(Tookout 04/18/26 SA @ 3:00pm): I think I saw Kim in the back cooking the Korean BBQ! In my quest to continue exploring the various cuisine scenes as well as other businesses throughout O'ahu's Windward side, specifically the neighborhood of Hawaii Kai (southeast shore of the island), I ventured into Kim's Korean Bar B Q since I was craving this particular type of grub. Plus, I don't think I've had Korean BBQ on the islands in some time, so it was perfect timing. I've become a regular at Kona Brewing Co. which was an earshot away and always saw this eatery at the corner. Would Kim's cooking satiate my urgings for Korean BBQ!? PURCHASE(S) 10pc Fried Mandoo ($8.59): Crispy crunchy pork dumplings with a soy dipping sauce, this lovely appetizer was hot and stuffed with plenty of goodness. Nothing memorable, but since I was starving, these tasted marvelous! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=__g9-H0iFLuWdI0hdFqVjg Kim's Special Combination Plate ($27.63): A sizeable meal that came with portions of kalbi, BBQ chicken, and BBQ beef, and also included 2 scoops of rice, 2 pieces of fried mandoo, and 4 side vegetable choices (mac salad, 4pc tofu, seaweed, and kimchi in this case). Everything was hot, especially the meats and mandoos which were cooked-to-order while the sides were pre-prepared and displayed in warming trays as you chose what you wanted. Each meat portion came in two pieces with my favorite the kalbi followed by the BBQ chicken and then BBQ beef. Each was nicely marinated, but the BBQ beef reminded me too much of Yoshinoya... which wasn't a bad thing but wasn't what I wanted to eat at this time. Each side was basically served in cup portions but seemed to lack much flavor except the kimchi which had a nice fermented punch to it. Kind of pricey, but I was able to make two meals out of it, so not too bad. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=bOAMKHlK8F0Ck2ylqvD_lQ Credit Card Fee 3.00% ($1.09): C'est la vie; small businesses need to try and pass along added expenses when they could. SERVICE I was greeted by a young gentleman at the order counter whom I placed my order with. There were others before me whose orders were still being prepared, so I ultimately waited for about 15 minutes - no biggie as I gazed aimlessly out towards the turquoise water in the marina. Everything was fine - mahalo! PARKING (FREE; N/A this instance): Located in the outdoor Koko Marina Center, there were plenty of spots although I decided to do the 30-minute one-way walk for exercise - 'nuff said! ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A simple takeaway only place with a main order counter where you saw the menu on the wall behind the counter, Plexiglass acted as a barrier but provided you with a view of the vegetable sides, and a handful of chairs along the walls while you waited for your order to be ready. I dared to say there were some tables inside at some point because there was room, but not now; you either took it home or ate your food outside on the random tables. No decorations of any kind. But, you had a lovely view of the marina. Plenty of natural lighting came in through the front doors and surrounding windows while soul-sucking fluorescent electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs nor any background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=8vIqYoqVrc02TfRpngYe4w ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Kim's Korean Bar B Q offered some large portions of lovely local food at reasonable prices, straightforward service, and a nice view. The menu was somewhat limited, so if you went often you'd exhaust your options. However, I imagined they did very good business for catering purposes. And, whenever possible I liked to support small local mom-&-pop-like businesses. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $39.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more

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Ordered the hot mandu kook su.......very nice.....the soup was wonderful, needs more soup tho. Counter staff friendly and nice cheerful restaurant, no tables, tho there tables outside the restaurant. Carry out is the only option. I feel the soup should be placed in a separate container as much of the soup was soaked in the container and the noodles by the time we got home to eat it. Good tho when the craves hit. read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - Hot mandu kooso - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place took over the Yummy BBQ place at Koko Marina. I believe it's new owners and cook. And new front staff. It's the same menu. Usually I have been getting the veggie plate with no rice, which allows 5vl veggie choices instead of 4 with rice. I have gotten the combo plate a few times which comes with the normal two scoop rice, 4 veggies and kalbi and chicken. It's enough to feed my my dad and I. I will definitely be coming back. read more

After climbing the Koko Head Stairs, I was ravenous! This place hit the spot! Located right on the water in Koko Marina, you can enjoy a beautiful view while you wait. I had bibimkoosoo which was cool and filling enough without being heavy.Oops ! I was so hungry I forgot to let the camera eat first ! read more

We wanted korean take out and Kim's is in my neighborhood. I decided to walk up and order vs call in since I did not know what types of side items they have that accompany the plates. I went about 3:30 pm on a recent afternoon and there was only one other customer waiting for their order. Parking is plentiful at the shopping center since there are many vacant storefronts and not much activity. There was a young girl taking orders and she was very cordial. All of the regular plates are now starting at $19.99 each. I ordered two fish jun plates which put my total with tax to over $40 for two take out plates. After I picked my choices of side veggies, I sat and waited for a good 15 minutes before my food was ready. The sides in the plate are all standard and well made. The fish however was dry and there was only 3 - 4 small pieces which I felt did not warrant the $20 price. I like the location of this place but I will certain take a longer drive to the other Korean options in the future to get better quality food at reasonable prices. read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I just had the worst customer service on the phone . Called in a phone order & proceeded to give my order ... The young girl who answered couldn't be bothered & had a terrible attitude . I spoke clearly & she kept repeating my order incorrect . Not even close ! I decided to hang up and never give them my business again . If the owner reads this , it's bad look your business . If you can't handle being on the phone , don't answer it . read more

Lunch time at the office this week and we decided on Korean, during the Spring intercession, we had our orders all ready for Kim's, I kept calling but no answer, drove by and realize they were closed for vacation. This week I finally get to try Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q, tucked away, next to Assaggio, back near marina, you will find Kim's, tiny shop perfect for Korean BBQ take out. I didn't place orders on the phone, I decided to order in person, cashier was nice. She got my 4 orders, all vegetable choices written on box. I request for my rice on the side which cost $1. extra for this. Got 4 plates, which consist of Bi Bim Bap, Meat Jun/Fish Jun combo, BBQ Chicken plate, Spicy BBQ Chicken/Meat Jun Combo. Total comes out to $82., pricey now days but this is the normal now. $3.50 additional for 4 piece of mandoo w/purchase of plate was tempting but I opt out of it. Choice of ban chan ( veggies) are great, I was undecided on my choices since I want all of it, but ended up with tofu, kim chee, cucumber kim chee and choy sum. The wait for order is about 15 minutes, I got to check out the other shops within the wait. My co-workers enjoyed their plate and for me my opinion, I only have 2 complaints, the cucumber kim chee was soggy, I like it when it is crisp & the spicy BBQ chicken was tiny cut up pieces and not the whole pieces of chicken. Overall, decent Korean BBQ, enjoyed the tofu and kim chee banchan, and I am happy I got my Korean food fix in. If I don't pack lunch or when we have our next lunch at the office, I would order from here again, quick fix East side! read more

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Best food has great sauce everything was right on our orders overall 5 stars I would definitely come back again.

Great Korean BBQ in Hawaii Kai! Very tasty! Need to support the Hawaii Kai business! Clean And friendly! read more

Located in Koko Marina shopping center, used to be the yummys. Portions are small for the price you pay. Ordered meat Jun and bbq chicken plate. Not much meat and the sides were okay. The cucumber Kimchee really didn't have much taste. Meat Jun was dry. No dine in option, only take out. read more

Prices have definitely gone up since my last visit, but Kim's Korean BBQ still delivers on convenience. It's your typical local Korean takeout spot where you pick your own banchan, grab your plate, and go. I ordered the BBQ chicken plate, which came with three pieces. The chicken was a bit overcooked this time around. It helps to have a pack of Korean nori handy to complete the meal. The portion size is generous, easily feeds two or makes for solid leftovers. While it's not the best Korean BBQ out there, it's reliable, quick, and occasionally hits the spot when you're in the mood for something fast and familiar. read more

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I just spent 60$ on bbq food from this place and I didn't like a thing about it..bbq mix no taste at all no flavor the kalbi was so dried bbq chicken no taste at all my wife ordered meat jun and fish jun mix and tasted really dry..I made a phone order then when ask the gurl when I come in I'll choose my sides when I got there the gurl tells me oh next time you cannot do that put in an order and not choose your sides..dummehs how do I know what kined of sides you have very bad service also I hope the owner knows what kined of Bisness he's running who ever try's this place maybe think before you go sad.. read more

Portions were insanely small and the food was expensive. The worst part is that the food did not taste good. I was craving meat jun and it was dry and had barely any flavor. I grew up in Hawaii Kai and always remember this spot being good, found out the owners changed and now the food is shit and the prices are ridiculous. Never going here again!!! Save your money and get Korean BBQ somewhere else. The workers are also not friendly and the vibes inside of the restaurant are weird. read more

I used to like going here, but things have definitely changed. The portions are small and the prices have increased. My bi bim kook soo was tasteless and the meat jun was dry. On top of that be aware that they charge a 3% service charge regardless if you pay cash or by credit card . They say it's for operational costs. I would think twice before I go again. read more

Shucks tried it again really jonesing for Korean food and no where else to go. But damn it's still utterly lousy, unreal stingy and overpriced for what you get, don't get these guys! I said I would never go again it was bad the last time, the jokes on me hoping it would improve. It's too bad, the owners don't get it, really surprised they're still in business with such poor quality and service. It's worth driving to peppers at least the food tastes good and they're way more generous. read more

Haven't gone in awhile but was craving Korean and it's the only option in Hawaii Kai. Two stars because got the chicken katsu that was no chicken and all batter. Greasy and tough. Meat jun lacked flavor but was thick and tender. Sides are good and service is great, the only reason why I'm giving two stars. read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - No chicken, chicken katsu. Macaroni for comparison... - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I recently visited Kim's, and even though I was there for something small, I was amazed by how nice their workers are - specifically Jasmine! I will definitely be coming back. read more

Avoid at all costs. Food C+ Service D+ Takeout only New owners, smaller portions and ridiculous prices. The portions are extremely frugal now. No sides with seaweed soup, just rice(used to come with a plate of rice and 4 sides). The sides that come with a $20+ plate are so skimpy it's a joke. I'm talking not even half a scoop of Mac salad. Avoid at all costs. They must be catering to tourists only and don't care about repeat customers anymore. Abysmal. Look at the pics, anyone who's used to plate lunches know a scoop of each is standard. How does skimping on sides like canned corn and macaroni even make sense???? That all being said the corn was sour, something was off. The cucumber Kim chi tasted like regular cucumbers with a hint of heat, no salt and bland. Meat Jun was ok. Chicken was dry as heck. Rice was cooked well but again super skimpy portion. read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Mom and pops restaurant, good and I mean good food at very reasonable prices. Great customer service, fast service. The only catch is the seating. There are benches outside though. I would definitely go out of my way while in Oahu to eat at this place. read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - ows a tray of food on a table - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Typical meat plates with a choice of sides. We usually order some type of kalbi combo plates and meat jun plates. The spicy chicken is always delicious. My favorite sides are the choysum, japchae, and corn. The tofu soup was a hit. My not so favorite sides: Kimchi cucumber is always soggy. The mac salad has barely any flavor. I recommend calling ahead and placing an order. If you order there, it's usually always a 30 minute wait so if you want to be efficient, there's your solution. Never had issues with phone take out orders. This place is counter style so no sit-down. read more

I love you Kim's!!!Food always fresh and I love the meat jun/Kalbi combo food is straight to the point and who doesn't like a great Korean Bbq plate with all that flavor.Thank you Kim's my wife especially thx you guys read more

I had a chicken and meat jun plate. The portions were on the small side and the prices were higher compared to most other Korean places. The BBQ chicken and meat jun were dry and the kim chi was probably the worst I had at any Korean place. It tasted more like cucumber and cabbage had Kim chi seasoning rather than actually being fermented. The place is clean. The workers are friendly and the service was fast. I want it to be good because it's so convenient to where I live but I'm willing to drive farther to get better food next time. Overall it was not terrible but I won't be eating here again anytime soon. Maybe I'll give it another shot in a few months and see if anything has changed. read more

I"m surprised with some of the reviews. Service has been nice, quantities generous, chicken has been lean, .... The veggies are fresh, although some are too salty for my preference. The meat jun has always been good. Thin lean pieces of beef. The location is great with a beautiful view. read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Ordered mini kalbi with 2 sides. The food yummy and service good. Portions were okay for a mini.

DO NOT GO HERE! Food: not good, worst meat jun we've had. Kim Chee was weird and not spicy. Chicken was dry and over cooked. Katsu was over fried. Portions: CLOSE TO NOTHING. A mini plate at L&L has more meat than full sized plates here. Cost: INSANE. How the hell does a shitty plate lunch cost $25 here. I'm glad I know to avoid this place at all costs now. I'm telling everyone I know. GO TO A DIFFERENT PLATE LUNCH SPOT PLEASE. Save yourself the disappointment. read more

Grab and go cafeteria style. A lot of veggie options to choose from! Service is quick too, no need to call ahead. If you want utensils please remember to ask for them when you pay! read more

I moved off island and am so sad to have left Kims. I loved their food so much. Everything was delicious. I miss it dearly.

I am updating and downgrading my review. The banchan/side dishes look great but lack that certain flavor and the greens, as well as the kim chee cucumber has this preservative/chemical flavor in it. Even the red sauce couldn't overpower that peculiar flavor in the cucumber kim chee. Friendly service and it looks like sharable servings of meat. Prices range between $17-21. So sad the consistency and flavor of the side dishes has changed. This place was a fave of mine. Thought it was a fluke, but after my past recent visits, I had to change my former 5 star rating. read more

Parking was easy to find. There were lots of spots. There weren't many customers. The place was also very quiet. There was no background music or blaring loud machines running. The employee who was working was very kind and welcoming. I ordered the Mini plate with kal bi and kimchi and shoyu potatoes (4/5): the meat was really crispy and quite juicy. It was also really flavorful. The potatoes were a bit hard and the kimchi wasn't spicy. Aside from the vegetables. Everything else was on point. Google/apple pay is accepted here. Service was relatively quick. Overall Kim's Korean BBQ is a good place and I would come back here. read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - Kal bi with kimchi and shoyu potatoes - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My first criterion in the rating of any restaurant is the quality of the food. Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q has the lowest quality "plate lunch" of any Korean take out restaurant I have ever tried in Honolulu. The bulgogi was minced into tiny pieces, about ¼ in x 1/2 inchor smaller. Cabbage was bland. Definitely not worth the price. read more

Meat jun & bbq chicken were tasty. They didnt have long rice though which was a bummer. read more

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Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q is my go to place for fast and delicious Korean-style meats and sides. Consistently serving up favorites like mouthwatering BBQ Chicken, beef and Kobe beef ribs. Their sides are just as good with the kimchi, mac salad and Dicon radish as my favorites. They are take out only and it's best to call ahead and order, especially at dinner time! Great grinds! read more

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Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q is located in Koko Marina center. It's right along the water so it may be hard to miss. We've passed by Kim's a few times while we were waiting for food from other places. We would glance at the menu and prices and stare with our mouths agape. It's pretty pricey. Well we're into trying new places since this pandemic since we can't go out to eat anymore. We used to go to a restaurant every Saturday but since we're still hesitant about sit down dining everything is take out. Because of that we try to check out new spots. So we came here one day just to try. Prices are pretty expensive but it's worth it. It's probably been about a year since we've eaten Korean food. My husband enjoyed his soup, yukaejung (excuse the spelling of it's wrong). He hasn't had that since we lived in Mililani because he hasn't found a good place. I had the combo fish jun and meat jun. My plate was good, I enjoyed the fish jun. The whole plate was huge and the fish jun was huge. My daughter got the bbq beef. She liked it but I think she enjoyed my fish jun better. In the end, there were tons of leftovers and breakfast for days. It's pricey but well worth it. Good taste and plentiful portions. read more

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Always delicious food! One time they forgot a side order of my mandoo but they easily fixed it. Love the bbq chicken the best!! Pretty quick service and you get to look at the marina while you wait! read more

It's a refreshed version of the Yummy's that used to occupy here - thank goodness! Parking in front can be so painful during weekend/prime times but just keep searching and you'll find a stall. Otherwise, there are stalls further behind the theater, but its a bit of a walk...which isn't bad! I've come here three times and tried something slightly different every time. However, I always find myself ordering their BBQ Chicken. Its simply delicious! It's meaty, not too dry, and pretty packed with flavor. The Meat Jun is not my favorite. The BBQ Beef was also delicious though! Vegetables are great! Kimchi isn't too spicy but has good flavor. The choy sum, daikon, and potatoes are signature banchan that they seem to get right. The other basics like corn and mac salad, well, its ok but if you are coming here, you should order their actual banchan dishes. Prices are okay! It is reasonable for the amount that you get. However, I must say that the last time we came here, we didn't get a whole lot for the regular size, which we've gotten plenty of before. Maybe it was just another chef so you should expect generous portions. Staff is incredibly nice and helpful to all customers. Excellent customer service! I will definitely return, given its the only Korean food joint in the neighborhood and it does satisfy those Korean BBQ cravings without going the distance. read more

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We ordered out last Sunday and my son picked it up. We ordered a kal-bi plate, meat jun and bbq chicken combo and fish jun. You pick out your sides when you pick up and there were several people waiting so by the time my son picked his veggies they were out of Choi sum and shoyu potatoes. The woman was very apologetic. The portions were plentiful and the food was good. I didn't taste it but my family said the fish jun was better than the meat jun. We will be back! read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - ows a variety of foods in a styrofoam container - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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One of the worst Korean food restaurants I've ever tasted. The bbq chicken had a lot of fat and wasn't good quality (decent flavor though). The meat Jun was below average and not cut up in pieces yet your given chopsticks to eat with? They spread a minuscule amount of rice completely hidden by the small amount (for the price) of meat. The macaroni salad was the worst-it was warm and tasted rancid. The kimchee was crunchy, not tasty, and covered with red spices that gave it a grainy texture but no good flavor. I wish they would use better quality meat or at least cut out the fatty areas of the meat and cut the meat jun up into pieces like other restaurants do. An improvement in the sides would really improve the overall meal too. read more

After a day of body boarding, a big sweet BBQ plate lunch is in order. Lots of chix and meat. Ladies working there are friendly and smile. Like the generous plating of the side choices. I like the indoor and outdoor seating with harbor views. Casual, relaxing and food filling. read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - Packed! - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Was in the mood for Asian food and came here to check out the side dishes. The pans are full and the sides look appetizing so I decided to order my post-movie meal. Like most Korean BBQ fast food joints, Kim's offers standard items like kalbi, BBQ chicken, katsu, etc. I wasn't super hungry, and a little bit tired of ordering the same things, so I decided on the bibimbap. The bibimbap was listed under the regular menu, which comes with 4 choices of vegetables and 2 scoops of rice. Before I ordered, I asked the man what's in the bibimbap and he showed me a picture on his Foursquare menu/cash register; it looked like typical bibimbap vegetables like shredded carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, etc. I also asked if I still get to choose the 4 side dishes, and he then consulted someone in the kitchen and came back with an affirmative. I had already mentally picked the long rice, cabbage kimchi (looked really really red), potato mayo, and pickled seaweed. Yum! To my disappointment, I didn't get any sides. Also, the vegetables in my bibimbap are bean sprouts, choi sum, daikon kimchi, and cabbage, from the cold side dish selection. Meh. The meat was tasty though (like bulgogi) even if it wasn't ground beef. Service was courteous and smiley. However it is evident that English isn't their dominant language, so don't ask complicated questions like I did. Price point for my bibimbap is a bit high I think, compared to the volume of meats in their other plates. To be honest, I'm not sure I want to return. But maybe my tolerance for disappointment is a little low today. *shrug* read more

Kim's Korean Bar-B-Q - Bibimbap... everything piled on top of white rice - Korean Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place has good food and I would say the quality of the meats are better then most. However, they don't give you hardly any vegetables compared to say Yummys or Pearls. The plates her are about $16-$18. While the meat amount is fair the could give more vegetables. That would really be my only recommendation. It's a pretty location on the water but since covid they took away all the tables to eat. read more