I recently visited Kaʻahaʻaina Café on Farrington Highway in Waiʻanae, and it truly stands out as one of the more unique casual spots on Oʻahu's leeward coast. The ambiance at Kaʻahaʻaina Café sets it apart from your average neighborhood café. The atmosphere is laid-back and focused on community, embodying a local vibe that truly represents the West Side instead of mimicking a trendy Honolulu idea. The overall experience at Kaʻahaʻaina Café was truly something I valued the most. The vibe was relaxed and inviting, allowing for a seamless transition into enjoying the meal. The service was not only friendly but also efficient, with the staff contributing to a warm atmosphere that perfectly complemented the café's local vibe. That level of reliability is crucial, particularly in a venue where it appears that numerous patrons are familiar faces. From a wider travel viewpoint, I often observe when a café truly embodies the spirit of its local community. Having explored numerous dining spots around the globe, I often find myself recalling those that truly embody their local essence, and Kaʻahaʻaina Café certainly captures that vibe. It's not just about the show. It's all about the cozy vibe, the sense of belonging, and an atmosphere that resonates with the essence of Waiʻanae. Kaʻahaʻaina Café is definitely worth a visit if you find yourself on the Waiʻanae Coast and are in the mood for a laid-back meal in an authentically local atmosphere. Kaʻahaʻaina Café exudes a sense of community that adds a unique charm, setting it apart from typical café experiences. read more

Cool little spot in a kind of hidden place. If you're not familiar with the west side you might miss it. The hours of operation are pretty short. I was not disappointed with my food or the experience, but just not sure how i felt about the experience. Full transparency, we were already hangry and in the area. Since we never tried the place before and they were still open we decided to stop. We definitely need to go back because it was one of those I'm not sure if the food was good, because we were so hungry we didn't take the time to actually taste the food. However, the staff were kind and answered our questions without showing any obvious signs of frustration. Good service always makes the experience that much better. I give this place 4 stars because of the staff and not being disappointed with our food. We will definitely be back to actually taste the food and hopefully update my review to include more of the food experience. read more

Let's be clear . . . This is not a restaurant where you sit down and get served, so if that's what you are looking for, keep looking. What this IS, is a hospital cafeteria like no other. Yes, cafe (cafeteria) located on the grounds of the hospital, tucked up where you get some of the most BEAUTIFUL views while enjoying some really good food. We came for breakfast as someone highly recommended it but when we arrived breakfast was over so we opted for lunch. As we were there right when lunch started the place was empty (something that does worry me) but when my food was ready all worries went away because for the price, you are getting a nice size portion of food. I really wish that they had seating on the balcony so you can sit out there but seriously if you are looking for good food, stop by and grab something to eat. read more

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Wonderful service, diverse menu, excellent pricing and their special bread pudding is a delight.

Horrible value...forget the prices in these photos. I understand costs rose but when I pay $12.50 for French Toast that's supposed to come with local bananas and carmelized pecans,I definitely expect more than 4 thin slivers of bananas. The cafes food cost on this item is less than $2.50 so with a $10 profit margin,customers should not be cheated. My neighbors and I will never be back,and will not buy their bread pudding at the Saturday market. I try to give local businesses the business,but not in this casej read more

Like many posts below mention this isn't a restaurant it's attached to a medical facility. Food great and the views beat the busy city area. Service 10/10 read more

This cafe is part of the medical center and as cafeterias go it was good. However they could up their game some to attract more of the public. The portions were fine, the salad was fresh. My husband dish was okay, the meat was over cooked. The peppers and onions were nicely sautéed. My chicken dish needed more seasoning, other wise it was cooked well. They have an ocean view but no chairs or tables on the balconies to easily taken it in. There is a pleasant garden around the building. The pricing online was not accurate for present day. read more

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This is a hidden gem. I absolutely love this place. From the location, the open space and scenery, it's breathtaking. I love the food here. Breakfast is my jam and they make the best omelettes here. They also have plate lunches and it's consistently good. The specials always something to look forward to. The staff and owners here are the most genuine people I know. They know their usuals, what they like and always so personal- I love t! read more

This hidden gem is about a few minutes away from my work. When I need to just relax during a lunch break this is the spot The food is really good with the killer view read more

Ka'aha'aina Cafe - Beef with rice - Seafood Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

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It was a cafeteria/ large break room look to it inside. The actual cafe inside was like a snack bar window with a kitchen in back. I was there for the views. So I grabbed a quick bite (breakfast sandwich) and headed to the walking paths across from the cafe. Wish there was more structured seating and spots by the window to chill and eat inside. Everyone was super nice. I'd come back. read more

Ka'aha'aina Cafe - I got the Breakfast sandwich. Quick and basic. It was scrambled eggs and some kind of luncheon meat on wheat. - Seafood Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

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"Pricing is fair and transparent - definitely a good value for money." Great menu that changes daily yet people's favorites listed. No wait service, you just order, and pick it up and enjoy the majestic ocean view, ambience can't be beat you have the mountain at your back, beautiful Trees and a Hawaiian healing garden with walking trails to walk off those calories you just consumed. Pricing is fair and transparent - definitely a great value for your money. read more

This spot is a hidden gem in Waianae. Located above the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Medical Center. There's a beautiful ocean view from here and a paved hiking trail right next to this cafe. They have a variety of local plate lunches here. I got their chopped steak plate that comes with salad and rice and a drink. This spot is like cafeteria style and worth checking out if you're in the West side. read more

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It's renovating till 8th Jan 2024, so I took the healing garden right next to, was really nice walk:) well maintained and beautiful:) Really appreciate it. Hopefully will expand in a future!! read more

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Use Yelp for directions to the site then proceed ALL the way to the very top of the hill. Nice drive out about 7 a.m. since traffic is non- existent except for a couple passing yellow school buses. Ocean is calm although I had hoped to see more wave action since it's December and weather forecast predicted windy and 20% rain. The french toast was yummy with candied nuts and a few slices of just right ripened bananas drizzled over by perhaps warmed up syrup. Even the flies were drawn to the sweetness so I covered the entire plate with a handful of opened napkins til they went on their way. I had to order fast so I chose Chinatown fried rice. It came out as an omelette with fresh veggies and a scoop of white rice. Heading back towards Waikele the traffic has built up, the sun has emerged victoriously. A mynah bird is strutting on a low stone wall fronting the beach. Lucky we live in Hawaii. read more

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A hidden gem!! Ono ono Hawaiian food plus other good dishes!! It's a nice drive to get there and definitely worth it!!!!! I highly recommend this beautiful panoramic ocean view restaurant!!! You won't regret it!!! read more

This was a strange place to come for breakfast while staying at a beach house in waianae, but we heard it was a hidden gem and had to come check it out. View was beautiful, but that was the only good thing about this place. The older lady at the register was grumpy and definitely not a ray of sunshine in the morning. She looked like an annoyed Grandma who was tired and wanted to leave and go meet her friends for Mahjong. My girls didn't even want to give her their order, they were frightened. I think hubby was too! That would've been tolerable, if the food was good. Nope. Not sure if the other 4/5 star reviews stepped foot out of waianae to eat, but the food was not good at all. The loco moco hamburger was hard and tasted like the freezer. The fried rice was mushy and the gravy was tasteless. My kids ordered pancakes and it was not fluffy, it was dense and hard to swallow. Maybe we're spoiled with good food (and cooks) at home, but this was definitely not up to par. I gave it 2 stars for the view, but as far as food and service... 2 thumbs down. read more

The food is sooooo wonderful! I mean great! It's in a cute location and clean. On the hill so cool when there is a breeze. Service is okay. read more

Very nice view. Easy order, then find a table. Good portions. Very casual. Soft drinks only in cans or bottle. Clean and airy. I read more

Location/Parking: This restaurant is located at the Waianae Comprehensive Health Center. It is up on a hill and is in a wood building. Parking is plentiful at this restaurant. Hours: They open early and also close early at 2pm. They start tidying up the restaurant around 1pm but you can still order until closing. Food: The food is fresh! I loved that they included the Ma'o Greens in most plate lunches. The dressing that they included is perfect for the greens. I ordered the pastele stew. The taste was spot on. I also ordered the garlic fries. It was garlicky and piping hot. The serving size was very generous. Price: My pastele plate cost $8 and the garlic fries was $3.50. The prices on the food are cheap. Overall, this is a great restaurant to check out if you're in the area and if you're looking for something fresh. read more

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Beautiful view! We ordered the chop steak and Huli huli chicken . The chop steak meat was tough. The French fries was good read more

Nothing quite beats the view. The staff are incredibly friendly as well. Due to covid, there's a couple spaced out chairs on the deck to eat at while looking at the beautiful ocean. They still have quite a few breakfast/lunch menu options to choose from and is a great place to make a quick stop at in Waianae. Recommending the loco moco with fried rice! read more

Ka'aha'aina Cafe - Loco moco with fried rice - Seafood Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

Who would think that a hospital cafe would have such great food and it's probably health for you too. [FOOD] First time we went we had the FURIKAKE SALMON which was very flavorful with no dryness or fishyness (though the second time we came and I got the Ahi it was slightly on the fishy side). Another great dish that we liked was the TERIYAKI BEEF SHORTRIBS, which was nice and tender with a great teriyaki sauce that was just right (not too sweet or overpowering). The plates come with MAO ORGANIC SALAD, which is very tasty on its own but if you are like me and like more salad dressing know that you can purchase a small cup for 50c. [PARKING] They have several stalls reserved just for people going to the cafe and a handicap parking spot right outside the door. The first time we came we didn't know where they were located so when we asked the security who was on a golf cart where it was he actually told us to jump in and drove us to the location. Even though I'm handicap I didn't mind walking back to our car because it was downhill. [VERDICT] Will definitely be back!! read more

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Had my wedding here & it was beautiful. The food amazing!!! We got so many compliments of the view & the food. Such a beautiful restaurant. Mark is very professional & talented. read more

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Review #10 for 2019. Just tried Kaahaaina Cafe for the first time yesterday with some coworkers, and everything was great! One of my colleagues lives in Waianae, and since we were meeting in the area, she suggested that we grab lunch from Kaahaaina, and I'm so glad that we did. Located at Waianae Comp, Kaahaaina provides great food at affordable prices. There are several parking spots in front of the restaurant, but if they're full, you can easily find another spot in another nearby lot in the large complex. When I first got to Kaahaaina, what struck me was the amazingly beautiful view overlooking the ocean and gardens. Kaahaaina seems to largely serve workers and clients at Waianae Comp, but others from the community also stop by for some great food and great views. I ordered a clubhouse sandwich on wheat bread that came with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. The sandwich also came with chips or fries. I love a good clubhouse, and for $6.50, all of this was a great deal! A friend also let me try some of her chopped steak, which was on special. There was a ton of steak, and it was delicious! Kaahaaina Cafe is a hidden gem, and I'm stoked that my friend took us there. I'll definitely be back! read more

Ka'aha'aina Cafe - Specials, May 8, 2019 - Seafood Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

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I want to say how terrible this place is so no one finds it! It's not easy to find...keep going up. Even to better to match the yummy food are the views from the garden. The nice young lady who took our order recommended to take very tiny hike up the hill. This did not disappoint. Ended our vacation with a cherry on top. You'll have to find the area we ate on your own. read more

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Great food always. Fresh fish. If you need catering, Mark's Hawaiian food is awesome. The view of the Westside is incredible and the little hike on the hillside in front of the Cafe is good to do before eating. read more

By far one of the best place i been to because of the quality and price of the food. Not to mention the views are breathtaking if the weather permits. I had the pastele stew for $8 and it came w a bed of greens and hapa rice. The stew was delicious and had lots of chunks of pastele and some pieces of meat. The smoothies are really good, got the lava flow for $3. Portion sizes are big and prices are very reasonable especially when the greens are grown fresh from Ma'o farms. read more

Ka'aha'aina Cafe - Pastele stew - Seafood Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

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Ka'aha'aina Cafe [KC]. (3.25 stars). "The median income for a household in the CDP was $46,717, and the median income for a family was $48,145. Males had a median income of $32,328 versus $22,451 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,348. About 17.2% of families and 19.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.6% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over." - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waianae,_Hawaii With statistics like this, I can see why Waianae will never have a "fine dining celebrity chef restaurant" in our neighborhood!!?? GRUNT... Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised with my experience at KC. KC reminds me of a culinary school's cafeteria where future chefs would hone their craft! (Similar to Kapiolani Community College's culinary training). KC is located on the same private road as the Waianae Comprehensive Center. The only saving grace about this road is that it only goes one-way. To find KC, just keep driving until u can't drive any more & u will see the cafe as well as a parking lot with reserved stalls for KC's patrons. Once we finally found the cafe, we walked in & we were amazed by the sheer size of this cafe. It can seat at least 100 people comfortably. There is a stage to the left & a gorgeous view of the Waianae Coast once u walk out to the wrap around balcony. Breathtaking. That's all I can say about the view!! The cashier gave us some time to look around & let us know that each plate lunch comes with a side salad. The salad, which is surprisingly fresh, comes with micro greens & a black sesame miso dressing. Tasty. Once we perused the menu we decided to order the following: Chop Steak - $8. (NO RATING). The BF had a hankering for some steak so he chose this dish. I'm not rating this dish since it wasn't mine... Perhaps I have only had chop steak one way & my expectations led me astray yet again?? When I see CHOP STEAK on a menu, I envision strips of steak stir fried together with carrots, celery, tomatoes, & onions (yuck). That's definitely not what the BF received. The plate comes with strips of steak & onions. That's it. Talk about a literal translation of a dish??!! The steak was tender & moist but lacked seasoning. The BF said it was OK but he wasn't impressed. I'm glad this wasn't my choice!! Pastele Stew - $8. (3.5 stars). KC's Pastele Stew was very hearty. After trying Faith's Place & gagging for days I was ready to give up on finding a tasty pastele stew outside of my friend's homemade version. Then I tried KC's version & have to say it was tasty. Not the best I've had but good. What makes this stew tasty to me is the smoky earthy blend of spices that are used. Cumin & cloves seem to shine through the brightest!! I also enjoyed the masa balls (green plantain) & the fact that KC keeps the pork in chunks so the meat doesn't disintegrate!! The masa balls are slightly sweet & chewy. Each piece of pork was "fork tender" & moist. Unlike most other pastele stews that I have had, there are no discernible ingredients except the pork & the "gravy". That's great for me because I don't like onions unless they are pulverized & simmered with a blend of spices!! The only thing I do wish was that there were whole olives in this dish... Salmon with Ginger Scallion Aioli (COTD) - $13. (3 stars). Pan seared & drizzled with a Ginger Scallion Aioli, the salmon was seasoned nicely with S&P. The "crust" created from the pan searing method was crispy & texturally satisfying. Personal preference but I wish the Aioli (mayo) wasn't as thick. I could definitely taste the ginger but the scallions were very unnoticeable... Sigh. It's my fault. I just saw ginger scallion salmon & ordered it thinking the salmon was going to be cooked "Chinatown style". Meaning fried with peanut oil & sesame oil. *Faceplant* I should learn to read & comprehend menus better!! --- I'm glad the BF & I got to try KC. The hard part for us is ever being able to go back due to KC's hours of operation. There are a few things that should be noted... 1) This not a restaurant. Meaning, there is no server to bring ur order to u. 2) The tables were all dirty with remnants of food & salt. 3) If u don't pick up ur order as soon as the cashier screams ur order out to the whole valley, u will get glared at for not being quick enough. Aside from that, we both agreed we would come back to try other daily specials if we ever had the chance. Although the view alone is worth coming back!! read more

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We LOVE Ka'aha'aina Cafe! Been patrons since they opened and even love to support Mark's Specialty's! (chef/owners catering company) My favorite for breakfast is always the Skinny Omelet and you can't leave without trying his amazing bread pudding!!!! read more

Come here for the view and the Loco food. Basically a hospital cafeteria. Breakfast only until 10:30a. No fountain drinks. read more

Ka'aha'aina Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

The views are worth the stop. Food is mediocre. Ordered 5 dishes: all extremely salty. Threw out 2 of the 5 out. Ordered the fish of the day which was sautéed Ahi with a save generous portion of salad and white rice however the fish and sauce was too salty. Except the bread pudding was good. Ordered crab sandwich with cheese; too salty to eat. Threw it out. Ordered the stew this one was actually lacking in salt but had a funny after taste. So we didn't eat it. The burgers do not come with fries. They give an ok portion for 2.50 or 3.00 for garlic fries. Skip the high blood pressure induced by the food here and enjoy the views while eating some bread pudding. read more

Amazing food, friendly people, and would highly recommend this place! I got the French toast and my boyfriend got the fried rice loco moco and we both loved our food. We are here on vacation and are definitely going to be coming back a few more times before we leave! Thank you for the wonderful service and food here! read more

Ka'aha'aina Cafe - Views from the cafe - Seafood Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

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I ordered a Cobb Salad this morning. The salad was good and a generous portion but the dressing that came with it looked like pudding and tasted like blood! Also I ordered a Loco Moco and there was barely enough gravy, and the patty was very tasteless and hard.The price was reasonable $12 for the salad and $12 for the locomoco. When I got there to pick up my food, the cashier charged me $30!!! I don't know if the cashier gave herself a tip or the cash register was broken but when I went to school, I would have thought the total would be $24 plus tax! I went there only because I saw the reviews were pretty high. I truly believe that their reviews were created by themselves. I will not trust reviews anymore!!! read more

The outside of this restaurant is beautiful, has nice trees and plants plus an area for events or getting married, etc. I think this is the hospital restaurant, there is a hospital and clinic in the same complex. The cashier had zero personality and he food was not great to me. The huli chicken did not have enough flavor. No Mac salad, only regular salad. The dressing was decent. Price was not bad. The short ribs could be cooked a little less but the flavor was good. I could tell the loco moco was made from frozen patties. But what could you expect? All for all, it was ok. read more

This place is great! I have friends that drives from Hawaii Kai area to cone here and eat. Their Lilikoi cream cheese desert is to die for. Couple times we went they were out and we were planning on buy a couple to take out because it is soooooo ONO. Their salads are all grown locally and they also sell at the Farmers market in Waianae in Saturdays If you like organic and great tasting food come here but I gotta tell you MUST try the LILIKOI cheese cake whatever you do... ENJOY!!! read more

Wow! I tried Ka'aha'aina Cafe years ago An It was betta den eva! Live Music, plenty tables, beautiful ocean view, and the Food, Quick even when it was busy.. so Ono I got Garlic fries, Mango Smoothie and Luau Bowl.. Holy Smokes, my co-worker non stop zapping the garlic fries! Kept saying, "But these are the best fries I've ever had, they actually use real garlic! Haha I can't stop.." Not even let me take a photo without his paw. Cheee! read more

Ka'aha'aina Cafe - Luau Bowl was Perfect, the Garlic Fries had Real chopped garlic and perfectly cooked and tasting fries, and Mango Smoothie - Seafood Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

Good enough to warrant return visits. Had the roast pork special and catch of the day (swordfish) to go. Large portions, well prepared. Swordfish a bit overdone but still tasty. Best bang for the buck Westside. read more

Mark and his crew always cooked up the best hotel style cuisines I've ever tasted in my life . I've known them for well over 20 plus years and the style and quality has not changed . Top tier read more

Good food and really nice views here. So amazing to get good food in a hospital cafeteria! Really nice employees too. I enjoyed my ahi sandwich. Good, not great, sammich at $8 and very generous portion of chips. read more

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The Chinatown omelette,, Huli Huli chicken plate, Loco Moco and Bread pudding Aloha nui loa