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    Kiku Ya

    3.8 (298 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese

    Order Kiku Ya Takeout or Delivery

    Kiku Ya Photos

    KIKU YA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Kiku Ya

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    I had the  lunch special!! Miso Butterfish with shrimp tempura!!!
    Candi L.

    The service is great. Waitress was very attentive. The food was great and the price is worth it!! The restaurant is soft with music . I recommend this place

    Ten Don; Udon, Chicken Katsu, shrimp Tempura & Fish Misoyaki (Butter Fish)
    Mabeline M.

    All I'm gonna say is "Not the worst, but honestly not the best." But The food was fulfilling and I was very thankful for dinner! First time eating here. And I was thinking I would have had the same dining experience. I've tried the Kalihi location. Or are they not like the same?!! Because Kalihi is Kikuya and this one is Kiku ya. ‍ I felt as if this restaurant wasn't authentically Japanese. Maybe it was a Korean-Japanese fusion haha I Don't Know. Anyway, like I said I've been to Kalihi's Kikuya. From what I recall when I went there quite a few times Food and service (even while busy) was great! And that location had sushi! Haha Food was fulfilling. Service was alright. They could have came back to check on us especially as we were a big party and it wasn't busy yet. Ambiance was okay. Nothing too bad about my dining experience. It just could have been better.

    Front of their Windward mall location.  11/22
    Ric C.

    "Local style Japanese Cooking now at Windward Mall." A long time favorite has moved to Windward Mall. Because we live town-side, we don't get to go to Windward Mall, all that often. Kiku Ya was always a favorite and the last time we went was when they were still on Kahuhipa street where parking could be a challenge. So on our latest trip to Kaneohe, we decided to dine there and we were not disappointed. Kiku Ya prepares their food not necessarily like fully authentic Japanese cuisine, but rather Japanese with that local style flair. This type of local offering is the type of cooking close to many a local's heart. Kinda like comparing a Saimin stand (Like Jane's Fountain in Liliha) to a ramen restaurant (like Onoya Ramen in Kapahulu). The combo Teishoku meals always hit da spot- my favorite combo is the ahi sashimi, assorted shrimp tempura and teriyaki chicken plate. It came with potato salad, toss salad, rice and miso soup. The sashimi came out not fully thawed, but after it being out a couple of minutes it was fine. Eating tempura "fresh" is always better as it is is for most fried foods, so I focused on that first. The jumbo shrimp were big and cooked just right. Not greasy, done just right. I had leftover Teri chicken, boneless pieces with a just right teri sauce that is one of my favorites. Warming it up the next day made for a great second meal, that along with the salted cabbage and rice, it was a great light lunch. The wife had their yosenabe that she enjoyed although the soup was just a little more shoyu based than she would have liked. The place is spotless and the service is as friendly as ever. The portions are generous as always, as many diners were like us - asking for a takeout container.

    Roach droppings
    Lynelle G.

    We used to go to this restaurant before it relocated to Windward Mall. We used to love it. But, we recently had a bad experience. We ordered take out. When we opened the package, there was a dead, smashed roach right on top of the plate. Roach droppings were along the edges of the plate on both plates. There was also a long hair that was fried into the tempura. I was beyond grossed out. The food is expensive so I would expect better. We won't be coming back. Update: we called and the woman did say she would refund our money. So I can't fault them on service.

    Menu
    Mari T.

    Did the food taste good? It was ok. Did my tongue feel tingly as I ate the fried ahi? Yes. Did I get sick after eating it? Unfortunately yes. I usually have an iron stomach so for it to affect me, that means it was pretty toxic. Don't plan on getting the ahi any more from here after researching tingly feeling after eating fish and tuna is highly susceptible of contracting bacteria from improper cold storage. Service was pretty fast and friendly though. I got take out. If it was dine in I would've said something after the first bite. But since I was already gone I ate it anyway against my better judgment. Mistake!

    Super RUDE waitress! Yes ma'am, we will "go away" forever, as you requested.

    Went in a few days prior to Father's Day, to inquire about seating for 8. The waitress was very nice, and suggested coming in ahead of time, with possibly an hour wait for a table. Very reasonable response for Father's Day, so we arrived at 5:30, hoping to get in around 6:30-7pm. The waitress on this day REFUSED to seat us at all. Tried explaining that we came in on Wednesday and spoke to another waitress, and her response was "I'm very busy, I have no time to talk, please go away", and walked off. There were a few other large parties currently in the restaurant, with only 2 servers, so I'm guessing she was overwhelmed. Nevertheless, her attitude and poor customer service is unacceptable. Will definitely not be returning ever. So sad to see the decline of what was such a wonderful long time Kaneohe restaurant.

    The lanterns and umbrellas...
    Nadine C.

    Welcome to Windward Mall in Kaneohe, Hawaii! Kikuya's new Kaneohe location is way better! They used to be on Kahuhipa Street - in the industrial area of Kaneohe - with very challenging parking. However, as of 2-14-22, Kikuya is on the second floor of Windward Mall - across the hallway from Hawaii USA Credit Union, and next Ninja Sushi. Parking is free at Windward Mall. The best place to park would be the covered parking area near the Straub Clinic side of the Mall. Enter from Alaloa Street. My friend, Donna, told me about Kikuya's move. I think it's a great business decision because there's more foot traffic at Windward Mall - and they will be open daily! The new location looks modern and clean. (I really liked the cool fish and Tako prints on the walls!) They sure were busy when I visited on 2-15-22... I ordered takeout. I was told that it would be about a half hour wait. Sure. For good food, it's worth it to wait. So, I placed my order for Salmon Shioyaki Teishoku, paid, and did some errands. When I returned, my food still wasn't ready (that's how busy they are), so, I played some games on my phone - outside - in the cool air where the outdoor dining will be. (The inside of the restaurant seems a little warm... Maybe because they're almost at full capacity.) After about ten minutes, I checked on my order and it was ready! Yippee! I opened my package at home to find a nicely prepared crisp salmon... ooh, that Salmon skin! The green salad was fresh and crisp! The potato salad was deliciously comforting! Ahhh! I was so hungry that I ate all of the white rice...hee hee! I'm really looking forward to returning to Kikuya at Windward Mall again! Next time, I would like to dine in and enjoy the miso soup!

    Nice picture
    Craig T.

    Checked out Kiku-Ya for lunch located in the Windward Mall. I guess they moved from their original location on Kahuhipa St in the mall. I had their Butterfish Misoyaki w/Shrimp Tempura and my wife had their Beef Teri / Shrimp Tempura. It was ok the Butterfish can use a little more miso taste but other than that is was all good, The Teishoku comes w/miso soup and pickled cabbage on the side. On the plate there was Toss salad , potato salad, and the 2 choices w/ rice. Service was very friendly and fast .We got there at a perfect time because once we were ready to leave the crowd started to come in. Also it was the first time in a long time didn't have to show any vaccination card yay. Support local and be safe.

    JoAnne V.

    Ok, I read the reviews and thought ok this will be good. No not good. Maybe because it was Mother's Day? Confusion and waiting ruled this visit. Ordered the lunch plate of butterfish and shrimp tempura. It came with 2 scoops of rice, a scoop of potato salad and some greens. After about 25 minutes food finally came out. I was so surprised and happy about how big my butterfish was. Sadly the size did not make up for the extra charred exterior and the lack of miso taste. I have never had butterfish that tasted like this. It was such a waste of a beautiful cut of fish. The tempura batter was some how off. It wasn't that light crispy batter. It was hard and dull not fluffy at all. Constantly had to flag someone down for water. All in all not a great experience. I hope if you ever try this place you'll have a better experience than I.

    Teriyaki Chicken and Tempura
    Jillian T.

    Another location now where the old Pho Factory used to be in Windward Mall. It's open seating with no reservations needed beforehand. When we got there for lunch, we were the only ones there. Then, the space slowly started filling up with a handful of other families and couples. There's not a lot of foot traffic to that area, so I hope that they're able to survive by word of mouth or mall advertisements. As for the food, it was on the pricier side. With plates in the $20-$30 range for lunch. I understand that food costs have gone up and I'm sure that rent in the mall is high. But aside from that, the food was ok. The miso soup was too salty for my liking, and the potato mac salad a little too bland. But there was enough portion wise for me to take home for later.

    Menu
    Gabriel P.

    First time trying this eatery. They were previously located in the industrial area on Kahukipa St. Past it many times but parking was always hard to find. This location at Windward Mall has a lot of parking. Its located on the second floor at the mall entrance mountainn side. I had the #4 Dinner Special. It included fresh sasihmi, teriyaki beef, assorted tempura. The fish was fresh and top grade. The teriyaki beef had a great taste, but the meat was cut with the grain giving it a tougher chew. The tempura breading was slightly heavy but over all good and tasty. Service was good and friendly. Note,: The are not affiliated with the resturant with a similar name in Kalihi. Stay safe.

    Teriyaki butterfish!
    Dina N.

    A new favorite!! What a food gem! Old-school, local Japanese food. Remember Wisteria or Sekiya's in the 1980's? From the oyako donburi to the teriyaki butterfish and pork sukiyaki - so delicious, good quality, and hearty portions!! Hear the tempura is killer but didn't try. You will not be disappointed! FYI the atmosphere is very down home. And the staff is super friendly. If it's crowded, the food might take a while but it's worth the wait!

    Tonkatsu
    Jo-Anne S.

    Updated review: March 10, 2022 KIKUYA Kaneohe moved from their original location on kahuhipa street to the Windward Mall located directly across Hawaii USA Credit Union. Their hours are 1030am-900pm, (I think daily). I heard they are planning to have outdoor seating too. We went there las nite, they still offer menu, but they have QR code to upload menus now (hold your camera high - that's the trick - LOL!) They still offer the same food. BUT. Prices gone up. (I think because rent is high at the hall). And sadly, with higher price, the portions got smaller too. So sad. Rice comes on a plate and not in rice bowls. Teas are served and not the pot is not left on the table. BUT. Food is still good! Do support local.

    Misoyaki butterfish with tempura....so good!!!

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    Is the wait to dine in for lunch during the weekends long?

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    Kenko Ya

    Kenko Ya

    4.1
    (478 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    My parents aren't as mobile as they used to be. So after helping them all day, I came here to eat,…read morejust like old times. Kenko Ya will always have a special place in my heart. I was a little sad that my favorite server was not working. Maybe I'll see her next time! I decided on Udon. The broth is really good and warms the soul! I also got my usual, inari and an eel roll. Both very good! Would've had green tea, but it was late and it would've kept me up. The young servers working were all very friendly. I do remember when they were at the other smaller location, which was when I first discovered them. Good times! Mahalo again Kenko Ya!

    Ma picked up food for us cuz she was out there...she moved town but she still has all her appts…read moreKaneohe still yet. I haven't been there since maybe when I was still living in Kaneohe...it's much better now than it used to be when it first opened. - Salmon Kama - yum. Gave container Pa'akai...thought that was funny since Japany restaurant, but this Hawaii so whatevs. I understood. It did need it. Had sauce too but I didn't even open that. Some parts little bit koge tasting but otherwise good. Came with a few kama and some bones. I love Salmon. - Hubs got the Beef Sukiyaki. He said good. Too sweet for me. I was surprised almost the whole thing. Looked huge. - Ma got mochiko chicken? I think that's what was...she gave a few pieces to baby. Was a little sweet for me.

    Photos
    Combo 2 entrees. Teriyaki chicken and sushi.
    Combo 2 entrees. Teriyaki chicken and sushi.
    Ribeye with garlic butter cooked to my hubby's liking- medium. Also a generous portion!
    Ribeye with garlic butter cooked to my hubby's liking- medium. Also a generous portion!
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    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    3.6
    (653 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    Gyu-Kaku is one of those places that really nails the atmosphere. The restaurant is dimly lit and…read morehas a cozy vibe that genuinely makes you feel like you've stepped into a restaurant in Japan. The food is consistently delicious, and the lunch special is where this place really shines. For around $30 per person, the all-you-can-eat option is an incredible value and one of the best lunch deals around. The service is decent--not exceptional, but good enough that it doesn't take away from the experience. The only downside for me is the dinner menu. While the food is still great, it gets pretty expensive, and at that price point I'd rather go somewhere I'm fully waited on instead of paying to cook my own meal. If you're thinking about trying Gyu-Kaku, I'd definitely recommend going for lunch. It's an awesome experience, the quality of the food is excellent, and the value is hard to beat.

    Honestly never been here to this location yet having past by many times. Thankfully seen a QR code…read moreto scan for a discount off your total. So finally got to try some of their lunch specials as I want feeling the grilling my own at the time. Lunch bowl specials are not bad really can't complain for the portions to the price. Got the tonkatsu ramen minus the set so ramen only was about $12.95 I got the Umakara beef bowl taste like a bulgogi sukiyaki with a hint of spice. Set came with miso soup and salad. Also got an order of mochiko chicken dipping sauce had a kick. Again portions to price I'd come here again! All that minus our discount was around $20!! Service was good and fast since it was early lunch. Plenty of tables available

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    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

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    Kiku Ya - japanese - Updated August 2026

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