The Manta at The Mauna Kea Resort

The stroll through the lobby and down the staircase of this once 5-star resort was lovely.  We crossed the gardens and entered what I expected would be a 5-star restaurant.  I had procrastinated too long to visit this very fine dining establishment.  The ambiance was truly spectacular.  Our table overlooked a small, protected lagoon with languid surf and pristine waters.  The staff was so friendly and helpful.  I was eager with anticipation.

I searched the very extensive wine list for the correct choice to compliment what I was certain would be a very diversified selection of entrees.  I selected a 2007 Radio-Coteau Pinot Noir from the Sebastopol area of northern California.  It was firm but not too heavy.  The fruits were excellent and it was very smooth.

After a respectful amount of time our pupus (entrees) were served and they were quite tasty.  The soups were delicious, the calamari was tender, the salads were succulent.  Shortly after the first course came the main course.  It was very interesting.  Mahi-mahi was the evening fish special.  Two companions ordered the Mahi-mahi and both found it fishy tasting.  One ordered the Opacapaca and found it very overdone/dry and tough.  One ordered the Stuffed Ravioli and found it beautifully presented but rather tasteless.  I ordered the veal and found it very overdone...maybe even too tough to cut/eat.  Overall I would say that the dinner was beautiful but a culinary disaster.

Lastly, we had pre-ordered the souffle.  It was interesting.  The souffle was very dry.  The combination chocloate and lilikois sauce was excellent but could not entirely save the dessert. 

Overall, the wine list and the ambiance were outstanding but the food was not very good.  In addition, the price of the meal was exorbitant, even by local standards.  This is not a restaurant I will visit again soon.