No 7-Eleven stores and their ono bentos, manapua, and pork hash in Kunia or Village Park!!
I was on my way mauka-bound along Kunia Road (i.e. heading towards Royal Kunia, Kohana Rum, Wheeler, and Schofield Barracks). I didn't have time to make myself lunch on my way to work, so I first thought of 7-Eleven for their quick bentos, manapua, pork hash, or Nanding's Spanish rolls. The closest 7-Eleven shops from Kunia are either along Kualakai Parkway in Kapolei/Ho'opili, in Farrington next to Tanioka's, or Fort Weaver next to Zippy's Ewa... but they were all out of my way! Thanks to Apple Maps, I did find a Circle K around Kunia Shopping Center, next to the 76 gas station.
I thought Circle K would've hired the same supplier of bentos as 7-Eleven (and the NEX mini marts). My only real choice for a lunch bento was sweet spareribs with rice, so I grabbed one of those. While checking out, I saw they also sell butter mochi and biko (Filipino sticky rice) slices. It was cool that they display days and times the butter mochi and biko were baked. I had to grab a piece of biko too. The cashier was really nice.
The spareribs bento didn't have a lot of pork, but it was a little tough and too saucy. Rice was kinda dry. The biko had a heavy layer of brown sugar! I could only eat a little of each before throwing them away. I probably should've picked up Spam musubis instead, but I don't think I'll return here.
If you live in Kunia/Village Park and have to drive out, you're better off going to 7-Eleven outside the area along your route. If you're on your way to Schofield, Wheeler, or even North Shore via Kunia Road, you're better off going to 7-Eleven near home or your origin. Even PX mini marts (Hickam and Schofield) offer better hot food options.
Adding one more star for the friendly cashier. read more