I lived in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas for 21 years of my life. So when I say I miss Mexican food dearly, it is an understatement. As soon as I walked into this place, it brought me back home. My best friend Andrea, who is Hispanic, as soon as she saw the Telemundo on TV, she stated that it was authentic. Lol. They nailed the decor. So how was the food? I enjoyed the burrito, I had the steak. I actually was influenced by one of the yelp reviews to order this three plate combo. I thought it was a very filling meal. I did also enjoy the enchilada and the tamale. They gave free chips and salsa upon entering. The second one is an extra charge. A box to go is a $.50. Overall, it was a great experience and a very substantial meal. Our server was quick and hospitable. I ordered flan as an appetizer, and it did not disappoint. 10 out of 10 would come back again for the burrito. read more

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El Mariachi tends to hit and miss. A lot. My most recent dinner experience was just OK. Service was friendly and attentive. Our food? Hmmm... I think Taco Bell would have satisfied my cravings and that says a lot! More consistency is needed in the kitchen. read more

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Everything was way too salty. That was the only flavor too. The food was room temperature and below. This is an embassiment to Mexican food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Room full of noise for drunk people it seams.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Bar tender was ok. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lots of young people that have never had authentic Mexican food distracted by loud TV and loud talking.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I ordered via DoorDash. I was craving pozole on Saturday morning and El Mariachi was the only place that had it available for delivery via DoorDash so I took a chance as I have never dined at El Mariachi. I ordered pozole, and the 3 combo plate (you choose the 3 items) for my husband (a tri plate with chicken enchilada, chicken tamale, and chicken taco). I also ordered chips and salsa to go with guacamole. The pozole was pretty good and it came with the trimmings. Only item missing was the lime. I have to say that the pozole was really delicious. It could have used more hominy but I have to say the pozole seemed freshly made and it had a great flavor! I didn't go to the location so I'm not sure about the ambience. However, the service was as quick as you'd expect via DoorDash. The food was handled with care and bagged appropriately to prevent any leakage. This is definitely my go to spot for pozole. Just please add a little more hominy and lime in the trimmings plate. read more

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We visited this restaurant today for lunch and it did not disappoint!! Me and my mom ordered the combination 3 choice plate, it was delicious!! I chose the taco, burrito and tamale and it was amazing!! I had steak as my meat and they did not skimp out whatsoever it was filled with steak! Very fresh flavor and my favorite was the taco!!! Our server was amazing also, very quick with refills and our entrees came out very quickly! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside restaurant is beautiful with art and many pretty paintings, super awesome vibe![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Totally coming back!! read more

El Mariachi - So much meat! - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

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The hunt continues for a great Mexican restaurant in Hawaii. I was so excited to see Pozole as a special menu item for the day! I love me some pozole. We got our complimentary chips and salsa and ordered the three taco plate and pozole. The pozole was well put together with the hominy and bone in pork. The flavor, however, was too porky. It had a distinctive strange pork flavor which I am not used to in my pozole. It was definitely from the pork and not the cabbage or hominy. The pozole was $21.95. The two tacos plate was okay. ($17.95) Hubby didn't like the barbacoa taco at all. It had too much of a strong spice flavor, we couldn't finish it. Maybe we should've ordered something else. read more

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Reviewed this years ago - and it's still the best around! I'm even finding other dishes that are delicious, like the chili relleno. And the arroz is still the best! Thanks, El Mariachi, for fulfilling my San Diego need de comida mexicana! read more

Update July 2026 Take out service. We were so disappointed. The simplest food item, cheese enchilada with red sauce, was not tasty and expensive for the portion size. The chips were stale and salsa dip not portioned to the chips. The chump (?) burrito featured by Island Life Live was okay..... Hard pass for catering. read more

Quick date night with my hubby at this restaurant we randomly selected. Great choice for Mexican food. Salsa and chips for free and the salsa was right about of heat to it. The service was quick and the woman serving us was nice. The food we got was good and enough to feed our hunger. I loved the guac and salsa fresco that the dishes came with. We came 30 minutes before closing they were so cool to let us dine in quickly. Wanted to try some drinks and dessert but maybe next time. read more

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My friend and her 94 year old mother decided that we wanted to have Mexican food. Thus, we stopped by El Mariachi in Kapolei for lunch on Thursday, 4-10-25, at 12:30p. We were seated promptly and given our waters as well as an Horchata drink for me. The Horchata was sweetened nicely I enjoyed drinking the sweet rice milk drink flavored with cinnamon. We also had a basket of chips and salsa to have as we waited for our lunch. The chips were warm and crisp. The salsa was not spicy as well. If you want some more spice it's nice to see hot sauces on the table. I looked at the Specials on the wall and was pleased to see that they were serving Menudo. I ordered that. The soup was ever so flavorful and slightly spicy. They will give you a small platter with dried chili flakes, oregano, onions, and cumin. They didn't have lime though. The beef tripe was tender. There wasn't too much hominy and the red chili broth warmed me. I thoroughly enjoyed eating it with my 3 corn tortillas. You have the option of getting flour tortillas if you want. My friend ordered the Carne Asada plate with Jumbo shrimp. She enjoyed it with her rice and beans and flour tortillas. Her mother ordered the Senior dish that was composed of two tacos and rice and beans. We were very impressed with the quality of our meals that my friend and I decided to get take outs for dinner. Of course her mom packed up her meal to take home. She also enjoyed it. I ordered 2 chicken tacos with rice and beans with flour tacos to take home to my husband and since my friend raved about her Carne Asada plate I got that as well. I also added chips and salsa for our dinner. My friend also reordered the Carne Asada plate again for her take out with the addition of jumbo shrimp. While at home for dinner, my husband enjoyed his chicken tacos plate with rice and beans. I enjoyed the Carne Asado plate as well. I liked the addition of tomatoes and a dollop of guacamole and corn tortillas. The meat was flavorful. We will definitely return to El Mariachi again. I really enjoyed the Menudo soup the best and the next time I will try their Chile Verde. Delicioso! read more

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One of not so many places that I can get close to authentic Mexican food on the islands. They don't disappoint and very friendly workers. They survived through the pandemic and I am so glad they are still in business. read more

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This is a very good Mexican restaurant!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Clean, terrific service and very good, tasty food![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The menu is well sorted and offers wonderful options. I had the Mariachi Tacos - so goood! They have a perfect kick! The chef is to be commended ;). Thank you! This is a real keeper! And, they just won a coveted restaurant award! First place- congratulations!! read more

El Mariachi - Mariachi Tacos soooo good!! - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Our party of 3 came here for dinner. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was empty since we ate at 4:30 pm.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Staff was friendly and brought us water plus complimentary chips and salsa. We ordered guacamole to go with the chips. The guac was not freshly made which was such a disappointment especially it being priced at $15.50. I was craving tamales and was looking forward to eating. The tamale was on the dry side. The saving grace was the mole which was very light and at least took away the dryness of the tamale. Although I did eat my meal because it was acceptable, I canʻt say it satisfied my tamale craving. read more

21 July 25 Monday, 1 year later. Food quality and portions are consistent and delicious! The only difference is $3.50 charge for 2nd serving of salsa or $3.00 (better deal) for salsa and chips. Yellow = 3 combo, chile relleno, beef burrito, chx enchilada.$23.95 before tax Orange = El Campeano is same as last time, fantastic. $21.95 before tax read more

El Mariachi - Yellow, 3 combo and orange, El Campeano 21 July 2025 - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Food was good but I just wish the lengua was not chopped up ibti teeny tiny pieces. I prefer it in bigger pieces but I guess it's nit so practical. Prices are kinda high but the service is nice. read more

El Mariachi - Lengua burrito - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

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I used to go here often when I first moved here 20 years ago. I swear it has gone downhill. I went recently and it is just so bad, the chips and salsa are horrible - shockingly Chilis has better chips and salsa. I ordered a torta and I'm not quite sure what kind of bread they use, it was a cross between chibatta and french bread i guess and it actually look like a Panini, like they used a Panini press to cook it. I have never seen a torta look like that. I ordered Carne Asada. I got Carnitas so clearly not paying attention to the order. I ate it Because I like pork and I like beef. But for someone who maybe doesn't eat pork probably better that they pay attention to the order. My friend ordered flautas, I've never seen flautas like this, but it was like wrapped in some sort of thick breading type thing with meat inside and then I guess fried? With lines across it, maybe grill lines?? I wish we took a picture, it was the oddest thing I have ever seen. I may just go back and order that again for pick up so I can take a picture and post it here. I've never seen flautas like that, and I'm from Southern California so I grew up eating Mexican food. We all know what a taquito, a flauta, burrito and a torta is supposed to look like...not sure what is going on with this place, but I honestly wouldn't recommend it if I was craving Mexican, you may be better off, making your own Mexican at home. read more

I love my local Mexican restaurant. The food is Traditional Mexica food, home cooking comfort food, and delicious. My favorites are the shrimp burrito and the Kearny Asada burrito and chips and guacamole. We are starting to come here at least twice a month. The food is a little bit on the higher price in, but worth the cost They give really good portions. The food is extremely comforting, they give you more than enough food for the cost and you will leave full. The restaurant is large. It's a two buildings, side by side. But they do not have outdoor seating. The aesthetics inside is typical Mexican decor. There is plenty of free parking, in the parking lot surrounding the restaurant. You'll find them, in the Safeway shopping center, right across the street from LNL Hawaiian barbecue. This food comes out quickly and the service is extremely friendly. They take orders over the phone but anything over $25. She will have to pay by credit card during your phone order. read more

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So I follow Foodbeast "eating every bean and cheese burrito on the planet" series haha, and I finally got the craving to get one. I recently moved back here from San Diego, and although I knew it wasn't going to exactly the same, the main things I was looking for was that it was simple and not too pricey (over $15). I ordered just the burrito (not a plate) from El Mariachi for takeout and it was $11.81 total. It's a pretty standard burrito so I was content, the service was nice, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the restaurant itself was chill with a good amount of space[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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I've been coming to the Aiea location since Covid and when it closed I thought it was gone forever till I found it on the way to practice in kapolei. [[HIGHLIGHT]]For the time I went it was relatively empty but deserves more love.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Despite a slight price increase since I last went the quality is still there and reminds me how it remains atop the top 4 on island hands down. My Lengua burrito was perfectly seasoned and cooked and the beans and rice was I'd say better than any plate Aiea ever gave. On top of that the food came fast and my server/host was always checking on me and the couple people with me. I'd love to see what the rest of the stuff I liked at Aiea is like here now and will make it a spot when I'm in the area and craving my favorite genre of food. Love this place and you'll do the same! read more

I ordered take out for my mom and I since we had a long day at the hospital with my dad. I got the chimichanga and my mom got enchiladas. My chimichanga was very disappointing. It was small and dry, it looked and tasted like the frozen ones u get at the grocery store and they just deep fried it and served to us. The rice was flavorless, the beans were the best part my mom did enjoy her enchilada but then again it's hard to ruin enchiladas. I was also disappointed I didn't get chips and salsa with the take out order, guess that's just for guests that eat inside. Overall I will not be back read more

Food was very good and service was great best service we've had in Hawaii so far! Definitely recommend to people wanting Mexican!

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is lively and has a fun atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've only been a couple times but the food has been good. It's a little pricey for Mexican food, but I guess that is expected in Hawaii. read more

Numerous amounts of times have I ordered and it was the wrong order such as veggies,meats etc. you choose but they get it wrong all the time!!! This is just for 2 plates. It's written down they should have it on the paper. For almost 100 especially if delivered or and tip. Not worth it. El Taqueria in Wahiawa is by far the best yet. read more

Everything is horrible about this place. I ordered a wet burrito no rice just beans and add guacamole and sour cream. Look at this picture. There is no guacamole, no sour cream and no beans! I paid $26 for this burrito. I called to let them know and they didn't even try to make right. No refund. No nothing. All I got was a sorry but the cook said he put it on. Don't waste your time going there! Overpriced and rude customer service! read more

El Mariachi - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

This place deserves a good review. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's my go to for Mexican, affordable, tasty, clean and good service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Combo with Chicken enchilada, Steak burrito & Chili releno, if you don't know what to order read more

First time eating here. My goal is to try as many new places on this gorgeous island. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute little place in a busy shopping complex of Kapolei Shopping Center.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I was greeted with a warm smile by the server and got seated right away. Great variety of burritos, tamales, fajitas, and enchiladas. I ordered a steak carne asada plate. Your meal comes with chips and salsa. My steak was perfectly cooked. Plate included guacamole, refried beans, Mexican rice, pico de gallo, and tortilla. Price was reasonable. If you're on the west side, stop by check them and other great great restaurants out. read more

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Loved the steak burrito here! Beans and rice were nice and not too bland! But yep, them chips and salsa ... totally bland. Oh well will still come back because the food overall hit the spot for my Mexican craving. Wished they served alcohol but they do allow you to BYO read more

El Mariachi - Loved the steak burrito here! - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Food here is good and fresh, highly recommended as always. Plus they always give a good portion and I'm happy they use these to go plates, Thankyou. I can't stand other places that used the biodegradable compostable to go plates, food always sticking to the damn container. read more

El Mariachi - Chimichanga Beef Shredded Refried Beans and Rice - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

Just had an awful episode of customer service on Sun night, 8/17/25. We've been regulars here, almost on a weekly basis for years. Tonight we were greeted by a gal, whom we've never seen before, who said to sit anywhere open. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As we browsed the dining area, we found every table was filthy/clearly weren't wiped down after the previous customers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So I returned to the "gal" who appeared to be the only server unfortunately. I explained the dirty table situation & suggested we would wait for the 1 open booth to be cleaned, which even had left on it. So she asks for help from a busser by rudely saying, "could you clean table x... they want a clean table". Is it wrong to ask for a clean table, jeez!!! So as our requested table is being cleaned, I went to the restroom and told "the gal" I'd be right back and if the table becomes ready, to let my daughter know. As I return from the restroom, I overhear the server tell another couple they can sit anywhere that is open. I follow along and see they hop in the booth we requested to be cleaned... while the rest of the tables were still filthy!!! As if I wasn't frustrated enough, I told the server what happened and she just says, "oh" and carries on like nothing... no sorry, nothing. Out the door we walked. In the end, so many issues here. Yes, her customer service completely sucked and she could have cared less. If I were the owner of this establishment, I would want to know of employees ruining my reputation like this. But to her credit, she was obviously struggling all by herself it seemed. As I said, I've been coming here for years and it seems there's always at least 2 servers on a shift. Not sure what the deal was tonight but she definitely needed help. read more

When your friends tell you that they have a favorite restaurant, meet them there! The first time we joined our friends to try out a New Mexican restaurant in Kapolei they sat down and said "We hope this place is as good as El Mariachi, which is our favorite Mexican restaurant." It was not as good. We then spent more than a year meeting them at other restaurants, and halfway through each meal someone would mention El Mariachi. I truly wish we'd met them there earlier than we did, because I'd have had so many more meals at this quiet family friendly restaurant! I ordered a fish dish with garlic and mushrooms. as it authentic Mexican? Dunno. What I do know is that the fish was perfectly cooked, the spices were on point, and the portions were generous. I also know that the choices my table mates made also looked really good. I don't know what they were, because I was really busy enjoying my own meal. The salsa was thin but filled with flavor, and the chips were nice and crunchy. Did we have fried ice cream at the end of our meal? NO, because we were too full, but I'll get it next time for sure! Service was friendly and fast, and our friends were welcomed with huge smiles and waves. I loved the chance to try their favorite place, and was so happy to be able to add it to my favorites list as well. If you are looking for Mexican food on the Leeward side you'll do well to come here before you go to any of the other flashier places nearby. read more

El Mariachi - Fish with garlic and mushrooms. Delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

I love this location... [[HIGHLIGHT]]there are lots of seats, so they easily accommodate large parties.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was delicious and came out quickly, and everyone working provided excellent, friendly service! They are also BYOB which is an added perk! read more

Miss when the owner Chui used to cook his garlic shrimp was always the best ! Food is still good great staff

Maybe it's because I'm from California, that my standard for Mexican food is high. Was craving nacho so I game this place a try. Walked in and made an order for takeout. Asked if there was jalapeños and the server said no and that it would be extra. 2 bucks more no thanks. Nachos just tasted really dry. Even taco bell gets it right. Could use more meat, for 18 bucks there wasn't that much. Could also use beans and jalapeños for that price. read more

El Mariachi - Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

What happened to this place? It used to be a good place for Mexican food in Kapolei but tonight we had to force ourselves to finish our food. Horrible! And on top of that, they no longer server alcohol. Taco Bell is 5 stars compared to this place. read more

The carnitas burrito (wet) w/ chile verde is my go to here everything else I've tried is mediocre. Unfortunately there is no real authentic Mexican food in Hawaii I've tried Mexican restaurants across the four main islands and nothing even comes close to home. read more

I love this place! Growing up in Hawaii, I would say this is a decent authentic Mexican Restaurant in Oahu which is pretty hard to find! My partner and I are regulars, we often visit during lunch time -- not too busy, you'll most likely get service immediately. They give you complimentary salsa and chips as a starter, my partner says the salsa is better than chili's. I usually get the Chimichanga Plate which comes with refried beans which is AMAZING! The beans are smooth and seasoned & the rice is cooked & seasoned perfectly. You really won't regret trying this place.. at least once!! read more

El Mariachi is a mexican resturant located in the busy shopping complex of Kapolei. There, you can find tons of parking regardless of how much traffic this complex brings in-n-out. If I ever crave mexican, I come here since it is the most convenient place and because of my familiarity with the area. I've never dined-in here but I always order the same thing via takeout: a carne asada plate with flour tortilla. The total for my plate typically comes out to about $26. The food is pretty good. They do provide a great amount of meat and beans. They don't provide a lot of guacamole and tomatoes though. In addition, it cost an extra $7.86 (via the third party website) for extra guac which to me is crazy. I feel as if I have a high standard for mexican food due to the states having some of the best I have ever tasted, but this place is alright compared to the others on island. On the side note, the restaurant is very clean, and the staff (both in the store and over the phone) are welcoming and kind. !! TIP: If you are ordering take out for pick up, CALL THE RESTAURANT! Don't use the third party sites (Grubhub or Seamless) even though it says it is $0.00 fee. For some reason, the price for my plate on the third party service was $30.21. BUT when I called it in and paid over the phone, my total was $26.13. And why is the guacamole an extra $7.86 on the website? I am pretty sure it is cheaper overall if you just call. read more

El Mariachi satisfies!!!! Best authentic Mexican food on Oahu!!! Great friendly local staffing and ownership!

We have not visited el mariachi since the pandemic started and that is a good 2 years or so. It was one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants but unfortunately our visit last night proved the recent reviews to be true. The service was never 100% but it's unfortunate to say that it's gone down even from mediocre experience we've had the the past. The woman server did not seem happy and if felt like an inconvenience to dine in & don't you dare ask for waters or extra plates. The male who was working was much nicer and very helpful. We brought visiting family because they remembered a great meal during their last visit a few years ago. Unfortunately the food quality has gone down significantly. The guacamole grande was a family favorite but it tasted like they ran it in the food processor a little too long. Many of their meat choices were unavailable which limited what we could order. Carne asada meat was dry and crab in the crab quesadilla tasted like it was filled with a crab paste. I'm not sure if the ownership has changed but this is definitely not the restaurant we've known and loved. I hope the best for EM. read more

El Mariachi - Dos tacos carnitas - Mexican Near Me - Kapolei, Hawaii

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i love ordering from this place! i usually get take out and everytime i do its so good. The woman on the phone is very nice and patient. It's only around a 10 min wait. When I go in to pick up the food, the hostess and chef staff say thank you, it's so sweet read more