“Hano hano” is Hawaiian for “distinctive” or “in an elevated position.” The Hano Hano Room and the experience of dining there encompass both definitions. Sheraton Waikiki Hotel is located right on the beach in the heart of Waikiki, is massive with 1,695 rooms in two 30-story towers.

The hotel has three restaurants, the most elegant of which is located on the 30th floor: the Hanohano Room, which dishes up Continental dishes and flavors from Hawaii. It also has two bars, including the lively Esprit Nightclub, a popular place to dance.

It’s difficult, sometimes, to differentiate fine dining from casual in Hawaii — restaurants here are rarely formal and less than a handful have a dress code. When I think of fine dining, however, I think of careful attention to detail, in food, in service, in surroundings. Hano Hano easily exceeds this definition with it focus on elegance.

From the lobby, the non-stop, express glass-elevator ride up to the 30th floor provides the impression that you are walking into an exclusive restaurant in a large city. The big difference becomes apparent when you see the expansive views from the almost floor-to-ceiling windows revealing panoramic twinkling lights from Diamond Head all the way out to Ewa.

Big booths all face out toward tall windows and dining tables are much closer to the glass walls. If your timing is fortunate, you’ll be enjoying your meal against the backdrop of the weekly Waikiki firework show which is displayed less than 2 blocks away.