The side kick…read more.. Banchan has been the item that I've always looked forward to whenever I order a plate and never really knew that it had a name and as everyone has their favorite so did I and there are a few places that you can find some yummy banchan I had no idea about Hawaii Banchan Company but know that Elite Peter Y had gotten some snacks from there that I enjoyed and knew that I had to give them a visit one day...where!? You can find them right on Kapiolani though you can barely seem them from the street view as it's not the prominent located spot as they're located right below The Republik right beside the ramp where you can find several parking stalls it shares with other tenants. Open daily except Sunday I love how clean and spacious the shop is where each item is labeled along with price so you know without picking up the item to search makes browsing very easy with items like drinks, snacks both savory and sweet and of course display case filled with various banchan. Love the convenience of this location and now know that I can now find some of the unique items they carry and though I didn't walk away with banchan on this day know that my cravings will certainly bring me back. Thank you!

A lot of interesting Korean groceries here. And except for the hot food in styrofoam trays,…read moreeverything is imported from Korea! I got to try some real Korean kimchi. It's sour with good umami flavor. I'm not a real Korean so I prefer kimchi that is a bit more fresh and not as aged, but I can see how some would like it. I also tried their japchae made in house. Not bad, but definitely not the best I've had, not enough sesame oil for my taste. They also have the popular fried strawberries snacks for sale. I also got a frozen musubi and some abalone congee to try. (The congee is really tasty!) There's also the famous fancy hotel kimchi for sale here if that's what you're into. All the products look interesting!

Ok so I forgot to check in when I went here but I must say... THIS PLACE IS AWESOME FOR SNACKS THAT…read moreYOU WANT WITH FLAVORS! TBH, I'm going back for more! Tastes so yummy and better than the ones we have in the regular stores. SORRY... but it's OUR opinion. Oh and their fruit snacks are pretty good too! ANYWHO, this place is worth TRYING and I'm not saying more cause I want to have them all to myself! HAHAHA! Nah nah but I'd rather YOU go in yourself to see it instead of listening to me on what I liked or thought. They have so much new and yummy flavored chips and I swear... it tastes GOOD! I got the buldak flavor, crab (MY FAVORITE), steak (my husbands choice), chicken, cucumber flavor, ketchup, lobster, chicken and then they have some others I didn't think to try like avocado or nori. I figured they'd be good for a second try. But the best was the apricot snacks! Idk ‍ it's probably because I needed it. But overall, it's NOT DRIED OUT! Not YET at least. Anywho, they've been out for about a year and they look as if they're not that busy. So, I'm hoping this will get MORE people to go here and visit to keep them open and so they CAN bring in MORE Asian snacks that we ALL wait for. Okie dokes! Thanks for reading and enjoy!

Hooray! One 2 Buy has added price tags to most of the items!…read more A number of items I looked at had English nutrition labels as well. Not everything, but it's a great improvement. The back of the store now has lights on. You can see in the back of the store. You no longer need to be apprehensive about venturing in the back of the previously unlit store. There is air conditioning, however, it doesn't seem to work well. I was in here for ten minutes and perspiring due to humidity and heat. I asked the one employee if she was uncomfortable in working in this heat. She replied that they are required to keep the front door open to let customers know it's open, so much of the cooled air escapes. It is crazy warm inside. Service is good. The one employee must stock, look out for customers and ring up sales. There is a half off table that I didn't observe in the past. Some of the drinks in the refrigerated section appear ready to burst. Overall, plus one star for labeling and price tags. I picked up a few sugar free and low calorie drinks to try here.

Review 41 (2026) I…read morereceived text messages that I won the prize!!! I got 4th place Door Prize. I got their original Rice Factory Tote bag. Thank you so much. I ordered " Organic Umeboshi from Kishu Japan, and Sasashigure Rice from Japan. Sasashigure is one of the top quality rice in Japan. Sasashigure is a rare, traditional Japanese rice variety and the parent rice of Sasanishiki, one of Japan's most beloved varieties known for its elegant flavor and light texture. With a delicate aroma, clean taste, and firm texture, Sasashigure offers a refined sweetness and a less sticky texture compared to many modern rice varieties. Its balanced flavor makes it an excellent choice for Japanese cuisine, sushi, and onigiri. Today, Sasashigure is considered a rare heritage rice due to its limited production and careful cultivation. I also received $25 credit !!! Thank you again. I will order Sasashigure again if still available. Thank you so much.

I've been coming to The Rice Factory every year I visit Hawaii. I've carried bags of rice home in…read moremy luggage more times than I can count. That's how much I believe in what they sell. Which makes this review frustrating to write. The rice is exceptional. The sourcing is thoughtful, the seasonal varieties are genuinely special and if you care about Japanese rice, this place deserves its reputation. The service does not. On my latest visit I walked in with my family, including my two and four year old. If you've ever shopped with kids that age, you know you're already working overtime keeping little hands off displays, making sure nothing gets broken, trying to be respectful of the space. Not once did anyone greet us. No hello. No welcome. No acknowledgment that we'd even walked through the door. When I asked what I thought was a perfectly reasonable question whether I should buy the limited seasonal rice or the variety I'd enjoyed on a previous visit the answer felt dismissive, almost like I was wasting their time. If you're building a business around expertise, helping customers understand the differences shouldn't feel like pulling teeth. That's the entire point of having knowledgeable staff. Yes, the parking is inconvenient. Yes, the prices are premium. I can live with both because the product is genuinely excellent. What I can't understand is why a store built around craftsmanship seems so indifferent to hospitality. I still bought the rice because it's that good. But I left feeling like my business was expected, not appreciated. I sincerely hope they improve because I'd rather support them than look elsewhere. But if another shop opens with rice of this quality and people who simply smile, say hello and take a minute to help customers make a decision, I'll switch without thinking twice. The rice earns five stars. The experience earns one.

This place has so many ingredients that are hard to find on island. I love the variety and family…read morestore vibes. Customer service has always been great, including at their new location in Waipio. I always manage to find street parking for their Beretania store, but the new location has even more parking and is a more convenient location for us peeps on the west side. I will always be a customer here.

Waiting for more merch.hope they sell produce glad they came to our side of town. Looking too many…read moreyears of enjoying their products, hope they get more cuban stuff in

A small convenience store that sells Asian goods and daily food specials. Call in for specials…read more No air conditioning here or tables. Just take out. It's pretty dark inside. A variety of unique drinks such as a zero sugar watermelon and strawberry flavored sparkling seltzer water. Thanks Donna O.! Interesting items you won't find in a Safeway. Similar to 1-2 Buy, but on a much smaller scale. Service was 4/5 stars. Nice lady said she will contact me when the ginger plum candy comes into the store! Free parking is limited here. Careful as you enter and exit the parking lot. Big dip. Prices appear reasonable here. Check expiration dates before buying. Ambiance: 2/5 stars. Food: Drinks were refreshing and hydrating. 4/5 stars

Shopping in Kalihi, Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. Donna O. raved about Provinces Snacks on School Street. I read her review and knew that the shop had some free parking spaces next to the snack/convenience store. One thing that could be improved in the shop is the air-conditioning... I think there was none. Service was very pleasant! The cashier knew Donna when I mentioned her name. Shop keepers usually want to know how you found out about them. Merchandise was plentiful and had much variety. Basic groceries, cookies, candies, chips, etc. were neatly arranged on the shelves. Sanrio character plushies, keychains, and other items were either by the cashier or behind her. I looked at the Sale Items and got the Roasted garlic-flavored peanuts. They were good, but didn't have much garlic essence. LOL! I'll return and try something else like Spiced Braised Beef Flavor Lay's potato chips!

Absolutely loved the chicken katsu omakase at J Shop. The whole experience felt thoughtful,…read moreelevated, and still comforting in that way only really great Japanese-inspired food can be. The chicken katsu was the star -- perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and seasoned just right. What made it even better was the omakase presentation, where each course felt intentional and paced well, making the meal feel special from start to finish. Everything came together beautifully with great flavor, texture, and attention to detail. Service was friendly and the overall vibe made it feel like a fun, memorable dining experience rather than just another meal. Definitely a place I'd return to and recommend to anyone who appreciates a creative take on katsu done really well.

Who knew? By day,…read moreJ-Shop is a retail store selling imported fresh produce, meats and fish from Japan (tip- Thursdays are fresh fish delivery day) By night- an Izakaya serving great 'FRESH" food made upon order. And the price? Well, it's priced right! Seats about 12 people TOTAL. I might be shooting myself in the foot by revealing what I consider to be a great kept secret! OR. I must have been living under a rock NOT to have known about this place. (OK, I've been to the market during the day but never knew about the night time activities). I will caution the food takes time to get prepared so be on top of your order or it may get lost in the shuffle (or lost in sake) It's BYOB and like other izakaya with BYOB policy; be sure you bring some adult beverage for the chef and his workers. Sashimi Omakase? The best!

Visited our favorite Japanese / Asian store, Marukai Wholesale located on Dillingham Highway. The…read moreroad work is in its final stages, but you still have to approach the driveway heading Ewa along Dillingham. Today they were featuring products from Okinawa. I love the produce department which features imported produce from Japan. Although pricey the quality and taste are Top Notch. Local produce is fresh and vibrant. The fresh meats and seafoods are replenished daily always fresh. Sales associates and cashiers are always helpful and friendly.

I Heart Marukai…read more Going to Marukai is like being in a candy store for me. Entering the store, my senses are barraged with upteen choices, starting with snacks. Really have to hold myself back as I could subsist on Japanese snacks alone lol. Love that freshly milled rice is available here, amongst the myriad of bagged rice choices. Hot and cold food available here, along with poke bar and food items of regional fairs regularly held here. Getting here may pose a challenge with lane closures due to rail construction. Once you get here, finding parking is usually not an issue (save special holidays). Perhaps tonight I will be dreaming of having a shopping spree at Marukai where I get to consume what I wish to my hearts delight!

I like their prices. I don't like that, even for a fee, they can't cut large bulk pieces into…read moresmaller manageable chunks for home use.

Always come here for their 10lb snow crab legs. Workers are approachable and friendly. Great…read morecustomer service! Prices are reasonable. Only downside is the parking, it can get crowded and difficult to find.