While driving mauka-bound on Oneawa Street in Kailua, I couldn't help but to noticed the small printed word Pho tucked behind a small strip-mall area. This was enough reason to stop, drive in and check the place out. They've free parking in the lot fronting the restaurant. It was "easy-peasy" to get in and out of this commercial building. Turns out this small strip has a new, modern looking Vietnamese restaurant with an awesome name - Planet Pho. I like the sound of this name and with a name like that, I gotta try their food. Since it was already an hour past noon, lunch was definitely was on my mind and Vietnamese pho/food seemed appropriate. As soon as you walked into the restaurant, the place looked new, clean and orderly. They have about 8 tables on the left side and a beverage refrigerator is located on the right side. Decor was tastefully done; there were some nice touches of Vietnamese art decorations hung on the wall. Seating is enough to accommodate 30 people. A young waiter quickly brought over a glass of water and took my order. He was very courteous and attentive. Looking the different items listed on the menu, I could surmised this is authentic Vietnamese food and most likely it will be tasty. I ordered the crab meat noodle soup bun rieu. Once the soup arrived, they also brought out a nice place of the well-known accompanying fresh herbs of: curly Vietnamese water spinach salad, mint, Vietnamese banana flower salad, beansprouts and a lime wedge. The soup was really tasty! Lots of nice medium-sized fried tofu squares loaded in the bowl. The tomato based soup was savory while the Vietnamese lunch meat slices were soft and flavorful. However, there were no pork hock pieces in the bowl so you don't have to get your hands dirty. Of course, I requested the shrimp paste so I can add about half of a teaspoon to my soup. This is how many Vietnamese eat bun rieu soup. The soup was filling so there was not enough room in my stomach for desserts but I really wanted to order the banana-coconut tapioca. Next time, maybe I can save room in order to try their dessert drinks too. Kailua is my seaside getaway spot so I know I will certainly return to try the shaken beef or the chicken with mango dishes. Drooling already... I'm stoked that authentic Vietnamese food is becoming more common in Kailua. This townie is going Kailua! read more

Planet Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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Recently under new ownership, open everyday. They have an extensive menu. The food is ok, not the best I've had but not the worst. read more

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We have been coming here for years and the food is outstanding! The restaurant is very clean and the service is excellent. We highly recommend Planet Pho Vietnamese Cuisine in Kailua! read more

They're pho is delicious! When I went in they said hello and asked what they could get for me. I've never been here before because I don't live in Kailua so I'm always skeptical trying new places but I'm glad I gave them a chance. The guy was so helpful. I'm vegan so it's hard eating anywhere but I know pho joints will always accommodate and they did. Good news for vegans and vegetarians- they have a whole section just for vegetarians which is always easy to change to vegan. Delicious food without needing to spend a lot of money. They could give maybe a little more noodles but it was balanced out with the loads fresh veggies. I've never been to a pho joint where they used green beans and cauliflower instead of broccoli and a lime instead of a lemon... no complaints here! Also their tofu is pretty good. I'm not typically a fan of baked tofu but it was still a great filler. My tummy is happy and I'll be sure to come back again! read more

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As a townie, I'm spoiled with numerous places to choose from when it comes to boba. I don't have the same luxury when I'm in kailua. I used my trusty yelp app to help me find somewhere for milk tea with boba (珍珠奶茶）the taiwanese style that I love. No luck, but I did see the 5-star rated planet pho. A sign on the door shows pictures of the boba drinks they offer: thai tea, honeydew, taro, green tea. I ordered a thai tea boba drink, expecting it to be blended, but it was served over ice and with a little dollop of whipped cream. The boba was terrible, probably the most terrible I've ever had. It was hard and small...just inedible. The tea was ok, but thai tea is pretty hard to mess up. Although the service was speedy, it wasn't very friendly. I came during lunch, but there was ony one other person in the reataurant. Hopefully, they have more customers for dinner. I didn't try any of the food, but the extensive (and very colorful) menu is alluring. Prices looked to be average for vietnamese food, so maybe I'll be back to try some food options. I definitely won't be back for boba though :/ read more

Go to place when it comes to Pho on the windward side. Great service & the food is even better.

Parking 2/5 Food 3/5 Environment 1/5 Service 3/5 They didnt bother to have the air conditioning on. It was fairly warm inside which made me regret ordering the hot bowl of pho. Now, I'm taking a detour home to shower first before some shopping because of all the sweat I produced eating there. read more

There aren't a lot of outstanding Vietnamese eateries in the heart of Kailua town. Most people head to enchanted lake to get Saigon Noodle House because they are often regarded as the best on the East side of the island. However, if you're looking to stay in the Kailua Town area, Planet Pho is a solid option. They're located in the same little lot as Frost (used to be Yogurt Mama) and a pretty popular (but small) nail salon. I've been here a couple of times before since they have such a convenient location. The first time that I ordered food from them, I wasn't that impressed. However, I will say that their Vietnamese iced coffee is delicious. It is rich, creamy, and has some kind of malt-like flavor that is seriously addicting. This time around, I tried their spicy lemongrass chicken bún (vermicelli bowl). Although the meat looked a bit dull, it did pack a spicy punch. The vegetables were fresh and crunchy, giving the dish that distinctive cool, crisp contrast. For $11, the portion is quite large, so you definitely get what you pay for. While the lemongrass chicken itself could have been more flavorful and tender, overall, I was thoroughly content with my meal. TLDR: solid Vietnamese option out of convenience, but not "the best." read more

Planet Pho - Spicy lemongrass chicken vermicelli - Vietnamese Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Conveniently located at Oneawa in Kailua. The place is neat and service is ok. I loved Pho but I wasn't satisfied. It is good but not quite to my perfection compare to others. Not too many Pho restaurants in Kailua so this will be one of your option. Other food menu was ok though. read more

Planet Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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I'm so sad to find that this place is under new ownership. It used to be my favorite pho spot on the island, and we had moved to the west side about a year ago, so we hadn't been in awhile. I was so excited to eat here again with family that was visiting, but was severely disappointed. The pho was lacking flavor, spring rolls no longer had the yummy poi inside, and the pad Thai didn't have the peanut flavor, only lots of salt. They lightly remodeled as well, now selling jewelry up front, giving an odd feel. Won't be returning sadly read more

This is the third time I've order takeout from here. Usually it's OK...but this time they plated my take out in a tiny container and used bags for the rest. WTH!!!?!?! The last 2 times it was plated like a normal take out plate. I dont know what happened!! For the price I paid I would expect quality and consistancy. read more

Planet Pho - This is how the pack a take out plate!?! Sad - Vietnamese Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Good tasty pho. Good size portions of pho for a decent price. One of my go to spots on the Windward side.

Stopped by for lunch and got spring rolls and a crepe. They were delicious. The woman who ran the shop was very friendly. We'll be going back again! read more

The broth is great, it's quickly served and always filling. I'm a fan and I've spent a long time in Vietnam.

we had the lemon grass chicken sammich and it's a huge one BUT the bread was not good tasting, idk switch it to a crunchier one?? like fresh french bread that is flaky on the outside but super yummy soft inside... or even a flaky croissant bread OM that would be ah.mazing! read more

I'm rating Planet Pho 3.5 stars. I would say the food quality is above average. The taste, however, differs from he authentic Vietnamese cusines I'm used to - not in a bad way. They may have been short-staffed tonight, because the food took some time to come out. Still, a good joint to stop by if you're craving yourself some Vietnamese food. read more

Planet Pho - Vege spring roll - Vietnamese Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

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I gave them 3 star is because I order roast pork sandwich. When I looked inside the sandwich it looked much less meat. Well I took a photo to show people how much "Fat" they filled the sandwich. Hardly any Char-sue meat very few and the rest is Fat. The sandwich was very tasty! read more

Planet Pho - Roast pork- No meat but all "FAT" - Vietnamese Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

I went to Planet Pho once about a month ago. My boyfriend and I ordered a mango slush boba, spring rolls, and rare steak pho. The place itself is adorable, but service was a little slow. In all honesty I don't remember the pho or the spring rolls, so it must not have been bad nor highly impressive. The mango slush I thought was horrible. It had a strange texture and worse after taste. read more

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When they say authentic, it's REAL authentic!! The food is sooo delicious! The ladies are super nice! Food took a lil but long, but it was sooo worth the wait! read more

Poor... $12 combination pho and $1.50 soft drinks per their website which drew me to visit them and give them a try. I was charged over $17 with those two items. This place over charged me. Not to fuss about it, but people needs to know due to unethical practices and is still wrong morally. I will never eat here again. read more

Good food and the lady in charge is really friendly and inviting. I just recently moved to Hawaii from California, but the food here is just as good as home cooked stuff. I would recommend this spot any day, especially since the owner is thinking about closing due rising product price. Come here instead of Burger King or McDonald's read more

I have frequented this place for awhile now, it's unlikely that I will be back. Found large pieces of plastic In our food tonight. Large enough to likely puncture or scrape. read more

Planet Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Kailua, Hawaii

Aloha. ONOLICIOUS/NGON TUYET!!! Great proportions & prices. We have eaten inside which to us is preferable; this time we did Take Out & was ready on time read more

We love this place. We always order steak plates and chicken pad Thai. Always yummy. The owner is so sweet and makes sure the orders are all satisfactory. We eat here a lot throughout the month. read more

Their pho is really tasty but the last time we got banh mi and pho there, it seemed like they totally skimped on the herbs and veggies. The bread wasn't very good either. Disappointing for the price. read more

Owner was great and pho was yummy!! The egg noodles in another dish were also delicious

Staff is very friendly, service was a little slow, food was AMAZING! A little pricey! Crispy Spring Rolls AMAZINGLY delicious along with the Pho! Yummy read more

Haven't been here in awhile so I thought I'd give it a try again for lunch. I have to say that honestly I was not impressed. The Pad Thai I ordered was just okay (as much bean sprouts as noodles) and the chicken curry was just bland. I know that this type of curry is thinner than local style curry but this was like chicken curry soup and was quite watered down. At one time the restaurant that was here prior to this one was one of my top "go to" places but now there are just so many better places out there. read more

Pleasantly surprised by this place. I have my go-to pho spot and rarely deviate but tried this place because my go-to was closed. I'm particular about broth flavor and this pho broth was one of the tastiest I've had in a while. Service was quick and friendly, would definitely come back and not just when my regular spot is closed. read more

I'm vegetarian and there was some cross contamination. Also, the vegan pho broth was terrible the two times I tried it.

When they first opened the husband and wife team were the best. They often times have people filling in that ring up wrong orders or over charge you so check your bill. But their product is better than the other Vietnamese places in Kailua. They are tucked away from the street but once you've tried it you'll understand why they are good. read more

Not the best pho I've had on island, but it was very fast service and hit the spot without needing to drive into town if you find yourself on the windward side. read more

The best pho place in Kailua! As far as pho places go, it's maybe one of my favorites. The food is always good, but the service puts planet pho above the others. Shoddy service is pretty standard at a lot of pho places, but the people here are super nice and friendly. The Flavor of the broth is delicious and portions are generous. read more

Pho-getabatit. This place keeps getting worse every year. $18 for beef pho that smelled and tasted like they reused leftovers from precovid time. A $5 instant pho tastes more fresh, hearty, and cleaner than this. I'm done with this place. read more

On the East side and we were all craving something warm since we just came from the beach. This place had 4-stars - perfect. Let's go. Comparable prices to the pho places in town and west side. Good sized bowls of pho. I had the BBQ chicken/spring roll vermicelli. Really good taste on the chicken. Nicely crisped spring rolls. Fresh veggies. Overall very nice experience. Would visit again the next time we're in the area. read more

Best pho on the Windward side! Aunty always hooks up the sides, and I love shopping the jewelry while I wait!

Such a hole in the wall spot, but nowhere else beats their pho! Still have friends who moved to the mainland that miss this spot!

2 words, Roach Soup. This was my second time coming to Pho Than Lich, the first was decent. As far as the food is concerned it's okay and the service is pretty good. They don't have the tastiest broth and their beef balls could use a little more seasoning but that is neither here nor there. Today I ordered the spring rolls which were delicious, and the spicy beef noodle soup off of their specialty menu which wasn't very spicy at all. Unfortunately near the end of my meal I found an extra ingredient in my soup which happened to be part of a spotted roach abdomen. The spotted roach has a very distinct pattern and there is absolutely no possibility that I'm mistaken. Obviously I stopped eating the second I discovered the added spice in my soup and since the restaurant had quite a few people in it I calmly walked up the front with the roach ass in a napkin and showed my discovery to the woman that was at the register. She said she would check with the cook and returned to tell me that the cook said it was part of an onion shell..... lulls...... very unlikely since onions generally aren't black and orange, again I digress. She then gave me 30% off my meal which is absolutely unacceptable in this situation but since I was feeling particularly nice today I didn't explode at the restaurant and instead decided that since we have this amazing invention called the internet and tools like yelp to spread the word that I would just come here and destroy them electronically. I paid my discounted check and told them that they should probably pour out the "spicy" beef broth. I would strongly suggest not eating here and instead eating at the Pho place around the corner by Subway, and then only if you must eat Pho in Kailua. There are much better places in town. If however you do decide to eat here after reading this then I wish you luck. An establishment that can't keep roaches out of what's supposed to be boiling hot broth is probably reusing old product, leaving food out and/or not taking any sort of food safety precautions. read more

My previous review was for Pho Thanh Lich. With the change in management, I'm changing my review to three stars. The food and service are just not the same. Went here for dinner on Saturday night and the waiter we had seemed very stressed out and short when taking our order. There was, however, a younger girl who was very nice and on point to make sure our water was always filled. Still, the food we had was okay. It no longer has that authentic taste I raved about in my previous review. I then went back yesterday just for the summer rolls (take out), the pork in the roll was discolored and the peanut sauce had a abnormal sour taste (comparing this to having had it on Saturday when it tasted fine). Now have mixed feelings about coming back. read more

Was craving Pho today, new to Kailua wasn't sure where to go. We are thrilled that we tried Planet Pho! Phoned the order in, picked up within 10 mins, the customer service was great! We order 2 Pho Ga, 1 Pho Tai and an order of Summer rolls, all were delicious! We will definitely be back. read more