Hau Tree

Hau Tree is the kind of Big Island restaurant that wins on setting first and food second, though the kitchen has enough range to make it more than a pure view stop. At Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Kohala Coast, it offers an easygoing beachfront meal with open-air seating, sunset views, and a resort-casual feel that fits lunch, drinks, or an unhurried vacation dinner. By day it leans into beach food and burgers; by night it shifts into a cantina-style Mexican-inspired menu with tequila and mezcal in the mix.

What Hau Tree does best

Hau Tree’s strongest card is its versatility within a relaxed resort frame. The daytime menu covers the familiar things travelers actually want near the beach: salads, burgers, fish tacos, sandwiches, wraps, and other simple plates that work after a swim or between outings. At dinner, the identity changes into Hau Tree Cantina, with contemporary regional Mexican dishes and a more cocktail-forward bar program.

The restaurant’s personality comes from that split. It is not trying to be a polished white-tablecloth dining room, and that is part of the appeal. The food is broad rather than tightly specialized, but the resort does make an effort to highlight island ingredients, which gives the menu a little more local character than the average beachfront bar. Among the better-known items are the Parker Ranch burger, Baja-style fish tacos, Fredrico cocktail, and Ovaltine Froth dessert.

The experience and setting

This is a place built around the beachfront location. Open-air seating, a gazebo-style bar, and Kaunaʻoa Bay just steps away create the atmosphere people come for. Sunset is the prime hour: the light is excellent, the mood is easy, and the whole setting feels especially aligned with a classic Kohala Coast stay.

The tradeoff is that the experience is intentionally casual and sometimes lively. It is not an air-conditioned, quiet, or especially formal room, and resort pricing comes with the territory. The upside is a flexible place that works for families, couples, and groups who want a scenic meal without overthinking it. Reservations are available, but the room can still feel busy at peak times.

Caveats worth knowing

Hau Tree is a better fit for atmosphere than for bargain hunting. Value is the most common weak spot, with some diners finding portions modest for the price. Service can also vary, especially when the restaurant is busy or in transition between lunch and dinner service.

Travelers with dietary restrictions should not rely on a casual glance at the menu alone. There is some evidence of allergy-aware handling, but guidance can be inconsistent, so calling ahead is the safer move for anyone with serious needs. Hours can also drift between official listings and hotel materials, so it is smart to check before heading over.

Who it is best for

Hau Tree is a strong choice for travelers staying near Mauna Kea Beach who want a relaxed, scenic meal with broad crowd appeal. It works especially well for beach days, sunset cocktails, and family dinners where the view matters as much as the plate.

It is less compelling for anyone seeking a highly chef-driven meal, a quiet indoor dining room, or the best possible value on the coast. For that kind of night, another restaurant may fit better. For everyone else, Hau Tree delivers a very specific and appealing version of Kohala dining: casual, beachfront, and built for vacation pace.