non-military guests are welcomed with sponsorship from a friend or family member possessing the aforementioned qualifications. Members of various clubs and organizations, including Navy League, are also eligible for access to Bibas and other establishments on the property.

“We have re-engineered our menu with new items — we get a lot of compliments on our food, which the whole family can enjoy,” says Bibas manager Gregory Lau. “We sit right on the beach at the ‘gateway to Waikiki’ and offer a paradise oasis away from the hustle and bustle.”

Shrimp Tempura ($10.95) and Awesome Onion Blossom ($9.95) — a giant onion flower dipped in batter and fried until crisp and served with a house-made red pepper garlic mayonnaise — serve as superb starters before one indulges in a host of entree favorites. Bibas also has a brick oven in its kitchen capable of producing stellar pizzas ($14.95 apiece) with desired flavor combinations the likes of Pepperoni, Kalua Pork or Spicy Italian Sausage and Mushroom.

Steak-n-Lobster ($34.95) personifies surf-n-turf as a 10-ounce New York steak is paired with a succulent cold-water lobster tail. Haynes also recommends Bibas 18 oz. Bone-In Rib Eye Steak ($28.95), a “tomahawk cut” of tender beef topped with herbed butter and served with steamed white rice, mashed potatoes, french fries or brown rice and fresh vegetables.

Slow Roasted Island Style BBQ Ribs ($22.95) serve as a favorite amongst visitors and kamaaina alike, as the hearty portion of baby back pork ribs are roasted until tender, slathered with a tangy pineapple barbecue sauce and accompanied by steamed white rice, mashed potatoes, french fries or brown rice and fresh vegetables. Those craving fresh seafood are in luck as well. Fresh Fish ($22.95) is available daily and features island catches. The fish is prepared just the way one likes it: sauteed, baked, broiled or blackened, along with a choice of lemon butter, herb cream or tartar sauce.

One should also save room for dessert, as Bibas offers a host of tasty treats including Lilikoi Fruit Bar ($6.95), Tropical Guava Mousse Roll ($5.95), Caramel Macadamia Nut Bar ($7.95), Crème Brulee ($7.95) and Coconut Cheesecake ($8.95) — a blend of cream cheese and sour cream with a hint of coconut baked on a crunchy chocolate layered graham cracker crust with fresh strawberry sauce to top it off.

Bibas serves up Happy Hour from 3 to 4:30 p.m. daily at the bar, during which guests are treated to specially priced beer, wine and select cocktails. Validated parking is also available at $3 for six hours.

Hale Koa Hotel is also a one-stop shop for catering and event planning for special occasions and celebrations. Military personnel or sponsored guests can take advantage of Hale Koa’s beautiful 72-acre property capable of hosting anywhere from 25 to 600 for a wide range of events, including graduation parties, first birthday luaus, anniversary celebrations and weddings. As an added bonus, state sales tax does not apply because Hale Koa is a federal establishment, thus resulting in substantial savings for guests. For more information on booking events and catering options, call the catering department at 955-9608.

“Not only do we assist with catered functions, but we also offer areas where guests come for wedding vow renewals— our gardens are so nicely appointed, and we’re right on the beach,” Lau says of the expansive property that offers many picture-perfect moments.

Bibas Courtyard Grill

Hale Koa Hotel
2055 Kalia Road, Honolulu
955-0555
Daily, 5-9 p.m.; Bar opens at 3 p.m.
Notes: Guests are encouraged to check out a host of additional dining opportunities available at the Hale Koa Hotel, including: Hale Koa Luau in the Luau Garden Monday and Thursday nights at 5:30 p.m.; award-winning magic show in the Banyan Tree Showroom Wednesdays at 6 p.m.; Sunday Brunch starting at 9 a.m.; nightly entertainment at the Barefoot Bar situated beachside; and daily a la carte and buffet dining at Koko Cafè.