Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Pokai Bay Restaurant

    4.5 (157 reviews)
    Open 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

    Pokai Bay Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    POKAI BAY RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Pokai Bay Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    fried noodle with hurricane chicken
    Keilab A.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super unassuming spot on the Westside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I originally heard of Pokai Bay through a Youtuber, Sean Kaleponi, and wow did he deliver on this rec. This is one of the spots where you won't find a single tourist, because not many venture out to this area. Definitely a local casual spot, but they serve up some delicious food. There was one guy, Angel, working the front and there are plenty of tables inside. We ordered the fried noodles and hurricane chicken for about $20 and shared among 3 of us. I am still dreaming about this dish. The saimin noodles were soo flavorful and had the perfect chew. The hurricane chicken was fried to perfection, juicy, and packed with flavor. SO GOOD. Even if you aren't in the area, I'd put this spot on the list of foods to try on O'ahu.

    Two egg breakfast with salad - good
    Katherine A.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]This tiny local cafe is adorable, overlooking the bay. There is a nice patio with umbrella cover tables for dining al fresco. Inside, there is a farmhouse vibe and about eight comfy booths.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A case of baked goods draws your attention at the front counter. We were greeted and told to sit anywhere. The table service is friendly and attentive. Our server told us about the popular garlic chicken or fish fishes. The menu offers breakfast and lunch options. The portion of Garlic Chicken was huge (shareable). The coating was crispy but the sauce was overly sweet for me. Mac salad was good. I substituted the rice for green salad, which was fresh and delicious. My daughter had the Two Egg Breakfast came with four large pieces of bacon. She substituted rice for green salad. The eggs were perfectly cooked. Her breakfast was perfect. They do not have a kid's menu, so we shared our meals with my granddaughter, which was fine as we had a lot of food. Our server brought an extra plate for her. They serve ice cream and have a selection of beautiful desserts but we were full so will return to try out. There is a small private parking lot. The restaurant is walkable from the park/beach.

    Pork cutlet plate
    Hannah F.

    So Ono! The garlic chicken with noodles, hurricane fries, cheeseburger, pork with gravy were all great! We will definitely be back-it is so worth the trip! Great customer service. We had to wait a bit but it was busy and for good reason so totally understandable. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is cute and felt like home.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Mahalo nui Pokai Bay!

    Inside
    Erikka T.

    This was like a hug for my mouth and my soul. Mahalo ladies for the ono grinds (delicious food). The food came out fast, hot and made to order. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The service with a smile and comfortable booths to sit in made this experience so homey.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We got the Hurricane Chicken with furukake on top of fried noodles with spam, fish cake and green onion. Add a side of the most perfect white rice and Mac salad for the perfect lunch. We will definitely be coming back to visit. Mahalo!

    Zoey G.

    Came here for shave ice and will definitely be back for the food next time! Ordered two shave ice without taking size into consideration and IT IS VERY WORTH IT! We are so used to the tiny sizes everywhere else has that we were shocked at how huge they came out here! Service was great and definitely will be back to dine in next time

    Jordan Z.

    This place was highly recommended by one of my coworkers. They said the fried noodles with chicken was killah over here, so I decided to give them a try. I ordered the fried noodles with fried chicken plate for around $18. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small cozy looking shop with an ordering window on the side.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The server was quick with my order, it did take a minute to cook so I just enjoyed the view of the beach park adjacent to the restaurant. Upon receiving my order it's piping hot and the weight (yes I judge plates by their weight) was pretty heavy. So I was pleasantly surprised by that, so I didn't think to check my order at the restaurant. Getting back to work and opening it up the first thing I see is the chicken DARK brown, like burnt to a crisp, so I just thought maybe that's jus how it looked, which was wrong of course. Because it was indeed burnt to a crisp, and on top of that it's overwhelmingly salty, like drenched with salt, and I like salty, but this was jus ridiculous and overbearing. The noodles were bland so maybe that extra sapt was supposed to go oh the noodles....Needless to say I was very disappointing with this experience and it really made me not want to go back. But my coworker got his plate a couple days later and it was perfectly fine smh. So maybe the cook is just off some days and maybe on some, maybe I'll give them another try some time but not anytime soon.

    Dana K.

    I try to pay a visit every time I'm out this way. I just left an office where the ladies were about to have lunch. I asked them where they picked up lunch from? Guess where? They were raving about it! I shared my go to picks, too. The employees are all so gracious and patient (lol) as you attempt to make a decision of what you're ordering, as there's so much to choose from! Love the dining room, too. So cozy! I always feel as I'm going to Aunty's house or Grandma's. If you want baked goods, come early! I just overheard a couple of patrons disappointed because they just ran out of the yummy cream puffs!

    Garlic Chicken on Fried Noodles - Massive
    Keola K.

    Tons of great reviews led me to try this little spot. They did not disappoint!!! The order: Pastrami Sandwich and fries for my coworker and Garlic Chicken on Fried Noodles for me. His pastrami sandwich was good size on toasted bread and he said tasted great. Fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The garlic chicken...wow shot up to one of my favorites. Nice and crispy outside and juicy outside with that sweet garlic flavor. The noodles had huge bits of spam and kamaboko with lots of green onions, just like how I like it. The servers were polite and checked on us frequently. They have few tables inside and a cute seating area outside (good luck to those who can eat in the Waianae Heat, haha). They have uplifting and soulful music playing inside. I'll definitely ealry be back again when I am on this side of the island.

    Front door interior
    Jay S.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]This small cute cafe is so nicely decorated, bright clean and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The waitress was friendly and pleasant however the food was a letdown. Both the mahimahi burger and cheeseburger were served on these unappealing buns that looked like they'd been smashed or folded into one another. The cheeseburger was quite salty although the server said they are not seasoned. Both entrees, the fish and hamburger meat were rather thin and not very filling at all, unfortunately. Crinkle cut fries we fine and tasty, if a bit overdone. Evidently they also serve ice cream and pastries although we saw very little of either. I want to support and encourage better restaurants in the Waianae area but I doubt we'll be back, l unless it is for ice cream or quick pastry. I do wish them well tho.

    Front area where they have some pastries.
    Mercy N Mose S.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]I gotta say it was a clean restaurant, love their decor it was welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But their seasoning was very heavy. The chicken was salty. Chow-fun was good. And the rostbeef was tender.

    Dwayne F.

    03/10/2025 @1100 Came for the bakery, had the custard cream puffs. Light pastry with a creamy custard filling. Compared to the ones I had in Japan. The lady behind the counter was super friendly and greeted us with the Waianae hospitality and Aloha. The restaurant part is small and cozy, kinda like eating at a relative's house. I'm gonna have to come back and try a meal later.

    Club House
    Victoria H.

    Everything was great!!! I had there club house with fries it was really good . Also Garlic Chicken and there mac ..let's not forget there Dessert it all looked Really good but there Turnover was the one we tried this time !!! CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT from beginning to end . Perfectly small and clean.

    My side spam n ketchup

    Timeline 10:35am arrived, they greeted but no one brought out water immediately until I had to order everything one time. 10:40am ordered meal for both me and my friend. I had the banana hotcakes and he had a regular and I got both of us side spams and I got hot chocolate and white toast though I did ask for wheat but they said they only serve white which is typical. Hot chocolate was the definition itself because it burned my tongue and throat it made me cough a bit. It was too hot! 10:51 am only got toast and hot chocolate. Other customers that came same time and ordered same time got their food first I think all 3 woman got their meals before us men and the kitchen of business seems to be ran by women so that's that. 11:01am no water refill 11:17am Pau eat all spam and we both took home the rest of our meals neither of us finished it all. 11:18am girl refilled water With shitty service like that I'd expect lower cost of food, I was hoping to only pay $40, yet they charged me $63.66. The owner and her daughters or whoever was running their mouths behind the counter were rude because I checked the receipt and it was too high for my taste. So I thought they ripped us off so I asked them questions. They said customers pay the "fee" for credit or debit transactions and at first I didn't believe them but because I know the card biz it might be true. I didn't contact the company yet but I will after this review. I had to talk to 3 women one being the mom or owner and other the kids her daughters or whoever. Even the owner was losing patience with me and the others kept asking stupid questions such as, "Is this your first time eating out?" No I eat out less often these days to save money. I told the actual cashier that I'm an Entrepreneur & I don't like getting gipped and we walked out of the restaurant to leave, the boss said I forgot my bottle my water bottle and I told her thanks and walked out and never looked back. All three looked like they'd blow a gasket because one girl kept pacing, cashier looked confused or pissed and the mom wasn't any better. So that was my experience, if you've had a similar one lmk if not glad it went better for you. I won't be returning anytime soon. I am only visiting after all. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The sayings on the wall looked cool[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Fried noodles with garlic chicken

    See all

    Review Insights

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 7
    Love this 20
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim S.
    0
    57
    3

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 4
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kelsey T.

    Kelsey T.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jesse L.
    351
    15
    18

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kelsey T.

    Kelsey T.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joanna L.
    101
    15
    44

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Customer service is great!! Food even better! Best Clubhouse and Cheeseburgers on the Westside!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of XY Z.
    1
    13
    31

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kelsey T.

    Kelsey T.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cuyler O.
    7
    71
    205

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Leah R.
    0
    45
    31

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    They have very good food and great service. I strongly recommend Pokai Bay if you are up the Waianae coast.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Kelsey T.

    Kelsey T.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    A great addition to Waianae. The service was great, the food was delicious, portions are generous, cleanliness was exceptional.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Pokai Bay Restaurant

    You might also consider

    Paalaa Kai Bakery

    Paalaa Kai Bakery

    4.6
    (1.3k reviews)
    10.1 mi
    $$

    We found this bakery as a happy accident on a scenic drive to the North Shore. It was closed by the…read moretime we stopped by so we had to make time to go the second time around. On this visit, we got a full spread! We got a box of all of the things and it didn't disappoint. I was so excited to choose all kinds of pastries for my box. At this point, everything is already in my tummy and I've already crossed memory lane, so I can't tell you the names of every pastry but what I can tell you is take the scenic drive. Check out the businesses you normally wouldn't have stopped by. Visit the Yelp page. Look at recommendations from fellow Yelpers! When I'm curious of a place and I'm not convinced yet, I always go to Yelp to see what the people have to say and the people love the pastries here for good reason. This place has some good pastries. I would come back just to satisfy the sweet tooth again. I will say, leave the snow puffs for enjoying when you're not in your vehicle unless you're okay with a mess lol

    Cute little bakery filled with so much yummy desserts inside. You need to make this one of your…read morestops when you are taking a trip around the island. We love the flaky pastries filled with custard. My husband and kids also love their chocolate chip macadamia cookies. They also have classics like ensemadas, an pan, twisted donuts. It can get crowded inside as it's a very small shop. Staff are very friendly

    Photos
    Snow puffies!
    Snow puffies!
    Snow puffy
    Snow puffy
    Snow puff

    See all

    Snow puff
    Mele Mele Bakery

    Mele Mele Bakery

    3.7
    (161 reviews)
    9.9 mi
    $$

    A cute little bakery, a real gem where you can taste delicious artisan breads (my favorite are…read moretheir baguettes), bagels with all kinds of unusual combinations of toppings, and a lot more I have yet to try. Plus a super chill atmosphere. It is located inside an old silo, next to an art studio, a fitness center with a sauna and a cold plunge. Definitely got to visit if you haven't yet.

    Finally, a café on Oʻahu that takes its pastries and café food seriously! I really love what you're…read moredoing here, and the pastries are genuinely some of the best I've had. My favorites I always order are the vanilla cardamom bun, Don't Worry Brie Happy, banh mi, and Cardi B drink. I did want to share a couple of suggestions for the owner/manager because I'd love to see this place continue to improve. Lastly, please can you add some umbrellas above your wooden tables outside. It's way too hot, and the covered area is always full/loud. Would really love some umbrellas over the wooden tables. Coffee consistency: I've ordered the Cardi B around 20 times over the past four months. Less than half the time it's great, but more than half it has been disappointingly cold or poorly made. I understand that different baristas have different techniques, but the inconsistency is always noticeable. In my experience, about 15 out of 20 times the coffee drink has been cold because the milk is not being steamed and instead cold milk is being poured directly into the coffee. The amount of cardamom and sweetness/honey always varies too. Since the drink itself has such a great recipe, I'd really love to see more consistency in preparation--this could be improved through retraining baristas, reinforcing a gold standardized recipe, proper milk steaming technique, temperature guidelines, or additional barista training. Also, I've never had the same barista or cashier in all the times I visited. As a local regular, I do wish I could have a regular solid barista. Consider the best practice of scheduling people with consistent schedules weekly so people can develop loyalty and relationship with your cafe. Bagelweanies: These are SO delicious, but they are also way too salty. The large sea salt crystals on top look beautiful, but there is so much salt that it overwhelms the flavor and health nutrition. I always have to peel or scrap off the top bread to remove all the salt. The weenie itself is already salty enough, in my opinion. I'd strongly suggest reducing or even removing all the sea salt on top. It would make them more enjoyable and a more healthy. They will still taste great, look great, and you reduce the expense of sea salt! I'm sharing this because I genuinely love the food and want to see the café succeed. The pastries and food are clearly made with care, and with a little more consistency in the coffee and less salt on the bagelweanies, I think you'd have an even stronger experience.

    Photos
    Blue coconut matcha
    Blue coconut matcha
    Inside the shop.
    Inside the shop.
    Verry Merry Beery Matcha

    See all

    Verry Merry Beery Matcha

    Pokai Bay Restaurant - shavedice - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...