CanoeHouse Restaurant Mauna Lani is one of the most celebrated dining destinations on Hawaii’s Big Island, and for guests staying at Hale Mele, it is an easy and memorable evening out. Perched oceanfront at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection along the Kohala Coast, CanoeHouse delivers a dining experience rooted in the spirit of the island — breathtaking Pacific views, tiki torch light flickering at dusk, and cuisine that honors Hawaii’s flavors while drawing inspiration from Japanese culinary traditions.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, looking for the best dinner on the Kohala Coast, or simply wanting to taste what the Big Island has to offer, CanoeHouse earns its place at the top of any list.
CanoeHouse has been a beloved gathering place on the Big Island since it opened its doors in 1989. Long before it became a fine dining destination, the site served as a canoe storage area — a piece of local history that gives the restaurant a genuine connection to Hawaiian culture. Today, that legacy lives on in the warm, story-rich atmosphere that sets CanoeHouse apart from other restaurants in the area.
Under the direction of Executive Chef Rhoda Magbitang, the kitchen embraces seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking that celebrates Hawaii’s farmers, fishermen, and purveyors. The menu is a creative expression of island bounty — think fresh local sashimi, sustainably caught seafood, grass-fed beef, and produce grown just miles away. The Japanese-inspired approach brings an elegant precision to each dish without sacrificing the relaxed, resort-casual spirit that makes dining here feel special rather than stiff.
For direct-booking guests at Hale Mele, an evening at CanoeHouse is exactly the kind of local recommendation that elevates a stay from good to unforgettable.
CanoeHouse operates nightly for dinner from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with the bar open until 10:00 PM. The restaurant features a stunning indoor-outdoor space with unobstructed ocean views. As the sun drops toward the horizon, the sky turns shades of amber and rose while tiki torches and fire pits come alive around the property — creating an ambiance that is simply hard to replicate anywhere else on the island.
The restaurant offers both à la carte dining and a special six-course tasting menu called the ‘MY’ menu, crafted by Chef and General Manager duo Matt and Yuka Raso. This tasting menu is a true culinary journey and is worth planning for if you want the full CanoeHouse experience.
Popular dishes that guests consistently rave about include the pull-apart bread, garlic fried rice, mahi mahi, lobster tempura, corn ribs, and fresh local catch. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the best available ingredients, so there is always something new to discover.
Dress code is resort casual. Complimentary valet parking is available for outside guests with validation from CanoeHouse. Reservations are strongly recommended and often book out days to weeks in advance, especially on weekends — so planning ahead is essential.
CanoeHouse Restaurant Mauna Lani is located at 68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive, within the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection on the Kohala Coast. From Hale Mele, the drive takes just minutes along the scenic Queen Kaahumanu Highway, making it a perfectly convenient dinner outing without the need for a long commute.
Upon arrival at the resort, simply follow signs to the CanoeHouse and take advantage of the complimentary valet. You can call ahead for reservations at (808) 885-6622 or book online through their official website. Hawaii residents receive a 15% discount on food and beverage as an added bonus.
For guests who choose to book Hale Mele directly, we love pointing you toward experiences like CanoeHouse that reflect the true magic of Mauna Lani and the Kohala Coast. It is not just a meal — it is an evening steeped in Hawaiian history, spectacular natural beauty, and cuisine crafted with genuine aloha spirit. From the first pour to the last bite, CanoeHouse Restaurant Mauna Lani is the kind of place that stays with you long after you return home.
