Ways & Means Oyster House Slated for Wailea

Signature Oysters at Ways & Means Oyster House. Courtesy photo.

Ways & Means Oyster House, the Southern California-based concept best known for its diverse selection of oysters, eclectic seafood offerings, and coastal-inspired cocktails, has announced an upcoming expansion beyond the mainland to the Hawaiian islands, marking its seventh and eighth locations.

The O‘ahu restaurant will open at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki by the end of 2019, and Ways & Means Maui will be located at the Shops at Wailea with a mid-2020 opening.  Both high-profile properties are considered to be premier shopping and dining destinations on each island.

Both centers are managed by The Festival Companies, which also manages the HHLA center, where Ways & Means’ sixth planned location will open in Los Angeles in 2019. The restaurants planned for Hawai‘i join the current locations in Huntington Beach, CA (flagship) and Portland, OR, with additional sites opening in La Jolla, CA; Del Mar, CA; Austin, TX; and Los Angeles, CA.

“Our expansion throughout the United States has been thrilling,” says Dena Mathe, co-founder of Ways & Means Oyster House. “After three short years, we are on track to open eight locations in four states. These Hawai‘i locations feel like a natural extension of our brand, especially considering the strong Southern California tourism in those areas. We feel confident in our partnership with The Festival Companies, and know the team understands our priorities and goals, and that they are just as excited as we are to continue to grow our brand. We look forward to serving Hawaiian locals and visitors alike – Any Way by All Means.”

The award-winning Southern California restaurant was created in the tradition of world-class oyster bars around the globe, boasting raw and dressed oysters and fresh, seasonal seafood dishes. Its unique menu features small plates with bold flavors intended to allow guests to create their own tasting menu, as well as an extensive bar program. The oyster houses aim to reflect a strong sense of community and celebrate the relaxed island lifestyle in Hawai‘i. Unique elements of the culture will be incorporated into the menus, decor, programming and more.

Ways & Means Maine Lobster. Courtesy photo.

Signature offerings include the Ways & Means Oysters, served simply with a house-made champagne mignonette and lemon to enhance the ocean-fresh flavors, and a nationally-recognized Top-10 Lobster Roll, stuffed with Maine lobster and mango coleslaw, topped with “Life-Altering” aioli on a brioche bun.

The weekend brunch, which includes bottomless fruit mimosas and notable dishes such as the W&M Lobster Benedict, has been recognized as the “Best Brunch of Orange County, CA.” The thoughtful bar program includes classic handcrafted cocktails and premium beers and wines.

The Ways & Means brand has also developed a collection of private label products. The group features its own branded oysters out of Humboldt Bay, CA, and has introduced its own Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced in partnership with TateDog Wines in Livermore, CA. In a similar partnership with Santa Monica Brewing Co., it offers its “California Blonde” and “Hoppy as a Clam” IPA beers. Ways & Means is also distilling its own spirits in partnership with Dented Brick Distillery, with more collaborations in the works.