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    Pupukea Grindz

    4.6 (108 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Pupukea Grindz Photos

    Business Info

    PUPUKEA GRINDZ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Pupukea Grindz

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    Reviews With Photos

    PASTELE STEW
    Landon B.

    Never knew about this place until I walked past one day on my way to the liquor store. Fishing gear caught my eye as I passed. Two days later and I'm kicking myself for not eating here in the past!!!! Pastele stew was unreal! Inhaled my plate in 5 minutes. Will definitely be back to get some fishing stuff and try their garlic chicken. YOU MISSING OUT!

    Jill M.

    Delicious plate lunch and other offerings at Pupukea Grindz! Stopped by for lunch on a weekday, and it wasn't busy at all. I wanted their turkey chili, but unfortunately, they were sold out. I ordered the hummus wrap instead which was super fresh and tasty with nice local veggies. Hubby had a plate lunch with shoyu chicken, Ono katsu, cone, and Maki sushi and chow fun. My son had a side of chow fun, and the portions were generous! Ample dine in space. They have AC, but it was a little war. The food came out fresh and pretty quickly. We will be back to try more!

    8/2023
    Sarah N.

    Delicious food. Great prices. Definitely will be back! I've been wanting to try Pupukea Grindz for so long now, but since they have limited hours, I always find myself checking them out when they're already closed (funny, not funny). Lucky for me, it's summer time and I'm off (for a while lol) so I took the kids on a spontaneous run for some grindz. Yesterday, we ordered the Ahi Katsu plate with tossed salad, and 2 Korean Garlic Chicken plates with mac. The food was spot on - fresh and flavorful. I absolutely enjoyed my ahi katsu and having the option of FRESH GREENS! The dressing tasted like a basic Oriental, that of which I switched out once I got home, but overall, that plate was 5 stars. Both kids got the Korean chicken. They really should've shared one plate; each had a nice hefty portion. Chicken was so frickn crunchy and perfectly seasoned with their sauce. Mac was somewhat grainy from the potatoes, but still another 5 star dish. Sorry, my pic just doesn't do the KGC justice. Why 4 stars then? They seemed to be out of a good chunk of their menu. And most importantly, I'm a simple person and the first impression goes far. I don't want to sound picky, but it's a pet peeve of mines when I walk into a place AND ITS EMPTY, and the workers can't even say hello. I just don't get it. Maybe they were super busy with phone orders (although we got eye contact) and didn't realize the unwelcoming tone when we got the "I'll be with you in a minute" from the kitchen prep area, but that's my piece with hopes that it makes a difference for the better of the business. Upon grabbing my food after the 20 minute wait, the guy seemed to have cheered up a slight bit, just to add. Can't change the first impression tho. Anyways!! Go check em, go check em, go!

    "Pipeline plate" w/ garlic chicken and shoyu chicken
    Rod U.

    "What's going on foodie ohana?" Have you ever binge watched something because you wanted to see / hear something outrageously funny (roulade being pronounced roo-la-dae, "use-to-to", "taste-ta-tid good", "dranken", saying in Hawaii we call it o-ka-zoo-ya with the emphasis on the zoo because it's different from Japan), and along the way picked up some knowledge? That's what prompted the visit. 1. Outstanding old school ahi katsu. Thick cuts of ahi marinated in miso, coated with panko and fried mid well before being doused in a sweetened ginger, garlic, soy sauce. Umami supercharged goodness. 2. Solid garlic chicken. Boneless thighs sat in flour for a while to get the perfect crisp coating flash dipped in a sweet soy, garlic, cayenne, green onion sauce. The skin still crisp even 20 minutes later. All is not perfect. The boiled shoyu chicken is extremely sweet and being sat on a bed of chow funn, alters the taste of the noodles. The cone sushi, too dense and wet. Portions are HUGE. Prices fair. Good value for the money. Friendly local service. Take out only. Check yelp (they update their hours daily if there is a change) and/or call ahead to be sure they are open. Sometimes, even through tears of laughter, you find a worthy recommendation. Going to eat Japanese shabu shabu at a Chinese hotpot resto... ROFL.

    Boneless Korean Garlic Chicken
    Janice L.

    Was out with vertigo and I was hungry. Right after work the hubby came across this place and was intrigued and had heard about from our son-in-law so he tried them out and it is one we will keep in our top collections! So ONOLICIOUS! I had the shoyu teriyaki chicken was really yummy and not sweet at all, if anyone who knows me I don't care for teriyaki flavor but this soothed my taste buds (thumbs up)! The hubby had their Pipeline plate with Korean garlic chicken, my Boi had the regular plate and it was really good to. So if you in Waipahu, go check them out, you'll be back for more! Mahalo and we'll stop by again to try your pastele and chili.

    Ahi Katsu
    Steve T.

    Actually a pretty good place, good food for and good portions for the price. Only reason for one less stars is the wait times, think was a little over 20 maybe 30min wait for our 2 plates. The past few days they been getting slammed so it's understandable. While I'm ok with waiting others may not especially if short lunch hrs. So it's better to call it in. On with the food...2 plates that was shared and left overs for dinner. Ahi katsu plate. Good filet of ahi, good well outside nice crispy and still very moist inside. Most other places will overcook and be very dry. Light katsu style sauce all over. I usually prefer the mayo unagi/teri sauce style but was actually good this way to. Food company Kailua has their sauce this way as well. Like the potato mac most places don't take time on the sides and just throw macaroni and mayo salt call it good. Like that here they put potatoes and others things to change it up Pipeline Plate... 2 chickens was Fried and Shoyu, 1 cone sushi, 1 ume musubi, with chow fun underneath. Chicken was good and crisp nice flavor little dry on some pieces but better than red and raw. Shoyu chicken was OK not overly sweet but did have some redness inside by the bone which I dislike. I know it's fully cooked and safe but just a taste I dislike. Chow fun was ok, and cone sushi was OK as well not overly sweet. Overall those 2 plates are probably the 2 best sellers. Great portions and great for grab and head to the beach etc. They are inside the same complex as the old Highway Inn. Like that they cleaned up this complex as it used to be a little run down and filled with homeless everywhere.

    Lorrie G.

    I had the Korean Garlic chicken. It's so tasty, delicious. My friend had the pastels rice and i tasted it. Really tasty, little spicy. overall the food is delicious the atmosphere a few tables and chairs. Drinks are all canned and bottle there's no fountain drinks. The owners are Shawn and Barry, very nice guys. It's a fairly new local spot, opened in March 2018 . They're same owners of (20years) Pupukea Grill Lunch Wagon, can find their lunch wagon across sharks cove. So whether you there or in waipahu come check these guys out. Today I had the Ahi Katsu. Omg it's true, reviews are on point. This is a first and honestly I didn't think I would like it so much. It's so crispy delicious and moist all in one bite. The sauce they put on the Katsu compliments it,even yummier

    Ahi Katsu, Shoyu Chicken, and Açaí Bowl
    JessicaLynn R.

    Decided to give this place a try and I was pretty impressed. We decided to try the ahi katsu, shoyu chicken, and the Açaí bowl. Shoyu chicken and açaí bowl was okay, but the ahi katsu was one of the best I have ever had, so crunchy on the outside and so juicy on the inside. The Ahi Katsu was the star of the show!! Ahi katsu 5 stars (the best of the best) Shoyu chicken 3.5 stars (shoyu chicken like any other shoyu chicken) Açaí bowl 1.5 stars (açaí had a pasty taste and there was too much going on)

    Eileen U.

    This place is simply amazing! I've been here a bunch of times, and I finally wanted to make a proper review. This place has local plate lunches served in good portions, I feel that it makes it worth the drive to Waipahu. The shopping center it's located in is newly renovated, with a new parking lot and lots of nice plants. I got the Pipeline Plate with shoyu teri chicken and boneless Korean garlic chicken as my meat. It also comes with ume musubi, chow fun and cone sushi. I highly suggest that you buy a side of their mac (macaroni) salad to make it complete. They also have different desserts in their showcase that changes every so often. When I went, they had a creamy coconut cake which came in a huge square piece almost the whole size of the container! It reminded me of a coconut tres leches cake. I ate the whole thing! The owner Shawn is one of the nicest people I've ever met! You can tell he's really cares about his customers and we small talked for a bit. Follow their page on Instagram @pupukeagrindzxlocalkinelures

    Korean garlic chicken
    Pili S.

    Was recommended by a friend. Asked the cashier what is the most ordered dish. He said ahí Katsu And Korean garlic chicken. I opted for the Korean garlic chicken with tossed salad. Hey it makes me feel like I made a healthy choice! It was divine! Will be back to try the other stuff on the menu and will update!

    Inside
    Tawnya H.

    Surprisingly dropped in a not-so-upscale neighborhood. At first I was skeptical, but after discovering the atmosphere inside was more small family owned business, emulating the north-shore plate lunches; I was hooked. My husband claimed the Mac-potato was some of the best he had ever had!

    Açai bowl. Much better than all the others I've tried.  They adapt to low glycemic diets which we appreciated

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    4 years ago

    Food is always ono! Cannot go wrong with the Pasteles Stew & the family pack Korean Garlic Chicken & chow Fun!!

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    4 years ago

    Food was pretty good, wanted to try the shoyu chicken but it was sold out I'm gonna check it out again when I go back to Honolulu

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    3 years ago

    Actually the meanest garlic chicken on island. Swung by to give em chance and was not disappointed at all!

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    I love their ahi katsu. Desserts are amazing also. You gotta try this place. Worth everything

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    5 years ago

    Ordered the shoyu teri chicken plate, filled me up and every bite was cherreh. Would definitely eat again and recommend.

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    4 years ago

    Ahi Katsu is on da money. Tastes fresh, the service is great. Recommend going and trying em out

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    Page 2 of 3

    Ask the Community - Pupukea Grindz

    Anyone know the hours of operation?

    10am-7pm Tuesdays - Saturdays Sundays - Mondays closed

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Pupukea Grindz

    My boyfriend loves the ahi katsu and the shoyu chicken is the best I've ever had (and I'm super picky)!!!!

    Mentioned in 35 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Westside Dive & Tackle

    Westside Dive & Tackle

    4.2
    (74 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    When it was time to upgrade my short fins and diving mask that I literally found on the beach -…read moreWestside Dive & Tackle was the spot I decided to go to. I walked into a few other surf and snorkel spots but they mostly carried short fins. I went with the Leaderfins which are the most affordable carbon fins. The fins do come separately from the foot pocket, so I also got their forza foot pockets. They do offer a service where they put together your fins and foot pockets but only certain people are trained on that, so I did have to pick it up just a few days later- and that service is $30. I also got a pair of diving socks to go with my fins. They have different sizes, thicknesses, and cuts (high vs low). I also got a new diving mask and snorkel. The best thing about going to a dive shop is the ability to try things on and Westside Dive has so many different options. Being able to put on the foot pockets with the diving socks or even just trying on a few different masks to find the one that best fits your face is why it's better to come in person than buying online. The service was also super friendly. I was making some big purchases, so I wanted to make sure that each component was exactly right and the staff here was helpful and overall super chill. We talked story for a bit, exchanged where we like to go diving and even some fish recipes. If you're looking for diving gear, support local and check out Westside Dive!

    KAYDENZE is the man! Love this shop! Always helps out! Thanks for setting up my bf pathosread more

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    Westside Dive & Tackle
    Westside Dive & Tackle
    My instructor Max and me  finished my dives for my Open Water Diver license

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    My instructor Max and me finished my dives for my Open Water Diver license
    Byrna Less Lethal Leeward

    Byrna Less Lethal Leeward

    5.0
    (12 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    I'm so glad my husband found this place and got me in contact with the ow er Huey. He's not only…read moresuper friendly but extremely knowledgeable about the products he carries. I got a compact launcher for my birthday as a gift from my husband, then took it to Huey's store so he could teach and show me how to safely handle and use my Byrna. That's right, he can show you because he has indoor shooting lanes. I'm super excited to share this product with more moms like me who want to feel a little bit safer when we're home alone or out and about. The world is a crazy place, so having something like a Byrna is not far-fetched or "extra" to be doing. I feel safer walking having it with me when I'm alone, and my husband feels less anxious about me going out and about without him. If you get a chance to visit and have questions answered, and even try it out, absolutely do it. He's right here in Waipahu and trust you'll leave with one if you don't have one already. I did a review of my Byrna on my IG if anybody wants to see a demo: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTcJxFQDviW/?igsh=b2RqZW9va2ViMjBn

    I want to thank Huy at Byrna Less Leeward for the time spent educating us about your products…read more Your patience in answering our many questions truly put our minds at ease, and we appreciated the opportunity to train in your shop. We now feel much more confident in our ability to protect ourselves - especially knowing my daughter is as well. I highly recommend visiting Byrna Less Leeward for all your Byrna needs - excellent customer service!

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    Just the right size for people with smaller hands.
    Just the right size for people with smaller hands.
    Byrna Less Lethal Leeward
    The less lethal byrna.

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    The less lethal byrna.
    X-Ring Security & Firearms

    X-Ring Security & Firearms

    4.1
    (170 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    Staff is knowledgeable with the firearms and knives for sale or rent. I took the Compliance and…read moreCarry Concealed Weapon classes. Instructor was very helpful for this newbie. Staff is friendly and I learned a lot not just about guns but also State laws regarding guns and knives. X-Ring has become my new "playground."

    We did not have a good experience here :(…read more First of all, finding this location put us on guard. The neighborhood is sketch. According to their website, $50 membership is required. This establishment typically has customers that bring their own firearm so then there is a lane fee of $25. Also on their website, they offer a discount on the lane fee if you go a certain day, certain time, and show your Hawaii ID. Well we went there meeting all three criteria but didn't get the discount as advertised. Kinda sucked but oh well. After we signed the required forms, the guy had us pick out the target sheets we wanted. Then we were required to watch a safety video, which we couldn't hear loud and clear because of people talking around us. The employee then told us about the two door entry way to the lanes and being mindful not to let the noise get into the showroom. We picked a lane and laid our rifle bag on the bench. Strangely, the bench started rolling forward into the lane which didn't seem safe so we moved to another lane. We got our firearms situated on the bench that didn't roll and then tried to hang our target sheet but it was missing a clip and the cardboard was very worn, so we moved to another lane. There were empty shells all over the floor, maybe we were expected to sweep up after others but no one said anything. We shot up all the ammunition we purchased and then we were so ready to leave, disappointed. Of all the discrepancies, the main reason for this 1 star review was an intentional hazard caused by a young employee with arrogance. From the moment we walked into the showroom, he did not want to serve us. Since the only other employee was already with a customer, this young guy reluctantly came to our lane when I asked him nicely to show us loading our new shotgun. After he loaded the shotgun, he left the range. It wouldn't shoot so I went back to the showroom to look for him. As if he KNEW that something bad would happen, the young guy was NOWHERE to be found. So I waited patiently for the only other employee to finish his customer. Guess what, the shotgun shell was jammed! The older employee needed to retrieve a tool from the showroom to safely dislodge it! God forbid an explosion happened. To the young guy who loaded the shotgun incorrectly and intentionally caused risk of harm, I pray for you. Whatever causes your arrogance and ill intent, may God release you from all that and forgive you. This is not the kind of business that needs bad employees. We do not want anything like this dangerous episode to happen to anyone. We did not enjoy this experience. There was a serious lack of personnel and communication. We were put in an unsafe situation.

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    X-Ring Security & Firearms
    X-Ring Security & Firearms
    X-Ring Security & Firearms

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    BIKEFACTORY

    BIKEFACTORY

    3.9
    (119 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    Kelly of Bike Factory Hawaii Waipio is the best! She is so knowledgeable, friendly, & helpful…read more Amazing service :) THANK YOU!!!!

    A few things: 1.)…read moredropped off two bikes for tune ups because they had been sitting for a while. Ended up getting new chains and two bikes that weren't even wiped off. Replaced the tires at my request but didn't even run a rag over the rims. Left them covered in whatever the elements had placed on them. I had to call several times to get updates because THEY NEVER CALL TO UPDATE YOU! Once I was even told the bikes were ready so I drove up there and the bikes weren't even close to being ready. Went back twice more before they finally finished. 2.) need a replacement part to be ordered and installed. They said it could take 2-3 weeks for the part to get here. That was over a month ago. Have I gotten a status update call? Not one! I called once and they just said it's not here yet. I contacted Trek directly and they said the part I need won't be available until September. That sure would have been nice to know from the dealer. Their customer service in that regard has been terrible. 3.) during a visit to the shop, I was standing at the counter by the service area in the back. Right on top of that counter, in full view of all customers, was a small black case, a tool set probably, with a piece of paper taped to it, about half the size of a notebook sheet, with the words "No F@*s! (Non-mechanics) written on it clear as day. Extremely unprofessional and disgusting that language like that is used and accepted within their staff.

    Photos
    Electra Townie 9D
    Electra Townie 9D
    Inside
    Inside
    Mounted tube and tire.

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    Mounted tube and tire.

    Pupukea Grindz - seafood - Updated June 2026

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