Prince Court’s Bounty of Royal Feasts

By offering a bounty of contemporary island cuisine coupled with local favorites and familiar flavors, the Prince Court buffet reigns supreme with its award-winning feasts.

Case in point, Prince Court recently was named “Best Buffet” as part of Honolulu Star-Advertiser‘s Hawaii’s Best 2015 people’s choice awards. The buffet has received so many awards in recent years that the management team already has filled a wall and has moved on to a second one within the restaurant to display all of its honors and distinctions.

Situated on the third floor of Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, Prince Court features a blend of culinary techniques and incorporates the talents of executive chef Kirby Wong, executive sous chef Lance Shimabuku and their skilled culinary team. The expansive buffet offers a spacious, inviting dining area flanked by stunning views of Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and serves up a perfect vantage point for enjoying a picturesque sunset.

Hawaii Prince’s director of food and beverage Ward Almeida explains that the restaurant offers an eclectic mix of traditional breakfast (available daily; $25, $12.50 children ages 6-10) and brunch (Sunday; $43.50, $21.75 children) items, Eurasian-inspired dishes during lunch (Monday through Friday; $30.50, $15.25 children), a special Hawaiian food spread for lunch Saturdays ($33, $16.50 children) and the ever-popular seafood buffet for dinner (nightly; $52, $26 children).

Diners rave about Chilled Snow Crab Legs, Steamed Santolla King Crab and Asian-Style Braised Short Ribs with stir-fried wok vegetables, as well as assorted poke, sashimi, mussels, oysters and succulent Prime Rib with au jus and creamy horseradish available on the dinner buffet. The lunch buffet features Japanese sushi and tempura in addition to dim sum, noodles, pasta, fish, fresh salads and fruits, delectable desserts and much more.

“There’s something for everyone, and we’re able to accommodate large parties in addition to offering two private dining rooms,” says Almeida, who notes that the hotel is conveniently located at the gateway to Waikiki, making it easily accessible for both kamaaina and visitors. “The key is to give customers what they want, and for local diners, they want good food and ample selection.”

Prince Court serves as the ideal dining destination for graduation parties, birthday celebrations, business functions and any other get-together. As a special inside scoop for Dining Out readers, Prince Court is offering 10 percent off the seafood dinner buffet for 10 guests or more Monday through Thursday, and 50 percent off the private dining room fee (additional service charges and restrictions may apply). Also, Prince Court guests can enjoy 20 percent off the seafood buffet as part of its Back-to-School special now available through the end of August for parties of six or less.

As a reminder: These specials are available through Aug. 31, 2015; diners must mention the specials when booking; offer not combinable with other discounts or promotions and may not be used on holidays or with special menus; does not apply to pre-booked functions; call 952-4789 for more details.

While visiting Hawaii Prince Hotel, guests also are encouraged to check out Hakone and its award-winning authentic Japanese cuisine. At Hakone, diners will marvel at the tranquil and picturesque setting while enjoying an array of delec-table sushi or traditional meals that incorporate only the finest ingredients coupled with pure, delicate flavors. Hakone also features premium sakes hand-selected by a Kikisake-Shi, or sake sommelier.

The hotel has its own Hawaii Prince Golf Course as well, featuring 27 dramatic holes designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay on the Ewa Plain. After a round of golf, or for guests in the area looking for a memorable meal, diners are encouraged to visit Bird of Paradise restaurant for breakfast (Saturday and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and Monday through Friday, 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.), brunch (Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $33.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 6-10), lunch (Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m.) and special occasions, including birthdays and graduation parties. Call 952-4784 for reservations and more information.

Seniors age 50 and older can look forward to special rates at all three restaurants: Prince Court Buffet ($20 for breakfast Monday through Thursday; $25 for the lunch buffet Monday through Friday; and $42 for the dinner buffet Monday through Thursday); Hakone ($46, regularly priced at $52, for the dinner buffet Tuesday through Thursday) and Bird of Paradise ($26.95 for the brunch buffet Sundays).

Prince Court

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, third floor
100 Holomoana St., Honolulu
944-4494
Breakfast: Monday-Saturday, 6-10:30 a.m. and Sunday, 6-8:30 a.m.
Brunch: Sunday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lunch: Monday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dinner: daily, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Note: Ample parking is available at Hawaii Prince — guests may use the self-park garage or convenient valet service — and supplementary parking is available at Marina Parking Garage.