The 44 best spots for kalua pork in Oahu

Helena's is hands down one of our absolute favorite spots every time we visit Hawaii! The food is consistently amazing--comforting, flavorful, and worth every bite. We were so happy to see their recent expansion, and it makes the experience even better. The staff here are always so lovely and welcoming, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. This place has become a tradition for us, and we can't imagine a trip to Hawaii without stopping by.

Excellent! Went for lunch on a Friday, it was busy but there were some seats. Parking was somewhat difficult but doable if you are able to walk 1-2 blocks. We ordered one of the menu’s that included short rib, the salmon salad, pork, side of rice + the coconut finale. We also included a fried fish that was recommended. Everything came out of the kitchen rather fast. First, the salmon salad: we liked it, but we think it was normal, we are no experts in that dish. Next, short rib: excellent. Tasty, great color, goes very good with the rice. Fried fish: juicy, cooked to perfection. Pork: tasty, also goes very well with the rice. To end lunch, we tried the coconut (“jello”). It was good, just not used to eat it with onion. Price was super reasonable as it was a good amount of food. Definitely recommend if you want a Hawaiian experience!

Helena’s has been on my food wishlist for years and I finally made it on this trip for a late lunch. I can’t stop thinking about how delicious it was - easily my favourite meal I’ve ever had in Hawai’i. Enjoyed the Laulau (tender, rich, and flavourful), the butterfish collar (so fresh, light, and crispy) and poi (love how it balanced the richness of the Laulau). They brought out a plate with raw sliced onion and a lovely coconut dessert plus a small side of local salt - pro tip I learned the midway through the meal: dip the onion into the salt and eat with the food and it’s the most amazing flavour enhancer (nice salt and acidity)! Hours later my onion breath lingers land i’m trying to figure out if I can come back before my flight tomorrow to try the dry aged beef ribs. This restaurant and the staff deserve all the praise it gets. I’ll be dreaming of this meal until I can return again.

Food was ok but not worth the price. We ordered 5 Large orders of Short Ribs, 3 Large orders of Fried Ahi, & 3 Haupia that was suppose to feed 20 people for $200 (see pics). Maybe we assumed too much? Its up to you to decide.

We went for an early lunch on a Wednesday because we had read that it could get crowded. On the way, our Lyft driver gave us tips on what to order and how to eat it (don't eat everything separately - get a little bit of multiple things in each bite), which made the experience even more fun. We ordered Lomi Salmon, Short Ribs Pipikaula Style, Luau Squid, Kalua Pig & Cabbage and it came with haupia (a coconut dessert). Everything was delicious, but the ribs (oooh, the ribs!) are magical! I still think about them and it has been 7 months since we were there. If I ever have the chance to go back to Hawaii, I will definitely go back.

Ordered take-out. A bit pricey, but the portions were large. The kalbi ribs and kalua pork were delicious. I’d definitely try it again next time dining in.

If you’re in Honolulu looking for the best authentic Hawaiian food then Helena’s is where you want to be! We tried every other “top” restaurant and Helena’s was the absolute best of all- we returned on our second to last day to eat there again. The only problem is it was so good I’m going to be craving Helena’s and we like in Oklahoma!! 10/10 recommend- do NOT miss out! Side note- I have to eat Gluten free and almost everything on their menu was naturally GF.

Poi delivered on excellent pulled pork. It was perfectly seasoned and the flavor was excellent. Our food was quickly prepared for pickup. Outdoor tables in the shade were nice. Plenty of chickens taking care of clean up.

This place slaps! Food is great and interesting as a tourist that's not familiar with the local cuisine. Cute place with a lovely crew on the side of the road. Parking was easy when I went at 2pm. Ice cream with taro was amazing!

The best way to describe this authentic island favorite is Hawaiian soul food. Cooked to perfection, the meats and veggies were fantastic. The portions were generous, and for the size and flavor, the price was very reasonable. Seating is outdoors only, which adds to the local vibe. For dessert, we had the Sweet Lady of Waiahole—absolutely amazing!

Stopped at Waiahole Poi Factory after visiting Byodo-In Temple in the Valley of the Temples — what a find! The laulau was melt-in-your-mouth good, with succulent fatty pork that reminded me of what is found in Chinese zongzi. The coconut cube jelly was light and smooth, just like 椰子糕. Staff were super friendly and made it feel like home. A must-try if you’re in the area! Special shout out to the handsome guy taking the orders who was very patient with me asking a zillion questions about local cuisine 🌺 Gluten free, pescatarian, and vegan options available

The real authentic experience of traditional Hawaiian food. The laulau and kalua pork was great, poi was not what i expected, but also not as bad as i expected. Recommend if you're in the area.

Staff were very friendly and helpful. This was our first time here and she explained what some of the items were, what she liked and the types of flavors we could expect. There’s a cute little gift shop and some outdoor seating. I enjoyed the food immensely. The squid lu’au and laulau were delicious and packed with flavor. We got the kanaka nui plate, ‘awa drink and ice cream. I thought the drink was okay, but my boyfriend enjoyed it. I liked that they packed our food in to-go plates because it was too much food to finish in one setting.

Go and taste the goodness Check out the different flavors of Hawaii. Friendly staff. Aloha and Mahalo. Order at roadside window, pick up food on side street window. The Kulolo was awesome 👏🏽 Kulolo n ice cream was winnahs too 👍🏽❤️ Check out the country store too. A very cool uncle - gathering trash ppl leave around in the ground! Stroll by the stream too.

Went here for the first time, food was good, a little pricey but large portions. I ordered the hamburger steak with onions, too many onions for me but it was good, steak was very flavorful, I also substituted the rice for fried rice, it was ok but my wifes is better. My wife ordered the highway inn tasting plate, she loved it all. I tasted a few of her things, it was good, I didn't try all the things. I would recommend this place for authentic Hawaiian food. They have been open since 1947.

Our favorite place for comfort food! Ordered the beef stew, hubs got the loco moco. There was live music but it wasn't too loud

Delicious food. My wife and I stopped here while riding the skyline waiting to fly out. A perfect way to wrap up a trip to the island. Authentic food in large portions.

Whenever I return home to Honolulu I make it a point to make at least one trip out to Highway Inn in Waipahu. I really enjoyed the Laulau, lomi salmon, pipikaula and poi. The laulau is just loaded with pork and extremely flavorful! They always have super friendly and courteous staff to help you.

The Smoked Meat Loco Moco was so good. And of course the Hawaiian combo was great too. Where else can you get Butterfish Collar? Onolicious!!!

I had food that was catered food through you folks, and the food was horrible. I couldn’t believe that you produced that food. I couldn’t even take more than a bite before I dumped it into the trash can. When asked how it was I honestly couldn’t say anything except it was the worst thing I ate all day. Your squid luau was way too sweet, your kalua pig had no flavor and your chicken long rice was very bland. I consider myself a food connoisseur and that was a horrible horrible plate to eat. If I could give no stars I would.

I’m glad we stopped by here. Wasn’t sure what food to eat but this definitely hit the spot! Smoked moco and a poke bowl! Definitely recommended!!!!

The venerable local plate lunch spot that’s been here for decades. Got the mixed plate for old time sake and food was up within a few minutes. Sad to say it wasn’t as excellent as I remember. I don’t know if it’s just me, but the taste was just OK. some of the other places on the mainland is better (not L&L there though). Meat a little on the dry side and excess mayo in the Mac salad. Would still recommend, to check that off your list, and in the case, I may have come on a bad day. I probably won’t be back this trip because there are a bunch of other places I need to try.

I personally prefer more flavor with natural spices so this place just wasn’t a fit for me. I did like the atmosphere, ambiance etc and was glad I came out as this place came highly rated. Good portion sizes for sure.

Finally got to try the iconic Rainbow Drive-in and while it’s been around for a long time, I wasn’t that impressed by the food. My sister-in-law ordered the shrimp tempura and spam and eggs plate. Taste was good, average, nothing exciting. My boyfriend ordered the loco moco and was sorely disappointed by the size of the burger patty - small and thin. I did grab a couple of shirts and stickers that were super cute. Probably won’t come back but glad I came to say that I tried it.

Friday night visit, first time, the macaroni salad had entirely too much mayonnaise. The rice was ok. The meats were the best parts of the entrees:braised chicken thighs and bbq pork. The bbq pork would've been better if it was served with some bbq sauce. The service was fine. They have several tables to sit at or you can get your food to go. The noise level was not too loud, you could easily hear the person next to you.

This place has rave reviews on social media and is described as a must-try spot when visiting Oahu, so my family and I decided to check it out. The atmosphere is really cool — it has that old-school, retro vibe that makes it feel like a true local favorite. I ordered the famous Loco Moco since everyone online said it was a must, but I personally prefer more flavor in my food. The patties were thin and reminded me of a high school lunch meal — not terrible, just not as flavorful as I expected. My son got the cheeseburger and said it was also pretty bland, which was a bit disappointing considering all the hype. On the bright side, the macaroni salad was excellent — creamy, tasty, and probably the best part of the meal. Overall, it’s worth stopping by for the experience and local vibe, but the food didn’t quite live up to the social media buzz for us.

Came here a few times and literally everything I had was delicious. Chili, loco moco, mahi mahi and even my niece enjoyed her cheese burger. There can be large crowds, but we never have to wait a long time. A must try when in Oahu, you won’t be disappointed.

Generous portions and great prices. Place gets super busy so parking is tight and outdoor seating can fill up fast. Food is delicious but can be hard to enjoy while shooing away the bold and aggressive birds.

I’ve never been here before but my brother said the food good and he knows the owner from our hometown in Waipahu. I didn’t know I was going spend over $100 total. But it was worth it. Got 5 mixed plates and over $30 worth of deserts. The blueberry scone was so big, can feed 3 people. And the pumpkin crunch was so ono I never like share. The plate lunch had so much meat I could eat for days. And the people that work there were nice, friendly and making us laugh about the deserts. Mahalo Diamond Grill for the awesome food and hospitality.

Affordable, local bakery and take out grill. Their blueberry scones are delicious and more cake like, very moist. Also love their Okinawa sweet potato haupia pie. All the deserts are fantastic. It’s a must stop and worth the extra calories. We walked from our hotel 1.7 miles just to get there so we could burn calories while eating the tasty sweets. We also tried the salmon salad, salmon burger , teriyaki chicken with side salad and rice. All very Delicious. Just make sure you allow for 20-30 mins for them to cook the food as it’s made to order and there are several orders during busy times. Pricing is very affordable for Waikīkī / Honolulu area. must stop to try their foods.

What a great store—it’s the perfect place to grab lunch or a quick snack. They’re well known for their scones, and the banana scones were so moist and delicious. I’m looking forward to trying the lamb sandwich next time!

This place is an absolute hidden gem. EXCELLENT from scratch food, incredibly reasonably priced, and a bakery with made-in-house desserts inside. Not only would I stop here again, I’d make a trip to Honolulu to go here. Especially recommend the honey lemonade, mixed plate, and teriyaki chicken

Best scones on island? Yups🤙Tucked away off Monserrat Avenue near Diamond Head Crater and HCC is where this Market/grill/bakery is located. When you crave those blueberry cream cheese scones you gotta go here early... Snooze you lose. Moist and filling, a perfect complement to a fresh brewed coffee. Always grab the blueberry scones though recently the banana scones have been another favorite of mine too🤙5 stars.

10+ years of chowing down here and I’m still obsessed. Teriyaki chicken rice plate? SLAPS. I get all rice, extra chicken, and I’m basically food-coma’d till tomorrow. But the real MVP? The cheesecake hiding in the bakery like it’s some undercover dessert boss—thick crust, melts in your mouth, topped with mango + blueberries. They don’t hype it up, but they 1000% should. Don’t sleep on it!

I love their plantation iced tea. I order from other places but it doesn't taste the same. I also had hamburger steak. It's topped with grilled onions. It's not one of those frozen patties, its actually made and grilled. IMO, that's what makes it so ono! I had it with tossed salad with their house dressing. If you know, you know! Everyone was very kind and friendly. Did you know? They have leis and flowers! I got the ginger and heleconias. Perfect for the graves. It stood out and looked beautiful. I'm sure my mom and aunts loves it. Special thanks to Loretta who helped me. In conclusion, a place for great food, flowers, & leis!

Almost every one there appeared to be locals. It’s an old school Hawaiian diner with local grub. Not a touristy place but that is part of their charm! Small so not ideal for large groups. Food is what you would get at grandma’s house - nothing fancy but solid and filling.

What not to love on Hawaiian food? HHF is on my foodielist since last year. Though we pass by this eatery multiple times already I really don’t have the chance to stop and grab some kines. But today July 29, 2021 I finally decided to try this place out. First of all this eatery is easy to spot as this is just along the road of Kapahulu Ave. between Winam Ave. and Palani Ave. Can’t missed it! They got small parking at the back on the side of Winam Ave. FOOD. Chicken Long Rice Bowl, is so on point. This is always my favorite on Hawaiian food. This dish got me real good so I ordered this one in here & Haili didn’t disappoint me. The bowl came with two scoop of rice a small slice of taro and a small slice of pickled onion (which really elevate the overall taste of my ordered food). It was a good choice. Kalua Pig Bowl, is just okay but my husband loves it so much. And said that it was seasoned good. Opihi is so salty but so good! I got the taste from the ocean ad a bit refreshing. Haupia is not that good though but still I enjoyed it. Perfect dessert after the main meal we got. The only downside is the rice. They didn’t cook it real good. It’s kinda mushy and it somehow ruined the eating experience but I can manage by that. Price is a bit steep but since it was a local business & we are dining at Hawaiian eatery I won’t argue with that. We had fun. We enjoyed our meal. Our tummy was full & satisfied. For sure we gonna come back here!

Tried the pork kalua bowl, but felt that it didn't have much flavor. Came to try Hawaiian food and I'm sure it's pretty authentic, just I guess not for my palette.

This is the place to go to have authentic Hawaiian food. Amazing food and an even more amazing staff! One of the most memorable meals I've had in Hawaii.

We are in Honolulu for our wedding anniversary. We are staying in Waikiki. We asked a friend who moved here where we should go to get an authentic Hawaiian lunch experience and they recommended Haili's. They were sooo sweet. They explained everything to us on the menu. They have huge servings. It was all very tasty. They also have some seating outside thank goodness because we walked there. I would highly recommend checking them out.

After a week of disappointments at the highly rated eateries around Waikiki, this place hit the mark. The food was great and the service exceptional. They gave us a side of poi to try since we had never had it. The kalua pork was excellent and the Lau Lau really tasty too. Ambience is a quick stop restaurant so don't expect too much on the interior. Would definitely come back for the kalua and Lau Lau!

We visited Hawaii for the first time and this place is where we had our first Hawaiian food. The staffs were very helpful and patiently explained to us what they have on the menu and the ingredients.

Stopped by for lunch last week and it was fantastic. Matter of fact we went back for more after we’d finished our first meal. Had the Lau Lau Kalua pork lomi lomi salmon combo. My wife grabbed multiple tako pokes and poi, haupia etc. Only bummer is that they have zero seating, so we had to slum it sitting on a wall in the parking lot.

I have never been to this place nor even heard of them, but I have now! My mama's Oahu friends sent her home with some omiyage (Google it if you want to know). PUPU: Smoked Sliced Tako I absolutely love tako, but also am picky about how it's prepared. This version had a good texture - tender yet still chewy, but the flavor was just one-dimensional, liquid smoke. It severely overpowered the tako's natural flavors. Pass! Pipikaula Thank goodness a container of this accompanied the disappointing tako, upping the rating two full stars! To be honest, I've never eaten pipikaula but have only heard of it. What it is, I'm pretty sure, is marinated/salted and dried beef. It looks raw but is actually fully cooked, sliced semi-thick and super tender. The texture is like fresh corned beef, the flavor like beef jerky. Absolutely delish and will go great with beer and wine (yes, my wine virginity has been defeated, lol)! OVERALL: Great, another stop when we visit Oahu.

Best ahi limu poke. A whole different level from all the touristy poke shops. You can also find poi here, or fermented taro paste, my favorite Hawaiian food. Kalua pork cabbage is also super good. Take out only. Plenty of parking space.

8/2025 Onolicious Hawaiian food at pretty Onolicious prices! They have a pretty good selection of local food too!

Very good food. Fresh and many different items from local cuisine to choose from. Neighborhood is not the best. Many homeless pepe right there where restaurant is so be carefull but restaurant and food is amazing. Everything is super fresh and delicious. They also have the pork in leaves and some very amazing sauces. Absolutely authentic island food is served here. Service is also super attentive and friendly. Unfortunately there is no dine in as of July 2021. But hey...we just took the amazing food to hotel room and enjoys it to the fullest. Also deserts were very good too. Not sure if you can call it desert but it was good. Sweet potatoes something....i can't remember these names. Anyhow, don't hesitate to give this place a try. I highly recommend.

In A Nutshell: -New updated review. -Yama's is still a local favorite. -They still have a bunch of delicious poke's to choose from such as ahi, tako, shrimp, scallop & smoked salmon. -They have a poke bowl combo: regular $12.75 or large $16.75, you choose your rice, poke & side. -If you like dried fish they have dried ahi poke too. -My favorites are their Wasabi Ahi Masago Poke, Spicy Ahi Poke, Ahi Mango Poke & Hawaiian Style Ahi Poke. -In addition to poke, you can check our their expansive menu & grab their other popular food, which is their Hawaiian Lau Lau. Overall, my general rule of thumb is I only eat poke while traveling to Hawaii, when you come here to grab some you'll understand why it's so special :)

Last time (December 2021) I only tried poke and liked it a lot. So I gave it another try for lau lau this time. Before this time, my favorite lau lau was Young's, but it's been slightly salty. Yama's was not salty at all, and the pork was so juicy and tender. I also like their composition of the sides (lomi salads, haupia, and poke). Totally recommend this place. they have best poke and lau lau in town.

First walk in. Employees not that friendly. No personality. No smile. For the food. The poke is not that great had a lot of choices. Choose the pokes that was fresh and caught my eyes. Didn’t taste great. Added more ingredients to it when I went home. I got the laulau plate. Laulau was the only thing good. Would go back for laulau only. Wish they had condiments like chili pepper water for the laulau. Unless you have to ask for it. They didn’t offer. Got the boiled peanuts. Idk why they have to serve it in a paper bag where it’s already saturated by the peanuts. Got the chicharon bites. They were salty. 4/2025

We had a great meal. Everything was delicious, we got dinner after a long day, gymnastics and rock climbing. The girls enjoyed food sorted, my wife. All in all it was a success. Definitely will be back for the food.

BEST local poke and lechon kawali in town 😭 Their Mac salad was delicious too. Aunty behind the counter was lovely as well as the young cousin at the cashtill.

The staffs English was limited but we got our plates and the food was INSANELY DELICIOUS. 🤤 I had a craving for Kalua Pork with long rice, did not disappoint! And I was pleasantly surprised with the seating. Small trade winds breezed through with sunshine and a cute view of the mountains. Super large drink selection as well.

Some of the best poke you will ever have. I would try the rugerlicious style. You will not regret.

After reviewing several local recommendations & and driving over 35 minutes to get to this place as a tourist from Detroit, found the dining experience to be underwhelming. The hot food options did not appear fresh and the overall selection was limited. The menu offerings also did not align with the promotions advertised in the coupon book. Based on this experience, I would not choose to return on a future visit. maybe 2:00 p.m. was not a good time of the day. also notice lots of the reviews are from tour guides

Solid place to get your local Hawaiian and Filipino grindz. It’s a place hidden away from Waikiki and close proximity to Kapiolani Community College. Nothing fancy, it has a hole in the wall feel, Workers are friendly, and food is good. Local Hawaiian and Filipino Plate lunches, poke bowls, and snacks. Inflation sucks but this is Hawaii. The poke special is ~$30/lb, it’s high but it’s good. Mixed Plate 2choice combination plate lunches were $17.99 each. Add lechon and it’s $21.99. I got the Kalua Pig and Squid luau. No worries tourists, it’s not exactly squid, it’s actually octopus chopped small in luau leaves. But they call it squid luau. The Kalua pig was solid, moist, and flavorful. The squid luau was good too, more on the sweeter side. I also got another mixed plate of the pork adobo and sari sari. That was delicious as well. The spam Musubis were delicious. Chicken Musubi was ok.

Solid choice for some classic Hawaiian food and some local favorites mixed in. I find traditional Hawaiian food always is pretty expensive with small portions, and the owner was super friendly, but some of the dishes were misses for us. The laulau was on the dry side and the lomi-lomi salmon was aggressively salty, and the portion for the large size pipikaula was a bit underwhelming for the price, but the no-frills retro interior is very charming and the poi was good. Haupia was creamy and great. Definitely feels very homey and has a long standing legacy so worth supporting! :)

Delicious local Hawaiian food! I had a laulau plate, served with rice, salad and desert with purple taro and delicious coconut pudding. Very nice stuff that was happy to answer my questions regarding the food. The restaurant itself is pretty small, but has a nice vibe.

My husband found this restaurant on Google as he wanted to try some authentic Hawaiian food. Waited maybe 5-10 minutes before we were acknowledged (the restaurant was empty). Food came out quick & was tasty. I didn’t feel good later in the night but am not sure if that was related to the food or not

I found the restaurant atmosphere to be lacking, especially with the orange tables. When I go to a restaurant that I would describe as a “hole in the wall,” I expect the food to be quite good - and ideally more affordable too. We did not find the food to be particularly of good taste, either, including the poi (and we have eaten it before). The menu was illegible, and the pictured portion sizes were misleading. I thought the portion sizes were expensive for what we got. On the positive side, though, the man running the restaurant (presumably the owner) was friendly to us.

I received the Kalua Pig Hawaiian Lunch plate. The coconut jello and purple sweet potato were awesome. The lomi salmon was good. However, the Kalua Pork was overly salty to the point it was almost inedible and the rice was on the crunchy side. With the ratings it had, I felt like the food would’ve been more consistent.

Fantastic food. The person who served us was really nice. Portions sizes were great. You can order, Al la cart or as a meal. Really good spot. AC and bathroom didn't work when we were there, That was the only reason I didn't give it higher starts on the atmosphere.

The reviews had us curious, so we drove from Waimanalo, and what a huge disappointment. We arrived at 6:15p and were the only ones there so it wasn't busy. Ordered the "BBQ" Chicken, Mac Salad, Short Rib Pipikaula and Chicken Long Rice. They all get a 1 star... BBQ chicken was more grilled,not cooked completely, and no flavor. "Pipikaula" was most definitely not, it tasted boiled then dunked in sauce and flash pan fried. It was $36 for what I believe was possibly 3 kalbi steaks. Chicken long rice was more of a soupy chicken noodle soup. Mac Salad had too much onions it overpowered it and it was dry. $102 to feed a family of four! Definitely was NOT ono hawaiian food. Service was very poor as well. NOT RECOMMENDED ***

Even though I was alone, I had a really great time in Waikiki. One of the best parts was trying local food, and this plate from Kono’s Northshore really made my day. The kalua pig was so good—soft, juicy, and a little crispy on the edges. You can tell it was slow-cooked just right. It came with white rice, a fresh green salad, some dressing, and a slice of tomato. Simple but super satisfying. The place itself feels very chill, like real island style. Staff were friendly and welcoming, even if you’re by yourself. The portion was big, and the flavors were all there. I left full and happy. I’ll definitely go back next time I’m in town. Mike Dalisay

The old school pulled pork sando was DELISH after my friend and i biked haha! Super yummy- probably one of the best pulled pork sandos i have had. The chips that come with it are also perfect for scooping the leftovers and are so addicting! Guava lemonade was also sooo yum and refreshing

Came here today as recommended by my husband’s friend. I got a beach sandwich & my husband got a chuns bomber (not pictured). Food was good but had to wait 25 minutes for the food & had to walk back to our hotel to eat it since there are only 3 tables to sit at

Came here for a burrito, coffee, and a pup cup and left very happy! The breakfast burritos are so good, super fresh ingredients, and even the tortilla tastes amazing. This time I also tried their iced coffee, and it’s my new favorite! It’s macadamia & vanilla roasted (not syrupy, the beans are actually flavored that way), and it’s perfection. Plus, they have FREE pup cups! My picky cats give it 2 paws up. 🐾🌯☕️

Good place for a quick bite to eat. I had the Chuns burrito bomber which was really good. ~$15 for a pretty large and filling burrito. You can order ahead before your walk down and pick it up once you get there if you don't want to wait around. Definitely recommend!

My husband and I were here on vacation 10/06 and Kono's was recommended by a friend We went by and ordered a local bomber breakfast burrito it was big enough to share and it was sooo delicious

How can you not love this place?!!! We come here often because the food here is consistently delicious and the workers have so much aloha! The menu is a delightful fusion of local flavors and fresh ingredients, and I was particularly impressed by their famous pulled pork. It was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, perfectly complemented by their signature sauces. Don’t forget the local bomber and the milkshakes! The portions are generous, making it a great value for the price. In my opinion, this is a must-visit for anyone in the area. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this spot offers a true taste of Hawaiian hospitality and cuisine.

I love coming here. Tons of choices and colorful. Always walk through the flower section and bakery section, prices super affordable and love the coffee shop that is connected too. Check out the seafood section and fresh fruits!

Best poke! We have been to almost all of the Foodlands in our constant annual visits to Hawaii and this is the most consistent Foodland with fresh poke every single time! Worth the drive to the west side for sure! Cali and spicy is my favorite and that Cali has the biggest pieces of imitation crab and avocado making it absolutely savory!

They are lieing to customers saying bathrooms are out of order , What if customers have medical issues and needs to right away ? instead of that they should say no longer public .They work perfectly fine. I had emergency I had to go right away . They put a fake out of order sign on the women's bathroom . Saw the women go in and I went right after her . That's not great customer service 😤

Everything you need is here. For your daily food needs.

I went yesterday to get breakfast after visiting Golden Coin. It was a quick trip, I got the breakfast bento that had the bacon, and sausage patty with scrambled eggs and fried rice, along with a spam musubi and hot dog musubi. Both filled my craving.

Foodland is great! The staff is always friendly and very helpful. The poke is always good. Their chicken is always crispy! It's a good establishment!

Foodland Ewa Beach! The best Foodland in the state. 96706. 76 South. No other Foodland compares. If you disagree, you're wrong.

Heard a lot of good reviews about this place so we wanted to try some traditional Lau Lau! It was definitely a bit expensive for the amount of food that we got in comparison to other places that we went in Hawai’i! We got the butter fish lau lau for $17 and then the Big Al’s Combo. Overall, we might come back for the combo dish, but I think the Lau Lau on its own, was a bit expensive for the amount of fish we received (it felt like majority leaves). The service was okay and there was plenty of seating!

Food is good and meat portions are fairly even but prices are a-bit over priced. The ladies seemed annoyed that our group didn’t know what to wrong. The menu isn’t clear about what is what and I felt we didn’t get everything we order but it was good. A good introduction to local Hawaiian cuisine.

I got to try their turkey tail & charsiu with one scoop of rice for $12.92 and the food was good. But, the service needs improvement. I did not know that I was not allowed to order small amounts when I asked if I could get 1/4 lb of charsiu to add onto my plate, which got an unpleasant response. Nevertheless, another worker provided me with a small portion.

I ordered the butterfish laulau plate and really only enjoyed the pipikaula. The butterfish was mild and steamed in the taro leaves gave it a healthy and fresh taste but it lacked flavor. The lomi salmon was also meh. The poi however was rancid. I know some people like their poi fermented but it was just too sour to taste. The dining area is a little beat up but adds character. I probably won’t return with the abundance of choices on the island.

Stepping in this multiple award-winning iconic restaurant feels like stepping into a time machine. The place is filled with locals getting their fix of Hawaiian delicacies ranging from laulau to poke bowl. They are not pretentious, they know they serve good food and provide fast service. It might be overwhelming for tourists/newcomers because they won't be able to see what they are ordering but you can't go wrong with whatever you want to order. The decor also screams Hawaiian in a charming old school way.

Young’s is a great unassuming spot for lunch or dinner. Nothing fancy to see here, but the food is good and the service is friendly. The bench seats have been recently renovated and there’s lots of tables to sit and enjoy your meal. The extra bonus is they offer discounts to a number of groups depending on the day of the week, such as a military discount, seniors discount and first responder discounts. You will not leave hungry!

Young's Fish Market has my favorite poke. The fresh fish just melts in your mouth and the well cooked rice complements it perfectly. Other items at Young's are also good. I would highly recommend the Big Al's Bento which comes with all my favorite items that i would order seperately anywhere else. The price can't be beat with the combos either. I must also recommend the turkey tails which are so juicy and full of delicious sauce.

Fun sporty atmosphere with football helmets, baseball signs, wheeties boxes on the walls. A sign posted out front stating they will take your order outside, pay inside at the booth, get your table, then they bring out your food. I ordered the seafood special omelet with hash browns. Inside the omelet was crab, shrimp, onions, mushrooms and cheese. 1 word, SCRUMPTIOUS! My husband ordered the Kahlua pork eggs Benedict with fried rice. His egg yolks were not soft, but that was the ONLY drawback. He thoroughly enjoyed his also. We both got water and he got root beer. Total was $54 & change. Not sure what Guy Fieri ordered here but we're glad we ordered what we did. There was a wait to get in, but the wait did not take more than 15 minutes, and well worth it!!!

🥞 The macadamia nut pancakes were very nice definitely worth the hype I liked the sauce and the nut pieces 🍳 the omelette was not that great. 🥩 I did like their kalbi ribs though. Portions are very big Interesting decor

Went for breakfast and came out full and well satisfied. Food is super tasty. I would recommend getting a short stack of pancakes (plain , banana or with nuts, I went with banana ) and order the special Mac nut sauce to go on it. Also try the beef kalbi. Be prepared with your order before you enter the restaurant . You place your order at the door and then go to you table.

Pretty disappointed in this... we had a table of 6; 2 grandparents, 2 parents, and 2 children. They charged gratuity without saying anything and it does not show up at the checkout. If your paying by card it automatically prompts you for percentage gratuity to add. So I had no idea that we were already charged gratuity. I know prices are out of control here but this seemed very deceptive. So, BE WARNED, if you have a group of 6 or more, gratuity is already included! Otherwise, the pancakes were 8 out of 10, have had better here, but they were still good. The portions are modest for the price ($19 for 2 eggs over easy hashbrowns and 4 slices of spam about 1/3 a can). The service is not that great, they acted put out by asking for creamer for $4 coffees and do not expect someone to refill it because it's very unlikely to happen. There is a sign that asks for grace as they are short staffed, but the sign was the shiny permanent type glued to the wall. I don't know how they could be short staffed with making 40% gratuity. Be warned!

The food was good. The banana pancakes were absolutely amazing. However, there is absolutely no reason they should be $22 for just two cakes. I experienced the amazing cakes, but will never pay that price for them again. My breakfast cost me $42 for an omelet and the cakes.

8/2025 Over the years they've moved to a slightly bigger place. I really give them credit for the way they move customers and the long lines through quickly. My utmost compliments as every restaurant should take notes. Oh, and the food? Broke da mouth! Onolicious! 😉🤙✌️

Second breakfast on Sunday morning, we made room in our tummies to share a short stack of their famous Macadamia nut topped pancakes. So worth the extra calories on our circle island drive. So efficient with taking orders as we’re waiting in line. Minimal wait to be seated, then the food came out quickly and fresh made. Super friendly staff and excellent service. Those pancakes are things one dreams of ✨🌙 ✨

Maui Brewing is an awesome spot! They’ve got a huge selection of brews to choose from, with something for every taste. The space itself is large, open, and great for hanging out with friends or just relaxing with a cold beer. The vibe is laid-back island style, and it’s the perfect place to kick back and enjoy some local flavor. Definitely worth a visit if you love good beer and a great atmosphere! 🍻

We were looking for somewhere new to eat and wanted a delicious cold beer. So we decided to stop by Maui Brewing. The wait time wasn't long and we got seated in a cool area. We ordered some beers and appetizers and let ourselves cool down. The food was also delicious, this is a good alternative food option to choose from. I would recommend to stop by, it will also be for the experience.

Came here for a late-night snack after a long day of adventuring around the island. They have a great selection of beer, late night happy hours prices, and small plates. Also opened late...that can be hard to find on the island. We had the pizza off the appetizer menu. Good food and service and would definitely come back for the happy hour prices. However, it does seem to be more of a party place. The table beside us was full of drunk guys who were very loud and obnoxious. And despite the late hour, a bachelorette party arrived which was also loud and obnoxious (although not drunk). Furthermore, the live music playing was VERY loud. Even in the open-air atmosphere it was too loud to even talk with my partner. While the late hour and prices definitely suited our needs, the loudness was uncomfortable and unwelcomed. Of course that’s not the fault of the establishment, just be prepared that if you go on a late night you will most likely be sitting in an atmosphere of loud, drunk, obnoxious tourists with live music that might be somewhat enjoyable if it wasn't 1 million decibles.

Great spot. My wife had the fish tacos, I had the jalapeño bacon burger. Both were perfect. Food came out very quick. The beer was refreshing. We will definitely be back in the future. Cavan was our server and he was extremely nice and was quick to refilling water which made our experience great. Great job!

We came in hungry and Maui Brewing Co. definitely delivered. I ordered the achiote chicken MBC Nachos and… WOW. Piled high, tons of flavor, loaded with black beans, jalapeños, pico, and big scoops of guac and sour cream. The chicken had great seasoning, not bland like nachos can sometimes be and the chips stayed crisp under everything. Perfect beer & food situation. Speaking of service, It took about 15 minutes for us to get our servers attention but, Veronica took great care of us, friendly attitude, on top of refills, and had solid recommendations. The atmosphere is lively and the beer is cold, which is exactly what I wanted after a day in Honolulu. Would 100% come back for another round. 🌺🍻🌮

We had Maui canned beer at our local beer store, it's definitely on our bucket list to visit their brewery when we visit Waikiki! We are so glad to be able to do some flights to try their taproom exclusive beers! I personally like the Coconut Porter!!

We stopped by for the late night happy hour. We ordered the $12 pizza and it did not disappoint. It was big enough for two for a late night snack. They had live music going and the musician was great! This was our second time at MBC and both times we were good experiences.

We went here at 430 pm on a Friday as a couple and got seated within 30 minutes. Walking in there was a weird smell like years-old mildew under the carpets. It was unbearable. Luckily we got sat on the outside part of the restaurant. The bread and appetizers were good, nothing special though. The crab dip tasted mostly like cream cheese. Both entrees were flavorless. I had the lamb papardelle and the sauce on it was just some oil. I needed a few hefty pinches of salt on top of the dish to get and semblance of flavor out of it. The roasted chicken was juicy at least, but still not an ounce of seasoning, luckily the pineapple and veggies with it had flavor. Finally, the drinks were tasty, but that is because they were mostly mixer/juice/sugar. For as expensive as they were I would expect more alcohol in them. I would save your time, money, and nostrils by going somewhere else.

Haleiwa Joe’s at Haiku Gardens is truly a gem! The food is outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The views overlooking the gardens and mountains are breathtaking, making the whole experience unforgettable. The staff provides excellent customer service, always friendly and attentive, which really adds to the warm atmosphere. The only downside is the wait time for seating, but once you’re in, it’s absolutely worth it. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a perfect mix of great food, stunning scenery, and top-notch service!

This place was a gem in the jungle. I went there with a group of 6 on a weeknight. We only waited maybe 30 min before we were seated in a table. In the mean time we were able to get served drinks by a bar top table. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant and was very easy to have a conversation, as it wasn't too loud. I ordered the Ceviche and the table side steak dish with a berry creme brulee desert. The table side steak with gravy smelled and tasted amazing. It was cooked a perfect med-rare per my request. The ceviche was fresh and delicious and the creme brulee had a great flavor with a nice crust. To top it all off the view and the service was top notch. Highly recommend this place.

What an amazing experience. We came early because they don't take reservations. Got here at 3:20 on a Saturday because they open at 4. We were seated in the first group as soon as they opened. Ambience and scenery is amazing! Service top notch and the food was exquisite! I had the pork Loin special and the wife had the grilled blue marlin special. Perfect cook on both. Cocktails were great. I will definitely be back for the prime rib. The price turned me off at $74.95 until I saw it come out. The cut is between 2 and 3 pounds per serving! It was enormous! The restaurant is about a half hour drive from Honolulu, so very pleasant experience all around. Don't sleep on this one!

Wow, between this and the North Shore restaurant, this place definitely has the better atmosphere and view. The menu is almost the same, but the garden and mountain backdrop make the experience extra special. They don’t take reservations, so it’s best to arrive early. I also liked that they had a separate seating area for appetizers and drinks while we waited, which was a nice touch since the wait for a group was pretty long.

I love my prime rib steak cooked exactly how I want it — perfectly done and flavorful! The portion is huge, so I definitely recommend sharing it with someone unless you’re really hungry and not ordering anything else. We came for dinner, so unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy the garden view, but I’d love to come back again before dusk to experience it. Overall, great food and worth returning for!

Haleiwa Joe’s in Haiku is a beautiful spot surrounded by lush greenery—it feels like you're dining right in the middle of a tropical garden. The views alone make it worth the visit, especially around sunset. The food is excellent. The steak is a good size and cooked just right, and the seafood is fresh and flavorful. Drinks are strong and tasty, and the staff is friendly and attentive even when it's packed. It does get busy, so getting there early is a good idea since they don’t take reservations. While you wait, you can walk around the garden and enjoy the scenery. Great place for a relaxed dinner with friends and family.

Glad we came in this place - it was confusing since there’s two restaurants have same names. We love the Kalbi and grilled squid- it was super tender and flavorful. How they marinated complete the whole plate- plus their side dish portion- quite generous compared to other Korean restaurants. We’d love to return and try other plates! On top of that- I requested extra spicy on my plate- it came out exactly the way I wanted with the spice level that finally meet my expectations. Love it.

I chose to come here because the sign in the front said they are original Me BBQ. Their old location across the street is now me Bar-B-Q. Right away, I can see what's going on. Opportunist took advantage of it and became the imitation. No where it's going to be better than the original if you asked me. Just common sense. Korean is one of my favorites cuisine. From SF bay area, we have some of the best Korean food like LA. This place is legit! BBQ Spicy pork - The pork was very tender. The spiciness frankly to me was just subtle. Not that spicy at all. But the taste was really good. Not too sweet, well flavored and lover the grill flavor. BBQ chicken - It's not very thick, but the chicken does not feel dry. Very tender. I love the chap chae (noodle). Very well seasoned, perfect texture. The grilled potatoes were good as well. Honestly, I didn't try other places and they may be good as well. But if I found one of the best, why bothered risking disappointment. I came here two days in a row. And I may come again tomorrow.

This is by far the worst service I’ve experienced at any restaurant near Waikiki. I can’t believe a decades-old establishment could be so out of touch with the warmth Hawaii is known for! The short-haired blonde woman taking orders looked like she was at a funeral—expressionless, cold, and spoke with zero warmth. There was no service to speak of. You had to get your own soda, and there were no straws. The cold noodles were completely bland, and the grilled short ribs tasted like something from Costco slathered in BBQ sauce—not even as good as something you’d make at home. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel disheartened. Tourist money must be too easy. After eating, you’re expected to throw away your own containers and even return the bowls from your table—what is this, full self-service? Despite the mediocre food, the lack of service, and being met with a sour face, I was still expected to pay a 15% tip. Tip culture is meant to reward good service—not this. You don’t deserve it!

It was delicious!! Unfortunately, we found that place too late on our vacation. Delicious food, fresh and self-made sides. Loved it and one of the bests in Waikiki. I strongly recommend the fried dumplings plate with the sides of choice :)

The young girl at the counter wasn’t very friendly towards anyone really and gave only myself a small amount of each side when she was more generous with others. Downfall - They take your order, serve the sides in your container and pass it back to the kitchen for your main dish. If it’s busy, your sides will be cold by the time you receive your order. The sides should be served as soon as your main dish is finished so everything is hot

Food is extremely disappointing. The grilled squid is like rubber sandals. Can’t even chew. Beef soup is bland and radish and meat is really not fresh. For the price, one can dine nicely in a restaurant than this “food court” kind of food. Service is slow due to short of staff. Charged $1.5 for using credit card, which wasn’t told to customers beforehand. I would consider other options before dine here.

Great food without long waits! This place is a local staple of Waikiki. Is family operated. They have been in business over 30 years and their food is so good and popular that there are other shops around trying to copy their name .

The avocado and the pineapple burger were both very good with lots of flavor and hefty servings. The fries were very good as well. Would recommend visiting if you are in the area. Only reason it’s not 5 stars is the outside seating was full of flies and a little bit dirty with the other option being inside and it was simply too cold and crowded. Overall a great place.

Best burger of my life. Bar none. Avocado burger with cheese with ketchup added. Perfectly seasoned patty. Part of the avocado slid off but didn't ruin the experience. Bun held together perfectly. Fried onions, tomato and lettuce were fresh and complimentary to the patty that stole the show. Fries were a good side but no match for that burger. Well done.

What a perfect burger! Definitely go for the 1/2 pound patty. We tried both the pineapple burger and the cheeseburger - both were fantastic! The pineapple burger was the standout, hitting the sweet, greasy and salty spot all at once. Nothing beats a mouthful of a juicy burger. This place is a must-visit!

i was really really awesome food!! it was the most delicious burger i had during my trip to Hawaii!! Be sure to order a large size !

The 1/3-pound bacon burger I ordered was incredibly juicy and flavorful. They claim to cook all burgers at medium, but mine was well-done. Surprisingly, they served a carrot on the side, which I found a bit odd. We also split an order of the large fries, which were shoestring-style, my favorite.

Kua Aina in Haleiwa has the best cheese burger I've ever had! We got a to go order. Thick piece of meat, generous and fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and cheese. Comes with mayo. Got the shoe-string fries-very good and a small coleslaw, also good. My husband got the avocado sandwich. He said it was fantastic. See photos. I can highly recommend this restaurant.

Had their burger for the first time after a surf sesh at Laniakea. The burger is solid, and surprisingly didn’t feel guilty eating it because it wasn’t greasy. The bun and fries could have been better.

Great little restaurant serving up unique dishes. Service was great, prices are a little steep but not out of the norm for Hawaii. It’s not easy to walk to from Waikiki but if you’re looking for what seems to be a popular local restaurant, this is the place. Recommend reservations especially for dinner.

Unfortunately the experience here left more to be desired. We had been seated at the bar with the bar tender as our server. This ordinarily wouldn’t be a problem but they sat some of their usual customers next to us with their dog. I love animals but I don’t like them being inside making a fuss while I’m eating. It’s unsanitary and unnecessary when they have patio dining. We had been sitting there for a bit waiting and instead of addressing us first the bar tender started up a conversation & took their drink and food orders before bothering to check in with us. During our wait they apparently have a very obnoxious tradition of adding money to a jar and shouting “adding to the beer fund” where all of the cooks and servers in the back start yelling and shouting. Not something I would expect at a breakfast spot and it definitely left a sour impression when they had to do it a second time just to get a video and were even more obnoxious. While the food is plated very well it’s honestly nothing to write home about. The flavor profile is lackluster & the portion size to pricing needs improvement. I get more of both for less money at other breakfast spots like Moena or island brew in Hawaii Kai. Not sure I will bother wasting my money here again to give it a second chance.

This was a huge surprise for breakfast! Award winning too! They have traditional sandwiches and along with Hawaiian inspired dishes. This is a great place, coffee was good, but definitely better options if you want better coffee! Highly recommend this after the koko Head hike!

Some of the best Brunch money can buy, here or anywhere. The savory dishes like Koko Moco and the Ohayou Eggs were huge hits at our table but the Daily special Pickle Plate was the favorite. The sweet dishes totally stole the show tho. The Daily special Mango Buschetta was a near perfect bite. Everyone raved about the French toast and the pancakes. Absolutely amazing options. This place is worth the trip! And you'll want to come back again and again! Enjoy!

Service - 5 stars Elizabeth was great - when we gave feedback she took it well. Coming from Singapore and LA, our standards for Korean and Japanese food are high. Pineapple lemongrass cooler - 3 stars Couldn't quite taste the lemongrass. Bibimbap - 3 stars Loved the use of the cast iron skillet to mimic the crispy burnt rice you get from a dolsot. The gochujang tastes authentic but the dish was a bit one-dimensional. I think it needed more sesame oil and garlic. Ramen - 1 star Would give this a miss. It was way too salty and after diluting it down the broth just tasted like the American cheese. The meats were definitely too salty too. Noodles were so-so.

I’ve been to the other locations in Japan, but this was my first time eating here in Honolulu. The food was amazing, with very unique recipes and incredible flavors. The matcha was way too sweet for me. I don’t know if they added a lot of sugar to the drink or if the powder is mixed like that, but matcha isn’t supposed to taste that sweet. The staff was friendly; however, Pat, the manager, was a bit creepy. I wouldn’t leave your wife or daughter alone with that guy. 🤣

Food was memorable! Highly Recommend!! Food was 5 stars, however due to the atmosphere and wait times, had to give the place a 4. Food is amazing, which is why I'm sure its packed to the gills, but at the same time is a bit much. While we waited, we had to stand on the sidewalk in the sun. I ordered the miso smoked pork omelette with a side of has brown. Wifey ordered Fish and Eggs skillet with a biscuit on the side. Lets say we were both eating off each other's plate because both dishes were amazing! Definitely left a lasting impression. Sad we are not locals here. Highly recommend getting on wait list early, or making plans in advance to eat here. Wait time can be long. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Due to the high traffic of people eating here, its noticeable that the staff is definitely spread thin, and it can be hard to get their attention. Despite how busy it was, all the staff were hyper focused, and carried a positive attitude. Very impressive to see.

Do not sleep on Basalt. We came for brunch and were pleasantly surprised. All of the food was amazing but you have to try the charcoal pancakes. They were unlike anything we've ever had before. Fluffy, moist, and absolutely delicious.

An instant Waikiki staple. Great atmosphere to enjoy fantastic food from chef Lance Kosaka. Light music that doesn’t disturb conversation. They have a wide variety of drinks, but I suggest the mocktail “Spa Day” and spike it with Hendrick’s Gin. Nat will take good care of ya. Lance’s spin on a classic Loco Moco will hit every savory gland you have! Sharing this dish and the Charcoal pancakes are a perfect combination to satisfy your sweet needs. ☯️

I haven't written a review in so long, but OMFG my dinner was delicious. 😭 I had the salmon ochazuke and it was the best thing I've eaten in a restaurant in as long as I can remember. My husband had the ribs with guava BBQ sauce and they were delicious too, but I'll be dreaming of the ochazuke until I can return one day.

I had a great experience here with my parents who are picky eaters. My shakshouka was very tasty, and not too heavy, it was a perfect start to my day. My parents ordered the breakfast style prime rib, and were very happy with the flavors. Definitely coming back for the ambiance, and for those charcoal pancakes!

Food okay.Not outstanding just okay. Service naturally okay with an automatic 18% added option to the bill you can see why. They were limiting diners to those that were buying wine upon our visit due to staff shortages. Prices expensive as is everywhere but noodle restaurants in Honolulu. Wouldn't return to restaurant or indeed Honolulu ever again as prices everywhere for food and service are 100% higher than Australia and 200% higher than Europe.

Had Prime Rib, cooked and seasoned perfectly. Their fries are great too. Wasn't crowded, mid week dinner. POG Mousse for dessert was really a topper for the gustatory evening . An amazing dessert experience! Highly recommended . Only ever knew of chocolate mousse before. Who knew there are deserts like this out there??!!

Wasn’t expecting this restaurant to be in a sort of food court. Almost decided not to go because it’s not the most appealing of locations but gave it a shot. The food was absolutely fine and the service on point. The atmosphere is a bit sterile which is the only downside.

Pork Lau Lau Platter - 4 stars Squid had a delicious coconut sauce. Pork was decent. Not used to poi that's slightly fermented and sour. Mixed short rib and chicken platter - 4 stars Meat was overall well-seasoned and well-cooked.

We visited Highway Inn in Kakaʻako to try some local Hawaiian food, and overall it was a good experience. The menu had a great variety of traditional dishes, which made it easy to explore different flavors of the islands. However, the seating area felt a bit disorganized, and perhaps because the staff were very busy, the service didn’t feel very attentive. That said, the atmosphere was still pleasant, and the food made it worth the visit. It’s a good spot if you’re looking to experience local cuisine in a casual setting.

First of all we came on a Saturday nite around 6pm. Everyone in your party needs to be present. You put your name on a list and they'll let you know when your table is ready. We were told for that time it would be around 20minutes and sure enough, we were called in 20minutes. However one friend was still looking for parking but even with her arriving, the wait wasn't long. I don't eat Hawaiian food as I'm pescatarian but I love squid luau and that is what I ordered. It was delish, I only wished there was more of it. I also felt like certain sides should just automatically come with it like lomi lomi as that's more of an accompaniment than a side imo. I also could have used more rice. lol. Items are served on plates that remind me of elementary school dishes where everything is divided. It was all very tasty and service was good. I'll definitely come back as my kid loves laulau chicken long rice. My friends laulau looked awesome. Parking was definitely a challenge at that time so be mindful.

I had the fish tacos. I thought the fish was dry and tough. My partner had the combo platter. Chicken beef and fish with white rice. It was very good. They had a one man band which was really nice. I would definitely go back and try something else

Food was meh, steak fries was tastiest part of our meal. Loco moto was not tasty, same as beef stew. Service was spotty, our server just left, about 30 min wait for the table for average food and service!

We got seated fast. The food came out hot and fast. So flavorful!! The service was amazing!! The desert was really good.

I visited Highway Inn Kaka'ako to try traditional Hawaiian food, and it went far beyond my expectations. The flavors, the presentation, and the overall experience were all fantastic. If you're going solo and don't mind sitting at the bar, you might get seated pretty quickly. Otherwise, be prepared for a bit of a wait—this place is popular for a reason! That said, once seated, the food came out fast, and the service was excellent. The quality of the food was phenomenal—authentic, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Prices were very reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes and quality. I also really appreciated the small guide they provide, which explains what each traditional dish is—super helpful if you're new to Hawaiian cuisine. I'd highly recommend Highway Inn Kaka'ako to anyone looking to experience real Hawaiian food in a welcoming, down-to-earth spot.

The first time I came to Pioneer Saloon was in 2016 and just visited a second time in 2025. A local tour guide recommended Pioneer and the food here is amazing! I got the ribeye steak bowl with multigrain rice. The steak was tender on the inside, juicy, and charred and tasty on the outside. I also ordered the ahi tuna steak cooked rare and it was fresh and delicious. I would eat here everyday on vacation if I could. The restaurant is a short 20 minute walk from Waikiki right next to Diamondhead. This is a hidden gem located in a quaint little town away from the glitz and glam of the strip. The ambience inside is also very cool with postcards and various trinkets and knick knacks for sale.

Stumbled upon Pioneer Saloon in Maps and from article reviews and was insistent on giving it a try. They have an extensive menu that is absolutely hard to beat at the price point. We shared 2 plates, Yakiniku Beef and the Furikake Ahi Katsu. So delicious. There is a lot to try around Waikiki but this is a definite high recommend for casual delicious. Note that this is an order at window and sit in the venue. They have plenty of seating and the service is excellent. Don't change anything at all... You are perfect!

Love this Pioneer location more than Kakaako! Had a great meal here. Seating available inside! Street parking avail .

We ordered Ribeye Steak and Korean Yakiniku Beef. Steak was amazing but Yakiniku beef was just ok…I would order something else next time.

Don't let the name throw you, it's not a dark dank Saloon! Which is a good thing, because their food is AMAZING. I got the rib eye bowl, which comes with a FAT cut of seasoned rib eye steak on top of rice (I got brown), macaroni pasta salad, and green salad with sesame dressing. All for like $18. Unheard of in Waikiki, this dish would be easily $60 at any restaurant on the beach, if not more. Worth every penny and the atmosphere is laid back and local. Super nice people working, I will be back!

I had Korean chicken all meat was good but not crispy we also got yakisoba, small portion and was not as flavorfull as other places I've eaten.

Absolutely one of my favorite places to get lunch or dinner around Diamondhead. Any dish is great. My favorites are the salmon, dishes, and the steak dishes. Love love love.

A traditional Japanese restaurant with an authentic atmosphere and well-prepared dishes. The food was flavorful and nicely presented, and the service was warm and friendly throughout our visit. Prices are a little on the higher side compared to similar places, but overall it’s a pleasant dining experience if you’re looking for quality Japanese cuisine.

We made reservations for 6:30 but got there a bit earlier and they let us in. Thank you for that, since we're hungry. We had Pork tenderloin set and another one but premium set. The meat was so tender and panto was so light and crunchy. Tonkatsu sauce was delicious. Giant shrimp tempura was so ono! Curry that came with premium set was delicious. Our server was amazing. Very attentive and friendly. His name is Scott. Parking is next to ABC store in the Bank building underground. Make sure to bring ticket to get validation. This is our 2nd times at this restaurant. Will definitely come back again.

Now this was a very impressive meal! In general I am not the biggest fan of Japanese food, but this was one of my best experiences. My biggest dissatisfaction was that I wish I had a little more meat, since I had so many ways to eat it that I ran out of pork before anything else. I tried the deluxe set of the 200 gram pork katsu: Katsu – A nice piece of meat covered well in crispy breading and fried. The meat was very properly cooked, not rare at all and still juicy and tender. It can’t be cooked better. Unfortunately, the bottom side of the breading still ended up getting soggy despite the metal wire stage holding up the pork. The sides and top were very good, crispy but not crunchy, holding up to the addition of sauces but not requiring extra force to eat. The fat cap on one end was a bit rich since there wasn’t much meat to balance it out. The mustard on the side was my favorite topping. I don’t have a high wasabi tolerance and the mustard’s nasal effect was a bit strong, but I really enjoyed the flavor in combination with the pork. Miso soup – flavorful, savory, not too salty Egg custard – sort of a steamed egg with toppings of mushroom, veggie, and a piece of chicken or something. Very light and interesting, egg texture was like silken tofu. Rice and barley rice – not the biggest difference I think, the barley rice has a bit more texture and nutty flavor but the white rice is softer and more aromatic. Sesame seed katsu sauce and curry – deep, savory additions to the pork. I was dunking every other bite in them and still didn’t manage to finish it. I also wish a could have ground up my sesame a bit more fine, but the little pestle was taken from me before I was quite done. Sesame ice cream – this was not listed as on option on the menu but was presented to me as a choice by the server, so I had to try it (I believe the menu options were green tea and lilikoi, but the green tea had run out). It was probably served a little too cold since it was solid and not very fluffy, but still the sesame flavor was strong and it wasn’t too rich or sweet. We also got the edamame appetizer (garlic and anchovy version) even though it supposedly was not available after 6:00p ( we ordered a few minutes after), which was refreshing and had great savory flavors in the sauce.

Excellent food and service! Ordered the Kurobuta Pork katsu deluxe set. Was cooked perfectly. Tender with a light crunchy batter. A bit pricey but the quality is there. Free refills of sides (miso soup, rice, lettuce) when deluxe set is ordered.

Yes, the food is definitely on the pricey side—but honestly, what more can you ask for? I haven’t had tonkatsu this good since my last trip to Japan. It’s not your everyday Japanese restaurant kind of tonkatsu—this one is next level. Crispy, juicy, perfectly cooked… just magical. Totally worth the splurge!

Delicious, cooked perfectly, crispy. Absolutely must try. I had the signature one which is limited per day. There’s 2 restaurants but they are the same? I went to the one on the right and I got turned away because of no booking, the one on the left let us in straight away. Just FYI

We liked this restaurant so much that we went back twice during our 5-day trip. After our first visit, it was easily our top pick of the entire trip. Unfortunately, during the second visit, we were served a fried pork cutlet that wasn’t fully cooked — the inside was still raw. While this was clearly a serious oversight, the staff handled it well and refunded the dish immediately. Luckily, we didn’t have any adverse reactions. Overall, the food is still excellent and worth trying — just be sure to double-check your pork!

The best meal I’ve ever had! We did the chefs tasting menu and loved every course! They really know how to balance textures and flavors. Highly recommend the wine pairing as well. Blown away by both the food and the service! Highly recommend! If you are driving or getting a ride, follow directions given by the restaurant when you make the reservation, follow the signs to the 2nd floor parking garage. Alternatively, if you are on foot/dropped off on the block, you can get to the restaurant by going into Artizen and going up the glass walled staircase.

When picked up the menu, you glanced thru everything and you think you know what to expect and you would be surprised. I did. I thought it's just fried fish and I was surprised. I thought I ordered shaved ice and I was surprised. I thought I ordered crab cakes and expected like what crab cakes like out there and once again, I was surprised. Crab cakes - I ordered the crab cakes, and it was excellent. It's not like those usual crab cakes where it filled with battered and have more starch than crab meat. This one is all crab meat inside. My wife ended up ate 2/3 of them. Mochi salad with crispy chicken skin - I don't like salad but I thought I tried. The end result was I finished 70% of the salad because it was delectable. The dressing was spicy, but the persimmon sliced and the tomatoes with the greens were just perfect. I never thought I could like a salad that much. Short ribs - The meat fell off the bone... Well, there was no bone but it's definitely tender. Potatoes were nicely crisp and the foie gras was nicely seared. Mochi crusted kampachi - Surprisingly crunchy fish. Very fresh. This is one fine dine dish. Impressive. Strawberry shaved ice - It's not really shaved ice, it's more like shaved strawberries and the coconut tapioca was very good. So coconut-y. This is one satisfied fine dine experience. Very impressed that you find something with this quality in Hawai'i.

Note: I am reviewing this as a fine dining restaurant, relative to other fine dining restaurants I have been to. Compared to a normal restaurant, this is certainly a 5 star experience. I went in for the tasting menu at open, and had a reservation for the bar. The location is kinda weird, being right next to auto dealerships. I hope that the savings from location rent are passed onto the consumer. I did the 5 course tasting menu; however, I forgot to take a picture of the tenderlion. They accommodated my shellfish allergy, and did a substitution which I appreciated. The food was excellent, certainly showed off the quality of the chefs and was on par with what I expect from chefs claiming experience at the French Laundry. My only complaint on the food was with the first course, which was a soft boiled egg with caviar and wasabi. At the end it just became too eggy, I wish there was more depth of flavor. I got the wine pairing, which I would not recommend for others to get. The wine was fine, and I assume being on Oahu it's not as easy to get the quality wine I am used to in places like California. The cocktail menu seemed good, and the other patrons were enjoying them. So I would use the money on the wine pairing to get 2 or 3 cocktails instead. Overall. Great food, certainly a good option for a celebration or just enjoying fine dining in Honolulu. The chefs clearly know what they are doing and I wish them success in their future endeavors!

A thoughtfully crafted menu offering a wide variety of flavorful meals and drinks with friendly service. However I wish there were more mocktail options.

Our waiter Darren was very knowledgeable and friendly in providing recommendations. The food was absolutely delicious. We ordered the unagi butterfish, the paella, the kanpachi and the brûlée and everything was so fresh and full of flavor. We even received cookies as a parting gift!

Located inside a car dealership, this was my first time dining among millions of dollars worth of brand new sports cars. And it was a lovely experience of elevated local flavors in a fine dining establishment. I did the chef's tasting menu, and every course was delicious. My favorite was the opening appetizer, which contained caviar and egg. Their main specialty was the mochi kanpachi, and I really enjoyed it too! For cocktails, I had the Georgia O'Keefe and asked why it was named after a haole woman. Nomenclature wise, their other cocktail Lychee Hoo was actually a play on local culture, which made more sense. The staff asked around for me, but no one knew why. "Just use your imagination", the bartender said. "Like Georgia O'Keefe did." I had so much fun at MW.

Been to many restaurants on Oahu over the last 8 years, and this one takes the cake! Menu is unique and comprehensive — there’s something for everyone — and the execution was flawless. Ordered 4 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 dessert, and 2 drinks, and every one of them hit the mark. Our favs were the dumplings, inari bombs, and the tenderloin! Our waiter Tyler was so attentive and gave us just the right amount of space. We’ll be back in no time!

5/18/2025 I ordered a pepperoni pizza online and paid/tipped. Arrived just at the time when it was ready, and it was delicious. I would recommend allowing 30 minutes for them to prepare the pizza as it is busy and often takes that long. Will return again.

Aloha: this place was one of my favorite pizza places back in the day. First time back in many years and the place still good. I did not try the pizza on this visit (which was my fav ) but tried their amazing sandwiches. Hottie Salami is so damn good. I would only say the bread a bit thick but very soft . The large was a lot for me, next time having a medium. This spot is worth it, and they have validated parking.

Locally-owned pizza place within walking distance of the airport or the bus stop. Thick pan crust. Sweet-tasting tomato sauce. They have great toppings including a smoked sausage topping and a sweet kalua pork topping. Quick and friendly service. Dining room feels cramped and merely functional. Overall, the best meal I had during my 5 days in Hawaii.

In an effort to inprove your product i will include pictures of my sandwich i just received. The Hottie Salami. The bread and ingredients were fresh, but a total of 3 thin slices of pepperoni and a few 1/2 inch slices of meat was not what I expected. Looked more like a vegetarian sandwich. The garlic cheese balls we have grown up enjoying, had very little amounts of garlic. Sorry, but please do better. Maybe I picked the wrong night.

Food was good, drink refills are NOT free. Minimal seating, long wait time to sit down. Did not honor their own "buy one 12 inch speciality pizza, get any pizza half off" policy. Must be another "12 inch pizza"!

We had their pizza and it was good. Waited a little bit for it but there was a sign up that said 25-30 minute wait. Only downside is that you had to pay for parking $3.00

I asked the girl behind the counter if she recommended the special sumo pizza or the special Sumo pipeline sandwich. She said the Sumo pipeline sandwich is really good. I went for it , and let me tell you!...folks do not miss this one. Wow! I can't do this review justice. Da Bomb!!!

Went for afternoon tea at the Veranda. It was an awesome experience. Free valet parking is always nice. The tea was wonderful and the food delicious. It is pricey for what feels like small portions but by the time we were through, we were all full. Everything we had was delicious. One standout was the live music. The musician helped set the atmosphere and made it such a wonderful event. He left while we were still there and the difference was noticeable. The Kahala is beautiful and after tea we went and watched the dolphins for a bit. It was an excellent experience.

I am so happy with the tea service at this location. The tea was phenomenal and their care and attention to my husband’s allergies was on point. They really made amazing substitutions to every item. The location was also a nice break from the city. Highly recommend stopping by!

I took my twin sisters & mom to The Veranda for afternoon high tea to celebrate my twin sisters birthday! We had a wonderful relaxing experience. The service was outstanding and it was a beautiful environment. Validated parking is good for four hours so you can walk around, relax, go to the beach!

Our world food tour continued … at The Veranda at The Kahala Resort. I come here when I’m staying in the hotel and want a light meal and music. This time it was a pre-Valentine’s dinner with my fellow foodie and we wanted to hear live music. We opted for seating outside and chose a table quite a way down from the entrance. This proved to be the nice, quiet spot we wanted but the music was background level at best. We started with a bottle of 2018 Stag’s Leap Hands of Time, a red blend from Napa. Dark, with a sense of prunes and raisins, it needed some time to open up. Accompanying the wine was the Charcuterie platter, a nice mix of cheeses, sliced meats and fruit with crackers and small squares of lavosh. We ordered the Foie Gras Musubi, Crispy Brussels Sprouts and the Hawaiian Mushroom Flat bread with truffles. Service was leisurely (which was fine with us) but it took a long time for the flat bread to appear, I can’t say exactly, but it felt like an hour after the first dish arrived. The foie gras musubi was great, a little crunchy on the exterior, offset by the creamy foie gras … We always order anything with foie gras or truffles. The brussels sprouts were large and firm, with just the right amount of char; they were flavorful without losing the slight bitterness of cabbage. The flat bread was round like a pizza and I considered it to be a white mushroom pizza with a generous layer of black truffle; the scent of the shaved truffle was intoxicating and the taste matched the aroma; heavenly. We ended our meal with the Hoku’s Warm Chocolate Coulant and the Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Each was served with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately, these desserts didn’t live up to the rest of the meal. The pineapple cake was fine but not special; the warm chocolate coolant wasn’t warm and appeared dry. What did we think? The food and drink were fine with a few exceptions (dessert); service was very good though our server (Cenisaliza) seemed to have too many tables; the music was less than we expected. I will continue to patronize The Veranda when I stay at the hotel but will choose a table closer to the musician for a better overall experience.

For years we wanted to try this place. We finally did it, and had the breakfast buffet. We were expecting a lot more from this 5 star hotel. Very few choices. The food itself does not justify the $48 a person charge. The eggs Benedict and potatoes were dry, cold and tasteless. The omelet was very blend. The fresh fruit, aside from the pineapple and the papaya, had no flavor. The best two parts were the pancakes and our great server Andy. We left very disappointed and sad. We will never try their breakfast buffet again.

Afternoon Tea time at no better place in Hawaii. Sit in the cool shade and watch the dolphins and people watch the pool. The 3 tiers of delight is heavenly and matches well with the delicious tea. I love to visit this property located in the Kahala Hotel at the end past Diamond Head.

Friday nights at the veranda are my favorite. With awesome local musicians, and good food, don’t forget to save room for dessert because they have the best. But make sure to make reservations for they are always booked and not able to accommodate.

Delicious food served using a variety of recipes and ingredients from across multiple cultures and cuisines. A mixture of smaller tapas and larger plates, best served family style. Laid back atmosphere and reasonably priced for the quality of the dishes served.

Excellent service! Fresh food from local farms. Unusual mix of foods that has a nice balance of sweet, salty, and very flavorful.

What an awesome brunch space! Everything we ordered was delicious (roasted carrots, banana pancakes, ahi melt (usually one is used but today it was ahi), and my iced Chai latte! Super extra brownie points for being dog friendly since we like to take Panda with us when we go out He also made a few dog friends while there (Winnie and Rosie). Service was prompt and friendly. There are indoor and outdoor seating options. We will absolutely be back..but until then, I know I'll be dreaming about those scrumptious ulu fries!

Try too hard, made up not tasty foods, severely overpriced for foods not worth it(bowl of carrots for 20 bucks, bowl of supposedly okra but lacking okra and full of French beans 20 bucks, ok desert! We sent some soggy chicken dishes back. The chicken was tasty! Emma was our server, sweet and kind and provided great service. About 15 min wait to get a table. Atmosphere, we got stuck at the corner table of a somewhat empty restaurant, warm and damp! Definitely misfire on our side for dining here.

Best brunch in Honolulu!! Loco mocos and eggs benny are great the first time in Honolulu, but MHW delivers delicious, local options you can't get just anywhere. The tuna crudo to start was refreshing and packed with flavor. Her smash burger was made with local beef and you could taste the love. But the Pork Sisig (sizzling pig's head) stole the show for both of us. 😋 It is absolutely scrumptious! Don't be afraid to try something new. You won't regret it. 🧠🤯😎🤙🏼🏄🏼‍♀️☀️🐟🍖#eatlocal

Excellent meal with a wonderful atmosphere. We had the fried ulu, Szechuan lotus root, raw and roasted carrots, sausage and clams, and the goat cheesecake. I would have it all again but particularly recommend the lotus root and cheesecake!

We stopped in because we love the PBS/Netflix series "Somebody Feed Phil", which Mud Hen Water was featured in... and we are so glad we did! Immediately the staff was warm and friendly, despite us coming in for their very last reservation time slot. They guided us through popular dishes with their recommendations and cocktail suggestions, and we felt very taken cared of. The food of course was excellent and gave us many many delicious subtle surprises. We loved that there is a focus on local sourced ingredients and as a result everything tasted fresh and flavorful. Our favorites of the night were the Peanut Tofu and the Rice Pudding dessert! At the end, the absolute best part of Mud Hen Water is the price. My partner and I each chose a "small plate", a full entree, cocktails and shared a desert...and walked out paying about than $120 with tip. For the quality of food, I don't think you'll find better in Honolulu. Ahh-MAZING.

This place is just AMAZING! The way they season their ahi tuna, their salmon—every single dish is unbelievably good. Fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Perfect spot to grab a bite on your way to or from Lanikai. So, so delicious!

Amazing food. Their Kalbi is the best we ate from the trip. Poké bowl is super fresh. However, they only have limited seating outside the building.

This is more of a shop. But, the one side has by far some of the nicest, most down to earth people running and owning it. We have been here twice now and the quality and portions of their poké are off the charts. We get plates with sides, but the bowl are just as well portioned for the money. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Now, let me say again, the owners of this place are amazing. They were gonna close early, the owner recognized us and opened back up quick for our order! People reading this, give them your business if you are looking for some good poké. Highly recommend 50/10!! Spirit of Hawaii right here.

UPDATE: their food is not ok either. Two hours after finishing their poke bowl, we diarrhea so badly. This never happens to us during the 7-day stay in Honolulu. We had many poke bowls. They are the only one causing such a problem. AVOID THIS PLACE IF YOU CAN. The food is ok. The poke bowl is average. The plate is also just ok. Nothing special. Just personal feeling, the kalbi is not the kalbi I used to have at mainland. Not sure if it is supposed to be like this. The service is the worst I have ever met at Honolulu. The sever is super impatient. They just pushed you too hard to make you order fast. They did not even give you 5 seconds to read the menu and understand the sides. Super awful service.

Take-away was prompt despite the line and service was super friendly! But let’s talk about these portions 😮‍💨 sister and I had a regular bowl and plate. large cuts of salmon and ahi and tako. Between the two us we had Spicy Thai basil, spicy ahi, and ponzu and the flavors were delicious. Great craft beer selection as well. Will be back for sure!

We’ve gone to this place for poke every single time we are in Lanikai and it’s DELICIOUS. One of the best poke places on the island. We love the spicy ahi, crab salad and mac salad. It’s one of our favorite poke spots on any of the Hawaiian islands

We left the beach and were starving, so we started looking for places to eat. We ordered the teri chicken with rice. We weren't sure if we would like any of the sides, so we decided to skip them, but retrospectively we should have tried something new. The food came out quick and we were excited to eat. I personally avoid chicken thich at all costs, but this one was amazing. It had great flavor and was a great size to share. My only complaint would be that I wish it was cooked on a grill or had that char to it. Regardless, it was amazing and had an interesting smokeyness to it. They're doing something great here. Definitely recommend if you're over by the beach.

Only place yet I’ve felt the need to write a review for. Genuinely amazing and great price manapua and it’s my favourite food so I’ve tried many. Their haupia and fried spinach mozzarella manapua are actually addictive. The owner is also so sweet and generous and seems to truly enjoy sharing his food. He gave us three free samples and they were all amazing. All the options, of which there are many, are a great choice. God bless this establishment!!! Infinite well wishes! <3

Today I got to try there plate lunch with 2 entrees for $14.95 and they do give a lot. I ate enough for my lunch and saved the rest for my dinner. Also, the service was very helpful and friendly.

I have gone twice to this manapua and drink cafe. The dimsum is delicious. They custom make their smoothies and drinks. The unique treatment of the manapua makes this cafe outstanding. The bao can be ordered deep fried! You can order the bao steamed of course but the fried option is wonderful.

Just when I think that's are no more hidden gems on O'ahu! This place should have a line out the door. So many manapua, so little time! Great service and prices, and delicious! They are so nice and threw in a couple things to try. I will definitely bring people here when I'm in the area!

Stopped here after our flight landed and before getting to the house we were staying at. There was a constant stream of people in and out which is usually a good sign to us that the locals enjoy the food. We grabbed some bento boxes but saw alot of people leaving with a variety of other items.

Today was the first time my family and I have visited this restaurant. With such great reviews I had to come check it out for myself. I was craving Chinese food and found this place on google. When we got there we were greeted by the kind owner and his employee. We got there a bit late but were happy that they still had manapuas,rice cakes and bentos. We most definitely be back because the hospitality was great and we really appreciated how welcoming they are. Thank you for the delicious food especially the tasty fried coconut mochi balls😋☺️.

Their pizza Manapua has sausage in it :( I thought it was vegetarian since it didn’t say it had pork inside….they should specify on their menu. Very good chicken manaupa’s though and friendly service!

Came here for the first time. We ordered the adobo fried rice w/ Lechon Kawali, dinaguan and pinakbit, Lechon Kawali and Pansit, and a side order of 1 pancake. Everything tasted pretty good. The dinaguan wasn’t as good as it looked. The Adobo rice was pretty flavorful with the Lechon. The pansit noodles were ok as well. The pancake was very flavorful and had a nice crust. Staff are fast and friendly. Lots of parking and lots of tables to dine on.

NO BUFFET. We came for the famous buffet but they don’t have it anymore despite the listing still claiming they have it. Food was good and served quickly but the pork adobo was weak. This is more diner than restaurant. It’s loud and busy. Limited seating could mean a long wait.

When it comes to eating out, my Mom is usually hard to please, especially Filipino food. Today, she said she suggested we go there, so here we are! Close to home cooked meals. Great service by the Aunties.

Filipino food was good, but a little salty for me. Our server was real nice. Portion servings were large and shareable. Ordered the steamed white rice , dinuguan and pancit, and pork adobo.

First time here. Had a short 15 min wait with about 3 parties ahead of our group. Service was fast. I ordered the Lechilog which is lechon kawali with pork adobo fried rice omelette. The lechon was super crunchy on the outside with really tender meat. It paired perfectly with the pork adobo fried rice. We also ordered pancakes as I was told it was one of the best. Pancakes were chewy and may be one of the better cakes I've had. Will definitely come back for the this meal!

I would give this place one star if I could. I normally don’t leave reviews unless the experience is truly disappointing, and unfortunately this was one of them. I flew in from the mainland and my family wanted to eat here, but the service completely ruined it. The workers were rude, it honestly felt like if you don’t like your job, then quit. Our server barely checked on us, and when she did, her attitude was snobby and dismissive. Talking to her felt pointless, it was like everything went in one ear and out the other. The whole interaction felt rushed and unprofessional. To make matters worse, as we were finishing our meal, our waitress still hadn’t come back. We asked a male staff member passing by if he could bring us takeout containers, and instead of helping, he brushed us off with, “Your waitress can serve you guys.” Sir, we were clearly done if you had actually paid attention instead of brushing us off, you would have noticed. And let’s be real, when it comes to the food it’s good but the service is what leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

This establishment has friendly staff who are quick and efficient. Not to mention, their food is legit, delicious and inexpensive. My family of four felt like we got our monies worth given the amount and variety of food we ordered. Definitely glad we stopped by during our vacation.

Ordered the BBQ chicken bowl and the teriyaki beef bowl along with a spam musubi. Food was pretty good only complaint was a few fatty pieces of beef but overall really yummy. Food was prepared quickly and service was fast and helpful.

Beef stew was pretty good. Beef was mostly tender. Bbq burger was good. French fries are good. Bbq chicken burger was good. I’m giving three stars overall because their online process needs improvement. After placing my order using their app, received email confirmation. Couple minutes later received email canceling my order stating would receive a refund in a few days. Called the restaurant and asked what’s going on. They didn’t know and said, “no your order is still good”. They’re also really stingy on the parking validation. When I asked for parking validation the young lady says, ”you still good for ten minutes”. Why not just validate the parking, what if I don’t get out of the lot in ten minutes?

Hawaiian plate lunch is comfort food. This L&L shop is conveniently located for those who need their plate lunch fix before a flight or during a long layover. The mini plate is anything but miniature. Looking for something more substantial? Go for the BBQ plate. Broke da mouth.

Ginormous portions. I got enough chicken katsu for 3 meals if you don’t each much, and 2 meals if you eat a normal amount per meal. L&L is always good!

Hamburger steak and garlic chicken was a great combo. L&L for the win today. Really enjoyed it.

Food is too expensive 100 bucks for 4 people to eat and the teriyaki chicken bowl had no teriyaki. I went to ask dor teriyaki sauce and they didn't want to give me any because apparently the chicken had sauce in it. Didn't want to argue with them. No air conditioning if you want to dine in.

Great location, perfect for picking up food before taking your flight. Clean atmosphere. Service was warm and friendly. Very welcoming and was greeted as I walked in. The menu consists of a variety of Island favorites and great combination plates. I opted for the Loco Moco Breakfast. The burger patty was good, moist, grilled, and seasoned well. The gravy was light but could use more beefy flavor. The over-easy eggs were perfect. The gravy, burger, over easy eggs over rice are delicious. The Macaroni Salad was tasty and freshly made. Generous portion, the regular combo could easily feed two people. For the price, it's worth it. The one con about this place is the parking. It is a paid parking lot even with validation.

Ordered takeout via UberEats during lunch time and was quite happy with our food! I ordered the Oyster Jun and my wife ordered a small spicy BBQ pork (mild). The Oyster Jun was very good! Fried well, not oily, yummy oyster flavor. The BBQ pork was tasty and cooked well. The sides like the potatoes and seaweed were good, but nothing all too special. Price is okay for Korean food standards, since Korean food typically tends to be on pricier side. My main complaint is that portions aren't very big despite what other reviews have stated. Sides are fairly generous, but not the main. Definitely a good place in Kailua for your Korean food fix!

My friend and I were craving Korean food on a Sunday or Monday night. My go to Korean spots - #1 Willow Tree in Aikahi and #2 Enchanted Lakes Kim Chee were both closed. My friend said let's try this place, we went inside to eat. We did not eat. The food did not look visually appealing and it did not taste good, plain and simple. Sadly I have to recommend against eating here. I'm not sure how they can stay in business with food like that? I am truly sorry for this brutal review, but it is the truth. I would like to rate the Food a Zero star, but that is not possible, so i am forced to rate it a 1 star. It does not deserve a 1 Star. The lady was okay, she deserved her 1 star, atmosphere was empty but soda boxes and other items were laid out on tables and near register area. It received my highest rating of a 2. I recommend - Willow Tree and Enchanted Lake Kim Chee, both run by Korean families, and food is exceptional.

Talk about a hole in the wall. You would never know this place has great food. The owners, a husband that cooks and a wife that takes the orders have been there for ages. Kalbi ribs, meat jun, chicken katsu, and the list goes on.

I ordered a mini fish jun. Had more batter than fish. It used to be delicious. Not anymore. I'm guessing the price on everything has gone up.The fish/batter jun was 1 inch wide. And 5 inches long. With! One piece fish/batter. And its not seat in. Only, take-out.

Although the lady was nice, the service was slow. I waited 10 minutes for my order that I had phoned in earlier and was already done and sitting on the counter ready for pickup, because she had to help in the kitchen. The side order of Korean style Kal-bi that I ordered turned out to be two small pieces and costs $24.95. I was astonished that they could charge such an exorbitant amount for so little food! They were half the size of what other Korean restaurants serve as a side order! Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed. I’m not going back.

First time trying this restaurant food the lady taking the order was very unfriendly with an angry look. I’m here but live in Korea the restaurant people there are much much more friendlier with foreigners then this lady. Even WillowTree Kailua and KimChee Enchanted Lake are friendlier. And the food are much tastier and good size portions. The banchans are not the greatest either. Especially the spring onion ban Chan was too salty couldn’t taste the spring onions.👎 Called this place and tried to place and order but the lady who answered kept talking to someone else at the restaurant very rude so I hung up. Poor customer ethics

We bought 4 plates a Oneton mein and a cheeseburger. They also put some sort of soup that tasted like it was days old and we took it right back and they said that it was not there’s and that’s not how they cook but yet it was in the same container as the oneton mein we did order. Then the cheeseburger was not cooked good and it was cold. Check your food before you eat from here.

I always order mobile so that no need to wait at least 10+ minutes. My order was ready in 5 minutes this time and it was kept in the lock box. I usually go to Kapolei location but the food was way better here. Korean chicken was well covered with the sauce, mac salad was so good, and cheese and onion were generously added. The sitting area was clean too.

We went to this location on Tuesday 7/29/2025 when they had the Tsunami scare. We live on the Waianae coast & had just spent 2 1/2 hours in traffic just to get to our toddler at daycare. We didnt make it in time to go home before the first wave was predicted to hit, it was too late to try to get to our pups in Waianae, so we decided we needed to stop somewhere to eat, far outside the tsunami zone. We don't have much family here, so we really didnt have anywhere else to go. As we ate, we sat there distracted, speaking of everything we would lose. Worried, anxious, sad, etc., Our waitress was very kind & friendly. My daughter kept asking about the token machine & when we were done eating, she brought her a token. She didnt have to but she did and that was super sweet of her. I wish I remembered her name. It was a small act of kindness, but it meant a lot & we really appreciated it. We had the spaghetti and meat sauce with garlic bread & it was delicious. My husband ordered the Korean Fried chicken and it was delicious as well. The desserts were delicious as well. This was our first time at this location and we definitely appreciate & enjoyed it. Definitely recommend going here. Great service.

We always go to zippys. It's our go-to whenever we have family or visitors coming from the mainland . We always say ist stop is Zippys. We love their spaghetti and zipping. The service can be a little bit slow sometimes, I guess they get shorthanded. I will always recommend trying Zippys local food.

Thank you to Zippys Waipio for staying open late for people who get off work at night, as while...we would normally cook at home, sometimes we don't have the energy or time to do so and are always looking for someplace else to eat other than fast food chain restaurants. Thank you for having all precautions to keep your customers safe and healthy during these times of the pandemic, and thank you to the guest greeter at the front to make sure we took temperature, sanitized, and showed us to our table, and as always thank you to our server Robin for always providing the best customer service. Every time we decide to come to this location for zippys, we always have Robin and it's always so nice to see her. Keep up the amazing work and stay safe to all employees. Keep your chin up and hang in there, you guys all work so hard to bring us good food and great service. I cannot stress it enough but Thank You always.

So much easier just placing an order, Arriving you just park and as long as you have you're Mask on, The Employees come to your car to ask what your name for pick up. Me as a mom it's soo much easier and faster. The Employees are very Friendly and Helpful. Dine-In has THE BEST SERVICE

Aloha: Zippys is a staple of hawaii and for sure it has everything you could be looking for. The food is always great and never will let you down. I think thier oxtail soup is the best in Hawaii. You have to enjoy thier fried chicken , chillie and so much more. You can order ahead of time and they have storage boxes they leave it in for you. My only negative is that the prices have gone up substantially in the past 5 years.

Usually stay away from Zippys as prices have gone up and portions have gone down but finally decided to go down here on Wednesday night as late night choices are very limited here😥 and this was 830pm at night.... Had to use my $5 coupon so decided on a Zip Pac Deluxe for $18....but came out a little over $15 when using the coupon so wasnt bad. Had a couple eating their food in the dine in area self serve and other than that it was just me waiting for food. Only took 5 minutes for my food so that was a positive. Food was the typical zippys... Though the chicken got smaller and the teri beef looked rather slim and tiny too. Im glad the Las Vegas Zippys is doing well since I feel post covid that this local food chain is failing.... 4 stars.

Half chicken was good, plenty of space to set. Good spot after long drive. I saw reviews from many people on another website, and all say good thing about food here especially chicken, so I try it and it was yummy!

The chicken was so juicy, smoky, and flavorful cooked perfectly with that sweet huli huli glaze. Portions are generous, and the mac salad and rice make it a complete meal. Casual spot, friendly service, and definitely worth the stop if you’re in Oʻahu!

We drove past this spot the first day of our trip and I noted to stop just based on the smell of the chicken cooking outside. Last full day, we ended up stopping and had one of the best meals of our trip. The chicken is perfectly smokey and flavorful. I regret not bringing the glaze home. Mac and salad were the cherry on top of a great meal. For sure stop by if you get the chance

We stopped by Yummy Huli Huli before heading to Kualoa Ranch and I am so glad we did!! One of the best meals we had while in Hawaii. The chicken was so flavorful and not dry at all and the beef was marinated well. Maybe sure to ask for extra Huli Huli sauce!!! The restaurant itself is nothing crazy and the people selling merchandise inside were a little aggressive but the food made up for any issues!! Definitely recommend!!

--Most delicious chicken and shrimp !! --restaurant was clean and spacious, workers were nice and friendly. Also at the gift shop! --I got whole chicken cut into 4, garlic shrimp, rice, macaroni salad and soda! --I couldn't save any for later consumption!! -will definitely be back!

I loved their chicken‼️ It was so delicious that I forgot to even take a picture of it. We ordered the whole chicken along with a strawberry smoothie. The chicken was perfectly cooked, and the sauce was absolutely delicious. The only downside was that the A/C wasn’t very effective and it was hot, but I still highly recommend this place 😍😍

They have nicely grilled chicken here. They charge per scoop of rice and per pack of sauce but the chicken tasted great. There is also a gift shop selling souvenirs.

Pearl City Highland Market Sushi-Man. Big menu, quick service, decent quality and taste. Ordered spicy tuna handroll, good size portion, taste was good, but tuna was minced and with spicy mayonaise mix, can't really tell if it's actually tuna or lower grade fish. With that said, reasonably priced at $3.50 and satisfied my craving. Highland Market is opened from 8am to 4:30pm daily. Tons of open air parking, along with additional covered parking on lower level next to Sam's Club. Elevator and escalator available to and from 2nd level

I ordered the 2 choice bento with spicy ahi and teriyaki chicken. I didn’t take a picture because I forgot and ate the whole plate realizing I should have took the picture because it was AMAZING!!! There’s a sweet lady that works here, she seems like she loves what she does because of her smile! Definitely coming back(:

Amazing food for amazing price and very kind workers ❤️ and the spicy ahi is no joke 🥵 ❤️

Refreshing drinks. Food choices also available at this location like handrolls, bento, donburi and others:

I got the poke and natto combo and my wife got a spicy poke donburi. This was my first experience with natto, so I think I just don't like the food in general. That being said it was one of the worst and longest lingering foods I've eaten, and I wish I had just stuck to what I know lol I didnt take anything off for that though, because it's more my mistake and not their fault. The reason for the low rating is the rest of their food. Everything we had is common on the island, and even only having been here for a relatively short time, I could name plenty of places that do the same kind of food better and for the same price..maybe if we'd gotten sushi it would have been better

Moved over a few spaces in the newly renovated Pearl Highlands Food court. Same friendly service and rustic large sushi rolls and other various sushi basics and specialities. Fairly fast service despite long lines at times.

The quality isn't the best, it's more of a fast food type of sushi joint that's somewhat over priced. It's probably worth saving up to go to a some buffet in Waikiki that offers sushi. At least it's worth more for your buck.

I came towards the ending of her food being sold out but she still served me whatever she had and she packed it up!!! Never knew this place existed until a friend of mines mentioned the place on instagram I had to come out and try her food and see what the hype was about! She definitely did not disappoint me!!! It was bomb!

Food is absolutely delicious. We have lunch here all the time and it is always on point. Love this dude and his food. 5 ⭐️

I arrived at 11 am and they were already sold out on all their food except for the beef stew, so I bought the beef stew with once scoop of rice and macaroni salad and green salad, which came to $11. The server was very nice in explaining about what she got left and she gave so much that I was barely able to finish and the food was very good. This is a definitely a hidden cheap eats gem in Waipahu.

Scoopers has been around for 20 plus years they are known best by their loyal customers in the neighborhood that work at commercial company’s near by. The food great not to salty and great price for the portions they scoop! Living up to their brand. They offer 5 different plates based on the day. I personally love their beef curry on Tuesdays

If your looking for local plate lunch but affordable, this is the place. They have a food truck that comes to mililani tech park 10am-2pm close by kk distributors, not sure what days they come. They only take cash at the truck as a heads up. The cook, he's really nice and is very generous when packing the plates, sometimes the menu is not big, they'll only have 1 or 2 plates available but not the case all the time.

The food is great, generous amount and a bargain. Food can run out by 11am. During State holidays, many will line up before it opens.

Great food for your bucks nowdays & you can share or have 3 meals.

Small mom and pop. Cash only but good food and fast service! They do not speak much English but we were able to order just fine :) great prices would recommend!

It’s used to be Kong Kee and now called Heaven Chinese Noodle and BBQ Cafe. Right across from Royal Kitchen. This is a small place that serves simple Cantonese comfort food at very very affordable price. They are opened for dine in but could only seat around 12 people. This family run business deserves more 5-star reviews!

Food is authentic Hong Kong Style breakfast fare - jook, beef brisket noodles, roast meats, milk tea, toast Service is exactly what you expect from a dirty hole in the wall greasy spoon type joint, thats why I love it. Atmosphere - see above description for Sevice.

A whole in the wall resturant that serves excellent food. The beef tendon with look funn and gravy is the bomb. Topped off with Choisum on top.All their other noodle dishes are excellent.

Cash only. Worth every dollar! Large portions.

Good price

Filling and SO inexpensive. CASH ONLY

This location is inside an H Mart! Came here after visiting Big Wave shrimp on north shore and I thought Giovanni’s was much tastier! They really emphasize the garlic flavor well and their spicy sauce is delicious. Definitely worth making a stop here!

We missed hitting the shrimp trucks on the North Shore so we were happy to find a closer alternative in Honolulu! This is in the food court on the second floor of the H Mart. They have a smaller menu but, man, is that shrimp good!

It was good! But I'm glad I came to this location (food court above H Mart) versus the food truck because I'm not sure if it's worth waiting in a longggg line for. Shrimps aren't peeled, hot sauce was quite spicy but paired really well with the garlic shrimp.

Was so excited to be able to enjoy Giovannis without having to drive up to the north shore, but this location kinda disappointed. To their credit, the shrimp was hot and seemed fresh, but overall it was pretty disappointing. Not sure if it was bottom of the barrel, but the garlic butter seemed old and kinda paste-y and dried out. Also the woman working had her infant behind the counter with her. I understand how hard and frustrating childcare can be, but there has to be a line for food safety handling purposes.

Tried Giovanni’s Shrimp Hawaii for my first meal in Honolulu — went straight for the #1 garlic shrimp. So good. It’s tucked inside the H Mart food court on the second floor. I’d heard a lot about their shrimp platter, so I had to give it a shot. Big shrimp, two scoops of rice, and plenty of flavor. It was $17.50, which felt a bit pricey, but honestly worth it. Bonus: it’s super close to Ka Moana Luau, like a 15-minute drive.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck is an absolute must-try on O'ahu's North Shore. It's one of Hawaii's most famous food trucks, easily recognizable by its exterior covered in customer signatures and graffiti. They keep the menu simple, focusing on a few plates, all served with two scoops of rice. ​Their signature dish is the Shrimp Scampi, which is smothered in olive oil, lemon butter, and lots of chopped garlic—it's deliciously messy and packed with flavor. You can also get the "No Refunds" Hot & Spicy version or the Lemon Butter shrimp. Be ready for a line, but the whole experience in the North Shore food truck court is worth the wait for that classic, garlicky plate lunch.

We went the Giovanni’s Shrimp in the 2nd floor of H-Mart. The garlic rice and scampi is our go-to. Lots of shrimp for a great price. We also had the mac salad. A must stop when you’re in Honolulu and can’t make it out to the original spot in the North Shore.

Great little strip mall spot that’s a blink and you miss it kind of place. Was recommended to us by a local and I can see why. Food was amazing, tons of variety, and at a good price. Service was wonderful and food came out quickly. You have to get the wonton nachos, we got the poke and pork ones. They were amazing and HUGE!

The poke nachos were amazing! We ordered it as an appetizer but the portion was so big that we ended up eating that as our meal. We took home our two chicken plates, the shoyu chicken and pulehu that was made fresh to order so it was nice and tender. Def will be coming back, thank you

I got the Kailua pig and poke nachos and oh man were they good. The flavor was insane and the portion was fantastic. Each bite genuinely got better. The staff was also SO nice. I will 100% be back next time I visit

Got takeout and tried the spicy ahi poke nachos, it came out to about $30 after tax. Overall, it was solid. The poke portion was generous, which helped justify the price. I especially liked the wonton chips super crispy and flavorful. Only thing I'd change is adding a bit more sauce, but I'd definitely consider getting it again.

The food here is really good. My husband had an enormous portion of poke/kaula pork nachos (pic). I had Kayla pork with cabbage - yummy, and the mac salad was the best I’ve had. The kamikaze poke was also delish.

My family loved this place. Ambiance was great, very cozy and all the people there were devouring their food so we knew we were in the right place. Service was great, didn't rush us but was available for questions. The food was so good, my younger kids got pork sliders, complained the entire time until they got there, then ate all of it and we're so happy. All 3 adults and kids ate until they were stuffed. I recommend the poke nachos, they were a little spicy but even my 11yo was able to handle it. Portions are big, lots of protein. Would recommend this to anyone.

By far, the best poke nachos I've ever had. We had the combo with kamakaze and spicy, with a side kalua pig sliders. Totally hit the spot! Gonna be our new norm! ;)

A pleasant little eatery of Hawaiian food. It doesn’t serve butter fish, so I had a beef stew that was tasty, but too salty for my taste. W also tries the salad with Kuala Pork, which was fine. There’s a large parking paid parking lot.

We were the only ones in the joint at lunch time on a Sunday, but I was hopeful that the food would be ono. The words that best describes this place are “It could have been worse I guess.” The food was just okay. Service and atmosphere were slightly less than okay. If you’re thinking about the broke dah mouth type of local grindz that you can get at Helena’s or even Asahi Grill, unfortunately this place doesn’t come close. I always want to support local but sadly it’s hard to do when the utensils given are dirty from the start, cups of water with oily streaks floating on top, with some of the food looking like old reheated leftovers and the apathetic staff who seemed bothered that customers showed up.

Oahu Grill is a small family business style restaurant. When we arrived on a Saturday during lunch time, there was only one person on staff and he greeted us with familiarity. The space is small and doesn’t offer much in the way of decorations. We ordered one of the large plates and split between our group as we were food touring the area and he was kind enough to give us larger portions than is typically served so we could try lots of options while still feeling satisfied. The quality of the food was traditional home-style, like your grandma would make, but of course Hawaiian. The chicharron was delicious, but the meat was a bit dry and tough. Dipping it in the soy and vinegar sauce helped add moisture and also a nice acidic kick. We also got the squid lu’au, which was a bit odd to me as someone who’s never had it, but the taro leave mixture was really delicious and paired with the rice beautifully. The laulau pork was my favorite on the plate because every bite was tender and juicy. The poi was not for me as the texture reminded me of pudding, but made of taro root and it was cold. It’s more of a personal preference though. I loved ending the meal with the coconut jelly. Even though the textures and flavors aren’t the same, it reminded me of the effect arroz con leche has at the end of a spanish meal, probably because of the milk aspect. Delicious!

First time trying Hawaiian food in this restaurant. The server was so kind and attentive. Food was amazing too! I recommend it here.

Food was really good, sadly it was close to the end of the evening so they were out of a few things. Friendly staff and quick service here. Had the Laulau and kaluha pork salad!! The pork wrapped in the tea leaves was delicious. Tried poi for the first time, I see why people add sugar and milk, it is very bland in taste. I'm a fan of trying new things so if you haven't tried it please do. The haupia is light in flavor, just know it's a bit more firm than you may imagine. Highly recommend a stop in.

The authentic Hawaiian food was excellent. The server was fantastic and explained the menu items and how they were prepped. Even provided samples of items we had not ordered. The flavors of pork and other items had a better taste than some of the larger restaurants in the tourist areas. We were told everything was made in house. Loved the friendliness and local fare. Would definitely come back again! Prices are very reasonable as well.

Traditional Hawaiian food is always a bit pricy but the poi here was absolutely delicious and all the food very 'ono. It's a great way to try several different dishes. Especially loved the squid luau and the triple tomato stew - both so flavorful!

Great food, good location and plenty parking. Friendly service with a smile. Inside the store somewhat felt like a sauna (idk maybe it was just me). Definitely recommend.

Best Manapua ever.. Haven’t tasted anything there that I did not like. People so friendly and generous. I wish people would learn from them because they know how to treat individuals with true Hawaiian Aloha

Small mom and pop type shop. Steamed manapua was decent, a little too much breading for my liking. Baked manapua was dry... needed water to swallow. Half-moon had excellent flavor, but too much dough, ratio of dough to filling was 3 to 1. The pork hash were massive but had an unusual mushroom flavor. Overall, food was not great but also not bad. Parking is terrible here, but at least the ladies inside were super nice, friendly, and helpful.

Take out only. The have a vast variety of manapua, both steamed and baked. Staff is very friendly, efficient and puts a smile on my face. Makes a great impression when you are walking into a meeting, gathering, etc cause although everyone loves manapua, pork hash, half moon, rice cake, etc. Most people never think about this option which is far superior to donuts or other pastries.

Small family-owned businesses thrive and they truly put real love into the food. Not a factory machine but caring artists of taste. Go! So good!!

Hole in the wall. I have passed this place up least once a month when I go to my appointment. This time, I stopped. Parking was interesting but there is more parking in the back. Grabbed baked manapua, spicy sausage manapua and of course pork hash. Asked for 10, but they only had 6. Was disappointed when I left, but when I got home I open the box an dholt crap the pork has is huge. The 6 was like having 18. I ate 2 and was full. Well worth the stop and will go again. In a place surrounded by restaurants, they are a hidden gem.

Would have been delicious if not for the long black hair that was baked into the pizza manapua. Please have your workers wear hairnets..

Hole in the wall place on Lehua st in Pearl City thats been around for years with late night grinds that used to be cheap eats.... Havent been here in a while since they changed owners but tried it out again and was disappointed. Prices went up significantly like everyone else, now the regular plates have only one scoop rice. My go to used to be the patele or teri meatballs but now theres other options closeby that are better than mikis.....service was still slow and cash only. 3 stars.

Place is overrated, not even that good. Why go here when zippys has the same price and better quality. Dirty and sketchy area to be in at night. Choke cops patrolling the area and random homeless and cracks around the corner hanging around the block next to 7 eleven. Much better prolly back then cheaper and better service.

This used to be my favorite late night plate lunch place. Unfortunately, the owner decides to raise the prices and give less food. I was so upset the last time I ate here. I opened my plate and saw how little the portions were at the price I paid, I actually went back to ask for a refund. I love to support local businesses, but not when they try to rip you off. I understand that things are getting more expensive. Why increase your prices, then give less? They act like a McDonald's where the burgers shrink.

I always do takeout bc they're not exactly located in a great area they do have some tables and chairs but again do not recommend eating there take your food home the food is good the staff is always friendly and they're open late

I try to patronize local businesses and this was one to try based on reviews. Their hours are odd being open from 8pm to 2am. This may be part if the reason for the (what I feel are generous) reviews. I had their staple Terriyaki meatballs and rice. The meatballs are of the cheap frozen variety and the sauce doesn’t taste anything like terriyaki but more like a cheap gravy. The rice was fine but the macaroni salad was gag worthy. Overcooked noodles, shredded carrots and cheap mayonaise slathered on. We had another dish as well that was more Hawaiian inspired and it was 3 stars. I would definitely not come back here.

Good food, good atmosphere. People were really nice

Recently tried this little gem after hearing about it for so long. Pleasantly surprised and open after I get off of work. Open late night only. Cash only. Street parking only (limited). Had a pastele/ Turkey tail adobo mix plate. Everyone said to get the teri meatballs. Guess I'll be going back soon...

Stumbled upon the food trucks when we were in the area. Decided to try this one out, which turned out to be good. The special was a steak dish and also had the pork/chicken combo. Everything was pretty good, however the menu song doesn’t let you know everything you are getting. I didn’t know the chicken was with noodles, the special didn’t specify the sides, etc. In any event, enjoyed it all (even though the Mac salad is like 45% mayo) Would definitely get the kalua pork and absolutely would get the steak special again. It was my favourite.

Beef stew was good. This time meat wasn’t as tender as it usually is and was mostly fat vs. meat. Squid luau was good. If you haven’t tried it yet, I recommend trying the squid luau.

Shoyu pork more like Shoyu fat. Ordered a plate of Shoyu pork more than half the plate was straight up FAT. No meat just Gout action. Pastele stew was good doe but don’t order the Shoyu pork unless you like be bed ridden with gout.

Laverne’s is one of a handful of my top favorite Lunch Wagons and definitely my top spot for a smoked meat plate. I always get this if we decide to take out from here. Meaty smoky goodness with onions really hits the spot for satisfying that smoke flavor taste cravings! Delicious!!! I like mine with all white rice, but normally it comes with two scoops of white rice and mac/tossed salad. I was told the pork adobo was here good too. So If your in Waikele come check them out and support our local businesses!! Update: My Smoked Meat Plate with all white rice is still delicious as ever and the husband tried the Beef Stew and really enjoyed it as well. Thick and hearty flavorful sauce with plenty of chunky veggies and stew meat. 10/30/2022 My mom enjoyed the Kalua Pig Cabbage Plate. She said it was soft to chew. Chicken long rice had a nice mild flavor with a ginger flavor as well. My husband tried the Roast Pork Plate for the first time and said meat was tender and gravy was flavorful. 05/18/2023 Husband picked up dinner after work. My favorite Smoked meat plate with delicious smoked onions is still #1 and my husband still loves the roast pork plate- still as good as ever. Got mom the mini chicken long rice. She loves it. Mild ginger flavor. Terrific Dinner!! If u haven’t yet, check them out. U won’t be disappointed. 08/19/2023 Aloha everyone! Updating again for Laverne’s Lunch Wagon. After work my husband grabbed us dinner- my favorite, smoked meat plate with all white rice At Laverne’s Lunch Wagon. This plate literally lasts me 3 meals it’s so filling and satisfying. Rich smoky flavor just makes your mouth water and you can’t wait to dig in! Delicious!! 🤤 my husband got his regular- the roast pork plate but sadly they made a mistake and gave him all white rice too instead of the Mac Salad. He was not happy but his meal was good and it really helped that he ordered gravy all over this time! People make mistakes, and after all the times we ate here, it was a first. It didn’t take away from the quality of their food as well,so make sure you take just a extra minute to check your order before you leave 👍 Pictures updated 04/02/2024 Husband tried the Roast Pork plate. He really enjoyed it. Good flavor & portions

Delicious food that was served quickly. I got the kalua pork mini plate and it was perfect, hit the spot and was enough food to fill me up plus a little extra. Update: second visit was 9/16/21 and I got the Mahi mini plate with only rice. Wow, it really exceeded all my expectations. The sauce was creamy and buttery, and the capers were lovely pops of slightly salty bites that paired nicely with the flavors of the sauce. I will definitely get it again.

SO. GOOD. They have so many good local options to choose from. We got lau lau, lomi salmon, beef stew, and chicken long rice. The kids loved the chicken long rice, and frankly so did I. The lau lau was so rich and juicy, will 100% be ordering it again! Lomi salmon and beef stew were both awesome too, you really can’t go wrong with anything from this place!

Super cool and chill food truck dishing out local favorites. The crew on shift were very friendly and welcoming. The smoked meat is out of this world. The smokiness is on point and the meat is tender. I will be back again to try another combo but you gotta try the smoked meat at least once! Will be back!

Depending on what you're here for and you're attitude, the dancers her can be a lot of fun. I went with a two different groups and had varying experiences. The drink selection was also serviceable. It's really just something of an experience. A fun place to hit up if you're just lookin for a fun dive.

Pretty chill and okay place, cool workers, pretty girls. As the place was closing an angry worker came by and poured my remaining beer into my mixed drink, effectively ruining it, then ushering us out with a very Stern voice 10+ minutes prior to their closing. Would go back for a second time, but the previous encounter with the worker that gave us a hard time.

Was just looking for a drink while waiting for my bird to be done at the vet so I went there. I walked in and there wasn't a soul in sight. Waited around for about 5 minutes and someone came by. I was, immediately, denied because I had my dog with me. As I was walking out to find another place to drink was "You have no customers Nd you pushed away one so now you're back to square 1 by having no customers". Save your money for another place. This one is a thumbs down from me.

I would be the Designated Driver, and no matter how many times I would say it, the owners still pushed me to drink and pushed me to throw money at the strippers when i purposely sat in the corner on my phone and told them i was just the DD waiting for my group to leave. The owners still would come up to me and push me to get lap dances and buy drinks. Finally I had to stand my ground. I told my group that I was with either I continue being their DD somewhere else or I leave them there. All 8 of us left and the place got empty after we left. This place needs new owners. The strippers understood how I was DD and were super cool with it, but the owners weren't.

Great beer prices! Some of the most jaw dropping women around! And wait till you see how clean the bathrooms are, truly a Kailua tradition. Any tourist should make this a must go!

I visited this place several times. The dancers are all old or FAT. They will try to rob you by having you buy $20.00 drinks for dancers and customers. THis being the mama owner of the business. When you get your tab, it may be 800.00 to $2000.00 and then you are angry and upset. I have been there to see poor drunk young marines fall victim to this practice. I don't understand why the military will allow their troops to go to such places where they are beaten by big locals or robbed by these buy me drinkie bars. You boys are better off going to Waikiki. STAY out of KAILUA!

If you enjoy not being that tased by strippers while playing pool and drinking with friends and weird drunk kids, this is your jelly. That being said, the speedy charm is real. But no strippers on stage, if you’re into that.

guy tried to sell me a breakfast sandwich that was sitting in a glass case(not refrigerated) for $5!... it was 2pm. be careful what you order because most things are pre made then microwaved to order. yup plastic container and all. One would think the med school would offer healthier food