The Tea Experience: Afternoon Tea on Waikiki

The Tea Experience: Afternoon Tea on Waikiki
Photograph Courtesy of Kahala Hotel & Resort

Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Avenue • Honolulu, HI 96816
808-739-8888 

Honolulu’s scenic coastal highway heads south out of Waikiki and around the dramatic cliffs of Diamond Head to the stylish Kahala Hotel and Resort. Private and secluded without being remote, the resort is situated in one of Oahu’s most exclusive residential neighborhoods, fronting an 800-foot stretch of pristine, white-sand beach. The world-renown property boasts 338 rooms with incomparable views of the majestic Pacific Ocean and Ko’olau Mountain Range. Since its opening in 1964, the Kahala has hosted every American president since Lyndon Johnson, legions of foreign royalty and dignitaries, a plethora of movie stars such as John Wayne and Frank Sinatra, and even His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Just off the open-air lobby and overlooking the beach, pool, and Dolphin lagoon, the Veranda offers indoor or patio seating for afternoon tea. High ceilings, a light breeze, and attentive service give the experience, celebrated from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. daily, a tropical touch of relaxed sophistication. 

The Tea Experience: Afternoon Tea on WaikikiPastry chef Michael Moorhouse recently upgraded the resort’s afternoon tea menu with the addition of sweets like Chai Macarons, Milk Chocolate Financiers, Raspberry Pear & Almond Tarts, and Purple Sweet Potato & Haupia Bars.

Alas, tea lovers do not live by sweets alone, and a graceful afternoon tea service must balance desserts with savories. With that in mind, the resort’s chefs have crafted four hearty and beautiful tea sandwiches: Roasted Kabocha Squash with Big Island Goat Cheese, Smoked Salmon Tartare, Roast Turkey with Cranberry Cream Cheese, and Roast Beef with Horseradish and Watercress. Sumptuous scones with cream and jam round out the tea meal. Guests do not leave hungry.

A selection of Harney and Sons teas are offered here and, of course, a flute of champagne can be requested, which makes any afternoon tea affair—whether in London or Honolulu—a classic Royal Tea. 


Contributing Editor Bruce Richardson is the owner of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas and the host of Tea 101 Masterclass, an annual seminar for aspiring tea entrepreneurs. He has authored a dozen books on tea and lectures at tea festivals, museums, and universities around the world.

From TeaTime July/August 2017 

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