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Pa 'akai Reviews List

Pa 'akai

This Turtle Bay resort dining experience begins as you pass by a breathtaking waterfall into the lush oasis of tropical trees and plants bordering the walkway. You are entering Pa 'akai , one of the finest restaurants on Oahu. Here you'll enjoy the finest contemporary Island cuisine while gazing at breathtaking views of Turtle Bay from our floor-to-ceiling windows. Chef de Cuisine John Armstrong harmonizes the aromatic influence of the Pacific Rim with exquisitely refined Asian cuisine to represent a sumptuous menu emphasising spice and flair. With an enticing menu, 21 signature martinis and an extensive wine list, this marvelously designed restaurant will create lasting memories of Hawaii. Located on the lobby level through the Paradise Walk. Reservations recommended.
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24 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
(24 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 24 reviews
5 stars
(10)
4 stars
(6)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.5 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • romantic(19)
  • special occasion(15)
  • scenic view(12)
  • fit for foodies(7)
  • notable wine list(4)
  • good for groups(1)
Pa 'akai Reviews List
Review 1 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We'd try again!

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"During our recent stay at Turtle Bay, we made a reservation for a romantic dinner for two! It was a very quiet night. I think we shared the restaurant with one or two other tables. The service was outstanding and we really enjoyed the live music. Entrees were hit and miss for us on this visit. My smoke porcinis and pork tenderloin with scallops was outstanding, but my fiancé's risotto dish was good but under seasoned and totally unmemorable. Dessert, macadamia crusted ice cream bon bons were a wonderful finish. We would try again!"
Dined on 6/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 2 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Appetizers for dinner

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/08/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We selected 3 appetizers for our dinner and it was perfect. The salt block is definitely a must have. We selected the steak, shrimp and scallops. The saltiness of the foods cooked on the salt block was perfect. You cook the food yourself so it was fun and interactive. The carpaccio was awesome as well as the seafood appetizer. The service was slow, I think they didn't have enough bus boys. We had a great experience just wished the wait staff was available more often."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
+1point
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Review 3 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Opening Week Snafu??

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/25/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Our wait staff didn't pay much attention to us with the exception of refilling our water. We ordered our food and 30 minutes later our server said our food would be right out. We had an 8:00 reservation and at 9:15 we received our entrees. If the waiter is going to tell you that your food will be right out then they should be almost certain. If not, they should offer you some bread. Also, our waiter was discussing other patrons to the table next to us which I viewed as extremely unprofessional. The food was delicious and I gave Pa 'akai a good rating because I know that it was only their third night. If you want to be a fancier establishment, then I suggest having your employees meet those standards, too."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: romantic
+1point
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Review 4 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Five course dinner with wine

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Five course dinner with wine pairing was unsatisfactory. Definitely overpriced for the quality. Nothing special to note.
We expected much better. Service was good.
"
Dined on 03/19/2013
 2013
Special Features: scenic view
0points
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Review 5 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Very disappointing

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We had the wine pairing meal ($105 per plate).
The wine chosen for each course didnt match well with the food, despite the port which was good, and the cab which was decent).
The wine portions in each glass were small (about 3 fingers), served in small white wine glasses. Why would you serve a cab in a VERY small glass? (FYI wine studies have shown that wine tastes/smells differently in varied glasses).
The food portions were small (1 piece of shrimp with the salad?).
It was noticeable that a couple of the portions had been waiting under a heat lamp to be served (warm plate, food not hot).
The service was good.
We wouldnt eat here again and were very disappointed in the meal."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2011
0points
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Review 6 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Mastered Excellence

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Best Dinner of our lives 25th anniversary of where we had our first date. Chef came out to meet us. BEST EVER!!!!!"
Dined on 03/11/2013
 2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
0points
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Review 7 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was good and the portions

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was good and the portions were a bit bigger than expected. Definitely pricey and not a huge "by the glass" wine selection but will definitely go back."
Dined on 03/12/2013
 2008
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
0points
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Review 8 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

very romantic setting and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"very romantic setting and great food!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 9 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food was absolutely an

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was absolutely an event. High praises from this non-foodie!"
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
0points
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Review 10 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We've been to this restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We've been to this restaurant several times due to the beautiful ocean view, ambiance, food and service. It is always excellent. My wife had the salmon and i had the dual lobster tail. Both were wonderful. Great way toend our vacation."
Dined on 02/18/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 11 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Special anniversary meal

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary at 21 Degrees North. We each ordered the 5 course meal with wine pairings. Our server paced the courses well so we had time to enjoy each. Enjoyed the sunset. Great service, delicious food. The dessert was chocolate cake, not too original, but still good. The tawny port that came with it was yummy."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
0points
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Review 12 for Pa 'akai
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I dream of being "21" again!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Twenty one Degrees North is a hidden Gem that you do not trip over easily. In the Turtle Bay Resort overlooking the pool and Bay beyond, you will find comfortable linen clothed tables, quaity upholstered chairs and a very attentive staff who keep their eye on you without your even noticing. My water was always filled! Our waiter was easily hailed and the food was super delicious. Why? Because I like variety, not gigantic piles placed in front of me. The chef will adjust the five course meal for two according to your individual taste. That's my favorite, because I get my fish and then filet mignon along with salad, soup, delicious bread with roasted garlic or balsamic or butter, and a sumptuous desset. Valerie Richards"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
0points
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Pa 'akai
Based on the average of (12) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.4 / 3
Moderate