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I have been obsessed with Poi Mochi from this place for over 2 decades. Whenever I come back home I'm all over this place. I get a whole box for myself and get a box to share. A bit of a background story: 15 year old self: "Dad, we need cleaning stuff so we can do our chores." Dad: "Okay, why didn't you say anything when we were at Longs." 15 year old self: "slipped my mind" Heading out of Walmart. 15 year old self: "Dad, can we please get some poi mochi? Please....Please....Please.... Plleeeaasssseee!!!" My dad looks at me and I could see it. The wheels turning and it clicked that I have been planning my all of sudden must need now to align when Uncle Lani mochi would be there. What should I do to not hear a mouthful? 1. Should I run? 2. Should I say, "no, worries I'll pay." 3. Should I apologize? Somehow I managed to do all three and I still got a mouthful outside of Walmart. I got lectured all the way home. I didn't hear the end of it and had to do my siblings chores. Was it worth it? Yes, I got away with it 3 times...lol. Back when I was a teenager they had a pop up spot in Waipio Walmart. Kamakana Location: Awesome Sauce! - free parking - area to sit - they offer different toppings - workers in the store show the love * usually a winner to bring to a potluck The saddest thing is flying from the mainland going straight to Uncle Lani and your met with the sign "sold out." You know what's even sadder? You try again and boom "sold out!!!!!!" 3rd try I checked their Instagram page and went during opening hour and got my sweet tooth satisfied. I can't get enough of this place!
Its honestly too oily and a little tough side almost too chewy to eat(but maybe thats a good thing for other people). The line went super quick though so thats a plus!
We've waited so long to try this place. I'm talking several years! I'm happy to report that today was the day! After several failed attempts over the last several years (combination of early close due to selling out, incorrect hours advertised on the mall website vs Yelp, etc.), we decided to try just one more time on our way out of the Kapolei area. Success! The lady who helped us was so kind and patient. She took the time to not only share recommendations, but also explain the different drizzle flavors to complement the poi mochi. Our poi mochi came out hot and fresh. We opted for half kulolo half poi drizzle. Both flavors were pretty great on their own, but even better together in combination. The texture reminded me of the crunch yet chewiness of a Chinese sesame ball. Hard to eat just one! Overall, really happy we finally got to try this local shop. I think time and unavailability may have over hyped it just a tad, but definitely a solid and unique choice dessert/snack!
I love me some fried mochi so after lingering around their truck at the Kailua Fall Festival, I eventually decided to pull the trigger and get a dozen. The lady that we ordered from was decently nice. However, she gave off a strong "i'm over it" vibe. I got the half poi and half kulolo. It was delicious. The crispy exterior of the mochi combined with the chewiness is just perfection. It's my two favorite textures combined. It's also similar to a cascaron if you ever had those before. In my opinion though, I feel like there should be a bit more sauce given as they are charging $1 per a few seconds of drizzling of the sauce? Otherwise, I'm content with my experience.
So happy that they came to the Pure Aloha festival in Las Vegas. We've been huge fans of theirs since they were in Wai'anae decades ago. Line was long but anything this good is soooo worth waiting for! Tried all the drizzles-- kulolo, haupia & poi, and they're all delicious. Must have dessert. A big plus is that supporting Uncle Lani's Poi Mochi means you are supporting a Native Hawaiian owned small business. Always good to support small businesses! Try it, guarantee you will love it. Ho'ono keia mea 'ono!
Wow! Fresh, chewy, spectacular Poi Mochi mini donut holes. Drizzle Poi, Haupia, and Kulolo add flavor but original plain is just as good! Friendly staff and food truck is decorative and you can spot them from the intersection. Price point is good. Location is within a parking lot which is okay for getting Togo. Roll on up and go!
I was at the Walmart in Pearl City about two weeks ago and spotted the pink truck in the parking lot. I was in luck and could spot this pink truck a mile away. This meant I'm getting my poi mochi fix and Uncle Lani makes the best poi mochi. A box of twelve is now $10 and comes with your choice of poi or haupia drizzle. I purchased a box and got it with haupia drizzle. Omg...it was so good. It just came out of the fryer; so it was hot, crispy and chewy. They also have a brick and mortar location at Ka Makana Ali'i. If not, just be on the lookout for this pink truck.
I'm happy that they have an actual store here in Ka Makana. This time ordered dozen of their yummy poi mochi with mix of Haupia and Kulolo drizzles. I realize I prefer the poi mochi with no drizzles. Next time I'll get just that.
This was such a yummy treat to snack on while walking around inside Walmart. I found it hard to find in the beginning because I was looking for a pink truck but it was actually a stand right outside the entrance of Walmart. A light and crunchy poi mochi dessert with a haupia drizzle on top. You get a dozen pieces for $10. Service was quick and made to order. I can finally check this place off my yelp list.
We always see the truck at Kamakani Ali'i and the kiosk at Kapolei Walmart. Both locations have lots of parking. Locally owned and operated. They always greet you with a friendly smile. Crispy on the outside soft and chewy on the inside. Our favorite is the original (plain). But they have a very tasty assortment of drizzles that we seen a lot of people order. Definitely a cravable dessert.
This place never disappoints, except for when they're sold out! I finally grabbed a fresh batch before I went back to the mainland. I came 2x prior for the shop to be closed but this time I came about 30 minutes after they opened! (11:30-11:45) These were everything I remember and it hasn't changed. I used to come to the mall and see the small booth they had before they expanded into this location, with an actual store. Amazing and love to see how far they've grown throughout the years. 10/10 service :) I got the OG poi drizzle and half Haupia with an extra $1 charge since it's 2 drizzles. I can't really tell which is my favorite because they're both addictive. Once you eat one you can't have enough! Every time I come to Ka Makana I have to check if they're open. Support this family!!
By far BEST Poi Mochi EVER! My family and I have been customers since DAY 1! I'm not sure if it's new owners but when they opened there first food truck YEARS ago when we all lived in Red Hill, we always bought poi Mochi from them! It's good to see that YEARS later the uncle lani's poi Mochi is still the same but now with a twist! It's a MUST get if you see the Food truck! You will not regret it! The haupia frosted poi Mochi is my favorite!
Tried these at Ka Makana Kapolei and it was so good! Crunchy and perfectly chewy. Service is fast but they sell out so get there before it's too late!
2 months ago
I have never been so disappointed with a local business, especially being born and raised here. I've been trying all week to buy poi balls. Before today, I had already stopped by 2-3 different times, but each time I left empty handed. Today, I finally made it there again, waited in line, and there was only one customer ahead of me. The employee, an older woman, didn't acknowledge me while helping the other customer, which I understood, so I waited patiently for about 5-8 minutes. What was especially frustrating is that while I was standing there waiting, it would have been nice if she had simply let me know they were only accepting cash that day. That would have saved me from waiting in line only to find out when it was finally my turn. Even a simple sign posted at the counter would have made a huge difference. It just felt like there was a lack of basic customer courtesy and communication. When it was finally my turn to order, I was told their system was down and they were only accepting cash. At that point I was already frustrated because I had parked far away. I asked where the nearest ATM was, and she vaguely said it was "somewhere in the food court" without giving clear directions. I ended up wandering around looking for an ATM, and by then I was so overwhelmed and frustrated that I just left. I tried calling several times throughout the day, but no one ever answered the phone. After a few hours, I decided to give them one more chance, even though it's out of the way for me. I called again with no answer, but I figured she might have been the only employee working and too busy to answer. When I arrived, they were sold out. After spending an entire week trying to purchase something as simple as poi balls, making multiple trips, waiting in line, searching for an ATM, and never being able to reach anyone by phone, I'm extremely disappointed. Better communication, answering the phone, posting when you're cash only, or updating customers when items are sold out would have saved me a lot of time and frustration. Unfortunately, this experience has convinced me not to return, and I can't recommend this business based on the service I received. read more
3 months ago
We got their dozen pack w/ poi drizzle- it was so good! Super hot so we had to wait a bit to bite into them. I miss it when they used to be bigger pieces on a stick, but this is a fun alternative where more people can take bites and share! For reference, we went to their truck during an Food, Family, Craft event at the old Toys R Us building in Pearlridge- sorry can't think of the name right now ~ read more
8 months ago
Oh my goodness this was my first time trying fried mochi and I'm lowkey mad at myself for not getting two boxes because it was SO good. I tried the poi flavor and when I tell you I ate it way too fast... It was gone too quickly and into my tummy. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and just the right amount of sweetness. Such a perfect little treat. They were set up outside Walmart with a tent when I stopped by, which made it such a random but fun find during my errand run. And they take card payments too! It was $2 extra to add the icing, but 100% worth it. No regrets. Honestly, the best $13 I've spent on food in a while. If you ever see a fried mochi stand pop up... don't think twice. Just get it. Maybe two boxes read more
I have been obsessed with Poi Mochi from this place for over 2 decades. Whenever I come back home I'm all over this place. I get a whole box for myself and get a box to share. A bit of a background story: 15 year old self: "Dad, we need cleaning stuff so we can do our chores." Dad: "Okay, why didn't you say anything when we were at Longs." 15 year old self: "slipped my mind" Heading out of Walmart. 15 year old self: "Dad, can we please get some poi mochi? Please....Please....Please.... Plleeeaasssseee!!!" My dad looks at me and I could see it. The wheels turning and it clicked that I have been planning my all of sudden must need now to align when Uncle Lani mochi would be there. What should I do to not hear a mouthful? 1. Should I run? 2. Should I say, "no, worries I'll pay." 3. Should I apologize? Somehow I managed to do all three and I still got a mouthful outside of Walmart. I got lectured all the way home. I didn't hear the end of it and had to do my siblings chores. Was it worth it? Yes, I got away with it 3 times...lol. Back when I was a teenager they had a pop up spot in Waipio Walmart. Kamakana Location: Awesome Sauce! - free parking - area to sit - they offer different toppings - workers in the store show the love * usually a winner to bring to a potluck The saddest thing is flying from the mainland going straight to Uncle Lani and your met with the sign "sold out." You know what's even sadder? You try again and boom "sold out!!!!!!" 3rd try I checked their Instagram page and went during opening hour and got my sweet tooth satisfied. I can't get enough of this place! read more
1 month ago
6 months ago
Its honestly too oily and a little tough side almost too chewy to eat(but maybe thats a good thing for other people). The line went super quick though so thats a plus! read more
We've waited so long to try this place. I'm talking several years! I'm happy to report that today was the day! After several failed attempts over the last several years (combination of early close due to selling out, incorrect hours advertised on the mall website vs Yelp, etc.), we decided to try just one more time on our way out of the Kapolei area. Success! The lady who helped us was so kind and patient. She took the time to not only share recommendations, but also explain the different drizzle flavors to complement the poi mochi. Our poi mochi came out hot and fresh. We opted for half kulolo half poi drizzle. Both flavors were pretty great on their own, but even better together in combination. The texture reminded me of the crunch yet chewiness of a Chinese sesame ball. Hard to eat just one! Overall, really happy we finally got to try this local shop. I think time and unavailability may have over hyped it just a tad, but definitely a solid and unique choice dessert/snack! read more
I love me some fried mochi so after lingering around their truck at the Kailua Fall Festival, I eventually decided to pull the trigger and get a dozen. The lady that we ordered from was decently nice. However, she gave off a strong "i'm over it" vibe. I got the half poi and half kulolo. It was delicious. The crispy exterior of the mochi combined with the chewiness is just perfection. It's my two favorite textures combined. It's also similar to a cascaron if you ever had those before. In my opinion though, I feel like there should be a bit more sauce given as they are charging $1 per a few seconds of drizzling of the sauce? Otherwise, I'm content with my experience. read more
1 year ago
So happy that they came to the Pure Aloha festival in Las Vegas. We've been huge fans of theirs since they were in Wai'anae decades ago. Line was long but anything this good is soooo worth waiting for! Tried all the drizzles-- kulolo, haupia & poi, and they're all delicious. Must have dessert. A big plus is that supporting Uncle Lani's Poi Mochi means you are supporting a Native Hawaiian owned small business. Always good to support small businesses! Try it, guarantee you will love it. Ho'ono keia mea 'ono! read more
Wow! Fresh, chewy, spectacular Poi Mochi mini donut holes. Drizzle Poi, Haupia, and Kulolo add flavor but original plain is just as good! Friendly staff and food truck is decorative and you can spot them from the intersection. Price point is good. Location is within a parking lot which is okay for getting Togo. Roll on up and go! read more
8 months ago
I was at the Walmart in Pearl City about two weeks ago and spotted the pink truck in the parking lot. I was in luck and could spot this pink truck a mile away. This meant I'm getting my poi mochi fix and Uncle Lani makes the best poi mochi. A box of twelve is now $10 and comes with your choice of poi or haupia drizzle. I purchased a box and got it with haupia drizzle. Omg...it was so good. It just came out of the fryer; so it was hot, crispy and chewy. They also have a brick and mortar location at Ka Makana Ali'i. If not, just be on the lookout for this pink truck. read more
2 years ago
I'm happy that they have an actual store here in Ka Makana. This time ordered dozen of their yummy poi mochi with mix of Haupia and Kulolo drizzles. I realize I prefer the poi mochi with no drizzles. Next time I'll get just that. read more
2 years ago
This was such a yummy treat to snack on while walking around inside Walmart. I found it hard to find in the beginning because I was looking for a pink truck but it was actually a stand right outside the entrance of Walmart. A light and crunchy poi mochi dessert with a haupia drizzle on top. You get a dozen pieces for $10. Service was quick and made to order. I can finally check this place off my yelp list. read more
We always see the truck at Kamakani Ali'i and the kiosk at Kapolei Walmart. Both locations have lots of parking. Locally owned and operated. They always greet you with a friendly smile. Crispy on the outside soft and chewy on the inside. Our favorite is the original (plain). But they have a very tasty assortment of drizzles that we seen a lot of people order. Definitely a cravable dessert. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
This place never disappoints, except for when they're sold out! I finally grabbed a fresh batch before I went back to the mainland. I came 2x prior for the shop to be closed but this time I came about 30 minutes after they opened! (11:30-11:45) These were everything I remember and it hasn't changed. I used to come to the mall and see the small booth they had before they expanded into this location, with an actual store. Amazing and love to see how far they've grown throughout the years. 10/10 service :) I got the OG poi drizzle and half Haupia with an extra $1 charge since it's 2 drizzles. I can't really tell which is my favorite because they're both addictive. Once you eat one you can't have enough! Every time I come to Ka Makana I have to check if they're open. Support this family!! read more
By far BEST Poi Mochi EVER! My family and I have been customers since DAY 1! I'm not sure if it's new owners but when they opened there first food truck YEARS ago when we all lived in Red Hill, we always bought poi Mochi from them! It's good to see that YEARS later the uncle lani's poi Mochi is still the same but now with a twist! It's a MUST get if you see the Food truck! You will not regret it! The haupia frosted poi Mochi is my favorite! read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
Tried these at Ka Makana Kapolei and it was so good! Crunchy and perfectly chewy. Service is fast but they sell out so get there before it's too late! read more
3 years ago
Went to their storefront location over at Ka Makana Ali'i in Kapolei and got a dozen poi mochi donuts with the OG poi drizzle! They were super delicious and the mix of the crispy exterior with the chewy mochi was awesome. They were a tad greasy but so worth it. The guy running the store mentioned they usually sell out around 3/3:30pm, so be wary if you plan to stop by over here in the evening! read more
2 years ago
These poi mochi's were so good!! The texture is amazing. So crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy on the inside. They were a tad bit too sweet for me, next time I would get it without the additional drizzle. But they were still so good! read more
2 years ago
This place is ok. I was a little annoyed they didn't answer the phone when I called. Donuts not that sweet. I like that. Don't really taste poi flavor but get the texture. Service ok. Wish they gave samples. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
Every time we come home we pick up a few dozen to take back with us to the mainland. We love it!!! We usually get half poi drizzle and half haupia drizzle. Whether you go to the truck or the store front they're always friendly. If you're gluten free I would definitely recommend and if you're not get some anyway! You won't be disappointed. It is soooo good! read more
3 years ago
We tried Uncle Lani's Poi Mochi at the "What the Truck?!" event in Waikele, and they were really really good! You had the option of getting haupia or poi drizzled over the mochi, and we ended up asking for both (this was such a good idea). The mochi was crunchy at the surface but soft and chewy on the inside. I believe they are made to order, but we just so happened to have one ready for us! As simple as they can be, they are super tasty. I would recommend eating them fresh because they don't taste as good the next day (we put them in the fridge and toasted them in the oven really quickly). read more
First time trying the truck parked at Windward city. The Poi Mochi was delicious. We got the dozen for $8 with the taro drizzle on the side. The poi Mochi itself is not too oily, Soft, Warm and not sweet. What made it amazing was the taro drizzle on top. read more
Uncle Lani Poi Mochi have a shop located inside the Ka Makana Alii shopping center although I think due to Covid19 they have a pop up tent in the Macy's parking lot. It's a drive thru they have set up . I swung by today and I ordered 1 dozen plain. They also sell Poi Mochi with drizzle. The price is not bad I paid $8.00 for the dozen.! The only thing I noticed it wasn't as sweet as before. I remember when they use to be at Marukai selling or Don Quijote it was a little more sweeter . Now it just taste like deep fried Poi. Support local read more
4 years ago
Uncle Lani's Poi Mochi is most similar to a Filipino dessert called "Cascaron." Gluten free, sweet, crispy, crunchy, chewy, and delicious, but nothing like a poi donut. A dozen of these dense balls will make you smile, just be sure to let them cool off a bit before you bite in- the center stays molten for a longer time than one might guess! Uncle Lani has been selling fresh poi mochi outside Walmart and other shops for a very long time. They have perfected the speed and friendly service that creates a broad base of repeat customers. Though I've seen that they now have a permanent location in Ka Makana Ali'i, but I've only been to their stands. While I truly appreciate the idea of poi mochi with a drizzle of flavored glaze, I can't imagine adding any extra sweetness to these treats. I believe they are perfect in their naked form, and I only wish I had someone to share them with, as a dozen is eleven more than any one person should eat at one time. This is a wonderful thing to bring to an office potluck, or to any event. read more
4 years ago
Service is quick and friendly enough. We found this place when we were exploring the plaza and there was a long line. After lunch, there's already a sign that says sold out.. so we had to come back and try it. The mochi is tougher than what I envisioned. It's fried, so the starched create this kind of crunchy, sticky chewy exterior, but not like a mochi donut.. it's more doughy and gummy.. if youre Filipino, very similar to karioka, minus the sugar coating. I highly recommend eating it warm and with the sauce. It doesn't get as tough and chewy if it's got the sauce. The flavor is excellent. It's not too sweet and flavorful. It's subtly "yammy" and more starchy sweet. It's best fresh, but honestly, it's not so bad after a few hours. The flavor is cravable that you look past the rough texture. This storefront is a pick up and go type of place, so enjoy the outdoor seating! read more
3 years ago
Definitely an acquired taste. Texture is tough and chewy. We ordered 6 poi drizzle and 6 haupia drizzle. Not overwhelmingly sweet. A hint of sweetness. Equivalent to the size of a donut hole. Friendly, fast, and clean establishment. Single cash register. No restroom or dining area. Ample free parking. Located in the Ka Makana Alii shopping center. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Finally got to taste Uncle Lani's Poi Mochi. They would always be sold out at Ka Makana. Saw their pink truck at Walmart Pearl City and had to find out why they were always sold out. They are made fresh and we had to wait a few minutes, which is fine. The person was very kind and courteous. Only comes in a dozen for $10, then you can add $1 for each drizzle (poi, haupia, kulolo). I had to try all the drizzles and paid $13. These are bite sized and you need to have the drizzle, at least one flavor because the poi mochi are not sweetened. My favorite drizzle is the poi. Found that this is similar to the Filipino dessert cacscaron. Will definitely buy this again. read more
Uncle Lani's Poi Mochi.. Freshly made steaming hot with sweetened poi drizzle..ONOLICIOUS Convieniently located in Ka Makana Mall in Kapolei. Currently they have drive by pickup... a little pop up tent on the corner by Cheesecake Factory. SUPPORT LOCAL read more
3 years ago
I tried this for the first time from a wagon at a craft fair near Don Quijote Pearl City. As far as I can tell they had literally just opened. The mochi was hot and fresh with a super nice crunch. It was $10/dozen which I find acceptable. The only thing that left me confused was that I was offered a choice of haupia or poi glaze. I asked if I could have both and was told that it would be $1 extra. When I got back to my car I found that half had a haupia drizzle and half had a poi/taro drizzle... so why did I pay extra for no extra product? read more
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More info about Uncle Lani's Poi Mochi
91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy
Kapolei, HI 96707
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(808) 551-9961
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https://www.kamakanaalii.com/store/Uncle-Lanis-Poi-Mochi-and-Cafe/2138946225/
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Ask the Community - Uncle Lani's Poi Mochi
Does anyone know if they're open during this lockdown?
They have a drive thru in the parking lot if Ka Makana Alii in Kapolei. Call first, but they are usually there by 12 noon most days during the lockdiwn!
Do they accept card, or they only do cash transactions?
I believe they only accept cards @ The kapolei location (Kamakana Ali’i). Pop ups are cash :)
Anybody know the hours? Seems to always be closed?
10-6 in kapolei. I've had times where they arrived late and I cancelled ordering. Never really an issue though.
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