The spirit of aloha and relaxed Tommy Bahama vibe come together in the latest Tommy Bahama Restaurant Bar & Store which bowed October 30 in the heart of Honolulu’s vibrant beachfront neighborhood of Waikiki. The impressive three-level, 19,200 square-foot flagship at 298 Beachwalk Drive houses a ground-floor retail space, a second story restaurant, and a lively rooftop lounge with sand patio. Tommy Bahama has long embraced the soul of the Hawaiian Islands offering an abundant product assortment, exceptional service and fine food. This is the eighth location in Hawaii including two other Tommy Bahama Restaurant Bar & Store sites — The Shops at Mauna Lani and The Shops at Wailea — as well as six additional retail
“Tommy Bahama has a rich history in Hawai‘i and we’re so excited to be able to share our story with our loyal fans in Waikiki,” said Rob Goldberg, executive vice president of marketing for Tommy Bahama. “This is the most elaborate location we’ve ever built, which is an indication what Waikiki and Oahu mean to Tommy Bahama. The spirit of aloha has been foundational to everything we do, so to be able to offer a complete Tommy Bahama experience in the heart of the Islands allows us to share that spirit in the perfect setting.”
The Scene
The three level design features a bright, open, airy space warmed with a traditional indoor/outdoor feeling. An open circular staircase to the right of the front entrance transcends all three levels – store, restaurant and rooftop lounge. A dramatic living wall hangs in the restaurant and spans 14’ tall and 55’ wide featuring native Hawaiian tropical plants. A smaller herb wall planted with USDA organic rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon balm and other fine herbs hangs in the rooftop lounge and will be harvested by the chef.
Uniquely Hawaiian details demonstrate authenticity throughout the space. North Shore based furniture artisans Jen Homcy and Laurent Pool of Foundwood & Monkeypod Creations utilized reclaimed monkeypod, mango and mahogany trees to produce all of the outdoor dining tables as well as the 14’ table for the private dining room elegantly constructed from a single slab along with benches in the elevator lobbies and stools in the fitting rooms. Scaffold plank beam ceiling contrast nicely with natural oak wide plank floor boards. Three vintage, custom designed surfboards from legendary Hawaiian surfer and waterman Tom “Pohaku” Stone are on display – two in the restaurant and one against a column in the store. The rooftop lounge features a large sand floor area with fire pits and oversized seating to enjoy the outdoors and take in the view.
The Food
Featuring an array of island-inspired dishes, the Waikīkī Tommy Bahama Restaurant is sure to inspire and excite the palate. From the signature coconut shrimp to tuna tacos and pineapple crème brulee, guests are sure to find the perfect dish to satisfy any island craving. Whether it be daily trips to the Honolulu Fish Auction or Kamuela Tomatoes, Tommy Bahama recognizes the importance of supporting local farmers and vendors, making it a priorty to use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Tommy Bahama encourages its guests to “relax in style” and join together in the spirit of aloha, representing the rich customs of the Hawaiian Islands embodied in Tommy Bahama’s trademark style.
