Twist

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The Sheraton Waikiki has made little tweaks over the past few years to the Hanohano Room — dubbing the bar the Cobalt Lounge, hosting Jazz Fridays with DeShannon Higa. But as far as dinner went, it was still the same escargot and steaks you’d expect. Now, in the midst of a facelift that includes lobby renovations and the addition of the beachfront bar RumFire, the hotel rethinks the restaurant. The 30th-floor aerie has been reborn as Twist at Hanohano, with a spiffy modern logo and a sleek cocktail area marked by minimalist white furniture. If a breathtaking view is as important as what’s on your plate, Twist is a good mix of both, with better-than-average top-of-a-hotel food. The Sheraton recruited Hoku’s alum Ryan Loo to take over the kitchen. The restaurant’s “philosophy” is about “synergy” and features food inspired by islands around the world — from the Seychelles to Sicily — and featuring local ingredients. You choose a three-, four- or five-course menu (with or without wine pairings) from the regular menu and the specially featured island menu (recent destinations were Mallorca and Santorini).