Hawaiian celebrates remodel

After two years and approximately $1.5 million in remodeling costs, the landmark Royal Hawaiian held a weeklong “welcome back” grand opening celebration that concluded with a luau Dec 11.

The nighttime event featured Hawaiian Tropic models, hula dancers and island drummers, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and their famous Lapu Lapus — described as “a traditional Mai Tai (light rum, dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice) with a special Royal Hawaiian proprietary juice blend.”

Delphine Channels, public relations and marketing representative for the famed nightspot, said it was a successful and exciting week for staff and customers.

“It was a packed house of Royal Hawaiian enthusiasts from all over Orange County,” she said.

The local hot spot has been in Laguna since 1947. New owners Doug Cole and Tom Yelenick began renovating in 2006, after they purchased the business from the Kabang family, Channels said.

The restaurant remained open all but two weeks during the renovation period.

“The building was deteriorating and badly in need of repair,” she said. “Everything was remodeled — it’s basically a whole new restaurant.

“It still has the original Tiki bar charm but is now updated, cleaner and equipped with modern technology, including high-definition TVs and surround sound.”

Some loyal Laguna locals, like Arul Raj, who have frequented the bar for many years, feel the “improvements” have taken away part of the club’s original charm.

“It used to be dark and trippy with a real Hawaiian feel, which was really cool,” he said. “But ... the place brings back good memories, so I’ll definitely keep going back.”

Channels said the renovations were designed in part to attract a new crowd while keeping the regulars happy.

“We have an incredible loyal customer base,” she said. “Most Laguna locals have stories of growing up, going there for prom dinner or for family celebrations. The new owners are hoping to re-engage those customers while attracting new ones.”

Clay Berryhill, Channels’s husband, who has been hanging out at the Royal Hawaiian since 1960, said he likes the new décor and most importantly, the island cuisine and tropical drinks haven’t changed.

“The restaurant has been a tradition in my family for years and I don’t expect that to change any time soon,” he said.

Lapu Lapus are half-priced on “Lapu Wednesdays.”

The bar will also feature live music Thursday through Saturday.