Time for Tea

Tea time on Oʻahu is more than just a rendition of the popular English pastime. It's a celebration of old traditions getting a fresh and modern twist. In Honolulu, afternoon tea culture is alive and well. Here are a few places that have found a way to transcend you into a Victorian world and make you feel like aristocracy.

1. Afternoon Tea at Halekulani
The refined elegance of Afternoon Tea are featured at two venues, Orchids and the Veranda, each offering their own unique experience for afternoon tea guests. If you are looking for a breezy ocean view, the Orchids is the place to be. But if traditional and posh are more your taste, then the Veranda does not disappoint. Both venues call you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the gracious service and their selection of fine international teas, coffees, and freshly-baked cakes and pastries.

Halekulani's afternoon tea menu will soon add more new exclusive teas by Tea Chest Hawaii including Honey Oolong, Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls, Sencha, and Pure Mamaki which can all be purchased and enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.

2. Afternoon Tea at The Moana Surfrider, Waikiki
Under the shade of a historic banyan tree, Afternoon Tea on the veranda at The Westin Moana Surfrider Resort is elevated tropical relaxation and pampering. Experienced staff prepare table side an assortment of exclusive teas made just for the hotel. Immerse Victorian architecture with the sounds of playful surf splashing along Waikiki Beach in the background.

Add chocolate pot de creme or berries coupled with creme fraiche and brown sugar to your set of finger sandwiches and scones. And, their lemongrass-green-tea sorbet is a perfect ending to the food. Tea on the hotel's veranda is a splendid island tradition.

Find an exclusive set of Moana Surfrider blends made by Tea Chest Hawaii: Moana Royale, Moana Sunset, Mango Mele, Veranda Breeze, and Veranda Sunrise.

3. Tea At 1024
Choose your own hat and teacup and play dress up in this dress shop turned tea spot. Sink into Tea at 1024's warm and charming atmosphere, attentive service and divine array of sweets and tea that will have you feeling like royalty. In fact, they were selected to serve the Dalai Lama at the ʻIolani Palace on his Pillars of Peace Tour in 2012.

Yet the real magic lies in their commitment to fostering genuine and unique experiences. Enjoy your tea in a room filled with floral and artisan crafts that fuel new conversations. The menu features an extensive lineup of domestic and foreign teas, homemade finger curry sandwiches and sweets from a local bakery. 

4. Afternoon Tea at the Kahala Hotel & Resort
Tucked away from the bustling streets of the city on the east side of Oʻahu is an oasis known as the Kahala Resort. Overlooking the dolphin lagoon, sit on the Veranda and enjoy an assortment of fine teas paired with delicate finger sandwiches and scrumptious sweet treats that meld Island inspiration, Asian flair and European elegance.  Top off your experience with a glass of champagne as part of their top-tiered Royal Tea Service — now that’s what we call royalty.

5. Jeanne's Tea Service
Adorable and affordable is Jeanne’s Tea Service hidden in the corner of the Ohana Hale Marketplace. Jeanne brings her harvest from her farm on the north shore to her tea spot in Kakaʻako for a truly farm to table touch. With only a few months in operation, Jeanne's also offers private catered parties on- and off-site so you can host your own afternoon tea experience for family, friends and special occasions.

And there you have it! The top five tea destinations on Oʻahu. Try them out and let us know which one you enjoyed most. Did we miss your favorite tea spot on the island? Do you have a tea venue on a neighboring island that should be on the list of top tea destinations in Hawaii? Let us know in the comments!