Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Sam's Kitchen

    4.0 (1.4k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Order Sam's Kitchen Takeout or Delivery

    Sam's Kitchen Photos

    SAM'S KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Sam's Kitchen

    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

    Signage.
    Joyce W.

    Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a iconic local dish, not technically traditional Hawaiian food, featuring shell-on shrimp tossed in a pungent garlic-butter sauce, heavily popularized by North Shore, Oahu food trucks since the mid-1970s. With the recent flood happening at the end of March, and our trip being in early April, going to North Shore wasn't advised. While we have some great Hawaiian garlic shrimp spots in Arizona, we had to at least try to get some garlic shrimp while on Oahu. We gave this place a try just because we were already in the building. It wasn't a choice we made prior because honestly, I would have suggested trying a more well-known spot like two miles away, haha! We shared a $14 Shrimp with Original Garlic sauce on it and made it a combo with rice, a scoop of potato mac salad, and regular salad, $14 + $6. Sam's Kitchen was okay. I would have loved to have the shell-on but this place does not offer shell-on shrimp. Still, they make a decent garlic shrimp.

    Spicy garlic teriyaki chicken plate with salad, mac salad and rice
    Danielle R.

    This is a little hidden and off the beaten path but man was it worth it. I was craving a Hawaiian bbq lunch and they delivered the goods. Not shown are the garlic fries that I devoured on my walk back to my resort. The mac salad is a potato mac, my favorite. Bright fresh and big portions. I was full the rest of the day! They also offer a order ahead and pick up option.

    Mai Tai
    Suzie V.

    A must stop when coming to Hawaii! The bartender makes a great Mai Tai and the spicy shrimp is my favorite. There's a little bit of a wait but that's to be expected with good food. Such a hidden gem! Definitely in my top 3 of food spots in Waikiki.

    Garlic steak plate with add on garlic shrimp
    Kira K.

    I've been told this place is really good and I was so excited to try it! I ordered the garlic steak plate with add on garlic shrimp, and a guava iced tea (not pictured) Price was about $35-$40. But I was excited so I thought it would be worth the price STEAK: the best thing about the steak was it was very tender! The garlic was good for a few bites but some of the pieces were so salty it literally burned my throat SHRIMP: nothing to write about this.. just salty, and no where near as good as Giovanni's Weirdly, the best part of the meal was the guava iced tea lol Idk if I came on an off night, but it was super disappointing :( I might give it a try once more though to see if my bad experience was a fluke

    April S.

    Dave is the Bartender/Manager here. Excellent service! Super friendly quick on the pour, and eager to please! They just started opening up for lunch time about a month ago - something they haven't done before, and people have been attending! Sheva (Seven) - was my bartender today - very friendly super engaging and always quick to entertain with fun trivia facts! Beer prices are fairly priced, see the pics I posted to see everything. No price gauging on wine AT ALL!! (Other places charge $15 for a chardonnay, and vary the prices of the wine depending on the type; now granted if they going higher end and longer age in a barrel I can understand - but for a bottle cali wine you can get @ Target for the same brand at $15 - ya know there are some mark ups!) Anyhoooo.... Let's talk the food: belly so happy taking leftovers home! Alright so Step 1: Choice of protein: fish, beef, chicken, tofu, vegetables. I asked for half chicken & half vegetable combo (they were EXTREMELY accomodating on that request)!!!!! Step 2: Pick yer sauce! They have 5 main sauces, pic enclosed. I went with the Spicy Teri Garlic! (trust me foodies it fiiiiiire! Step 3/Final Step: Choose da sides (again on the menu pic) I went for the combo - salad, rice, and potato/mac salad! Now for specialty drinks: Their Bloody Harry (a unique Bloody Mary) is completely worth it! Uses a unique homemade infused vodka that hands down you will NOT find anywhere else on island! Glass is rimmed with salt AND peppercorns, again another unique feature to this beverage! There is also a new beverage called Wonka Lada, which looks very much like something you'd see out of Willy Wonka's factory and/or if you really geeking out making comparisons to Monster's Inc! And others have compared it to something out of Warcraft, I can't say anyone is wrong! Smoothy style especially for those needing a nice cold fix! Li ing mui on the rim. Gives all the piña colada vibes with a strong hit of ube! This is one of those that hits you afterward!!!! Great vibe there are tables all around and even a small hot tub/pool area to give more to the atmosphere look! So don't complain if plastic cups are used because hotel has a no glass policy around the pool. This establishment has been here since last November. And don't think yer gonna get bored sitting here! Bar top is really solid hard wood!! There are all sorts of decor that each time you come here it almost a game of find this item! Tribal masks from Africa, Traditional tiki faces, bonsai trees, Hula instruments, saddles, tapa style roofing, beware the lobsters running amuck! Hmmm maybe a promotion needs to be done where what item is new hiding amongst all the decor for a special prize or something? And yes for you folks who are die hard sports fans - there are 2 televisions - everything comes from streaming services - so treat them nicely with yer tips and maybe they can get more power to more of what u wanna see! (hint hint hint) Overall this place is a huuuge 100/10! So bring tyler gang here! Oh in case u asked the bar is inside the Bamboo resort (fun fact this building been here for 100 years!)! And don't worry super close to the bus lines so for those who need an extra lift yer covered! (unless you ubered or lyfted or drove, rode yer own bike/scooter/skateboard or did yer own two feet here! Yes your mouths and eyes are watering to get over here! So easy way to know yer in the right spot is to see the vintage Yellow Woody sitting out front! Just please don't climb in it for photo ops - that would really make everyone sad. Yes Yelpers I "will be back"! Enjoy and help support these local folks running the place!

    Outdoor seating
    Tina N.

    We really enjoyed our lunch here. The seating area was so relaxing and quiet. Food was great and service was kind and attentive. I would absolutely return.

    spicy garlic shrimp plate
    Kaje Y.

    Sam's is tucked away in the back, but has enough decor near the street to find it. The first time I went, was a bit off hours afternoon time frame. I walked to the back and there was no one there, I was unsure of what to do, so I went to the bar and asked if it was Sam's. Sure enough the bartender gave me a menu and I ordered to go. Note that the menu is a little confusing. You need to order things as a plate to get the rice, salad, and potato/mac salad, or else I guess its considered a la carte? I enjoyed it so much that I went twice and seriously considered going a third time in the span of a few days. They are also open late! They do have plenty of seating there but I opted to eat back at my hotel. Online ordering is not available for this location, despite what te menu says. On the first visit, the potato salad was such a sad small scoop, the second time I went, I asked for an additional a la carte side of it for 2.50 and the scoop I got with the plate was also much bigger this time. (See pictures) Overall, really enjoyed the food and would definitely return.

    Menu - February 2026
    Cheryl G.

    Quaint place and if you blink, you'd miss it. It's a bar situated at the hotel pool. It's a very divey feel but the bartender was super cool while we made a pit stop for drinks and a shrimp plate. I'd come here again.

    Rei K.

    I came here for garlic shrimp after finding this place on someone's blog. The entrance was quite hard to find--at first, I thought it was just a food truck. When they asked if I was dining in or taking out and I said dining in, they guided us inside to a stylish open-terrace space surrounding a pool. While we were there, we found out from the staff that a famous Japanese idol group had actually filmed a music video here. Apparently, fans used to visit for that reason, but when we came, although there were other customers, nobody seemed to be there specifically for that spot. There were two of us, and since it was around 5 PM and not crowded, we were seated at the big table used in that MV. As for the garlic shrimp--I ordered the spicy version because I love spicy food, but that was a huge mistake. It was so incredibly hot that my mouth was burning, and I couldn't really taste the actual garlic shrimp flavor. I tried my friend's regular one, and it was truly delicious--actually better than at other places I've tried. I definitely recommend going with the regular! I'm not sure about the takeout prices, but dining in with drinks came to about $26 per person. Service depends on the staff, but overall, the atmosphere was great and we left very satisfied.

    Peter L.

    Finally tried the new location at Bamboo Hotel. Sad to say the orig flavors of my beloved Sam's Kitchen is now gone. The garlic shrimp was drowned with too much butter, the previous version was more dry with better seasoning & popped in the mouth. The garlic steak was good but again no longer the same. The potato salad was descent, but the previous legendary version is also no more. New location is at the back of Bamboo Hotel next to the pool, ambiance was nice. But i miss the orig Sam's Kitchen at the alley

    Steak with original garlic sauce and shrimp
    Yvette L.

    I saw all the great reviews and took my son for lunch. The steak was very chewy and no good. The shrimp had good flavoring, but it was oily and soggy. We had to throw it away after a couple of bites. Luckily this was a food hall and we found him good ramen at Baikohken.

    Garlic shrimp plate
    Margarita M.

    I've passed by this restaurant so many times thinking it was just a regular place, maybe a food truck, I was very wrong. The service was quick and to the point. Location is a very cute spot. Yes it's connected to the hotel but the poolside area is very pretty. And I really enjoyed my garlic shrimp plate. 10 out of 10 experience will be coming back and recommending this place!

    Menu
    Winnie C.

    The restaurant is located in the Bamboo Hotel in the center of Waikiki Beach area. We stopped by for a quick bite. They have a small menu with limited options. We ordered ahi with French fries and steak with side of rice, salad and potato salad. The food came in tiny portion and the price was insanely high. For $50/2 ppl, we were half full. The dishes were also very salty and barely edible. Asked steak to be medium well and came out medium rare... The waitress we had had a attitude and kinda intimidating. Although the staffs here who served us last night were nice.

    See all

    Photo of Gal ..
    0
    11
    3

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Quyen N.
    157
    19
    14

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jay M.
    0
    152
    95

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    What a hidden gem! SO ONO! Garlic Steak more delicious than Ruth's Chris. Best value in Waikiki!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of amanda o.
    100
    72
    121

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Debra C.
    544
    133
    247

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Monica D.
    30
    54
    61

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Negative. The service sucks and the food is aight! If you're visiting, take your money elsewhere.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Lindsay C.
    160
    213
    189

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gwen S.
    23
    70
    71

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vivian L.
    120
    48
    65

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wilson L.
    138
    1853
    3094

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David P.
    7
    102
    72

    3 years ago

    If you want a tiny plate of shrimp. This is the spot. 5 shrimp and tablespoon of potato salad

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kai P.
    195
    50
    107

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Sam M.

    Sam M.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kora T.
    288
    94
    330

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hong U.
    109
    17
    10

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    Page 8 of 37

    Sam's Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sam's Kitchen

    Is this place truly open till 1am everday? I am getting back home late next week (11pm) and want to confirm I can grab something here!

    Sam's Kitchen is a great place to grab delicious garlic shrimp. Walking distance from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The hours of operations change based on local GOV restrictions but they do update the website and Yelp information often. However during… 

    How is the parking situation around the area? Can someone please recommend where to park? Also, is it walkable from the Hyatt Regency? Thanks so much!

    Parking definitely isn't great as it's located in the touristy area, highly recommend Uber and the bus as we didn't see any parking nearby here

    View All 5 Questions

    You might also consider

    Helena's Hawaiian Food

    Helena's Hawaiian Food

    4.4(4.5k reviews)
    4.6 miKalihi
    $$

    @fortunefoodfinds: "This deserves a ROUND of applause! Whether you're visiting or simply wanting…read morelocal grindz, HELENA'S HAWAIIAN FOOD is sure to make your trip and/or meal feel complete. Ordered our must-haves: Short Ribs Pipikaula Style, Fried Butterfish Collar, Luau Squid, Long Rice Chicken, Lomi Salmon, Lau Lau, Poi, Mac Salad, Rice, n' their complimentary Haupia, Onions, n' Salt. Food so Ono I highly recommend, this very well-known local Hawaiian eatery again n' again!" SERVICE: fast n' fully staffed INTERIOR: spacious with limited seating EXTERIOR: gets hot, have water n' benches available WAIT TIME: came on a Thursday afternoon n' surprisingly wasn't too busy. After joining the waitlist that you sign in through the provided iPad, I would say 30 mins before getting seated. PARKING: very small free lot in front, limited spaces OVERALL COMMENTS: haven't had Helena's in a while so I've been craving it. Each visit is satisfying n' the food is always so good. I can't remember the amount of pieces they used to give for a large order of Short Ribs Pipikaula Style, it seemed smaller this time, but either way you gotta order it along with the Fried Butterfish Collar. Their Luau Squid is so creamy n' delicious just like everything else, all Ono. You can't go wrong bc this is truly local Hawaiian food at its finest!

    I visited Helena's Hawaiian Food while vacationing in Oahu. I haven't been to Hawaii in years and…read moreall my friends raved about Helena's. I had to try it for myself. I expected the restaurant to have a long wait time, but we got lucky. There was no wait and my family and I were seated right away. As soon as we sat down, we were served with cups of ice cold water perfect for the hot humid day. We ordered Menu B which came with Kalua Pig and Pipikaula Short ribs with your choice of sides which we chose rice. We also ordered another plate of the short ribs and added haupia and mac salad. I wish I got the server's name, she was so cool but she explained all the food and how to eat the side dishes. They served sliced onions with pink salt and that was delicious. The short ribs were thick, tender, savory and had the perfect amount of fat. The flavor was addicting. The kalua pig was really good, perfect amount of salt and smoke flavor. The mac salad really well with all the food we ordered and that alone was already good. The haupia for dessert was the best way to end the meal. Everything was just heaven. Parking was easy since it was during the week and early in the afternoon, but there is street parking. The restaurant was clean, all the workers were really nice, and very attentive from start to finish. My sister and I split the bill, so I paid my portion and added a tip. The person processing my payment told me they had refunded my tip because gratuity was already included. How awesome is that?! I'm sure many other restaurants wouldn't have mentioned it and would have just accepted the extra tip. That level of honesty and service is what keeps people coming back, and it's one of the many reasons I would highly recommend Helena's to my friends and family who haven't been there yet. I plan to visit Hawaii again before the holidays and I'm definitely going to be eating here again. Mahalo to everyone at Helena's!

    Photos
    Helena's Hawaiian Food - New larger inside dining area

    New larger inside dining area

    Helena's Hawaiian Food - Menu B: Kalua Pig And Pipikaula Short Ribs

    Menu B: Kalua Pig And Pipikaula Short Ribs

    Helena's Hawaiian Food - Inside

    See all

    Inside

    Highway Inn Kaka'ako - Mochiko Chicken

    Highway Inn Kaka'ako

    4.1(2k reviews)
    2.8 mi
    $$

    So much aloha in this place. The hostess was friendly and cleared a table as our friends waited for…read moreus to arrive. Our server was informative and helpful. The restaurant is quite busy during weekday lunch, but the tables cleared pretty quickly. Two of us shared the sampler ($33.99 for pork lau lau, compared to $31.99 for chicken lau lau), although our server said that some individuals order it for themselves. The sampler came with lomi lomi salmon, squid lu'au, chicken long rice, poi, lau lau (pork or chicken), sweet potato and poi. It was filling for the two of us. We thought we might add something else à la cart, but we didn't need anything more. So good. We were surprised by the sweetness of the coconut milk in the squid lu'au. Everything was yummy! We were happy to have had such tasty Hawaiian food. Yay! There's a smaller paid parking lot in front of the restaurant. It was full, so we went to the parking structure behind. The restaurant validated for 90 minutes. Remember to scan the QR code in the parking lot after you park and to ask the hostess at the restaurant to validate online before you leave the restaurant.

    Highway Inn is a family-owned, third-generation Hawaiian restaurant featured on Food Network's…read moreDiners, Drive-Ins and Dives, serving traditional island comfort food since 1947. What better way for the first dinner on Oahu to be with some friends at Highway Inn. Two of us shared a pork laulau combo and a regular side of beef stew at the insistence of our friend. I also tried the kalua pork nachos and lau lau lumpia. Every bite was flavorful and delicious and had I not been eating throughout the whole entire day, I would have finished off the plate. It was that good. Comfort food since 1947? I can see it. Great eats.

    Photos
    Highway Inn Kaka'ako
    Highway Inn Kaka'ako - KALUA PIG NACHOS,FRIED RICE & SOUR CREAM

    KALUA PIG NACHOS,FRIED RICE & SOUR CREAM

    Highway Inn Kaka'ako - Fried Rice

    See all

    Fried Rice

    Rainbow Drive-In - Solid little place for some local food

    Rainbow Drive-In

    3.8(6.1k reviews)
    0.6 miKaimuki
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    62 years in business

    There was something very right about this drive in!! I stopped by for a quick dinner with the fam…read moreand ended up enjoying this place a lot more than I thought I would. I didn't expect much from this small corner diner, but everything turned out real solid! The exterior is especially entrancing, with its bright, rainbow neon sign that glows out the darkness of the night! The hooded interior was clean and followed well with the rainbow theme, especially with its rainbow pastel, title wallpaper. I would also like to compliment the workers, who were very nice and approachable! We ordered the loco moco plate, mixed plate, and saimin. Both plates were very filling and came in huge portions! The plates are for sure a top choice if you want a nice, hearty dinner! I especially enjoyed my loco moco! The saimin was less filling and came in an instant noodle cup. Still yet, it wasn't half bad--and it actually seems like a fairly good piece if you are on a diet or budget; it wasn't as expensive as the other dishes and only came out as 220 calories! I also want to note that they have a variety of tasty dessert pastries and icee treats if you are looking for a treat after your dinner. Overall, I would say this is a great diner to try if you've got a big appetite and are looking for something to share with a friend or family! Great vibes and great Hawaiian plate meals!

    My family, across multiple generations, has been going here for decades, close to back when they…read morefirst opened. We have homes in the neighborhood. And we just can't go here anymore unless changes are made! We used to prefer them over Zippy's, but now they are less than 7-Eleven quality, while charging higher-end prices for the neighborhood. We have given them many chances, hoping it was just a fluke, but we have repeatedly been disappointed. Their chicken has become chewy and fatty, their rice is mediocre, and condiments such as mayonnaise are stripped down to the bare minimum quantity. Chile is poured so lightly that it is practically a minuscule amount. And their prices have continued to rise. I don't know if greedy people took over the restaurant who just don't care anymore, or what is going on. I remember when I used to take people here, and they would be impressed with the quality and quantity--plates just heaping with good cuts of meat, noodles, and rice. Those days are no more. As they say in Japan, the price performance is poor. Furthermore, their staff is rude. I can only imagine it was an owner working this day because it was a face I haven't seen that often. An older gentleman who appeared to be of Okinawan descent, working the cashier register, accosted us because I was privately discussing with my family about splitting different items with them. We were all ordering something, so he wasn't losing any money, but he told us about how prices are double in Waikīkī. First of all, it is rude to interrupt your customers that way. Secondly, we don't go to Waikīkī or care about Waikīkī. What happened to serving the locals? Third, Waikīkī has an assortment of restaurants, prices, and qualities, and they shouldn't be how you base your services. Lastly, I guarantee I could find a better deal in Waikīkī if I wanted to. Next time you're in the area, just go get a $6 bento or a $5 burrito from 7-Eleven next door. I assure you, the price performance and experience will be better. If Rainbow Drive-In is in the business of comparing themselves to other things, let's compare them to 7-Eleven and at least try to be better than them, right? I can get mochiko chicken from 7-Eleven for $6.99 that is similar in portion size and better quality. Meanwhile, they are serving their fatty, dry chicken for $16.75. Highway robbery! And they are not fancy, with their dirty picnic tables and plastic cutlery. They are just a step above a food truck, if that. Save yourself from the hype. They have gone downhill like a landslide. Go elsewhere.

    Photos
    Rainbow Drive-In - Rainbows mixed plate

    Rainbows mixed plate

    Rainbow Drive-In - Loco Moco Plate

    Loco Moco Plate

    Rainbow Drive-In - Turns out I was wearing my GRAVY ALL OVER shirt so I had to get a pic with my loco moco!

    See all

    Turns out I was wearing my GRAVY ALL OVER shirt so I had to get a pic with my loco moco!

    Waiahole Poi Factory - Fresh, hand pounded poi, traditional staple of the Hawaiian people

    Waiahole Poi Factory

    4.5(1.6k reviews)
    14.2 mi
    $$

    Highly recommend this spot for anyone craving or wanting to try Hawaiian food. The service is…read morealways friendly whenever we visit. We love this place--it's been a staple stop for us whenever we're on the islands. Waiaole Poi Factory is a real gem, with local decor and feel throughout the establishment. Thanks for the years of memories made here.

    I can't even count how many times we've driven by this place en route to the North Shore. Finally…read moredecided to stop by for lunch. While they do have a parking, I suggest just parking on the street and walking up to the place. Signs clearly direct you to which window you can order food from and another for food pickup/dessert only ordering. We opted for combo plate (kalua pork and chicken long rice) w/ a side of poi. Both the kalua pork and chicken long rice were tasty but wished we had ordered rice instead so that i could mop up the delicious fat from the kalua pork! Loved the haupia pudding but wished they would give you a bit more. For dessert we ordered the tahitian sweet lady which was delicious! Wasn't a fan of the salmon lomi as it was pretty fishy for me. As we waited for our food, we noticed a dessert chilling on the ledge and joked with my wife that it was likely ours. Sure enough after 10 mins, the ice cream guy asked the cashier whose it was and at that time was our number called. Sadly, the ice cream had already started to melt. Wished they wouldn't have prepared the dessert until after our food was ready. Would definitely head back for their plate lunches and to try the sweet lady of waiahole dessert.

    Photos
    Waiahole Poi Factory
    Waiahole Poi Factory - Amazing food. Ho'io salad is a must. Fresh poi is tops. You can't go wrong at Waiahole Poi Factory.

    Amazing food. Ho'io salad is a must. Fresh poi is tops. You can't go wrong at Waiahole Poi Factory.

    Waiahole Poi Factory - The Ohana at Waiahole Poi Factory with members of One Groove.

    See all

    The Ohana at Waiahole Poi Factory with members of One Groove.

    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Teriyaki spam musubi, egg + eel + avocado musubi, spam + egg + bacon + avocado musubi

    Musubi Cafe Iyasume

    4.5(5.5k reviews)
    0.0 miWaikiki
    $

    We were waiting for our hotel room to be ready and wanted to grab some food since we were starving…read moreafter the flight. I was so happy to found that the Musubi Cafe was located nearby. We ended grabbing the unagi musubi, shrimp egg musubi, and their poke. It is a super quick grab and go experience. Our total was 22.14, which I don't think is too bad. The flavors of the musubis are soooo good! Everything was made so deliciously and fresh. It could get a bit messy eating it though because of the sauce, so make sure to grab napkins! Overall, I was really happy to have stopped by here for some quick lunch!

    This Musubi Cafe is one of my favorite spots to grab a quick bite. They're open around 6:30 AM in…read morethe morning, and surprisingly you'll find a long line inside this cafe. There are 2-4 seats in this space, but you won't find anyone sitting at this cafe. Usually, it is grab and go. I was impressed with their various options. They have salmon musubi, tuna mayo musubi, and many more. My personal favorite is the chicken musubi, and I would usually buy it before I go off on a big adventure on the island or after my swim at Waikiki Beach. The staff here are kind, patient, and friendly. I wish I knew they had a stamp card because they actually do. I buy from them a lot. Along with musubi and sushi, you'll find that they sell trinkets, bags, and other souvenirs. Be sure to come by. They are handmade and fantastic!

    Photos
    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Inside the shop

    Inside the shop

    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Teriyaki Spam & Rice with Hawaiian drink

    Teriyaki Spam & Rice with Hawaiian drink

    Musubi Cafe Iyasume - Black pepper spam musubi and inari-egg spam musubi

    See all

    Black pepper spam musubi and inari-egg spam musubi

    Da Ono Hawaiian Foods

    Da Ono Hawaiian Foods

    3.9(297 reviews)
    0.7 miKaimuki
    $$

    3.5 stars We wanted…read moreto try authentic Hawaiian food and came across this spot. The owner was very friendly and took the time to recommend dishes for us, including the laulau and lechon kawali. We also ordered the BBQ short ribs. Overall, it was a good experience trying Hawaiian food, but it's just not really our type of cuisine. The laulau was quite dry, and the preparation felt more like meat that had been boiled or cooked in liquid, which isn't something I usually enjoy. The lechon kawali had a crispy pork belly texture, topped with something similar to a salsa, but it didn't suit our taste either. Unfortunately, the cabbage served with it also had some black spots, which was off-putting. The BBQ short ribs were the highlight of the meal and the dish we enjoyed the most. We appreciate the experience and the hospitality, but the flavors just didn't quite match our personal preferences.

    Good local Hawaiian food restaurant. Street parking only. Small restaurant I believe it was Ono…read moreHawaii on Kapahulu before. Now it is named the Da Ono Hawaiian Foods. Either the owner or the manager seemed like a one man show. He was the server, bus boy, and chef. Husband got the pipikalua short ribs/he enjoyed. Sisters got the pork lau lau which came with sweet potato, rice or poi, lomi lomi salmon (more onion and tomato than salmon). i got the chicken lau lau, again stuffed with chicken, not enough taro leaves. The Haupia was smoky, so either burnt or something- inedible! Only six tables in the entire restaurant. The gentleman that was serving us I believe was also the bus boy, cook, server and cashier! Place is a hole in the wall with missing ceiling tiles and exposed panels above our table (gross!!). Sis loves this dive so we keep coming back!

    Photos
    Da Ono Hawaiian Foods - Menu

    Menu

    Da Ono Hawaiian Foods - Short Ribs Plate

    Short Ribs Plate

    Da Ono Hawaiian Foods - Menu

    See all

    Menu

    Sam's Kitchen - foodstands - Updated September 2026

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