1Kitchen at 1Hotel Hanalei Bay

At 1Hotel Hanalei Bay, the 1Kitchen restaurant serves as a catch all spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

At 1Hotel Hanalei Bay, dining and spending time at 1Kitchen restaurant was a pleasant, well designed way to pass time. Being in the space invoked a sense of being in the tree tops, high above the coastline of Princeville.

Must have been the bird’s nest styled lighting elements.

Kai Maika’I by 1Kitchen

The evening began at Kai Maika’I by 1Kitchen. Now, I will say that the bar is VERY small. The bar table seats are few and very far between. There is seating off to the side of the building. However, it’s not as engaging and fun.

I ordered a custom variation of the MAI TAI-ROA AE (Kuleana Nanea, Sweet Vermouth, Passion Fruit Pineapple, Citrus, Orgeat, KōHana Kokoleka Float) to start.

Now, there is one thing that the bartenders in Hawaii know – and know how to do extremely well. And that’s make a Mai Tai and every other variation of it.

Conversations flowed as we relaxed at the bar, speaking with the bartender and other patrons. For a snack, I ordered an appetizing bowl of the GRILLED LOCAL SHRIMP (Meyer Lemon, Garden Herbs, Sea Salt).

Perfect for a light snack as I sipped on my Mai Tai before dinner reservations at 1Kitchen.

Dinner at 1Kitchen

Dinner at 1Kitchen was a lovely, open air affair.  Settling in, I ordered the AGAVE MELE (Teremana Blanco Tequila, Montelobos Mezcal, Dragon Fruit, Guava, Coconut Water, Lime, Aromatic Bitters).

Then, the TUNA CARPACCIO (Grilled Golden Pineapple, Chili, Scallion, Crispy Shallot) arrived. Absolutely delicious.

As I sliced the fresh fish and placed it on my tongue, I felt blessed by the vibes of the island.

However, I felt that the dish needed a bit of….. je ne sais quoi. So I asked our waiter for crackers. To which, he swiftly complied. I felt that completed the dish succinctly.

For dinner, I devoured the GEMELLI (Maui Nui Venison Sugo, Calabrian Chili, Pecorino Romano) along with the SHOESTRING ZA’ATAR FRIES (Crispy Shoestring, Garlic, Herbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Harissa Ketchup).

Every bite of the gemelli was delicious. It was perfectly seasoned with a delightful mouthfeel of flavor.

I also had a taste of the 12OZ BLACK ANGUS FLAT IRON (Carrot Three Ways, Confit Shallot, Gremolata) – which was delicious.

Buffet by 1Kitchen

Now, take all that into consideration and you can see how I expected buffet breakfast at 1Kitchen to be outstanding.

Instead, it was – an experience.

Because I’d had the breakfast buffet at DUO at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea mere days before, I felt that the buffet breakfast at 1Kitchen was lackluster.

Plus, because 1Kitchen is an open air restaurant, birds were EVERYWHERE during our breakfast.

They would swarm different tables and go to town on the remaining scraps.

Yes, it was the inevitable nature of the situation and design of the structure. However, I don’t want to eat breakfast and worry about a bird shitting in my food.

Just not my thing.

Frankly, I would suggest going off property for breakfast, in Hanalei Bay. Especially, Wake Up Delicious Cafe.

Overall, I would whole heartedly suggest going to 1Kitchen for dinner and drinks. We had an outstanding time and enjoyed every moment.

But for breakfast……. consider getting a light breakfast at Neighbors – or going off property and exploring finds in Hanalei Bay – and get on with your day.

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