X

A Local Favorite

A La Carte Columns

September 25, 2016

Story By: Yu Shing Ting |

There simply is no other place like Treetops Restaurant on the Island. A dining tradition for generations of local families and visitors alike, the iconic eatery sits high in the trees of Manoa Valley, offering stunning panoramic views of the rain forest, while guests enjoy tasty island cuisine and friendly service.

The restaurant serves a lunch buffet ($18, available 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily) with many island-favorites, such as Kalua Pig, Chicken Long Rice, Fried Noodles, Steamed Fish, Teriyaki Chicken, salad bar, fruits and desserts.

An assortment of desserts are available on the buffet line. Photo courtesy of Treetops Restaurant

An assortment of desserts are available on the buffet line.
Photo courtesy of Treetops Restaurant

There also is an a la carte breakfast and lunch menu available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring a variety of classic dishes, including cheeseburgers, fish and chips, and acai bowls. Or enjoy the $7.99 Breakfast Special, available all day, consisting of four pieces of bacon, two eggs any-style and hash brown or rice. And for the many hikers passing through to neighboring Manoa Falls, the restaurant offers a Hiker’s Special: buy one buffet, get one half off.

Treetops is closed for dinner, but available for private dinner parties of up to 300 guests. The spacious restaurant also features entertainment stages and seven outdoor balconies.

“It’s a wonderful place,” says owner Larry Haanio. “There’s the view, the air is fresh, the food is great and it’s really very roomy. Also, what sets this place apart is this is where aloha lives.”

New Sweets

Treetops Restaurant in Manoa recently introduced new desserts to its lunch buffet, including a unique Ulu Pie with a layer of haupia on top.

“We wanted to develop something that is Hawaiian and something that would take off,” explains owner Larry Haanio. “One day, our chef was working with ulu and came up with ulu bread pudding, and we thought, Wow, that’s really great, why don’t you try this with haupia on top. She did and it was ‘broke the mouth!'”

There also are your classic pies, such as custard, pumpkin (seasonal) and lemon meringue. All are homemade from scratch, and Haanio says they hope to eventually offer their pies for sale. Guests also can enjoy freshly baked chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, pineapple upside down cake and cupcakes, flat sheet cake with frosting and assorted fruits.

Treetops Restaurant

3737 Manoa Road
988-6839
Daily, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96822

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best