A quiet, comfortable place to lounge with ocean views, a glass of wine or a craft cocktail, and beachy plates to share? Take me there, please. The Veranda at the Kahala Hotel & Resort is just such a location, laid-back yet classy and tailor-made for a relaxing pau hana.

The experience

Here on Pau Hana Patrol, we’re on a mission to experience the good life without breaking the bank. And just taking a seat at the Veranda gets you partway toward accomplishing that mission.

There is an actual veranda, with comfortable chairs and a view of the beach and ocean fronting the Kahala Hotel, with one low couch that could hold a group of four to six (if you’re all friendly) and a handful of tables. These are popular, as you might imagine, and can be reserved by calling the hotel or online via Open Table (opentable.com).

If the lanai seats are reserved, there is bounteous seating also available just inside the hotel on its lobby level, open to the breezes on both the entry and ocean sides, with plenty of natural light and an afternoon view right out to the beach. On hot or wet afternoons, the interior can be preferable.

On my visit, the hotel was decorated for the holidays, in keeping with the light, earthy tones of the decor. My server was courteous and dignified, careful not to interrupt our chatter. It was all good.

From any seat, you can enjoy the afternoon light over Kahala Beach, and the drifting sounds of happy chatter as patrons enjoy the view and the experience. There is low, piped-in music inside the hotel, but it’s not a distraction.

The food

The Veranda’s afternoon promotion is termed Social Hour, distinguishing it from a raucous happy hour. This gathering is about getting together for a few bites and a good conversation.

The menu of platters to share varies from month to month, with prices that range from $20 to $35. At that price, you would be hard-pressed to make this pau hana into a meal for two, at our budget of $50, because drinks for two could take up about half of that. As a before-dinner refresher, however, with bright cocktails and a fresh, attractive appetizer, it qualifies.

On my visit, my dining companion and I sampled a platter of fried potatoes, aka crispy french fries, with a trio of creamy dipping sauces — foie gras with sour cream; ahi with creme fraiche, pickled ginger and green onion; and black truffle with mayo and fresh horseradish ($22). It turned out to be quite filling, and pretty yummy. We also tried the hamachi “shooters,” fresh and with a bit of green-onion crunch, served in a shot glass in a set of six ($30). Either of these plates could also have been shared among three friends.

A lounge menu of appetizers, salads and entrees is also offered throughout the evening, with a delicious salad made with quinoa, beets and local greens for $12, and the Veranda’s highly popular Ahi Musubi (on the late-night menu at $20, but available if asked for) — ahi poke rolled in sushi rice and fried to a crispy shell, and served with a dollop of crab namasu. It’s highly recommended.

The drinks

Social Hour also offers a monthly menu of drinks, with a set of two 2.5 ounce wine pours or two 1 ounce cocktail samplers at $12, so that patrons can experiment with different cocktail styles or wines of various origins on repeat visits. It’s a nice feature.

December’s menu offered “Bubbles” as the wine choices, with proseccos, a Riesling and a sparkling sake as options.

I opted for the minicocktail options, starting with a lovely Tequila Blossom, made with lavender agave, cranberry and mint, and topped with edible flowers. Pretty to look at, with a kick! For dessert, I followed up with Nuts & Berries, made with coffee liqueur, hazelnut, chambord and cream. The drinks may have been petite, but the effect was not.

The verdict

I left Social Hour smiling and satiated. This exclusive beachside location offers a lovely Social Hour, and while it’s at the upper end of our Pau Hana Patrol budget, it pays off with great views, sophisticated service and a rewarding experience. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is a good option.