It begins with a private elevator ride. An uninterrupted, 36-floor ascent that ends at the top of the Ala Moana Hotel, also known as The Signature Prime Steak and Seafood. Upon stepping off the car, eyes are drawn to nearly every detail of the expansive restaurant. In one corner, a wooden installation mushrooms over an art-deco bar that gleams with crystal and marble. In another corner, an ornate butterfly chandelier is reflected in the lid of a white grand piano.

During happy hour, guests can gather in the area around the piano, or they can cozy up in one of the room's many dining areas. Some include leather-wrapped booths, the curved seats of which open toward floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Waikiki skyline. These views are perhaps what the restaurant is best known for. Depending on which area you sit in, you'll take in panoramic views of the ocean, the city, the mountains, sunset, and on Friday nights, a fireworks show.

Those more interested in oenology than topography might consider reserving the private wine room, a 10-person space enclosed by wine displays. The elegant wine list includes both Old World and New World varietals available by the glass, bottle, or half bottle. The food is equally elegant with a classic steakhouse selection that includes everything from prime porterhouse and rack of lamb to Maine lobster. There's a light Asian influence as well, evidenced by beautifully plated appetizers of ahi sashimi and ahi katsu.