Basking in this bountiful buffet

There’s no doubt that locals know their way around a buffet, and those who’ve dined at Pagoda Floating Restaurant & Catering before know that there’s something special about the way the establishment does its all-you-can-eat brunches.

Service, though, will look a little different due to coronavirus safeguards. Now, Pagoda employees will be staffing each serving station, so guests can rest assured knowing that appropriate precautions are in place for safe dining. But, don’t worry, it’s still all-you-can-eat!

Coming up is the restaurant’s Easter brunch ($84.95, adults; $64.95, seniors 65 and older; $29.95, keiki ages 4-10; one keiki eats free with each paying adult) that’s highlighted by roast prime rib, snow crab legs and chefs stations — omelets and hand roll sushi, for example — to suit every palate.

Starting things off are appetizers like Japanese potato macaroni salad, island fresh sashimi and fresh oysters on the half shell, and you can end things on a sweet note with cakes, pies, fruits and zenzai with mochi. For entrées, expect local favorites like a Hawaiian seafood bake, Asian lemongrass chicken, baked lemon dill salmon and a miso mushroom pasta.

The latter, says assistant restaurant manager Kelvin Nakahata, is something guests will particularly enjoy. It’s based on a recommendation from his sister, who assured him he’d love it.

“I brought it to work, and everyone tried it and they liked it, too,” he adds.

No visit to Pagoda would be complete without that picture-perfect snapshot in front of the eatery’s waterfall. Just make sure to maintain social distancing from other parties when doing so!