Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka’upuehu, the Big Island’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel, just opened the doors to its new oceanfront restaurant, ‘ULU Ocean Grill & Sushi Lounge. The new eatery features the ocean-to-table cuisine of executive chef James Babian, who works with more than 160 farmers and fisherman on the island and prides himself on creating a sustainable menu. Around 75 percent of the ingredients on his menu are fresh from the Pacific and local farms.
Much of the cuisine at ‘ULU (which means “breadfruit” in Hawaiian) is roasted, flame-grilled or wok-fired. Standout dishes include the oven-roasted whole fish, lobster wonton soup, tableside-prepared Hawaiian ahi poke sushi and tako tacos made of grilled octopus. The interactive wine list highlights mostly boutique wineries and is displayed on an iPad, complete with tasting notes, ratings and other info.
‘ULU’s design is a simple and stylish display of traditional Hawaiian architecture with sweeping views of the water. Designed by Jennifer Johanson of EDG Interior Architecture & Design, the space includes three private terraces and the modern ‘ULU Sushi Lounge. The lounge and 10-seat ocean-view bar serve up craft cocktails and traditional pupu platters. It’s a great spot to catch the sunset over the Pacific, or for a midnight snack of über-fresh sushi and Japanese beers.
Photos Courtesy of Four Seasons
