Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is offering a variety of festivities for the holidays. The resort will offer holiday editions of its Waikiki Starlight Luau, and its signature restaurants will feature special menus.
Christmas Eve and Day luaus start at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Great Lawn. Guests are treated to island cuisine and the culture of Hawaii and Polynesia. The luau will complement its usual offerings with dishes like kiawe-smoked beef short rib with coconut spinach and more.
Bali Oceanfront will offer a la carte specials in addition to holiday prix fixe menus. For dinner, the restaurant will feature three-and four-course menus, which include dishes like grilled filet mignon.
To learn more, visit hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/holiday.
Perfect to a ‘tea’
Tea Chest Hawaii recently released the Maikai Gift Box, which is designed to sustain individuals’ well-being. The gift box includes Mana, Olena and Nanea teas that contain organic and Hawaii-sourced ingredients known to support immunity, alleviate stress and anxiety and soothe inflammation.
Mana is a moderately caffeinated tea that contains plant-based nutrients to help boost resilience and maintain immune fitness. It features organic ingredients like black tea, hibiscus, peppermint and cinnamon. Olena is a turmeric-based, caffeine-free herbal tea that helps combat inflammation. Its earthy flavor is enhanced by the subtle heat from organic ginger and black pepper. Nanea combines fragrant chamomile with organic herbal ingredients to help improve mental well-being and promote feelings of calmness.
To learn more, visit teachest.com.
Ring in 2022 at Mugen Waikiki
ESPACIO, The Jewel of Waikiki — a $5,000 per night boutique luxury hotel — and Mugen, its French-Japanese culinary restaurant, will host three individual celebrations on New Year’s Eve. A caviar and champagne toast will begin the evening on ESPACIO’s rooftop infinity pool deck at sunset (starting at $199), followed by 7- and 11-course tasting experiences (starting at $499) by Mugen executive chef Jason Yamaguchi. Tastings include a flute of 1999 Cristal champagne, black and white truffles and wine pairings from Mugen’s rare 500-bottle collection. Attendees will also enjoy a live DJ set and exclusive swag bag.
Each event is limited to 22 guests. For more info, visit mugenwaikiki.com.
A new dessert spot
MangoMango Dessert recently opened in Pearlridge Center on Dec. 14. It’s located next to Aloha Salads on the main level of Wai Makai (Downtown).
The New York-based chain is known for its assortment of Hong Kong-style desserts, including a variety of mango-flavored treats, fresh fruit bowls and drinks and handcrafted cakes. Oahu diners can now enjoy the company’s signature mango mochi, green tea mille crepe, durian dessert bowl, coconut mango smoothie-o and more.
“We are excited to offer local foodies sweet and exciting twists on classic drinks like teas and boba drinks, as well as popular desserts,” says Tina Wang, Hawaii-exclusive franchise owner of MangoMango Dessert. “We know that kamaaina love mango and fresh fruits and believe they will enjoy our wide selection of mango and fruit-flavored treats.” To order, call 808-784-0232. Mango-Mango Dessert is planning to open additional locations at Ala Moana Center and Maui Mall in 2022.