=== 1. VERDICT/VALUE
One of the co-owners described it best: you come here for the experience which embodies the spirit of aloha found in Hawaii. You're not coming here for an authentic food experience (coming from Hawaii, I can certainly attest to that), but they do offer some of the dishes that speak to the spirit of Hawaiian fare and so "mahalo" to Kahuna for honouring the Hawaiian culture and ways in Victoria - thousands of miles away from its inspiration!
=== 2. FOOD
The dishes may not necessarily cater to those from Hawaii (things have been adapted for the mainland - like all other ethnic foods brought to North America) but the creative dish names do provide some reminders of home. Of note, they have a few standard desserts including a lillikoi cheesecake and a haupia pie that they make in-house.
Today, I tried the Loco Moco and it's perhaps a healthier (?) but very different interpretation of a typical loco moco one gets in Hawaii. Perhaps it's a local adaptation of the dish (for Hawaiians: note that there is a lot more vegetables on this, much less gravy and portion size, and different macaroni used and no brown/fried rice available) - but overall the dish is tasty.
=== 3. SERVICE
Soft-spoken, well-mannered, it's like the Canadian version of Hawaiian service: caring but without any of the fun sarcasm and localisms one finds in a local Hawaiian joint. I noticed they were attentive to dine-in patrons and everyone wears a brighter-coloured shirt that speaks to the aloha shirts found in Hawaii.
=== 4. ENVIRONMENT
Good, bright, modern, and clean, the Hawaiian motifs are visible throughout be it in colour palette, light fixtures, decorations, and even the t-shirts on sale. While it's not ginormous, you could bring a sizeable party of perhaps up to 12 here. Groups of 4 or less would be best served on a daily basis. Those with wheelchairs and baby strollers would find get in and out easily. Parking appears to just be up to your luck with a street spot or in one of the private paid lots nearby. read more