It's always crowded here, unless you come on a weekday and it's during the early opening hours (0900-2100 hours are the hours they are open everyday). Even so, you will be blocked in an aisle by an old World War II veteran and his wife's huge ass cart. And because you are the courteous person you are, you say excuse me, but they don't move anyway. Then you try to hide your irritation and go around through the other aisle...It's really best to avoid the commissary on pay days, which are the 1st and 15th of the month if you hate crowds. Besides the crowds, this commissary has the freshest produce amongst all of the choices on Oahu. They have a pretty good seafood section compared to Hickam and Schofield. There is also a pretty good deli counter. Parking will be crowded as well, despite the huge parking lot. If you don't mind walking, it's best to just park nearest the stalls by Pearl Harbor Elementary school and hoof it over. It's not that far... The lines move fairly quickly even though there may be a lot of people in line. Unfortunately, to come here you need a military ID or dependent ID and you cannot bring any guests inside. read more

The DF and I are both Army and it pains me to say that the Navy has the best commissary on the island. That said, even though it is a 30 min drive from where I live (with no traffic), this is where I choose to do the bulk of my weekly grocery shopping because it has the best prices you can find for most every day items. It is an absolute zoo on the weekends so I try to get all my shopping done during the week. There are lots of vendors right outside, and the exchange next door, which also houses some other vendors right inside of it, as well as a food court. If you have a military ID and don't shop here, you're wrong. read more

I think I've previously written a review about the commissary located at Schofield but never had one written about the one obviously closer to where I live. Here it goes. Although being the same store I feel like the three commissaries that I've been to are all so different (I've yet to try the one on K-bay). Schofield is still my favorite mainly because even though there might be a pay-day weekend, the place isn't packed. very different from the commissary at NEX that always seems to be packed and busy. I feel like it's always very empty of stuff too, I don't know how many times I've passed the salads and it's been empty. Other places have lacked things too, like juices or yogurts. It has the same layout as the other commissaries (except for hickam that confused the s*** out of me), with vegetables at the beginning and then fish, meats, chicken etc with the isles reaching for the registers. At the end of the store you'll find the frozen and fridge food. Much like Schofield commissary. I feel like there always is a long line for checkout and that they have no order to what register to go to. Sometimes (very very seldom) there is a person there walking back and forth telling us what register to go too, but isn't it easier to just get the "cashier #" speaker voice to work?? Would seem so. Sometimes I feel it's a little stupid letting the people bring out the food for me, especially because I feel like I can't possibly ask them to walk all across the parking lot with something that I can easily put in a cart and take myself. My husband always fights me and tell me that it's their job, oh well .. guess so. They do have a no guest policy so remember that you can't bring ANYONE in with you if you happen to be the only one with military ID. If that is the case, your friends just have to wait in the car. read more

its the Commissary - expect it to be busy all the time and have everything half stocked. I went today and found everything stalked with tons of coupons! I was in heaven! Also they are now doing a rewards program. I am not sure of all the details yet but I am pretty excited for it! The one thing I do not like is the baggers double bag all your groceries. Like really? Let me put one thing in your plastic bag and double bag that. I really hate that. I personally don't do plastic bags anymore and I wish people would start being more environmentally conscious. The NEX does give you a discount if you bring your own reusable bag - the commisary should try it to get more people to stop using plastic! read more

The variety of food and selection choices are pretty good at this location. The whole mall itself is impressive as far as the size and items that they keep. I generally get a bit creeped out at grocery stores that sell tons of bulk items. Something about mass processed foods and preservatives involved with extended shelf life. Maybe it's just me. The layout is easy to follow and lines are set-up to where you can get in an out within a reasonable amount of time. Too bad I can't say the same for the parking, but it is what it is. The bakery options are limited depending on what time of the month you go as with most places. I would like to see more local and organic products. read more

Once you go NEX, you'll never go back (to Schofield Commissary). I'm not sure why I am so obsessed with the NEX Commissary. Could it be that it's located walking distance from my favorite Target? Or that it's attached to the NEX mall where I can shop all day long for any and everything? If you don't mind a bit of a crowd, I highly recommend checking the NEX Commissary out for your grocery needs. It's really conveniently located and overall clean and well stocked. read more

Commissaries have come a long way since I first started patronizing them 40+ years ago. The old quonset hut on Fort Shafter, shabby stores at Fort Myer and Andrews AFB. Teeny overseas stores in Australia and Japan. Variety was limited, supply, too. But now most rival any commercial supermarket, full of Agricultural Industrial Complex products. Only started coming here because it's such a hassle to get on Hickam anymore. Yeah, the shelves are often bare, especially the good stuff that everyone seems to like, organic products, unscented toiletries, etc. Been like that for decades throughout the DECA system. Why DECA hasn't figured out how to gauge customer interest and balance supply with demand, I'll never understand. But then, I'm only a veteran military officer with club management experience as well as a retired GS-301-13 with an MBA, so what do I know about inventory management? Be careful at the deli counter. Not only are they SLOOOOOW, male customers in civvies get priority attention. Wait til you're no longer active duty. They also try tricks, like placing the butt end of a piece of deli meat on the slicer then covering it up with a freshly open package, so you think you're getting the fresher cut. But when you get home, at the bottom of the pile is stale shreds. Worked in a supermarket deli in college. Know all the tricks. Watching closely, told them to stop the ruse. Parking's free, but a mother. Almost always jammed. For non-military reading this review, you must be an authorized patron to enter the commissary. However, you can be sponsored into the adjacent Navy Exchange by an authorized patron, you just can't buy anything. It's quite the palace, somewhere between a Macy's and Kohl's with a Best Buy and liquor store thrown in. Prices are not that much of a bargain, sometimes cheaper on the economy. Everyone, military and civilian, are allowed to buy in the food court and from the vendors in the center court and outside. But the white tents outside the exchange are for authorized patrons only. read more

I'm very privileged to be able to shop at the exchanges and commissaries. Pearl Harbor Commissary is by far the best of all located on Oahu due to its location (and it being next to the NEX), variety and selection of products, case lot sales, and other special sales. Do not go on Navy pay day and do not go at lunch time. The place is like a zoo! Although purchases are tax free, take note of the surcharge off the total sale. I always tip the grocery baggers a decent amount, especially if they're older folks. I like to have them put everything in the cart so I can haul the groceries off myself if I'm parked way out yonder, but I still tip the baggers (a smaller amount). The cashiers have all been friendly and helpful, most of the time. There were several occasions where I've seen patrons get into it (arguing in the aisles) becuase one is blocking the other, or a husband/wife or parent/child are screaming at each other because they disagree or the child is misbehaving. I try to avoid aisles with these situations and return when there is calm. Lines move faster than traditional grocery stores and overall value for the amount of groceries to total sale is far better than shopping at other stores. Sometimes, Walmart prices are comparable or cheaper. You need to shop around and couponing is a great tool. read more

on Thursday, Jan 28, 2021 I ordered a special cut of Top Round Steak, 1/4 " or less for popular German rouladen dish. approx. 11AM. -a 1/2 hr later I received a package with the most PEFECT slices of meat (thickness and large size) for my meal even though the fellow taking my order did not really seem know what Rouladen were. I assume the meat cutter knew precisely. Super job! Mahalo! I will be BACK! danke schoen! Edie Matzen read more

When I went to the NEX commissary about a week ago and tonight I had so many problems. It's been like this for while but just in this one trip everything was either bad or they didn't have it. The produce that was moldy was Oranges, asparagus, blueberries, blackberries, onions, strawberries, and grapes. Other items they didn't have such as chicken broth, canned pumpkin, cream cheesey, minced garlic seasoning, the type of razors I get, chow mein ramen, a lot of the eggs were broken, there is also no sticker saying which eggs are WIC approved, WIC accepted juice, variety bag of chips, hazelnut uncrustables, melona Popsicles, size 5 pampers diapers, crushed pineapple, powdered sugar, and boxed beef broth. The past 4 or 5 trips they didn't have any of these items! This is ridiculous. I have to go to a few different places just to get all my grocery shopping done. Something needs to be done about this. A lot of the shelves are completely empty. I asked someone to look for all the items I didn't see in the store and the only thing they had was the razors which I was highly shocked about because that's one thing that hasn't been on the shelves in about 4 months. They were also able to find a very small box of diapers but I would have liked a big one. The staff has always been very nice but as far the produce and having things in stock is horrible. I also do not like how you're not able to bring guests into the commissary with you. I understand they aren't allowed to buy anything but they should at least be able to come with you. read more

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I try to avoid going on post, or doing anything military associated as much as possible. However, I will take advantage of the prices at the Comm. What, what! But what's up with some of the stank cashiers here? Don't roll your eyes at me because you don't know the keycode for a dragonfruit. read more

I don't understand the postings of "enforcing the guess Policy?" What are you people alluding to? What does an authorized patron look like? Also what's with the race comment "Asian / Local" When I go there I see White, Black and other races manning the ID station (Intentionally posted in a non-politically correct fashion on race categorization LOL). I guess I must come in on the non-Asian & Local shift LOL. Sounds like sour grape postings to me. Oh SNAP you must be referring to me as an obviously non authorized patron LMAO! I guess being a retired military Combat Vet & a Non White Local gains me special privileges. But on a more serious note if this policy is really being violated why don't your report this to the manager & DECA instead of making assumptions. ID checks at the entrance and upon purchase should ensure authorized patrons only which I do concur with. I too am disappointed with the no guess policy but it was rumored that a guess had filed a lawsuit for an accident / injuries sustained while visiting and thus was born in military fashion the now "no guess" policy. Prices are hard to beat if your a non coupon / sales hunter and just want to do one stop grocery shopping. PS. For all you non authorized patron don't go on the 1st and the 15th day of the month and two days preceding and after these days as they are military pay days and the commissary is jammed pack! LOL read more

I'm literally here 3 times a week lol. The produce department is very large and for the most part fresh. The have veggies that you can't find at a lot of other stores. The selection here is bomb. Pros: cheaper than off post stores, good selection, fresh produce, amazingly fresh sushi Cons: the fish department as far as the poke doesn't meet a true local's standards, watch the meat there's been about 5 instances where I've gotten green meat. read more

Hmm... I don't always cook, but when I do, I prefer the commissary. For my grocery shopping. I know the lines can get ridiculous on payday and pay weekends. I hardly ever get more than 15 items here, so usually its not too hard to slip into the self checkout lanes. A decent sized oriental foods section with is always important (chinatown is king, but if you can avoid standing in the sun after trying to find parking for like 3-4 groceries, why not do it, call me spoiled). As other have mentioned, it is kind of lame to have to make my cooking partner or even my mom wait outside while I shop, but such is the price to pay for getting cheaper groceries. read more

Since we moved out of the Honolulu area.. we do our grocery run to stock up every other week or so. For the most part, we have a smooth shopping experience when we visit the Pearl Harbor commissary. However, tonight was quite different. We usually go to the 'No Limit' self-check. But since we had less than 40 items.. we went to the '40 or less' since there was a register open and someone was already at the 'No Limit' self-check out. I got to the screen to scan any coupons ..so I scanned my coupon... the message "Wait for Assistance" propped.. the employee monitoring the self-check registers came over to scan her card. I realized I forgot to scan the paper towels that I had set on the right side of the screen.. so I informed the employee since she was already there. She assumed we had more than 40 items and told us in a rude manner "You are suppose to go to the No Limit register there." Note we had ONLY 31 ITEMS total. Anyway, I selected the button on the screen that asked if I wanted to go back to scan any item(s) ...I scanned the paper towel. All of a sudden another employee (management) came storming to the register we were at and ACCUSED us of trying to steal. She gave the excuse that the alarm went off so she needed to check that I scanned the paper towel "correctly". She clearly seen on the screen that the paper towel was scanned after the 50cents coupon. She was examining the paper towel. Idk what for. I just stared at her. We didn't even put any of our bagged items back in the cart yet. I choose the option to go back to SCAN an ADDITIONAL item. So what else can be the problem?! Regular check out lanes usually go by quick. During the holidays, line wraps around the store. Self-check registers are a bit .. the message "Please place your item in the bagging area" always pops up even though the item is already in the bagging area. Grumpy employee who assumed we had more than 40 items is an old timer that doesn't know how to smile. She has helped us a few times before when we went to the regular lanes. She never greeted us with a "hi/hello" or not even a smile. Management that accused us of "not scanning the paper towel correctly" is also an old timer and usually nice. We buy chicken thighs here because the frozen box cost $2.99 --many items cost less than other stores but there are a few that isn't worth the trip. read more

Commissary - Filipino old timer employee rudely told us we shouldn't be using the '40 items or less' self-check register. But we had only 31 items. - Grocery Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Absolutely love this commissary better than any other on the island. Freshest produce, meats and seafood in my opinion. Parking: It can be awful, but you have to keep in mind that the food court is open to the public and so many people with ID privileges (civilians, retired, active duty. etc) DO bring their guests to the Exchange, A LOT. But that's a whole other topic. Check out: we've waited in a long line before, all the way by the milk, but we've never experienced a long wait, the line always moves fairly quickly when we go, which is often :( .....lol Seafood Counter: they are always friendly, helpful, not always rushing us when we sometimes don't know what we want.. Layout: It has changed, didn't know what there plan was as far as that project, but doesn't matter, I never follow my list...lol Will always shop here. read more

Best place to shop for groceries on the island. Too bad all the food places couldn't offer these prices. Everything is always fresh and the selection of everything is excellent. I wish there were MORE variety of ethnic foods to include Indian cuisines. The spice section needs more of the hard to find items... I mean, how many different brands of the same spice is needed? I'd like to see more exotic spices and foods offered here. read more

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I forget the cashier's name at the commissary, but he was so considerate. He told me about deals on organic produce which I was not getting, but will from now on. Much Mahalo! read more

I've been shopping here on/off over the past 3 years. They stopped carrying even more of the few real food items they had. (They did not have 5 out of 6 things I came for tonight - all products I've purchased here previously) The organic/natural type products they do carry are nearly, if not completely, out of stock EVERY time I shop here. One would think they'd get the hint that these are in high demand. I always notice other items out of stock as well because the grime on the empty shelves/freezer cases draws my attention. Can't say I've ever had more than sub-par experience as far as customer service goes. Gave them one star for location, hours, size, and prices - if you don't have a problem with feeding chemicals to your self & family. read more

This is a big commissary near many military installations so beware... it's always crowded but I still come here because it has more of a selection than Hickam commissary. They offer self checkout lines for 15 items or less a couple for more items but they seem to always move slowly. I'd like to see a couple of self checkout lines for 5 items or less because sometimes you just want to run in for a birthday cake or something but don't want to have to wait in lines forever so you end up going to the nearest Safeway even though it's gonna cost a little more. read more

Am I being biased if I say this commissary is better than all other commissary on this island just because I'm navy and this is a navy store?... Half true. What I like about this commissary compared to others is that this place has a little more variety of selections and larger space for more items. And of course the prices here are cheaper than other local grocery stores. One thing i'm a little disappointed on is their selection of poke. They don't have as many choices like in Foodland. Yelp 365 Challenge - #050/365 read more

The best commissary on the island. It has a large produce selection and of course the affordable goods. They also have a discount fish and meat section which is nice if you're going to cook that night. A downside is that you can't bring guests if they don't have a military or dependent ID. Tell the in-laws they'll just have to stay at home. I went on a Saturday morning and there was no wait. It's hands down the best choice on the island. read more

Awesome. I always come here for my groceries bc it is cheap and they have a nice variety. They close kinda early for my taste but its ok.

Not as good as Hickam, but its still good.

One of my favorite commissaries to shop at, this one is big and has everything you need, just like any other commissary. The reason it didn't get 5 stars is because when the line backs up, there's never an urge to get people rolling at quicker. The sense of urgency usually stays the same, where I've seen other stores try to pick up the pace, I haven't seen that here. Always clean, and workers are friendly though. read more

Even though we live up on Wheeler, this is our preferred place to shop. A wide selection and cleanliness compared to Schofield really makes all the difference. It is also nice to have the NEX connected in case you need to purchase items before going to the commissary. The prices are great compared to going to grocery stores off base. Not much has seemed to change with the store since the last time we were stationed on the island in 2009. I have heard Costco has cheaper prices on some items. I have not purchased a membership to be able to compare. A few rules: You cannot bring guests in that do not have a military ID like the one on Schofield. You also cannot bring any food or drink items inside. So be sure to drink all of your tasty Starbucks or energy drinks before entering :) read more

I must say that i like going to this commissary better than the others. Its a lot bigger than the and there seems to be more items here. Its bad...but i don't even look at the prices when i shop...just because i know that majority of the items are cheaper than any other grocery store out there. Plus, there's people that help you to your car. You just gotta tip em.... Commissary gets 4 stars from me!! read more

Cheapest place to buy anything to do with food on the island. If you want cheap your best bet is here. The only thing about it is the lines can get pretty long and you have to tip the person bagging your items I mean you don't HAVE to, but I find it rude if you don't. Sometimes I'll scan my items myself but man that self checkout machine does not listen sometimes. Oh well. If you don't go on pay days no lines and things you want are usually there if not some stuff does run out. Well simple convinces to give up for cheaper groceries. It's worth it. read more

The NEX Commissary is located across from Pearl Harbor. It is open to the Armed Forces only and does not allow civilian guests ( unlike mcbh and scholfield). They are open seven days a week and offer amongst other things a deli, meat, seafood and produce department. PROS: They offer groceries at a tax free rate ( armed services discount). Also the items they offer are cheaper than normal grocery stores. The quality and selection of their meats and produce are really good. They carry some different items like rhubarb and even uncommon meats like Boston pork butt WORKS IN PROGRESS Because it is located near JBPHH and Ft. Shafter, the The NEX Commissary is always busy. Be prepared to wait in line. If you use the manned registers, there are baggers that bag and escort you to your car. Just be ready to tip them. If you choose to self check out, the computers are rather slow. read more

I love the savings and now that I can bring a guest( my mom to help me with kidddo while I look for groceries) I love it even more. I always leave feeling like I didn't spend a fortune but got a great amount of food. I go to Foodland and I leave with two bags of small items vs I leave with half cart full for same amount spent. read more

Went here to go shopping with my family and everything was going great till the check out, my card wasn't able to scan so I asked my brother to use his. Customer service/cashier (heavy set, short Filipino chick) comes up with an attitude and asked who scanned and I told her I did but it wasn't working so we'll just use my brothers CAC so that we don't keep running into the same problem and I apologized for the inconvenience when she was leaving. Mid way of our transaction we had to remove an item and we asked them for help but her and another worker (Asian chick with blonde hair) was too busy gossiping and talking shit most likely cause they was side eyeing us and I seen it . The big chick called another worker from the other side to help us instead. The lady that helped us was nice enough to help with no attitude at taking out an item that we did not want. Upon leaving, the same lady that was giving us attitude in the beginning, was by the exit and said to the other worker loudly "it's okay they're on camera" which was directly implying to my family and I . I went back to the lady and told her that if the other worker had a problem with us then she should've said something while we were on self check out instead of talking shit and accusing us of things as we were leaving. Mind you not, we did nothing wrong that we knew of and if we did then she should've come up and said something cause we all knew she was side eyeing us the whole time we were doing our transaction instead of talking shit when we were leaving. Whoever the managers are gotta attitude check those girls brah. Giving attitude and accusing military working personnel and dependents in a military property while just out to buy groceries is unreal. read more

Usually ok with the commissary.....but I am noticing that they raise prices around payday. At first, I figured it was a random price change, but start pricing your "normal buys" and see the price differences on payday! How are you going to rip off the hard working military members and their families??? I noticed it with my kids Capri Suns etc. A .40 difference! That is a huge difference per unit! I can go to Kmart or Walmart for those prices. Otherwise, well organized and clean. Staff could use some friendly customer service classes too. They seem irritated when you ask them a question. Although my cashier was really nice today. read more

I took my Mom who has commissary previleges from my Dad who was a retired decorated Naval Officer. Extremely crowded and customers trying to position themselves in long check out lines I was definitely worried with regards to her frail condition. Seeing that many items were moved or out of reach a commissary worker who was extremely busy took the time to assist us and grab out of reach items to place in our cart. Stating that it's just his third month and was still ackward with product location he went that next step even telling my Mom (thank you for your service)! After while leaving the store I seen tears in my mom's eyes as she said I'm so proud of your Dad and the United States Navy. That man Nathan brought back my Pride in Country and Navy. Thank You read more

This was a larger commissary and had plenty of the normal items and a decent size section of the touristy items. The price for the Hawaiian coffee, macadamias and macadamia nut chocolate is the best on the Island. We always come to the Commissary on any visit to Honolulu to get some personal treats and gifts for friends. They had fresh Poke in the seafood section an older gentlemen recommended the spicy Ahi. We decided since it was close to lunch to get several flavors since the quality looked good and the price was way better than out in town. We got the Ahi Kimchee, Spicy Ahi, Spicy Ahi Shoyu, and Ahi Limu. All were fresh and delicious. The Spicy Ahi was my favorite. We of course bought the gift items started above as compared to the ABC stores they were 30-50% cheaper which is awesome. More money to eat at my favorite places in Waikiki. I always look forward to making the mandatory Commisary stop. Just with the Nellis AFB commissary was half as nice as the Navy commissary. Go Navy! read more

You can now bring guests inside the commissary no more than two must have photo ID is just called today

Great selection of items but slammin on da weekends. Like how they have people to assist you with your groceries and help you load in your vehicle. Make sure to tip em good! read more

Everything in here is great. The problem is their dumb policy for civilians not paying for their groceries even being escorted with a military. It's just ridiculous that they can't pay with card, pay cash to cashiers nor shouldn't be seen giving money to the military card holder paying for them. If the cashier saw this kind of act, they'll cancel it all until the military card holder pays for it. It's just dumb like, give it a break man. As long as the customers are paying and supporting the store, shouldn't matter who pays. Same goes to NEX. If this goes on, it'll just discourage both military holders and civilians to not come shop anymore. read more

I actually spend a ton of money at Whole Foods and VJ's Butcher Shop up in Haleiwa because the lack of quality foods at our commissaries. The organic section is a JOKE, as is the beef. We all don't want to eat CAFO beef. Get some grass fed healthy beef in this place. read more

I love the prices here and the produce man is very helpful. I managed to get here before rush hour and leave too before it became crazy. Most stuff is sold out so it's a bargain but sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you dont. Ughhh read more

Maybe I was spoiled moving from San Diego to Hawaii, because the commissary here does not compare to San Diego commissary's. First off when you enter this commissary you are directly into the produce, you have to navigate through to get to the rest of the store. On a normal shopping day this is no problem because like most people I need fresh produce... But on days when I need to run in and grab a carton of eggs or a gallon of milk this is a nightmare. Its hard to go around people in this area and its very inconvenient. Secondly the produce here goes bad quicker than any other produce I have ever purchased in whole whole entire life. I know partially its because we are on a island, but the quality of the produce is no where near the quality of other stores here on island like Safeway. The one thing that makes buying produce at the commissary more worth it is that the price is half the price than out in town. A huge pro about the commissary is that they have a wide selection of meats (some people claim they also go bad quicker but I have yet to have a problem). You can get a variety of fish, chicken, beef, pork, turkey, and even some buffalo. Compared to other grocery stores in the area the commissary does have a hand up in this department. Also they guys that work in the meat department are extremely helpful and kind. The commissary does also have a good variety foods from other countries they have thai, German, Japanese, Mexican and a few others. I can usually find what I am looking for when I am looking for something new. Over all the store is good, but I usually do dread going. I hate the walk back to the car, in the heat it feels like forever before you even get to the parking lot from the stores doors. Like I said in the beginning... Maybe Im just spoiled read more