No doubt YONG's Kal-bi is best Korean food on this island. We were expecting Hawaiian version of Korean food, but it turned out to be very authentic. We came back two nights in a roll to try more dishes. Yukgaejang was flavorful without being salty. It had perfect amount of spiciness and big portion size was a bonus for hungry tourists. We also had their shishito/chives pancake. It was huge and enough to share with whole family. Their butterfish dish was absolutely perfect and we appreciated less salty and buttery fish (as name suggests). We would have gone back for more but unfortunately they are closed Sundays and Mondays. Service was fast and friendly even though they were very busy (lots of phone orders too). It's order at the counter but they bring food out to you. Highly recommend!! read more

See all

Following a scenic drive through Kapa'au and into Waimea, Yong's Kalbi turned out to be the highlight of our evening. At first, I didn't spot any Korean staff, so I wasn't expecting much in terms of authenticity. But we ordered #24 -- the Kalbi, BBQ Chicken, Mandoo -- along with Kimchi Jjigae, and to our surprise, everything was outstanding. The Kalbi, in particular, was exceptional: tender, flavorful, and perfectly marinated with no excess fat. I can confidently say the recent positive reviews were spot on. This place is a hidden gem, especially considering how remote it is on the Big Island. I found out later the main chef was a Korean man working mainly in the kitchen. We highly recommend it -- even to fellow Koreans seeking a taste of home. The steady stream of takeout orders also suggests it's a popular and budget-friendly option for families. read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - #24 Kalbi/BBQ Chicken/ Mandoo combo with veggies Kimchi Jjigae - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Closed Sundays and Mondays! This place is definitely worth the wait. Listen.... There is a long wait to get your food. Listen again... lol don't make stink about the wait once you get it it's definitely worth the wait. Okay. Remember there is a long wait for the food. But it's worth it loll Oh by the way did I mention there is a long wait for the food but it's worth it? read more

See all

Delicious!!! Highly recommend this place for Korean food! Ordered the meat jun, bbq chicken plate. It was so good! Only thing missing was the gochijung sauce for the meat jun. If you decide to dine in, don't forget to bus your own table. :) read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - Meat Jun, BBQ Chicken plate comes with 2 Fried ManDoo pieces, 2 scoop if rice and choice of 3 side ban chan veggies! - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Food is always consistent & ono. A regular stop on the rotation. Always super nice people working too.

It was 10 of us so we got a lot of food. Double what's pictured. It wasn't so bad, but we probably would only go back for the wings. Most of the food needed a tad bit of flavor. read more

See all

Amazing food!!! If your looking for great food , the sizzling garlic shrimp was off the charts! Very local and casual. Loved it!!!!

I love this place. No pretense, friendly service and excellent food. They have a great selection of Vegan items on the menu. All are delicious. read more

I stopped by this place while on a trip with a group of friends, and we were all so impressed with the food that we came back again just two days later--it was that good! We're from an area with plenty of top-notch Korean restaurants, and this spot definitely holds its own. The seafood pancake was crispy and delicious, served with a flavorful dipping sauce that really hit the spot. The galbi was tender and juicy--some of the best I've ever had. The cashier was super friendly and welcoming, which added to the overall experience. For dessert, we tried the gochujang caramel pizookie, and it was fantastic! The sweet and savory flavors worked so well together--I'd definitely recommend trying it. You do bus your own table here, but it's just a matter of clearing your dishes--nothing inconvenient. read more

I'm not an elite Yelp reviewer or a food critic. I'm just an ordinary Korean American from Southern California. I think I've written only one other Yelp review that I can remember, but I logged on to Yelp for the first time in years to write a review for this place. Don't let its unassuming location fool you; I visited Yong's on a trip to Hawaii almost a month ago, but I still think about the food. This is end-game kalbi. The tenderness of the meat, the richness of the marinade, every little detail boasts a certain kind of perfection that takes a lifetime to hone. If I could get it shipped to the mainland I would. The meat isn't the only trick up their sleeve - the side dishes are fresh and authentic, a mix of staunchly traditional offerings (kimchi, fish cake, acorn jelly) and Hawaiian adaptations (make sure to try the pipinola root, picked fresh every couple days from a local mountainside). I actually ended up coming back for multiple days over the course of my trip in order to try other things on the menu. The fried chicken was a dark horse - most places just drop some chicken in the fryer to make a couple of extra bucks, but this fried chicken could open its own restaurant! The Yukgaejang was nice and beefy in flavor and in size, The Mahi-mahi jun took a fresh local ingredient and allowed it to play center stage in a Korean classic, Haemul-bokkeum (seafood stir-fry) was enough to make a Busan native cry tears of joy - it's a wonderful mystery to me how this restaurant has the bandwidth to keep such of quality and vigor across the entire range of its menu. There is no doubt in my mind that Yong's Kalbi is some of the best Korean food on the island, and perhaps along the Western seaboard. I grew up in a first-generation Korean family eating Korean food, and I would proudly serve this food alongside my grandmother's cooking. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the Korean cuisine scene or someone who's never tried kimchi before, Yong's is an absolute must for anyone who finds themselves on the Hilo side of the Big Island. read more

2nd visit to Yong's when my first one was in 2017. I love kalbi and I recalled my first experience was a good one. It was a 30 min drive from Waikoloa. You go to the front and choose what you want from the board. After, choose your 3 sides, pay and wait on a table for food. Took about a good 20 mins and first thing I noticed was the cold rice. And the Kalbi itself wasn't as hot if it just came straight from the grill. To me, the rice was plated with the banchan before the ribs were done. It wasn't as tasty as I recall. The kimchi was mild in flavor. Overall, it did get my kalbi fix and supporting a small business. There was a steady wave of customers coming here. It was good but hard to say if it was the best on the island. Would I come back? I probably would next time I'm back on Kona. 4 star but not 5 read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - Interior - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

See all

Amazing food. For starters the kalbi was perfectly tender, seasoned well, and given in a generous portion. The side dishes made it feel as if I were in Korea or back home with my mom's cooking. The korean fried chicken was marinated perfectly with a great crunch. The service was amazing as well. It's the perfect place to go to if you are looking for authentic Korean soul food which is rare to find these days. read more

TL;Dr : Skip No bathroom available for guests (only employees). You're expected to bus your own table. The food tasted overly sugary/sweet, and had no detectable levels of spice in the Stir-fried Spicy Squid dish which ran by approximately $20. The japchae had almost no vegetables in it, and the noodles were hard. The tteokboki (dukboki) tasted like it was greatly overcooked, and seemed to be made in the same sauce as the spicy squid dish (different flavor). read more

Another recommendation from one of the locals. We were looking for some local cuisine and one of the staff at our hotel told us about this place. After driving thru some pretty winding roads at night to get to this restaurant in Waimea, we arrived to find this restaurant in a strip mall. The food did not disappoint! I ordered kalbi and my husband ordered spicy pork. We had a choice of several sides, and I got the macaroni salad and jap Jae for each of us. Portions were filling and everything we ordered was great. The only thing was there were no restrooms in the restaurant. After driving for 45 minutes, I was desperately looking for one. I was directed to one in the middle of the mall by another customer. Thankfully! The restaurant had a lot of regulars who stopped in to pick up take orders. The food was delicious and worth the drive. If we go back, I'd probably want to go a little earlier in the daylight. read more

See all

The most delicious seared fish I have ever tasted. Great service with a smile. I love it there. So easy to order and pick up as well as dine in. read more

Probably the worst Korean food I've ever had. Bus your own table. No bathroom for guests. Gross read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

In California, we're spoiled with delicious Korean food and so many Korean restaurants I would say, if you are in mood of Korean food like California then visit this location. Food portion is massive and pricing is reasonable. You have to order the food and then take a seat. My kids wanted chicken and rice and they were fully satisfied and content with the taste. Especially, my picky son has tough time trying new restaurant but this place meets my six year old's expectation. I loved their spicy shrimp stir-fry and the side dishes. My daughter liked the glass noodles and fish cakes. Those were delicious. I would totally recommend this restaurant and come back again. read more

See all

Great food, service with a smile and the restaurant is clean. I would recommend #25 is the best combination plate. But if you ask they are accommodating if you would like to have a different combo plate. read more

People - amazing! Food - amazing!! I loved their soup plus rice cakes as well as the bibimbap. Totally recommend! read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - Bibimbap - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Haven't ate at yongs in a long time. Finally stopped in to have a late lunch. My family was happy with all the food but I was a little disappointed. Being from Waimea I grew up eating at yongs on certain occasions and honestly one of my favorite foods was yongs mandu plate #30. It's not the same recipe anymore. Wish I could get the old recipe from the man that used to run the place 20+ years ago. Like I said my family was still happy with what they ordered I was just looking for a memory I've been craving for a long time. read more

Recommended by fellow vacationers, this hidden gem fulfilled their promise: the most delicious short ribs! Lovely owners spread aloha through their warm smiles, dishes prepared with love and enormous portions (two meals worth). A must-visit if you like Korean barbecue read more

Our friends talking highly of the restaurant so we came to visit. They give huge portions but the food taste is okay. I think the fish cakes and kalbi were the best tasting. We'll probably come back when it's not closer to closing time so the food is more fresh. Food came out within 10-15 minutes after order. If you're craving Korean food on a budget, definitely check this place out! read more

Amazing food and very clean. The owner and workers are very accommodating and very friendly...amazing experience. I will return for lunch or dinner. I highly recommend bringing family and friends. read more

Another review by BAM. HOOOOO! This as the locals say Da Kine Grindz! Come here. Say hi to Libby. She's so nice! Serious. Order at front register. Ask for their special - all kinds of meats. Plate serving soooo big. We had to split! Favs: Teri chicken, Korean short ribs (tender- brah, tender!) Fav side dishes included with your order: bean sprouts, legit kimchee, seaweed salad. Everything so good. Reminds us of our time is S.F., growing up going to Han's Hibachi in J-Town. Good, good Korean. You want Korean style soup. This is the joint. Lots of wonderful families, keiki and aunties and uncles there all enjoying big plates, good food and even some Christian background tunes. A must stop when in Waimea. read more

Great food choices. The server was polite and attentive when I asked about the different selections. The location and space was clean and convenient. read more

This has been a regular stop whenever we visit Big Island. Well worth the drive up from Waikoloa Beach Resort area!! I always have the Bi Bim Bop. So good!! My wife also raves about the fried chicken!! You order your food, sit down at a table and wait for your food to be delivered to your table. Because you bus your own table after, it really helps keep the cost down of the food. read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - Bi Bim Bop - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!! Go eat Korean food across the street at Parker Ranch Food Court - Yum Yum Teriyaki & BBQ. I ordered Jap-Chae w/Beef ... YUCK!!! The beef texture was DISGUSTING ... you don't even have to chew it, it just falls apart in your mouth leaving a disgusting grossness you just want to get out of your mouth!!! This is the first time I've had Jap-Chae with bell peppers ... another YUCK!!! Hubby ordered #24 Kalbi (2pcs), BBQ Chicken (1pc), Mandoo (only 2pcs). He said the beef AND the chicken had a weird texture. He said the shoyu potato was good but the beansprouts were funky and even the rice was bad ... tasted like plastic, and he only ate it cause he was hungry!!! read more

You dont get a waiter, you order off an ipad in the front, and there are signs on every table saying to bus your own table but the ipad asks for a tip which i dont understand because the customer has to do all the work. The food took like 20 min for two plates and didnt come out hot. The mandoo had zero flavor and the sauce to dip it in just tasted like vinegar and shoyu. The meat jun was okay. The chapchae didnt taste like its supposed to-wasnt sweet and was just noodles and pepper. Spicy pork was good. Also, i found a piece of metal in my rice. It was fully visible so not sure how nobody spotted it while making the plate. read more

I went to Yong's last night for a take out order. Last time I was there was during Covid, but since I was back in the area, I had to stop. I got my food and when I got to my room to eat, I was pleasantly surprised to find a container of radish Kim chee!!! I noticed all of the kimchee they had and I wanted to get a container, but I was only in town for the night. The owner was super sweet and hooked me up! Mahalo! Now I can't wait to be back in Waimea, so I can stop in again and get da best food!!! read more

Parking: lots of parking. Ordered a plate and also the kimchi soup. Got a platter with meat jun which I've never had before, it's a marinated meat that's dipped in egg and fried. The platters come with 3 sides and also 2 scoops of rice. It was so good and the portions here are massive! I wish we knew cause we definitely over ordered and could have just shared the meat jun platter. The owner is very nice, I would recommend this place! read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

See all

The best Korean on the island. Saj (chef) and Libby are beautiful people. Just can't beat their food. read more

We were staying in Mauna Lani condos and quickly learned Waimea is great place to head for more local type food. This was our favorite out of our 5 day stay!! So tasty and staff was super friendly, had an almost neighborhood feel. We would be returning tonight for our last night if it wasn't closed! (Monday) read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - Beef Kalbi plate & mixed chicken/beef plate. So delicious! - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

Great Korean/japanese/local takeout. Plates are pricy, but easily shared between 2 people with regular size appetites. Still my favorite chicken katsu I've had anywhere. read more

This place has great food and very generous portions. My favorites are the spicy soups and the gim bop, though everything I've tried so far has been delicious read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - Spicy Fish Soup - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

See all

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This place has authentic Korean food! As a person from California, I can truly say this was my family's favorite meal on the Big Island! This place is a gem, please come and try it! You won't regret it at all!!! Really blown away by the food and service here! AUTHENTIC Korean food! read more

See all

I really appreciated the amount of vegetarian options offered at Yong's. We ordered the mung bean pancake and bibim noodle. The pancake hit the spot after a long day, especially when dipped in the sauce. The food is made to order, so the pancake was hot and crispy. The bibim noodle was also really good. It had vegetables you wouldn't typically expect in bibimbap, but all of the vegetables used were fresh and tasted well when mixed together. Overall, great food with a wide variety of options and friendly service. read more

Yong's Kal-Bi - vegetarian bibim noodle - Korean Near Me - Waimea, Hawaii

See all

Probably my favorite food find on this trip. Waimea has many options but this place hits home! Great menu, friendly staff, mostly locals. Food was off da hook! Can't wait to return to try the wings! read more

See all

Great healthy food. Quick friendly service. Many carry out! Loved the flavor of my meal. Variety to choose from. A must in the big Island read more

See all

This wonderful Korean deli is always on our list when we're on the Big Island. Their kal-bi is the best! Tender and well marinated. Perfect with rice! Our family also enjoyed bi-bim-bap and Korean bbq chicken. Love the bon-chan that comes with each meal. The jap chae noodles and Kim chee. Seasonal kabocha tempura was also good. The host/servers are always friendly and the meals, even adjusted for inflation are a good value. Mahalo, Yong's! You will always be part of our Big Island memories! read more

Yongs Kal Bi...has the BEST Korean food on the island of Hawaii! Everything is fresh, flavorful and great portion sizes. They also cater. I ordered a dinner for 15 people. Libbey was great in helping me Pick out items for the family dinner. My big order was ready on time and was the perfect temperature. Yongs staff is always warm, inviting and kind! Highly recommended Resturant due to its excellent food and great staff! read more