For years, the restaurant at the top of the Ala Moana Hotel sat vacant.

And I never knew why.

Aaron’s atop the Ala Moana — and before that, Nicholas Nickolas — were popular spots, mostly because of something OFF the menu: the view.

There’s really nothing like it. Two sides of the restaurant have ocean views. You can see the Friday night fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. And you won’t get a better seat for dinner on Fourth of July, either.

So I was thrilled to hear that someone — namely, award-winning restauranteur Peter Kim — was going to fill this vacant 8,150-square-foot space with a new restaurant.

Kim, whose brands include Liliha Bakery and Yummy Korean BBQ, opened The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood atop the hotel. This 275-seat fine dining restaurant features a menu with aged prime cut beef, fresh seafood, specialty cocktails (like the Blood Mary shown above) and signature desserts.

One of the menu’s standouts is The Signature Seafood Tower (priced for two) with Maine lobster, jumbo shrimp cocktail, New England sea scallops and oysters on the half shell — most of which was available at Friday’s media preview.

The preview featured small plates showcasing The Signature’s menu — and from what we tried, I definitely need to come back.

Here’s what else we ate:

The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood

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The restaurant hosted a media preview on Friday, where hundreds of folks — media, bloggers, foodies, local celebs, even Gov. George Ariyoshi — turned up to see Peter Kim's latest restaurant concept at the top of the Ala Moana Hotel.

The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood, Ala Moana Hotel, 36th Floor, 410 Atkinson Dr. Hours: 4:30-10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 4:30-10 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (808) 949-3636