Mahina & Sun’s: Honolulu’s Home for Elevated Island Flavors
Discover Mahina & Sun’s: where island comfort food, vibrant cocktails, and local spirit come together in Waikiki’s Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club.
Mahina & Sun’s: Honolulu’s Quintessential Island Eatery
Tucked inside the stylish Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club in Waikiki, Mahina & Sun’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a vibrant gathering place that captures the essence of Hawaii’s culinary renaissance. The restaurant’s philosophy revolves around elevated home cooking with an island flair. Through carefully sourced local ingredients, a playful approach to comfort food, and a genuine commitment to community and sustainability, Mahina & Sun’s offers a dining experience both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
The Story Behind the Name
The name Mahina & Sun’s is rooted in local heritage and wordplay. “Mahina” means “moon” in Hawaiian, while “Sun’s” evokes the familial warmth of old multigenerational businesses (a twist on “& Sons”). It also playfully references the radiant sun, a constant in island life. The possessive “Sun’s” signals belonging: this restaurant is an inclusive home for all, a place where both locals and travelers gather under the figurative sun and moon to connect and savor good food.
Setting & Design: Retro Charm Meets Modern Aloha
Step inside and you’re welcomed by beachy vibes, vibrant wallpaper, neon signs (“Here Comes the Sun”), and whimsical touches such as cactus-shaped cups. The interiors blend retro charm with contemporary flair, creating an atmosphere that’s simultaneously casual and hip. Design isn’t an afterthought—it’s a deliberate embrace of Hawaii’s laid-back spirit, encouraging guests to relax and make themselves at home.
- Located within the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, 412 Lewers Street, Honolulu, in the heart of Waikiki.
- Options for indoor seating or open-air lanai dining under the stars.
- Frequented by both locals and visitors for breakfast, happy hour, and dinner.
- Regular live music by local artists enhances the social, festive ambience.
Award-Winning Local Cuisine: Elevated Home Cooking
The heart of Mahina & Sun’s is its local, sustainably driven menu, masterminded by chef Erik Leong. With roots in the community and respect for tradition, Chef Leong—following the pioneering vision of chef Ed Kenney—breathes new life into classic Hawaiian dishes. Each meal tells a story, honoring ingredients from nearby farms, ranches, and fisheries, and serving them up with inventive panache.
Distinctive Menu Features
- Breakfast (8am–12pm): Wake up to vibrant, filling plates that blend island produce and multicultural classics.
- Lanai Happy Hour (12pm–10pm): Enjoy small plates, drinks, and snacks perfect for a sunny afternoon or sunset gathering.
- Dinner (Thurs–Sun, 5:30pm–9pm): Dive into the full range of Mahina & Sun’s diverse offerings, from creative starters to hearty mains.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always available, reflecting the restaurant’s inclusive spirit.
Signature Dishes & Drinks
- Hanalei Moon: A legendary tiki cocktail that combines Selvaray Coconut Rum with a punch of fresh island fruit juices and spices—a tribute to the local landscape in a glass.
- Morning Burrito: A hearty morning starter with scrambled eggs, chorizo, poblano peppers, and sweet purple potatoes, finished with charred salsa and crème fraîche, all wrapped in a fluffy tortilla.
- Fried Fish Burger: A crispy hand-battered local fish fillet on a house bun with cabbage, tart pickles, and creamy house-made tartar sauce for that perfect crunch and ocean flavor.
- Avocado Tacos: Island avocados meet spicy shishito peppers and pickled red onion for a vegetarian delight.
- Shinsato Farm Pork Pâté: Spread on soft pao doce bread with a sweet-savory mango mostarda for a comforting yet surprising bite.
- Kualoa Ranch Oysters: Served with house chili pepper water and calamansi—a tangy, local touch.
- Kuahiwi Ranch Burger: Premium island beef, Russian dressing, cheddar, Swiss, and uncured bacon, paired with golden fries.
- Mahina Family Feast: Whole fried fish with five sides—a showstopper meant for sharing.
- Beignets with Chèvre: Airy pastry filled with local goat cheese, beet ketchup, and arugula—sweet, tangy, and savory in one bite.
Meet the Team: Chef Erik Leong & Bar Czar Christian Taibi
Two guiding forces shape the experience at Mahina & Sun’s:
- Chef Erik Leong: Raised on the flavors of Hawaii, Chef Leong brings local knowledge, creativity, and heart to the kitchen. His work honors the relationships between farmer, fisherman, and diner—every plate is a fusion of connection and taste.
- Bar Program – Christian Taibi: A New York transplant, Christian is known as the “Bar Czar” and celebrated for his creative cocktail program (recognized as one of Hawaii Magazine’s ‘Top 5 Bars in Hawaii’). His drinks use local botanicals, house-made infusions, and inventive flavor combinations that keep regulars returning.
Atmosphere: Gathering Place, Community Hub
Mahina & Sun’s is designed for bringing people together, whether for a casual breakfast, a sun-soaked afternoon on the lanai, or a festive dinner with music. The staff’s warmth and professionalism ensure guests feel at home—many diners return not only for the food but also for the sense of belonging.
- Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended at peak times.
- Live, local music most evenings: discover up-and-coming or established Hawaiian musicians performing throughout dinner service.
- Menu and atmosphere adapt through the day—coffee and conversation in the morning, cocktails and laughter by night.
Commitment to Sustainability & Local Sourcing
Driving Mahina & Sun’s ethos is a commitment to local agriculture, sustainable fisheries, and supporting Hawaii’s farmers and artisans. This dedication ensures:
- Select ingredients are organic and locally sourced when possible, including produce, seafood, pork, and even cheese.
- Partnerships with Sweet Land Farm (goat cheese), Kualoa Ranch (oysters, beef), Shinsato Farm (pork), and more.
- A conscious focus on seasonality and ocean stewardship to ensure every dish reflects both flavor and responsibility.
Menus & Timing
| Meal | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Daily | 8am–12pm |
| Happy Hour Lanai | Daily | 12pm–10pm |
| Dinner | Thur–Sun | 5:30pm–9pm (last seating) |
- Walk-ins are welcome but booking ahead is smart, especially for larger parties or dinner.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are clearly marked.
- Menus change seasonally to spotlight freshest local ingredients.
Why Mahina & Sun’s Stands Out
- Inclusive Atmosphere: Community, creativity, and aloha spirit infuse every aspect of the experience.
- Signature Cocktails: Top-rated bar program with inventive island drinks.
- Live Events: Local music creates a lively, memorable vibe.
- Culinary Creativity: Each dish is crafted for both comfort and surprise, honoring tradition with a twist.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
- Outdoor seating on the lanai is perfect for sunset or stargazing dinners.
- Validated parking available at Hyatt Centric Garage (ask your server for a stamp).
- Ask about the Mahina Family Feast if you’re with a group—it’s a signature sharing menu with the best of the kitchen.
- Signature cocktails rotate, so try the latest seasonal creations from the bar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where is Mahina & Sun’s located?
A: Mahina & Sun’s is found inside the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, 412 Lewers Street, Honolulu, HI, right in the center of Waikiki.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are highly recommended, especially at dinner and for large groups.
Q: Is there live music?
A: Yes, local musicians perform frequently, especially during dinner hours, providing an authentic island vibe.
Q: Does Mahina & Sun’s offer vegetarian or gluten-free options?
A: Absolutely. The menu includes a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices clearly marked for easy selection.
Q: What is the parking situation?
A: Get four hours of $8 validated parking at the Hyatt Centric Garage. Just pull a ticket and ask for your server’s validation stamp.
Q: Are children welcome?
A: Yes, Mahina & Sun’s welcomes families and offers a relaxed environment suitable for all ages.
Q: What are some must-try menu items?
A: The Hanalei Moon cocktail, the Morning Burrito, the Fried Fish Burger, the beignets with chèvre, and the Mahina Family Feast are all favorites.
Conclusion: Bringing the Spirit of Hawaii to the Table
Mahina & Sun’s isn’t just about eating—it’s about celebrating connection, creativity, and community in every detail. From the retro-chic décor to inventive dishes and cocktails, the restaurant stands as a beacon for everyone seeking an authentic, forward-thinking taste of Hawai‘i. Whether you’re a local drawn by nostalgia or a visitor lured by the promise of island adventure, Mahina & Sun’s is Waikiki’s home for good vibes and great food—always.
