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Sam Choy's Kai Lanai Reviews List
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
You'll experience the wonderful hospitality of the Hawaiian culture, the sensational aromas of fresh, island cooking and the innovative recipes created by Hawaii’s culinary ambassador, Sam Choy.
See more Sam Choy's Kai Lanai details
At Sam Choy's Kai Lanai, a stunning 230-degree view of the Pacific stretches out in a beautiful blue oasis before you. “The Short Bait” bar is a fun place to meet friends for pupus or sit by the fire pits and watch spectacular sunsets. The superb service and warm Aloha welcome will make this your top dining choice at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
124 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 124 reviews
5 stars
(46)
4 stars
(47)
3 stars
(22)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(93)
- scenic view(80)
- neighborhood gem(46)
- special occasion(42)
- fit for foodies(40)
- romantic(33)
Sam Choy's Kai Lanai Reviews List
Review 1 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Greatest
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I live in Monterey Ca and we have great food but nothing equals up to Sam Choy's."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 2 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Best view in town
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Beautiful view.....very small menu but good specials. VERY good prices in a town of expensive bad restaurants. Miss the homey feel of the old Sams in Koloko but the setting makes up for it. Our server wasn't that busy but couldn't remember anything..... We ended of with appetizers with our salads instead of before.... My husband had to ask three times for his drink.......not top tier servers...but will definitely return."
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Place to Dine!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I cannot say enough about Sam Choy's. Our server, Paul, was wonderful. This restaurant is easy to get to which is great if you are traveling with adults of limited mobility. The food was great!!
Definitely worth going to if you are from out of town. Best place in Kona to watch the sunset!!"
Definitely worth going to if you are from out of town. Best place in Kona to watch the sunset!!"
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
overcharged
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My bill came out to around $54.00 and when I looked on my account you guys cahrged me $62.00. Also the steak I felt like I could have just cooked it at home, there was no signature taste in it."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 5 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
good experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Have been to Sam Choys several times now. The food is great and the view is spectacular!"
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Would be outstanding but for the poor service."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 7 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, amazing view
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic food at reasonable price in Big Island. We enjoyed thoroughly. It's at the south end of Kailua Kona area. It was a bit far from the Mauna Lani area, but it was worth it."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
this is the sunset view!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sweeping views, open air, knowledgable servers. We had fish, duck and steaks in party-all were excellent."
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
outdoor dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The table that we were assigned to did not have enough coverage because we felt the rain.
Also, various people did check on us before we had our meal but it wasn't as consistent after we completed our meal and we ran out of water while we were eating our meal.
Lastly, there should be more variety for the kids meal."
Also, various people did check on us before we had our meal but it wasn't as consistent after we completed our meal and we ran out of water while we were eating our meal.
Lastly, there should be more variety for the kids meal."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 10 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not great
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I has high expectations since I have enjoyed Sam Choy's restaurants a lot over the years. But this one seemed tired. Service was poor, our waiter was seldom around and when he did show up he had an offensive patronizing tone. There were some good dishes -- the seered poke, a coupe of the fish preparations -- but some were blah, including one of the fish preparations and both deserts (bread pudding and cheesecake). I really expected better."
Dined on 5/23/2013
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Review 11 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Phenomenal Dining Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food and service were unbelievable, not to mention the view from the restaurant! We've been home from our trip to Hawaii for a few days and haven't stopped talking about our dinner here. Our server Arthur was very knowledgeable about everything on the menu. He went above and beyond serving us and recommending things for us to try. We adored him! We would come back in a heart beat!"
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 12 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Sam Choy is the best in the Kona!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our party had a wonderful time here! The table outside gave as an amazing view of the sunset as we sipped our wine. Food was great with some interesting selections new to us. Service was the best from start to finish. Not only will we return to this
location, we will try their other locations as well."
location, we will try their other locations as well."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, notable wine list
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Review 13 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Island breeze's and a view of Kona and the ocean that goes on forever!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great view, good dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went here following a recommendation from nearby resort staff member. We had two great dinners at Sam's, the Fish Trio was fantastic. Simple yet refined. The view is simply beautiful as the sun sets."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 15 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The view is worth it alone...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It's a nice restaurant with good service but they amazing view just pushes it to another level. Be there for sunset and enjoy."
Dined on 4/17/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Sent food back twice
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife sent her lamb back twice. And her dinner was still bad, waitress agreed and took off price of dinner. Quality of lamb poor and was over done."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic
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Review 17 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Healthy Fare
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As always I loved the food. Never a bad decision for great seafood. (Miss the sauces and Sam looks good in his new skin)
Mahalo,
MattP"
Mahalo,
MattP"
Dined on 7/18/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 18 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It could be better - wish it was.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We get more disappointed every time we go. With the beauty of the view, the great service it still comes up short. It needs a bit of upscale/ modern food. The Wonder bread rolls are so Denny's. The free soup and greens with gobs of dressing are too much before a meal. The entrees are pretty much lots of cream and butter. We are in our 60s so we're not looking for foody things, but healthy food. Even the hummous appetizer is too oily with piles of white pita bread. The last time we went we had a dessert that was heavily Dream Whipped."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice place to try Hawaiian food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Impeccable service, good food. We all liked our entrees, but the only real standout was the Kona Orange Duck. The lamb chops and the rib-eye steak were good. We did not love the fried poke (which we had seared). They have a full bar and were willing to make non-alcoholic versions of the cocktails; one of us had the Lava Flow with rum, one without, and we both loved it.
Our table was at the railing with a beautiful ocean view, which was good because the concrete floors made the space loud. If we had been further inside it might have been too loud for us.
The place has an upscale chain restaurant feel, so if you like those, you will probably like it. We were glad we tried it, but we are not likely to return the next time we're in Kona."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 20 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great View!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sam Choy's Kai Lanai has a fabulous view. Dinner seems to be their most consistent meal served. The fish is always fresh and nicely prepared. The fish trio was wonderful. The meal is served with a salad that is just green lettuce. It would be nice if there were some grated carrot and a tomato added for flavor and color. A small cup of soup was served that seemed to be made with a soup base verses freshly made stock. It was very salty. One other suggestion is that the tables for two should be rotated so both guests would have an ocean view instead of one person having an ocean view and the other a mountain view."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 21 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
No surprises
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sam Choy's is very good, if you're looking for people just like you who want their Hawaiian experience to be safe and comfortable. I found the experience to be a bit bland, but I live here. I just found the menu to be safe. The view is great, and we had a very nice server. Our New Zealand Sav Blanc was superb. I just need a little bit more creativity in a funkier atmosphere that truly reflects the neighborhood."
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 22 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always loved here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Foods, view, service are just great! My favorite menus is teriyaki chicken!!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 23 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went to Sam Choy's our
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Sam Choy's our first night on the Big Island and enjoyed it so much, we went back for our last night. The view is spectacular and unexpected, as it is not situated on the beach, but rather right above a strip mall. (In fact, a tip would be to maybe not sit right on the edge, as then the strip mall is not part of your view. ;-) The menu is pretty small, but there are lots of good, fresh, interesting dishes to choose from and usually great seafood-based specials. And the Mai Tais are to die for!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view
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Review 24 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our dinner was excellent and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our dinner was excellent and we received great service from Amber. ."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 25 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great views and fantastic
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great views and fantastic service. Excellent kids menu with nice value. My wife had a tempura fried snapper special that was out of this world and an excellent value at $22. My fish trio came highly recommended by our waiter, but it feel flat. Two of the three fishes seemed over cooked as they were tough and dry. Luckily, my wife's meal portion was so generous, I was able to eat some of her snapper instead of my tough stuff. Views are nice and a nice comfortable setting."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 26 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
To be avoided
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I think this was a bad night for the restarant - obviously some servers that did not like each other were working together - and it was not working. The "feature" appetizer of Brie Wontons was almost flavorless and felt like a mouthful of fat. I ordered the short rib, the description of which had made my mouth water just reading the menu. When it arrived it was so overcooked and dry that it was inedible. The server brought more sauce to see if that would help, but by taste, a different sauce was sent than was used on the meat originally, but it still didn't work. The manager seemed not to care that the servers were having a problem or that the kitchen was sending out poor food and closed the restaurant early. All in all a bad experien"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2004
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Review 27 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Very poor food. Very disappointed
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very poor food. Very disappointed in the quality vs. reputation. It was very ordinary. I do not plan to go back."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2005
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Review 28 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food, Service and Location
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"the food selection, portion size, price, and presentation was awesome. Staff was attentive. Booked my request on line and the hostess (Alicia) was very friendly and accommodating.
Keep up the great service, price and food. Love the location."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 29 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Breathtaking sunset views
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ambiance was exceptional. Beautiful sunset views while we ate. Food was good. While service was expedient and they seemed to have a system coordinated between servers and bussers, service was not as warm and friendly as would have been expected for a high-end restaurant."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 30 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best view in Kona Hawaii
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Always crowded because it's that good. I recommend a reservation."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 31 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dining was great with a great
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Dining was great with a great selection on menu. Food was excellent, will go back and will recommend to friends & family."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not worth the money
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Stunning view initially bc it's up on a hill. Fish trio ($29) was over cooked and all three fish looked and tasted the same. Dry and tasteless. Romantic dinner was disappointing because of the food. Felt rushed. Reservation at 6:30 for sunset and back in car at 7:36. That's with complimentary soup and salad, then ordered cocktail, appetizer and entrees.
Come up for a drink at sunset. That was great.
Open Table worked seamlessly."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2013
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Review 33 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
excellent food and what a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"excellent food and what a view!! spectacular"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 34 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Dinner arrived just a few
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dinner arrived just a few minutes after our soup and salad arrived at the table, as a matter of fact, we did not have the time to finish our soup/salad. The bottle of wine we ordered showed up about ten minutes AFTER our dinner was presented. Very rushed on the food side."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
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Review 35 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
fun night out.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All seats offer a decent view. Drinks were mild and took too long to arrive. Great birthday celebration location. Beer selection is three and only one micro. Staff is friendly, but not too attentive. Food was hot, nicely displayed, bit cooked inconsistently. Views are great though."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 36 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Need new wait staff!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was good! Service was terrible! Waitress forgot we were their! Never came back to check on us to ask if anyone needed or wanted anything!
Would think about going back if we had better service!"
Would think about going back if we had better service!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 37 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was my fourth trip to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was my fourth trip to Sam's. It is consistently very good. It is my first choice of restaurants on the Big Island."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 38 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place to start or end
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great place to start or end your visit tom the Big Island."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 39 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
celebrating 60th birthday
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"celebrating 60th birthday this past wednesday. arrived 5:30pm. table wasn't ready. seated right next to a pillar with a table right on the other side. no privacy. my wife said she could have been handed their baby they were so close. didn't understand why a table was set up so close with all the room available. it got busy quickly. service was very very slow. weren't even acknowledged for about 20 minutes. waiter was too busy. nothing against waiter but he didn't seem to get any support from fellow workers. meal took forever to come out. both steaks were not hot.i believe someone walked by our table with our meals and didn't know where to set them down &returned to the kitchen. waiter walked by and couldn't figure out why we had no meal."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 40 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We went to Sam Choy's on a
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Sam Choy's on a recommendation from a chef we met on the flight over, and booked via opentable. We arrived and had to wait for a table to be prepared. The ribs wete supposedly one of the main events at the place but I found them to be undercooked and unpalatable. I had the lamb chop special and it was excellent, my gf had the chicken and this was also very nice. Finished with a good chocolate cake.
all in all a decent restaurant but overpriced for what you get and the menu lacks diversity."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 41 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 42 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
OUTSTANDING Loved everything
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"OUTSTANDING
Loved everything about it!!!"
Loved everything about it!!!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, hot spot
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Review 43 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent service!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our service was excellent! We have a member of our party with health issues and our waitress went out of her way to help with pictures and even moved us to another table that was easier for our "special" guest. We recommend your restaurant to everyone that visits us!!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 44 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Dave W
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was okay. The views from Sam Choy's were spectacular. The rice bowls we ordered were very average. Maybe we need to try other menu item next time."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 45 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great spot to watch the sunset
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were lucky enough to have this restaurant recommended to us by a taxi driver and weren't disappointed. Yummy food, especially the poke, good service and amazing view!"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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Review 46 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food Good, Service to be fine tuned
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was good, the portions were large. As a previous server, the standard til
Rule of thumb was if you walk to the kitchen your hands should be full, if you come from the kitchen your hands should be full.
Our waiter was busy, yet friendly, the hostess and another lady helping the greeter was amazing. There seem to be a bunch of useless men in Hawaiian print shirts wondering around with nothing to do, not sure what purpose they had. They could have easily brought us drinks, cleared our appy plates, brought us soup and salads. Our meals were delivered as soon as we started our soup/ salad. And our dinner plates were not cleared even after we moved them to the other side of the table. Looked like too much staff, but not enough service."
Rule of thumb was if you walk to the kitchen your hands should be full, if you come from the kitchen your hands should be full.
Our waiter was busy, yet friendly, the hostess and another lady helping the greeter was amazing. There seem to be a bunch of useless men in Hawaiian print shirts wondering around with nothing to do, not sure what purpose they had. They could have easily brought us drinks, cleared our appy plates, brought us soup and salads. Our meals were delivered as soon as we started our soup/ salad. And our dinner plates were not cleared even after we moved them to the other side of the table. Looked like too much staff, but not enough service."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 47 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Panoramic view & great sunset
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great panoramic view. Limited menu. Wine list was decent &Reasonably priced ( for Hawaii)."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining
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Review 48 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sunday morning brunch- great
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sunday morning brunch- great service from waiter. Noticed breakfast menu has been trimmed. Corned beef hash & eggs plate still very good. Brunch was so so- fresh fruit selection was running low, not too many choices for entree and omelet station was just okay. Waiter brought coffee carafe for a continuous supply of hot coffee.
The view was excellent!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2012
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 49 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Views, views, views & too noisy
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went for a Saturday brunch. The buffet was beautifully laid out and appreciated by those in our group who opted for the brunch menu. Those of us that chose off the menu were pleased with the very reasonable price of a standard breakfast, excellent bacon, Portuguese sausage, etc. and eggs beautifully cooked to order. THE NOISE is terrible there and conversation for a table of 5 was almost impossible. We were pleased to be seated in the lower section, which we thought would be quieter but definitely not quiet. Noise dampening efforts of some sort are a must for this restaurant. I've heard from everyone that's been there that the ambient noise is terrible and conversation is impossible. Locals in our group said they'd never go back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, scenic view
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Review 50 for Sam Choy's Kai Lanai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Spectacular setting. A 180
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Spectacular setting. A 180 degree view of the Pacific Ocean. Excellent for whale spotting and the sunset. The menu is somewhat limited and the food quality is spotty."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
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