Kalena&#x27;s Hut

6

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3 months ago

I wouldn't say it's hidden but it's kinda hidden since it's a little bit away from all the food trucks. It's on the way to the small museum that is in the area with the car that's painted. Very nice people & it smells and tastes amazing. Only downside is my plate had a lot of bones, which i would've preferred the bones to be meat instead. Chicken plate 4/5 wish there was less bones more meat Spam Musubi 3/5 nothing unique about it, just a simple spam Musubi, the rice to spam ratio could be worked on though. read more

Kalena's Hut - Chicken plate & Spam Musubi - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

Kalena's Hut - Chicken plate - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Andrea L.

82

360

857

8 months ago

Dreaminggg of the day I can get this chicken again! My husband and I came to the North Shore for Giovanni's and enjoyed lunch at the shrimp truck. After we were walking around checking out the other options and we sampled a piece of chicken here. Even though we had just ate, we purchased some chicken to share because it was THAT good. We made small talk with the people there and ended up enjoying ourselves so much! A year later, I came back to Hawaii with my mom and this was our first stop. The same excellent customer service and the same excellent food. I cannot recommend this place enough, it will always be our goto when visiting Oahu!!! read more

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Kevin H.

81

383

3375

2 years ago

Kale a's Hut Food: The smoke rolling off the grill attracted me. The teriyaki grill chicken is delicious served with rice. Service: Good people, very friendly. I loved their energy. Ambiance: A fifty gallon drum pit is all it takes for some good bbq. read more

Kalena's Hut - Smoking Teriyaki Chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

Kalena's Hut - Smoking Grill - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

Kalena's Hut - Teriyaki Grilled Chicken and Rice - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Jason P.

24

58

18

10 months ago

If you are looking for chicken. This the place. Homemade everything. The sauce is amazing. A definite must do!

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Pari N.

302

41

7

1 year ago

Best chicken on the island! Perfectly cooked. 10/10 would come back. Also the owner is so nice!!! read more

Kalena's Hut - Bbq Chicken plate - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Jeff K.

0

42

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10 months ago

Came across this place from the smell of BBQ coming off the grill.. Local Food was beyond delicious. Very friendly with a great local vibe!! Highly recommend this place!!! read more

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Nancy S.

0

3

2

1 year ago

I'm so glad we stopped to eat here. The young man at the register has the best personality, truly the Aloha spirit. The food was incredible!!! Must stop at this little hut. read more

Kalena's Hut - Kalena's Hut - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Ashley J.

14

223

666

2 years ago

I went to this place thinking it was another place I intended to go to. I got the hungry man plate. That comes with everything It cost $25. My plate was drenched in liquid from the kalua pig. It was very watery and got into everything. My Panipopo was soaked. I was dissapointed. Service was very friendly and personable. read more

Kalena's Hut - Hungry man $25 - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Brendan G.

0

10

26

2 years ago

Food was amazing and might be the best road side food I've ever had on the island! The meat was very juicy and the rib meat fell right off the bone. The side were just as good! Can't wait to go back next time in Hawaii. read more

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Michelle K.

Elite 24

99

450

60

2 years ago

What a gem! It took a bit of searching but I'm so glad we located Kalena's Hut to try the incredible Chicken Teriyaki! He was so friendly and kind and we loved the sauce! Kalena was so sweet and he made sure we were able to try everything first and gave us ample napkins, etc for the road. Absolute must visit if you're on the north side of the island! read more

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Joshua H.

14

7

3

2 years ago

Just had lunch so got the menehune teri chicken. Was an ok portion for $15 (the Hungry Man is the good $$ deal) but tasted great. Good char around the chicken and the sauce was a nice bbq/teri blend. Real good homemade flavors served hot with plenty of rice. Service was great and was ready right away. Will be coming back for sure. read more

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Victoria W.

48

32

58

2 years ago

It's literally a hut. But the food was amazing. And great people. One of my favorite spots in Hawaii.

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Raysa G.

141

1

2

2 years ago

The food was amazing!! We had the teyaki chicken!! The bbq smell drew our noses to him lol! Best chicken in Hawaii!The owner was super friendly and nice. read more

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Michelle P.

46

20

9

1 year ago

I do not understand these reviews at all. For $15 you get a small side Togo container of white rice and a few pieces of chicken that are cooked and kept in a container of water. The wet chicken is put on the plain white rice and then covered with a store bought bbq sauce that they just put in their own squeeze bottle. Very plain and over priced. read more

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Xiomary S.

Elite 24

206

78

135

3 years ago

Extremely friendly service. I was walking by and was pulled closer by the delicious smell of the food and was sold by the sample provided. I got the teriyaki combo bowl with pork and chicken. It came with rice and cabbage. The only improvement would be to have less bones in the meat. It's a food truck spot with various options, and outdoor seating. Be careful of the chickens that will definitely want to take your crumbs. read more

Kalena's Hut - chicken and rice in a styrofoam container - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Candiace S.

1

70

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5 years ago

We drove out to the North Shore to try Giovannis shrimp truck. While in line, I noticed it was cash only. We smelled something amazing coming from around the corner. We walked toward it and were greeted by a big voice, welcome, welcome he said. Kalena's Hut is run by Isi and his wife. Grilled chicken, teriyaki burgers, sausage, kalua pork and cabbage, and the only banana bread I've put in my mouth. I can't stand banana bread, but Isi got me to try it. It's made with the local apple bananas and it was so good. We bought an extra piece to take with us. Isi is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet and he treats you like family. Hopefully, we will see him again soon. So don't think twice about stopping. Follow your nose to the best smelling bbq on the island and don't forget the strawberry guava drink. read more

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Matthew F.

12

7

1

3 years ago

Best chicken on the island. Great food, service, and friendly hospitality. Would come back to Hawaii just to visit here! The aroma will attract you and the food will hook you. read more

Business owner information

Isitolo O.

Mahalo Matthew for your kind words and safe travels back home!

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Jake S.

60

3

0

2 years ago

Amazing food, awesome service, great value! Had the Hungry Man Platter with Teriyaki Chicken, Pork, and Sausage. All delicious!

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Shadae M.

1

12

13

5 years ago

Where to begin?! This little food stand is AWESOME. The meats are flavorful and the serving sizes are generous. The owner is so ridiculously friendly. My sister is a picky eater and he let her sample the chicken before we purchased to make sure she would like it. The pork was so moist and the cabbage was a great addition. I can't wait to come back. read more

Kalena's Hut - Pork and chicken plate with cabbage and white rice. - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Faith J.

0

3

0

2 years ago

the service was 10/10 so nice and lovely to talk with! the food was so flavorful and delicious! definitely recommend forgot to take a picture before i ate it all, their banana bread was amazing! read more

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Ron M.

83

59

21

6 years ago

Up and early for the N Shore today. Took some dips at Laniakea and Waimea after some shaved ice in historic Haleiwa. Ok, sure all the fish tacos and shrimp on the Kamehameha road are good no doubt. But on a tip we stopped in at Kalena's Hut for some Kalua Pork. A must! In my humble opinion hands down the best kalua - with the pani popo rolls of course! Chef is the best. Even more so after hearing about his dancing experiences... Enjoyed our meal with a couple kittys.... We will be back on Thursday.... weather permitting. read more

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Joel L.

125

20

23

5 years ago

Grabbed a quick bite to eat with my wife after Turtle Bay and was very impressed. The hungry man is what we shared after not eating all afternoon and it it the spot!! Killed it. "Easy" the man!! On the grill also killed it with his vocals and guitar. Awesome experience for a quick spot for awesome Hawaiian food. Thanks EZ! read more

Kalena's Hut - Hungry Man! - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

Kalena's Hut - The Spot!! - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Byron L.

10

5

2

2 years ago

the food was amazing, service was also very kind uncle ise is one of my favorite people, i will definitely come back here again if i ever meet him read more

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Lilly G.

80

31

50

4 years ago

My husband and I were traveling through North Shore and stumbled across these amazing food trucks and food stands! We couldn't help but smell the bbq from Kalena's Hut from far away! He offered us some samples and we couldn't turn down this incredible meal! We ordered the Hungry Man's plate, it was SUPER tasty! We didn't have cash but he accepted Venmo and Cash App which was awesome! Loved every bite especially the pulled pork and chicken! read more

Kalena's Hut - Hungry Man's plate - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Pamela C.

7

1

3 years ago

The food was amazing and truly delicious. My family and I have are on vacation in Hawaii, and it by far is one of the best things I have eaten on the island. The service is great and the two guys who work there are wonderful humans. Very nice, very funny. The atmosphere of the place is very cool. It's was just relaxed and super chill. And they even have T shirts!' Anyone I know who visits Hawaii I will always tell them to go to Kalena's Hut from now on. Mahalo!! read more

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Charlie F.

1

59

73

5 years ago

Kalena bbq is awesome I had the island mix with Kailua pork on cabbage and bbq chicken with sides. The meat so tender and juicy. Good bbq. The owner is very kind and real. read more

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Daniel L.

0

3

0

2 years ago

Hospitality is key. The chicken was amazing. The masubi was fresh. Perfect stop. Highly recommend.

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Victoria F.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Must stop for the BBQ and homemade banana bread. Uncle Isi exudes ALOHA and makes you feel loved and welcome. You leave with ONO food and a smile! Mahalo Uncle Isi for being part of our Ohana! read more

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Tara B.

76

18

5 years ago

Get the Hungry Man plate. It's so worth it. Great service. Super friendly. So yummy!! Thank you. read more

Kalena's Hut - Hungry mans plate. Chicken, Kalua pork and cabbage, sausage. So good!! - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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Finnley K.

0

13

6

2 years ago

The guy running the stand was seriously the nicest person we have met since our arrival. He was so friendly and welcoming. The food was so good and a great deal! read more

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Sam C.

Elite 23

0

27

9

4 years ago

Really delicious BBQ chicken and banana bread (some of the best I've ever had)! The gentleman running the stand is very friendly and we enjoyed chatting with him for a few minutes after walking around the trucks, stands, and stores. Most of the people stopping by this area seem to be looking for Giovanny's shrimp truck, but know that Kalena's is well worth giving a try (is honestly the better option anyway), and you probably won't have to wait as long. We were sad when we tried to come back the next day to get more, but they were closed! Will be a must visit during my next trip to the North Shore! read more

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Jenni C.

Elite 21

335

292

805

9 years ago

wow, you can smell the chicken from here in the parking lot!! Such a cool place, so many choices, glad I picked this one. Several choices, great prices and oh so yummy!! I got the bbq chicken menehune plate, $10. I couldn't even eat it all!! The rice was fresh and cooked perfect! The chicken was very flavorful, juicy, and perfect amount of crispy edges. Very friendly, def glad I picked here to eat!! read more

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Anna R.

Elite 22

15

303

1326

7 years ago

A hidden gem!! Our family came for Giovanni's, but I'm allergic to shrimp so I went on a hunt for something else. Most (if not all) of the trucks were not open yet (Giovanni's opens earlier than all the other trucks). Found this small little Hawaiian food "hut". He doesnt literally sell from a truck. He has a small little bbq stand and sells from there! The chicken was very very tender. He actually gave me a sample of it before I decided to buy it. So if you're here and iffy about it, ask for a sample! Also, the owner was very friendly and just pleasant to be around. We had a good conversation going while he was preparing my dish. read more

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Rob L.

0

6

1

4 years ago

Absolutely delish and authentic local spot. Top 5 best bbq chicken I've ever had. This place is a must stop. You won't be disappointed!

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Angela S.

0

23

12

3 years ago

This stand was soooo good! My husband and I ordered a Teri burger and the Hungryman's plate.... The burger and chicken were simple yet delicious. I'm not a pork or sausage fan but my husband loved them. They were perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked. The two people making the food were super nice and friendly. Part of the reason we ate there: it smelled good and we were offered samples. Definitely recommend. read more

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Megan S.

0

1

0

3 years ago

Food was delicious and workers were super friendly. Isi caters to everything you need and makes your experience one you won't forget. Isi went above and beyond by singing happy birthday to my niece. Highly recommend! read more

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JP T.

1

32

54

7 years ago

One of the best meals I've eaten on Oahu! I had lunch there last year and was so impressed that we made it a priority to stop by again this year while visiting Oahu. The Kalua pork and cabbage over rice is delicious! Added bonus was a loaf of banana bread to go. The banana bread was unbelievable! Such a nice guy serving up great food! Highly recommend stopping by Kalena's Hut read more

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Amy C.

Elite 23

90

181

138

5 years ago

Kalena's Hut has the best BBQ on the North Shore and Kalena is guineuely one of the nicest people I've ever met! This is straight up as good as it gets! read more

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Chief K.

9

57

89

7 years ago

Kalena'Hut on the North Shore. Bring ya slippers and chill, this hut is a not frills true ol school style of cooking. From the chicken cooked over the coconut husk, to the homestyle Kailua Pork. Its not much for looks Yet Kalena make you feel like Ohana all the same. Good People, Good Grindz, equal Good Times. #hawaii #oahulife #kalenashut read more

Kalena's Hut - The Island sampler, coconut husk grilled chicken, Kailua Pork and cabbage, rice, and a roll in rice pudding. - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

Kalena's Hut - Menu, with coconut husk grilling chicken in the background. - Barbeque Near Me - Kahuku, Hawaii

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More info about Kalena's Hut

56505 Kamehameha Hwy
Kahuku, HI 96731
Directions
(808) 782-5025
Call Now

Hours

What time does Kalena's Hut open?

Kalena's Hut opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

What time does Kalena's Hut close?

Kalena's Hut closes at 4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Kalena's Hut is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 10:00 AM - 4:00 PMSat-Sun Closed

Payment methods

Does Kalena's Hut take Bitcoin?

No, Kalena's Hut does not take Bitcoin.

Does Kalena's Hut take credit cards?

Yes, Kalena's Hut takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Kalena's Hut have catering options?

No, Kalena's Hut does not have catering options.

Does Kalena's Hut have a drive thru?

No, Kalena's Hut does not have a drive thru.

Does Kalena's Hut serve alcohol?

No, Kalena's Hut does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Kalena's Hut allow dogs?

Yes, Kalena's Hut allows dogs.

Does Kalena's Hut have TVs?

No, Kalena's Hut does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Kalena's Hut have bike parking?

Yes, Kalena's Hut has bike parking.

Does Kalena's Hut have outdoor seating?

Yes, Kalena's Hut has outdoor seating options.

Does Kalena's Hut have parking?

Yes, Kalena's Hut has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Kalena's Hut wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Kalena's Hut is wheelchair accessible.

Does Kalena's Hut have free WiFi?

No, Kalena's Hut does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Kalena's Hut offers a streamlined menu specializing in local Hawaiian Barbecue and we have the best Teriyaki Chicken on the island! We are also entertainers! we will be OPEN today Sunday 7/23/23 and next week Sunday 7/30/23 as we are doing a fundraiser. Stop buy to help support our event. Proceeds go toward an upcoming dance competition in Kauai.

History

Established in 2012.

Kalena's Hut is run by the charismatic Isitolo Oloa and started out as just a simple hot dog and hamburger stand on the North Shore's of Oahu. Now we offer delicious barbecue and can be found in Kahuku next to the famous Giovanni's Shrimp Truck.

Meet the Business Owner: Isitolo O.

Isitolo's professional roots begin in the entertainment business in which he has been a part of his entire life. He and his family own and operate Kalena's Polynesian 'Ohana that offers dance classes, Polynesian Shows and retail throughout the United States. Cooking started as a hobby for family parties. Now he's made the step to offer his excellent barbecue to the public at Kalena's Hut located in Kahuku, HI.

Kalena's Hut Reviews in Other Languages

French
1 Review

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Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

Literally the best shrimp I ever had. Absolutely delicious!!…read more I don't say that lightly either. It was otherworldly!! The staff was great too!!!! I'll be back!

Giovanni's is one of those places where memory does a remarkable amount of the seasoning. I've been…read moreeating here across decades. Enough visits that this is no longer about catching them on a bad afternoon, ordering the wrong thing or failing to understand what the place is supposed to be. I've tried the different shrimp, stood in the lines, eaten at the tables, navigated the parking, brought people here and returned because, for a very long time, Giovanni's was simply one of those places you went when you were on this side of the island. At some point, repetition becomes evidence. The truck itself has become an artifact. Covered in signatures, battered by time, photographed millions of times. There was probably a period when all of that felt charming. Now it mostly feels tired. There is a difference between patina and neglect and the surrounding experience has increasingly crossed that line for me. Flies, crowded tables, overflowing activity, rough parking, heat, trash nearby. You can romanticize rustic only so far before rustic starts asking for a pressure washer. Then there is the service, which has consistently been the hardest part for me to understand. I don't need anyone performing hospitality like they're auditioning for a resort commercial, but basic warmth costs nothing. Too often the interaction here feels impatient and transactional, as though the customer is somehow inconveniencing the operation by showing up to buy the food. After enough visits, you stop calling that an off day. And then there is the plate. The shrimp itself is actually the least offensive part. It is generally cooked reasonably well. Tender enough, rarely destroyed and when you get a good batch you can understand why this formula became so popular. Everything around it drags it down. The rice has repeatedly been soft, clumped and bordering on mushy. I am annoyingly particular about rice, but rice is not some decorative substance placed beneath the main event. It matters. When half the plate is rice, screwing it up is not a minor detail. The garlic is abundant, certainly, but abundance and care are different things. It often arrives more like a wet mass of processed garlic than the fragrance and texture you get from properly chopped fresh cloves. Add the butter and oil and you certainly get intensity, but after several bites the whole thing becomes heavy rather than interesting. The little salad on the side generally feels like an afterthought that has been waiting for someone to remember it. And that is ultimately my problem with Giovanni's. The entire experience feels as though its reputation arrived at the destination years before the restaurant did and everyone decided there was no longer much reason to keep improving. People will continue coming. Of course they will. The name is famous, the truck is recognizable, the photographs are practically mandatory and nostalgia is one hell of a business model. I understand it because it worked on me for years. But strip away the mythology and ask a brutally simple question: If this exact plate came from an unknown truck with no history, no signatures and no reputation, would you still wait in line for it? I wouldn't. Two stars. The shrimp can still be decent and I have too many memories here to pretend the place means nothing to me. But nostalgia should bring you back to a restaurant. It shouldn't be responsible for making the food taste better. I kept returning because tradition can turn habit into taste. I'm done confusing the two.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck order wait line

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

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Shrimp Scampi

Da Bald Guy

Where can you get freshly cooked breakfasts for $5 in this day and age ordered and prepared with a…read moresmile. Clean picnic tables to eat in front of the food truck. Thanks for researching on Yelp and treating us for breakfast Doc

Da Bald Guy was sold out at the Monday Waikiki Night Market so we made it a mission to try it out…read moreif we made our way to North Shore. We stopped by around 10AM a few days later and were able to try the Braised Boneless Kalbi and the Garlic Shrimp plate. The food was so delicious, it was all we could talk about on our trip. Kalbi was extremely tender and flavorful. Garlic Shrimp had no shell (yay)! It was cooked perfectly. We went up again but the Kalbi was sold out already for the day. We decided to try the Chopped Steak and it did not compare to our previous meal. It was more tough/dry. I wasn't sure if it was already precooked before hand and just sitting there. When we ordered, they handed over our plate right after we paid. Definitely left disappointed. Would make sure to come early since whatever that is left may not be what you want to try.

Chopped Steak (@miguelmoralesphotography on Instagram)

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Chipotle Garlic Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp

Hawaii’s Only

Unfortunately, the Lobster Corn Dog was a major disappointment. There was very little lobster…read morefilling, making it feel overpriced and not at all what we expected. Another drawback is that this vendor is cash only, which can be inconvenient if you're not prepared. With so many great food trucks and dining options in the area, this one simply didn't stand out. We were drawn in by the sign and the concept, but the experience didn't live up to the hype. I'd recommend spending your hard-earned money elsewhere and exploring some of the many better options nearby.

Stopped in for some late lunch and lobster for dog caught my eye... so I had to try it! It's more…read moreof a sweet corn batter and it actually has a waffle texture to the outside of it. The inside had lots of lobster meat and was actually a really yummy flavor profile! We devoured it! Nice folks who run the truck and the area around was clean and well maintained.

Inside the lobster corndog #2. Also empty like this business's conscious. Total rip off!

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This poor sucker bought (7) pineapple smoothies for over $100 and each one was leaking out the bottom

808 Corn Stars

4.8

(14 reviews)

0.1 mi

Stopped by on the way to Turtle Bay and had a Kahuku-style corn that was so good that on the way…read morehome we got a Southwest-style traditional elote that had the best balance of any elote on the island: juicy, creamy, savory, and spicy! 11/10

The good: Service was friendly and quick…read more The ok: Corn was a little dry and overdone. Also, I was hoping for Kahuku grown corn, but it looked like regular corn. I could be wrong about the corn they used, but I had have had better. It wasn't terrible, just serviceable. The bad: They tipped themselves with my credit card without my knowledge. They stated a total, I paid with tap. They said thank you and said it would be 7-8 minutes and so then I walked away. Initial charge showed what they stated but then I see that another 15% was added a day later. I take responsibility that I didn't stick around for the tip screen but I honestly thought our transaction was over after I tapped. I totally would have tipped as I always do but I wasn't asked as they let me walk away. They also could have just asked me verbally for a tip when I came back to pick up my order rather than take it from me. It was only a few bucks but it's the principle; you shouldn't just take from a customer without their knowledge or permission.

10.26.24 small stand at Kahuku Land Farm

Onolicious goodies

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Gourmet Egg Rolls

This place had great, flavorful and creatively large eggrolls. They split it in half (long ways)…read moreand stuff it with your choice of prepared meat. My husband and I had the jerk chicken one and it was full of flavor! It had just the right amount of deep fried crunch on the outside and spicy jerk flavor. Now it wasn't as spicy as the traditional Jamaican Jerk for my spice lovers, but definitely still packing with flavor. We also got the peach mango rub fries! You heard right, a peach mango rub (made from scratch by Chef D, the owner ) that one would typically put on a slow roasted or smoked meat was thrown on some hot crispy fries with a barbecue drizzle sauce.... Mm mm good . Speaking of the owner, he was serving with his daughter, and their "up" spirits and welcoming smiles created a fun but family atmosphere... great ambiance! Chef D told us his story and how they got there in Hawaii. But most of all his passion for food was very evident. Between the excellent food, service and ambiance this place was a great, unique experience

PLEASE go here to enjoy some of the best bites on the island, this was my favorite meal while…read morevisiting. No exaggeration, I wish I would have come every day during my stay. The chef is from Philly and not only is his food rich in flavor, he's rich because he got the family there with him, and they provide the best service and amazing vibes. I could have easily chatted with them all day, they are super cool, creating a very welcoming ambience. I enjoyed the jerk chicken and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, and be warned, they are HUGE, great portions, easy to share, because he splits them in half. Both were a 10/10, I would have them again! Philly was out of this world good! The filling of these egg rolls taste delicious and gourmet, you can absolutely tell in every single bite the thought, intention, and time it took to prepare these unique flavors! Washed it down with a refreshing guava lemonade. :) You will not regret stopping here, and probably will be back for more. Mahalo!

Mac & Cheetos, Peach-Mango Seasoned Fries, The Really Philly, and The Soul Roll!

Mac and Cheetos and Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak

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Specialty lemonades

Aji Limo Truck

My Chirashi was amaizing, the fish was very fresh, it's a must if you go to Kahuku. I have to go…read moreback for a surf and turf My friend had a buddah bowl with seared ahi, healthy and delicious! Very recommended

Tried out Aji Limo Truck for dinner while in the area. It's neighbours to Seven Brothers…read more - Fried calamari ($12.00 USD) - standard fare - Yuca fries ($10.00 USD) - small portion - Thai poke ($19.00 USD plate) - out of mango. Poke was substandard. Plates aren't worth the extra cost - Ceviche poke ($17.00 USD bowl) - only came with a few chips, red onions and lettuce. Meh - Spicy poke ($17.00 USD bowl) - way too much raw white onion - Hawaiian poke ($19.00 USD plate) - Palo santo poke ($19.00 USD plate/17.00 USD bowl) - best of the pokes we tried - Yakisoba ($17.00 USD) - chicken was dry, noodles were bland Foodland in the adjacent lot has better poke at half the price.

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Tanaka Kahuku Shrimp

Truly a hidden (but not so hidden) gem!…read more We randomly stopped by this place on our journey of exploring the North Shore. Upon a quick search, some people said they prefer this spot over another popular shrimp truck. Happy to say it was one of the highlights of our trip! The staff was very friendly and helpful. After ordering though a window, you wait for your number to be called and pick up the food. There are plenty of seatings around. We got the famous butter garlic shrimps and the salt and pepper shrimps plates. Both were delicious with great shrimp texture and freshness; however, we both agree salt and pepper shrimps are heavily underrated. Another bonus point is that the shells on the salt and pepper shrimps had a slight crunchy texture so I did not have to peel them. So happy to have found them!

Tanaka Shrimp in Kahuku was a last‑minute stop after seeing the positive online reviews. We ordered…read morethe butter garlic shrimp at $18 each, and the plates came out within about ten minutes. I missed the chance to take a photo, but the sautéed garlic was served over both the rice and the shrimp. Unfortunately, the overall flavor was flat, and the shrimp itself was a bit rubbery and needed more seasoning. My niece tried the spicy garlic shrimp, and the rice ended up being spicier than the shrimp. Tanaka seems to have steady traffic from tour groups, with visitors coming and going throughout the day. If you're a fan of Romy's, you may leave disappointed.

They are seriously cooking a lot of rice!!!

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Outdoor seating

Auntys Lil Green Hut

The smoothie was amazing--probably one of the best things we had on our trip! Super fresh,…read moreflavorful, and just really good. The service was just okay. When we ordered, they asked if we wanted it in a pineapple, but we had to ask if it cost extra--turns out it does. Would've been nice if they were upfront about that from the start. That said, I'd still go back in a heartbeat just for that smoothie!

This shop is shut down and not operating. We showed up today and there was nothing but torn down…read moretruck.

The Mediterranean Wrap, an awesome blend of flavors, stuffed with hummus, olive, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, goat cheese, papaya

Good food, and a cozy spot to eat it!

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Mediterranean Wrap. Yum!

Southern Grinds

5.0

(4 reviews)

0.0 mi

Hello, my Yelp friends. Please allow me to introduce you to Chef Bells & his Southern Grinds. He…read moreis out in Kahuku, but I got a taste of his food when he traveled out to Kailua Elementary during our Fun Run. If you follow me, then you know about my search for the best fried chicken I can get my hands on. Well, Chef Bells definitely ranks high in my list! The fried chicken is done fresh. You can watch him doing the fry-up while you wait. The seasoning is just right. The outside is crisp & inside is juicy. It seriously so good! The Mac n Cheese is EXACTLY what I look for. Cheese, bacon, and bread crumbs. There is cheese all the way through - not just sitting on top. The noodles were soft, not rubbery. I'm telling you, you HAVE to try it! DELICIOUS! The pricing was a la carte. It was $3 for each piece of chicken and $3 per scoop of Mac n Cheese. Was it worth it? YES! He definitely has a new fan in me!

Wow. I can't believe I'm the first one to review this place. Southern grinds is owned and operated…read moreby a couple who are in love with each other as much as they're in love with cooking for the community. I would go with the fried chicken (so freaking delicious), along with their rice with special seasoning (can't remember the formal name), as well as the cornbread. OK, and can I just say a word about the chicken? OMG. The chicken. Fried perfectly so the skin is just right and the chicken is so dang juicy. They set up I think on Tuesdays but if you ever see their tent out, you have to go more than once because the food is crazy good and I kind of want them to open their own restaurant here in Kahuku . lol.

Fried chicken & 2 scoops of the awesome Mac n Cheese!

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Last week of June MENU!

Kalbi On Fire

The kalbi was so tender and charred nicely. I liked its slightly sweet marinade and the japchae…read morethat came on the side. Since the food is freshly cooked, there was a slight wait. You get a good portion of food per order! Definitely try it out, I left full and satisfied! I was probably so distracted by how good the food was that I forgot my purse at the dining area. The owners found it and held onto it for me. It was so nice of them. Thank you so much for keeping it safe!! I'm so grateful for you guys!

Kalbi on Fire is what some say is the best kalbi on da island, and I can see why! The owners were…read moresuper friendly and the portions were generous with plenty of rice and japchae. Everything came out fresh and almost unbearably hot, which I'll never complain about. The kalbi was a little sweet for my liking, but had a great char and was still really good. The outdoor seating area was fun with cute cats and plenty of chickens roaming around. The flies got a little annoying, but we're eating outside in paradise, so who can really complain?

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Kahuku Farms

Do you know where acai comes from? Our family didn't until we took the Kahuku Farms tour. It was…read moreone of the best high points of our trip! We loved learning about the specific challenges of growing food on the North Shore. Our guide, Iovani, was so knowledgeable and funny. Everything we tasted on the tour was heavenly, and we could not wait to get back to the farm stand to buy their lilikoi products. But most of us were too full of tasty samples to get the acai bowls! My husband is a super picky eater/foodie and says the vegetable flat bread/pizza (eggplant, tomato, macadamia nut pesto) was one of the best he's ever eaten. Everything we had was delicious. My only complaint? most of the fruit was sold out by the time we returned from the tour. But that's not really a criticism of the farm--more a compliment. Keep doing what you're doing, Kahuku Farms!

This review is for Judah and Kahuku Farm…read more We had many activities planned during our Hawaii trip and experienced several tours, but celebrating my husband's birthday at Kahuku Farm with Judah as our host was one of the highlights of our vacation. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt genuine, welcoming, and wholesome. It didn't feel like a tour at all. It felt like we were spending the day with family. Judah made our visit extra special. We loved picking fresh fruit, sampling the delicious fruits, juices, cacao, and cacao nibs, and every recommendation he made was absolutely spot on. The lilikoi butter, eggplant pizza, garden salad, and smoothies were all incredible, especially the Coach Smoothie. Everything was so fresh and delicious that we came back again on our last day before leaving Hawaii. Thank you, Judah and the entire Kahuku Farm team, for making my husband's birthday so memorable. Your warmth, hospitality, and passion made this one of the most meaningful experiences of our trip. If you're looking for an authentic, family-friendly Hawaiian experience with amazing food, fresh fruit, and wonderful people, Kahuku Farm is an absolute must-visit. Mahalo nui loa!

Half Papaya with Ice Cream

Grilled Veggie Panini

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Açaí bowl

Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi

I'm going to review this in reverse…read more Dessert was the pineapple upside down cake. Simply the best I've ever had. Absolute mastery. I ordered the North Shore smash burger. Came with Swiss, grilled mushrooms and bacon. Outstanding. Also sampled: lobster Mac n cheese. Sushi. Sticky ribs. All very well done. Service was great. Restaurant is beautiful and has great views of turtle bay. The imprints of a great chef are everywhere!

Food was good Service was exceptional…read more Server was very pleasant Ambiance felt very nice and clean

Hawaiian Rainbow Sherbert (I tasted guava, dragonfruit, mango, lychee) $5

Maple chocolate dessert

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Sella masca Italian wine

Eighty Chicken Sandwiches

4.9

(105 reviews)

0.1 mi

Had heard about Eighty Chicken Sandwiches from a couple pre-trip searches and wanted to make it one…read moreof our must-go dining stops on this trip. We drove up to get there just before noon on a Saturday. It was rainy, so the numbers were a bit light in the area, but there were still thirteen people in line when the truck opened for business. The owner was fun, friendly, and engaging the customers in conversations while prepping the food. There are times when I think some food truck owners take on the role of a short order cook and get annoyed that you don't understand "how" you're supposed to order; that was certainly NOT the case here. You just need to decide if you want a hot or regular sandwich and whether you want bleu cheese or special sauce. We got one hot and one regular, but the chicken is HUGE and two adults can easily share one sandwich. I'm torn, because while we would probably order just one sandwich next time, I also want to support the business and get two. The chicken was as good as everyone told us and had incredible crispy batter. The fries though...those were maybe the best I've ever had. I don't normally love the double cooked style fry, but could live off those and never get tired of them. FYI...we took ours to eat at the Beer Garden about 100 yards to the west and that's a winning combo.

Love Eighty Chicken Sandwiches! Chef Adam is great. He's obviously in this for the joy of it and…read morewants his customers to have a good time. He gives excellent clear directions on how to order your sandwich. I love that the concept is simple. Order the number of sandwiches you need for your party. Do you want spicy or not? (Spicy is delicious and not too spicy at all.) Do you want blue cheese sauce or "dat sauce" which is like fry sauce? No drinks available so bring your own or take it to the beer garden nearby and get an adult beverage. Cash or Venmo only. The price is $20 for a huge chicken sandwich, delicious fries, and your side of sauce along with a cup of ketchup. My sandwich was MASSIVE. Honestly, you could split with another person--but I always want my own. Well worth the drive out to get it. Saturdays and Sundays only; check his Instagram for updates.

THE Chicken Sandwich - undipped (narrow side)

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Huge meal! Barely fits in the box.

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Dawn C.

131

10

9

1 year ago

I had an amazing experience at Kalena's Hut! Their BBQ chicken was absolutely delicious--perfectly grilled, juicy, and bursting with smoky flavor. The seasoning was just right, with a subtle balance of spices that made every bite mouthwatering. Definitely a must-try. I'll be coming back for more! read more

Camille D.

0

1

12 years ago

This BBq hut was awesome, the teriyaki chicken was moist and delicious and the Kalua pork was excellent. Don't miss this little eatery it's so worth the stop and Isi who runs it is wonderful too! read more

Anthony A.

3

1

11 years ago

Amazing food! And the owner was so nice!! Full of aloha! Definitely will be coming back!

Isitolo O.

0

1

3

11 years ago

All my favorite foods! I love having lunch with everyone and seeing new faces every day!

Kalena's Hut - bbq - Updated August 2026

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3.8

(24 reviews)

Unfortunately, the Lobster Corn Dog was a major disappointment. There was very little lobster…read morefilling, making it feel overpriced and not at all what we expected. Another drawback is that this vendor is cash only, which can be inconvenient if you're not prepared. With so many great food trucks and dining options in the area, this one simply didn't stand out. We were drawn in by the sign and the concept, but the experience didn't live up to the hype. I'd recommend spending your hard-earned money elsewhere and exploring some of the many better options nearby.

Stopped in for some late lunch and lobster for dog caught my eye... so I had to try it! It's more…read moreof a sweet corn batter and it actually has a waffle texture to the outside of it. The inside had lots of lobster meat and was actually a really yummy flavor profile! We devoured it! Nice folks who run the truck and the area around was clean and well maintained.

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Absolutely delicious and HUGE portions! There were a few people in front of us, but we got all our…read morefood within 10 minutes. The mac salad was perfect! This cafe is to-go only, but that just made it the perfect breakfast to sit near the beach and enjoy the morning.

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