Longhi's Ko Olina

PRO TIPS: before we get to the food, service and parking review-- I've been coming here to Longhi's for 10+ years just for the golden sunsets (see pic). Before it was called Longhi's, it was known as Chuck's. Surprisingly Longhi's restaurant has been open since 1976 on Maui, however this review is for the Ko Olina (Oahu) location. We actually stopped coming here years ago (when it was Chuck's) because the quality of service dropped so dramatically. However, Bob Longhi has VASTLY improved the service & created some rather delightful dishes - So it's earned a revisit. The focus here is on Italian Hawaiian fusion with incredible sunset views on the beach to add to the dinner ambiance. LOCATION--> Longhis can be found at the Marriott Vacation Club Resort. This Ko Olina resort area only has a few fine dining options so reservations are a must when you compare it with the volume of tourists here. Alternatives if Longhi's is booked include (Disney Aulani, Monkeypod or Roys). PARKING-->> Longhi's is on the Leeward (west) dry side of Oahu at Honu Lagoon, near Kapolei. Marriot Ko Olina offers valet parking that can be validated for up to three (3) hours. Be sure you get your ticket!! Alternatively, you can get free beach parking for the lagoon but it generally filled up fast. This resort is MASSIVE so make your way to the 1st floor of the resort. You will find the resort wheelchair accessible, with easy traffic flows, elevators, and attentive valet staff. If you Uber here from Honolulu, expect to pay around $70-90 depending on peak times with an estimated 30+ minute drive. CV19 COVID restrictions have been lifted here at the resort. RESERVATIONS-->> they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. it's highly recommended you get reservations since there is a lack of fine dining options for the high volume of guests of Ko Olina. Longhi's can handle large reservations too. SERVICE-->> Vastly improved since the old days of Chuck's. We felt the aloha spirit here from check in, seating, attentive wait staff, fast drink refills to a knowledgeable waiter who made us feel like a guest in his home. It was just the right amount of time between meals where you were not waiting too long between courses. FOOD--> ITALIAN Hawaiian fusion experience is the best way to describe it. That's the differentiator for Longhi's and THEY DELIVER an amazing rainbow of flavors in your mouth. The complimentary bread with lilikoi butter starts the experience. Everything on the menu can meet your guests tastes from vegan, vegetarian to gluten free options. The kids menu will meet their restless needs. If you don't know what to order, then the macadamia encrusted anything works along with pasta shrimp or the fish of the day. Appetizers are varied based on personal tastes, however the zucchini and it's sauce (see pic) will elevate your taste buds. The crab cakes and fried calamari appetizers are delightful too for a gateway into the entree. DESSERTS-->> I'm torn here on the lava cake and ice cream. You must order this minimum 30 mins before your meal so they have time to prepare. The lava cake, while served HOT & freshly made on site, did not serve our taste buds. Our expectations was an over abundance of certain flavors based on the description however it did NOT meet our expectations.. Average lava cake at best for a 30 min pre order. Just remember to order it BEFORE your meal. HUGE wine menu and the liquor drinks are not to "syrupy" VIEWS/AMBIANCE--> TO DIE FOR. Literally. Beautiful architecture. Incredible sunset views (see the pics). Request a sunset view on the pond. AWARENESS: On Tuesdays, the Marriott Resort offers a Luau so be aware of the crowds attending the luau with it's related noise levels --this may disrupt your peace. OVERALL: thank you Longhi's for helping to fill our birthday celebration with the Aloha spirit and giving us some.wonderful tastes to remember our island trip. We will return. Mahalo!

Talk about spectacular service and amazing food! Longhi’s Ko Olina is the place to be. After an eventful morning for our anniversary, we were feeling a little defeated after getting a flat tire and running late to our reservation. The hostess staff (Serina and Kristin) was amazing in helping make our 5 year anniversary special and Lance our server helped make #allergyfriendly and #glutenfree recommendations that were packed with flavor! Thank you to this amazing staff that made our 5th anniversary a happy one to remember! ♥️ TheFlipsters