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Best fried chicken ever!! I can eat it day and night, hot or cold! The Kim bap roll and spicy shrimp roll are perfect with the chicken. Wish I lived closer so I could eat here more often!
We love stopping here on our way to the north shore. Cute little store family owned and operated. Very good service. They have lots of local snacks and food. They are well known for their fried chicken but I really love the musubi's. My favorite is the Korean vegetable roll. The lumpia is really good too. They have everything you need for a nice day at the beach.
Crispy chicken was so good. Spam musubi was yummy too - yes basic but done right. There were rice plates and other snacks - not to be missed.
I've visited this place 2x already because I heard they make really good fried chicken. I love fried chicken. It's best to come in the morning because the chicken is fresh. They sell different options of food from fried chicken, kimbap, spam musubis, lumpia's, etc. I always get the fried chicken that comes with their rice musubi and it's always a hit!! I love how they also sell other miscellaneous things like drinks, daily household items, etc.
Such a great place for fast food. We got a spam musubi. Plus the bakery is the bomb next door. Snow puffies and anything in here.
If you're on this side of the island, you absolutely have to stop here! [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is one of those hidden gems that really captures the local flavor and island vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's the perfect stop whether you're driving around exploring for the day, heading to the beach, or just looking for a good local-style meal without spending a fortune. Everything here tastes homemade and fresh. My personal favorites are the bento boxes -- they're packed with variety and flavor, and perfect for eating on the go. The spam musubi is hands down some of the best I've had -- warm, perfectly seasoned, and such a great snack. The noodles are always satisfying, and the chicken katsu is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and comes with just the right amount of sauce. What I really appreciate is how reasonable the prices are for the quality and portion sizes you get. You can tell they put care into what they make, and it really shows in every bite. The staff is friendly and welcoming too -- they make you feel right at home. If you're visiting or even if you're local and haven't checked it out yet, don't pass this place up. Grab a bento, a few musubi, and head out for a beach picnic -- you won't be disappointed!
Paalaa Kai Mini Mart is located in Waialua right next to Paalaa Kai Bakery! They're under new owner/management but the food seems to be the same. They're known for their fried chicken but I always go for their japchae and korean pancake! Portions seemed a little smaller and pancakes were much thicker than before. Would prefer it to be thinner, but still good! Both priced at $7.49.
So funny, stopped in since we were going to the bakery next door and happened to scroll on yelp to see what people were saying about this place and glad I did. Everyone raved about the fried chicken so you know I had to get some too! Chicken was absolutely juicy and the skin fried to perfection. I wish I got extra chicken skin. Perfectly paired with a spam musubi. We came in the afternoon so there wasn't everything available but I'm stoked with what I got to try and will be back. Follow them on Instagram for the most current updates!
I'm one of those peeps that enjoy consuming fried chicken on occasion. I was enthusiastic about first bite indulging in crispy skin and moist chicken. First thought, "Mild. Can taste flour, some black pepper. Yum!" Then experiencing after taste of excess salt equaled disappointment. I turned to my husband and asked, "How was your chicken?" First word that came out of his mouth, "Salty." I said, "I feel the same way." Taste lingered in my mouth and I couldn't get that thought out of my mind. Appearance can be deceiving. Glass noodles, carrots, green onions and mixture for jap chae was just right. Thick slices of onions overpowered side dish. Spam musubi tasted delicious. If you're craving, forget to make and bring spam musubi, here's your chance to pick up. Worker asked us if we needed a bag. We declined. Service was quick and efficient. Casual.
Bro...this place never disappoints...I take that back. They only disappoint on Monday's cause they closed. Today I had the vegetable lumpia. Didn't need any sauce. Was perfect plain. Then got a plate of chicken, fried noodles and few spicy shrimp rolls to go. Pretty expensive but if you out here you just kinda have to.
Stopped here for some sodas and grabbed a seaweed namasu as well. I've never had it, but it was YUMMY! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was pretty busy for a Thursday mid day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have a ton if hot food options for beach snacks. Would for sure come back to grab food for the beach and avoid the touristy area.
An unassuming spot for some delicious musubis and snacks. The line moves quick and the people come here for one reason; their hot and ready food in the display. We got a variety of items: Spam Musubi, Spicy Shrimp Roll, Kim Bap. The best one was the Kim Bap! Complex flavors, but simple fresh ingredients. The spicy shrimp roll was really good too! Perfect spot for a quick snack on the go
I love this market. A good old Hawaiian general store with many spamusubi and bento boxes. These're flesh and tast good!
Review Insights
Update Paalaa Mini Mart right next door to Paalaa Kai Bakery . Kill 2 places onetime lunch and dessert . Paalaa Kai mini mart is famous for their fried chicken and musubi. They also sell other hot item like fried calamari, lumpia , banana lumpia and fried noodles. Service is fast and friendly and they also sell cold drinks along with alcohol. Support local read more
5 months ago
Old time spot for everything you need The food n grindz they have is unreal. Chicken is the bomb. Musubi & Chicken combo is my favorite kine My your own sauce , i have a Fire In Da Hole I make. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great place to have[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . Parking is so so, if busy, be patient, it's worth it. Great customer service n very polite and friendly read more
Savory bites... Many stop by for the neighboring Snow Puffies but are you aware of what they offer at this Mini-Mart...bentos and fried chicken though I've never had their chicken since it's cooked in the same oil as the shrimp sadly the temptation isn't a great as the suffering it will cause me so I usually enjoy their musubis after a day at the beach in the north shore area. It's been so long since my last visit here and on this visit it was for the Snow Puffies but we came here for another reason and as I browsed around I noticed a rack with some Beef Jerky Chips and the staff was so friendly describing it and decided to grab a bag since it was made in Hawaii I'd like to support local. You can find various drinks and snacks along with their own Chickenfry Mix so I an make my own fried chicken at home since I'm not able to enjoy ones that are made here is a nice and cool option but it's a great spot for a snack or to just refuel after a long day at the beach with free parking makes it an easy spot for it all. Thank you! read more
29 days ago
We love stopping here on our way to the north shore. Cute little store family owned and operated. Very good service. They have lots of local snacks and food. They are well known for their fried chicken but I really love the musubi's. My favorite is the Korean vegetable roll. The lumpia is really good too. They have everything you need for a nice day at the beach. read more
I've visited this place 2x already because I heard they make really good fried chicken. I love fried chicken. It's best to come in the morning because the chicken is fresh. They sell different options of food from fried chicken, kimbap, spam musubis, lumpia's, etc. I always get the fried chicken that comes with their rice musubi and it's always a hit!! I love how they also sell other miscellaneous things like drinks, daily household items, etc. read more
7 months ago
Such a great place for fast food. We got a spam musubi. Plus the bakery is the bomb next door. Snow puffies and anything in here. read more
If you're on this side of the island, you absolutely have to stop here! [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is one of those hidden gems that really captures the local flavor and island vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's the perfect stop whether you're driving around exploring for the day, heading to the beach, or just looking for a good local-style meal without spending a fortune. Everything here tastes homemade and fresh. My personal favorites are the bento boxes -- they're packed with variety and flavor, and perfect for eating on the go. The spam musubi is hands down some of the best I've had -- warm, perfectly seasoned, and such a great snack. The noodles are always satisfying, and the chicken katsu is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and comes with just the right amount of sauce. What I really appreciate is how reasonable the prices are for the quality and portion sizes you get. You can tell they put care into what they make, and it really shows in every bite. The staff is friendly and welcoming too -- they make you feel right at home. If you're visiting or even if you're local and haven't checked it out yet, don't pass this place up. Grab a bento, a few musubi, and head out for a beach picnic -- you won't be disappointed! read more
Paalaa Kai Mini Mart is located in Waialua right next to Paalaa Kai Bakery! They're under new owner/management but the food seems to be the same. They're known for their fried chicken but I always go for their japchae and korean pancake! Portions seemed a little smaller and pancakes were much thicker than before. Would prefer it to be thinner, but still good! Both priced at $7.49. read more
11 months ago
So funny, stopped in since we were going to the bakery next door and happened to scroll on yelp to see what people were saying about this place and glad I did. Everyone raved about the fried chicken so you know I had to get some too! Chicken was absolutely juicy and the skin fried to perfection. I wish I got extra chicken skin. Perfectly paired with a spam musubi. We came in the afternoon so there wasn't everything available but I'm stoked with what I got to try and will be back. Follow them on Instagram for the most current updates! read more
I'm one of those peeps that enjoy consuming fried chicken on occasion. I was enthusiastic about first bite indulging in crispy skin and moist chicken. First thought, "Mild. Can taste flour, some black pepper. Yum!" Then experiencing after taste of excess salt equaled disappointment. I turned to my husband and asked, "How was your chicken?" First word that came out of his mouth, "Salty." I said, "I feel the same way." Taste lingered in my mouth and I couldn't get that thought out of my mind. Appearance can be deceiving. Glass noodles, carrots, green onions and mixture for jap chae was just right. Thick slices of onions overpowered side dish. Spam musubi tasted delicious. If you're craving, forget to make and bring spam musubi, here's your chance to pick up. Worker asked us if we needed a bag. We declined. Service was quick and efficient. Casual. read more
Bro...this place never disappoints...I take that back. They only disappoint on Monday's cause they closed. Today I had the vegetable lumpia. Didn't need any sauce. Was perfect plain. Then got a plate of chicken, fried noodles and few spicy shrimp rolls to go. Pretty expensive but if you out here you just kinda have to. read more
Stopped here for some sodas and grabbed a seaweed namasu as well. I've never had it, but it was YUMMY! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was pretty busy for a Thursday mid day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have a ton if hot food options for beach snacks. Would for sure come back to grab food for the beach and avoid the touristy area. read more
An unassuming spot for some delicious musubis and snacks. The line moves quick and the people come here for one reason; their hot and ready food in the display. We got a variety of items: Spam Musubi, Spicy Shrimp Roll, Kim Bap. The best one was the Kim Bap! Complex flavors, but simple fresh ingredients. The spicy shrimp roll was really good too! Perfect spot for a quick snack on the go read more
1 year ago
I love this market. A good old Hawaiian general store with many spamusubi and bento boxes. These're flesh and tast good! read more
We all know the bakery. Snow puffies, I get it. I actually like the a different pastry but gate keeping. But also everyone has told me forever to try to okazu here. And OMG it did not disappoint. The fried chicken is legit bomb. The spicy shrimp musubi is indeed spicy. The regular musubi was kid approved. Chap Chae was delicious, I probably could have got the small. Fried Shrimp was so ono. Banana Lumpia all the way. I was so full. And it was inexpensive!! I cannot wait to go back. read more
2 years ago
I stumbled across this store by accident. My wife was at the bakery, and I was outside and wanted to get a cold drink. I walked inside and was welcomed by the sight of all these musubis, bentos, and fried chicken in a display case. Service was friendly, but there was a language barrier when I was curious about certain food items. I picked up a spam musubi because I just can't resist it whenever I see it. This was good, but nothing to spectacular. Crispy Chicken Thighs: The skin was crunchy, crispy, and seasoned well, but I felt the chicken itself was dry. I ate the 3-4 pieces, but all were the same. Overall: 3.5 stars. read more
Some of the best spam musubis you'll find! A classic local store serving some of the best beach food ever! A must stop for fried chicken, calamari, and a couple musubis and you're good to go! Sweet tooth? Walk next door and get some pastries if their famous snow puffies! As always, let's support local! read more
2 years ago
They have new owners now. I went one day to pick up box of their fried chicken since I heard good things and their spam musubi. They also sell other bentos and Filipino desserts here. Great pit stop before going to the beach! read more
1 year ago
Missed this place so many times visiting here. Now I finally got to go here. What a gem and friendly service provided by the workers here. Smiles all around!!! Very old mom and pop type place, a very dated look, but don't let that fool you. It's the best!! Donuts were so good it's literally the best I've ever had!!! And those are some fighting words. Definitely would break my fast and diet for these heavenly worldly treats!!! I apologize I didn't have any pictures taken of donuts and treats!!! After tasting the donuts, I lost my mind. Hahahaha (forgot to take pictures) I know people come here for the snow things I'm mean those are awesome as well. But I judge places like this based on the simple humble glaze donut. If you can't get that right I mean what can you do right?? Apparently they get a lot right here... the malasadas are good as well! Thank you Paalaa definitely see you in the future. read more
A small Korean mart that sells pre-made hot foods like spam musubis, karaage, bentos, kimbaps as well as any snacks or drinks you could want. I stumbled across here when my local friends asked me if I wanted any food while we stopped by next door for some snow puffies (which I would highly recommend as well). Perfect place to grab good food if you are on the road and have a busy day planned or just want something quick and low key. Food There are tons of delicious smelling Korean and local foods to try. I tried the karaage and spam musubi. The karaage was hot and nicely crisp on the outside. The chicken was pretty good. The spam musubi was a spam musubi and I would get it again since it was good. Next time I want to try the huge kimbap (didn't get this time since I had so much other food). The snow puffys next door are highly recommended as well since it's so puffy, flaky, and perfectly sugared. Atmosphere This is a stop and go place. The walkways are narrow with snacks and drinks to be found on both sides. Lots of people walking around so be direct in where you are going and get it! Pricing The prices are pretty reasonable and cheap. Service The staff there are nice and friendly. Other Small parking lot in front so can be challenging to find a spot since everyone is lining up for a snow puffy. There are spots if you look around but be careful. read more
Food tastes exactly the same after change in ownership! My favorite is the korean pancake, it is so crispy and has the perfect flavor with the sauce. They have a great assortment of snacks for the beach, we got the spicy shrimp musubi, furikake musubi, and a small breakfast bento. The workers are so friendly and it is the perfect stop before or after your beach day. It is a small convenience store with the bakery on its side. For now they are only accepting cash. read more
5 stars for their addicting chicken. I stop by here sometimes when I go to the North Shore just for their chicken. I have a lot of favorite places I go to to get a good fried chicken and Paalaa Kai Market has a one of the best. There is always a short line at the cashier to buy musubis, sushi and of course the chicken. The chicken is nice and crispy on the outside and moist and juicy on the insides. I am not sure on what exactly they season the chicken with but the flavor is addicting. So, you can get their famous friend chicken and then go next door to the Paalaa Kai Bakery and pick up some of their famous puffs. Trust me, it is worth stopping by here. read more
2 years ago
Always my go-to for simple fried chicken and musubis. My family especially my grandpa would come here every day until his passing. Service has always been great and so happy it's still open read more
2 years ago
Reasonably priced snacks to grab before hitting the beach! Loved their kim bap roll and always gotta get their fried chicken. You can also call in big orders of their fried chicken. We were there for less than 5 minutes and saw them restocking all of the hot food so you can rest assured that the food is fresh! The mart also has your usually gas station items(ice,snacks,drinks). Service is fast and friendly. Located to the left of Paalaa Kai bakery(snow puffies). Parking lot is shared with them so it can be busy. Just be patient people are usually in and out. read more
7 months ago
Fried chicken, musubi, bentos, etc. on the way to the North Shore... Driving to Haleiwa from Honolulu, my friends and I stopped at Paalaa Kai Bakery for the famous Snow Puffies (pastry). Since we were there already, we went next door to Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart for the famous Fried Chicken! In the warmers are other local favorites at reasonable prices. I got the KimBop which is like a Korean musubi. It was filled with goodies such as egg, carrots, takuan, and more! It's wrapped in nori (seaweed) and surrounded by a thin layer of rice! I could taste a bit of sesame seed oil... Authentic! After eating a snow puffy, a butter roll, and the kimBop, I was too full to eat the fried chicken... It has crispy skin!!! Ahhh... Next time! Note: free shared parking in the cozy lot (I parked across the street on the grass) and old school atmosphere inside read more
9 months ago
3 years ago
Perfect stop to/from the beach! Mini mart with hot food. Known for their fried chicken. But premade bentos and musubis also available for purchase. Cold drinks and slush puppies also available. Some mini mart things like prepackaged banchan also available. read more
5 Words... SPAM MUSUBI'S AND FRIED CHICKEN!!! Yes, This Is The Spot For Very Great Amazing Yummy-To-Your-Tummy Spam Musubi's & Fried Chicken... This cute little run-down, still-good convenient store serves-up THE BEST Hawaiian favorite snack and then some... make sure they're open on a day you're visiting. Great spot to pick up snacks and drinks before the beach or island cruising. read more
2 years ago
I stopped by here due to a friend's recommendation. We bought some musubis and chicken. They were delicious. I like to have a handful of easy to eat snacks that are made locally while we're at the beach or just walking around. This place is small but has a good selection of hot food. The girl in the counter was very friendly. Will def come back. read more
5 years ago
Hold on to your deep frying oil and chefs hat, because this place is the source of the best fried chicken around. Crispy, tasty, oily and like my favorite local attorney, extra greasy! This mini-mart has the usual chips and drinks, but I think most people come for the cooked foods. Many musubis, noodles, and fried chicken options. 3 pieces with no rice, 2 pieces with rice, 6 pieces in a box, this place has your fried fowl needs covered. This is the pinnacle of fried poultry on the north shore. The parking lot is pretty tight, so please show aloha when pulling in and out and parking. Most people only stay a few minutes at either the store or the bakery, so don't worry if it looks crowded. read more
7-22-21 Have previously read Yelp reviews on how ono their chicken and spam musubis are. It's true!!! Decided to pick up dessert from the bakery next door to take for a dinner invite. Perfect chance to check out the mini mart next door. The chicken skin is so crispy and delicious. It's good even eaten straight out of the fridge for snacking while watching tv. The crunch lasts! The spam musubi was good because of the rice to meat ratio plus the sauce it was cooked in was perfect. For some reason the texture reminded me of luncheon meat but very tasty. Good size cuz you don't need to stretch your mouth to bite into and look like an oinker. It easily fits for a bite to savor and enjoy. The next day we picked up 2 spam musubi from a bento place at Pearl Kai. Even though that one had furikake, I enjoyed the one here better. You have to judge for yourself but if you find yourself in Haleiwa, drive a little bit more to Waialua and try the chicken and musubi here. Yum! read more
5 years ago
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More info about Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart
66-945 Kaukonahua Rd
Waialua, HI 96791
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(808) 637-9182
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Do they do chicken pan orders?
Im pretty sure they will as long as you give them a heads up in advance 🤙
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Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - convenience - Updated August 2026
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