A relaxed beach experience with a tropical twist.
I’ve long been enchanted by the allure of the Polynesian Islands. I got married in the Cook Islands, celebrated my ten-year wedding anniversary in Hawaii, and (fun fact) my favourite Disney movie is Moana. So, when a Hawaiian-themed beach club opened at Dubai’s J1 Beach, it rose to the top of my restaurant reservations radar. But does the new Kaimana Beach deliver an island-inspired escape, or is it merely a surface-level appropriation of tropical aesthetics?
Island vibes
In Polynesian culture, “kaimana” means the spirit of the ocean. The name is fitting, given the location of Kaimana Beach with its serene sea views on the Arabian Gulf. The use of natural materials, bamboo pergolas, and warm, earthy tones certainly sets a distinct visual tone, while canary yellow sun loungers and cocoon-like cabanas generate a strong visual impact. The intent is clear: to craft an atmosphere of relaxed, island-inspired indulgence.
However, in a city known for its theatricality, there’s a fine line between immersive design and contrived theming. Kaimana, for the most part, navigates this territory with a degree of finesse. The atmosphere is undeniably vibrant, and the attention to detail is evident, thoughtfully incorporating natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, and lush greenery to evoke the serenity of a tropical island paradise.
Kaimana’s swimming pool tiles are shaped like fish scales and shimmer in the sun, enhancing the effect of the lagoon-like pool, which cascades in a step-formation similar to a rice terrace. The top-tier shallows feature in-water lounges, while off to the side lies a plunge pool with jets and sprays. The adjacent dining space is enveloped in a petal-shaped “Waka” structure of bamboo and palm fronds, offering a seamless indoor-outdoor transition.
During daylight hours, the venue exudes a relaxed beach club vibe, with chilled island lounge beats setting the mood. As the sun sets, the energy escalates with live music and DJs taking centre stage.
Flavours of the Pacific
Despite the standard Dubai menu of Burrata, Lobster Linguine and Sushi, I’d strongly suggest the Polynesian dishes laced with tropical flavours like guava that are interspersed throughout Kaimana’s extensive culinary offering. The menu from chef Michael Collantes (who earned his first MICHELIN star for Soseki Modern Omasake in 2022) pays homage to his Hawaiian heritage, and his island-inspired dishes are marked with a palm tree on the menu.
A flavourful take on the traditional corn-on-the-cob, Kaimana’s Truffle Corn Ribs (AED 75) are a must-try. Cut into slithers, the kernels take on a delicious caramelisation, balancing sweetness and smokiness with every bite. The seasoning leans into Polynesian influences, enhanced by a touch of citrus and a mild chilli kick. Best eaten with your hands, they’re as messy as they are flavoursome—the perfect way to start your island-inspired feast.
Inspired by the Hawaiian classic, the Lomi Lomi Salmon Tiradito (AED 125) is a refreshing, vibrant dish that highlights the natural richness of fresh salmon. The fish is finely sliced and tossed with truffle orange ponzu before being topped with heirloom tomato rings and black truffle slices. The sauce has a punchy acidity, lifting the flavours of the seafood, though the truffle feels somewhat redundant.
The Oxtail Saimin Dumplings (AED 95) is a dish that alludes to depth and comfort. The dumpling wrapper is thin and tender, encasing slow-cooked oxtail meat. While the meat filling lacks the expected depth of flavour, the broth compensates with a robust, rich intensity, hinting at long hours of careful simmering.
A vibrant fusion of sweet and tangy flavours, the Orange Chicken Escabeche (AED 145) reinvents the classic citrus-glazed chicken with a Polynesian twist. The golden chicken is diced into bite-sized pieces and coated in a luscious orange sauce. Adding sesame seeds and almond flakes adds a delicate textural crunch.
On visits to Hawaii, my dessert choices have often revolved around Shaved Ice and slices of Cream Pie from Ted’s Bakery. Neither are offered at Kaimana Beach, but the Malasadas (AED 65) will transport you straight to Hawaiian bakeries, where these pillowy-soft doughnuts are a staple. Golden, fluffy, and perfectly fried, they arrive warm, dusted in sugar, and bursting with a tropical filling of passion fruit custard and guava jam.
The beverage program is equally impressive, featuring cocktails that pay homage to Polynesian tradition served in Insta-worthy Glassware that ranges from ceramic fish to Moai statues.
Service with Aloha Spirit
Service at Kaimana Beach is imbued with the ‘Aloha Spirit’, reflecting the Polynesian ethos of warmth, hospitality, and genuine care. Staff members at the beach are attentive yet unobtrusive, while things at the restaurant are slightly slower and less enthusiastic. While the beats mix Drake with the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, the live entertainment feels more like Russian cabaret than Hawaiian Luau.
The verdict
Despite international brands like African Queen, Bâoli and Gigi taking much of the attention at J1 Beach, Kaimana Beach is a homegrown hit. The beautiful beach club offers a compelling, if not entirely flawless, Polynesian-inspired experience. The design is visually striking, the culinary offerings are intriguing, the atmosphere is vibrant, and the overall effect is one of escapism.
Bora Bora may be thousands of miles away, but the family-friendly Kaimana Beach brings the magic of the far-flung islands closer to home.
GO: Visit www.j1beach.com for more information.