Restaurant was clean, very busy so we appreciated they have a lot of seating, staff was very friendly and took the time to explain the menu. We had the white chocolate macadamia iced coffee, garlic noodles with fried shrimp, pulehu short ribs with fried rice, and the ube pancakes. Food was so Ono! Not everything tasted exactly like back home on Maui but that is also what we appreciated, we love to support small businesses who put their own little unique touches in their menu items. Best thing about this restaurant was seeing the place busy & the staff & customers interacting laughing talking stories and just enjoying the food and company. That is true aloha spirit. Mahalo for telling us about your other location Ensaymada Cafe in Everett, we will definitely be visiting soon! read more

I have been seeing TikTok vids of this place for a while and finally got a chance to go. I got the Inahaw plate and chose the pork protein: Mac salad - awesome Leafy salad - good dressing Short ribs- ok. A bit overcooked Pork ribs - fall off the bone good Sauce is great has a little of heat that your mouth tingles and enough sweetness that is not overwhelming. I just added another option of my go to places. Also they have a bunch of desserts will try on the next visit. read more

It's more like a 2.5 rating for me. The lechon crunch bowl was good enough and the spam musubis were ok as well, the seaweed would just keep sticking to our lips/ teeth. Lol. The loco moco was pretty bad, I wouldn't suggest anyone get it. It was very tough and difficult to cut through! The calamansi juice didn't taste like calamansi at all, not even a little bit. It tasted more like a jelly syrup, like from a gulaman, if that makes sense. Service was ok. The overall interior vibe felt fresh and lively. The restrooms were kinda dirty. I didn't expect that from a place the just opened. I haven't tried their ube pancakes though so might come back for that! read more

See all

Overall thought this place was ok but not standout to me. Cream in ube pancakes was good, but it almost looks like a bowl of soup lol. Pancakes themselves were okay, but I think the ones from West Hill Deli are better. Comes with 2 pancakes. IMO not worth it to add the macadamia nuts for $1.50. Loco moco was ok. Mango refresher was also not particularly special as it sort of just tasted like mango juice mixed with a bit of coconut milk. Service was nice. I liked that their water dispenser was a brita filter. Ambiance was very casual, played Hawaiian music read more

Makai Island - Loco moco - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

I have finally got to try this place after several attempts getting in. We came on a weekend for lunch and there was already a line out the door. No surprise, this restaurant just opened last month. Menu wasn't too extensive and there were pictures, which is a huge plus. The inside of the restaurant was small, with a few tables on one side of the restaurant. We were able to snag a table after waiting for a party to finish. Here are some dishes we've ordered: For drinks we got the ube sweet cream coffee and mango refresher. Coffee wasn't strong but you can taste the ube cream in the coffee. It's more of a dessert rather than a coffee. The main highlight was the mango refresher, which they make in house. One of the best drinks we've had. Definitely a must order! 808 Hawaiian plate: This dish had fried shrimp, spam, lumpia, rice, mac salad and side salad. We got the beef ribs for additional cost. This plate served in a big portion that is easily shareable. Love that the meats were smoked and juicy like you're in a Hawaiian bbq restaurant. They give you this green chimichurri sauce to dip it in. Will order this again. Garlic noodles with shrimp: We thought this dish was delicious! The garlic flavor was strong and goes so well with the noodles. Shrimp was plump and marinated well. I like how this dish wasn't drenched in sauce, which I like. Hurricane chicken: This was one of my favorite dishes especially with the creamy sauce drizzled over the fried chicken. Each plate came with rice, mac salad and side salad. I actually enjoyed the mac salad despite having peas in it. Overall, the food was spot-on! Very similar to Hawaiian bbq food that you get from Hawaii. I do wish there were more seatings inside but takeouts seem to be an option for now to avoid fighting for tables. I will for sure come back to try their other dishes. read more

See all

Tldr: the best islander food in the area! And the desserts are also so good! Ambiance: just enough seating. There's parking here but sometimes it could be busy. Service: really friendly and helpful. I asked for extra sauce coz it was so good, and the I got the whole lore about how the had to adjust the spice lol. Food: I had hurricane chicken and inihaw chicken so far. I think hurricane is slightly my favorite, just depends on my mood. Looks like most things come with Mac salad, and a green salad and some dressing. My only qualm Is that the scoops of rice are tiny. But I usually never finish my protein, and take the rest home wheretheres more rice. I'd rathe have more chicken anyway. The ube trees leches is bomb too, it was like 8.99? And it's pretty sizable so I shared it. I also got the coco mango another day, for the same price as the ube tres leches tho (8.99), Ill probably pass next time. Evrrything else seems reasonably priced. Really excited they ar win the neighborhood! read more

See all

Same owners of Enseamada Cafe in Everett which I previously reviewed, became one of my favorite restaurants and I'm so glad they owned a location down south. Previously aloha grill in Renton, Makai has moved in. When we went, it was a weekday and the line was all the way to the back. Very busy but line moved fast, we were able to get our food in about 25 minutes. Their card reader was broken which contributed to the wait, but they were busting out food quick- less than 5 minutes after we ordered. Seating is very limited! The garlic shrimp was very flavorful and came with big pieces of shrimp, - their green sauce is amazing. The mango refresher was a hit for us, and the portion they give is big. They have various Filipino desserts which we loved and can't wait to come back and try the halo halo when they start offering it. Love everything about this place, a perfect twist on Filipino-Hawaiian food! read more

Makai Island - Garlic shrimp, mango refresher, Inihaw (BBQ ribs) - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

Came a little before this past Friday. They close 3-4 to prepare for the dinner rush. There was a line already forming. People were patient, the staff was kind and guided us to line up in a way that didn't block the entrance. Their card reader was down so they had to manually input card numbers but they were quick and friendly. We ordered the garlic noodles and garlic shrimp and the Hawaiian fried rice and beef ribs to go. I had heard from a friend about the noodles and reading peoples reviews decided to go with the beef ribs. The food came out fast for how busy they were. The ribs were tender with a sweet sauce. The garlic shrimp come shell on which I liked. Portions I thought were generous. I can see why people have been waiting to go Enseamada is way north so I never had a chance to go but all my north-end friends aren't fans so it's nice to have this in the Renton. Also can we talk about their green sauce that came with the ribs? Love it!! Definitely will be back hopefully to dine in one day. Space is bright, welcoming and full of island vibes from the music to decor. read more

Makai Island - Cute mural inside - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

Best first impression ever--especially for a brand-new spot! Our food came out so fast, and we were seriously impressed with the portions and the value. But let's talk about those beef ribs... WOW. Fall-off-the-bone, flavorful, and absolutely something I'll be coming back for. We ordered the ube pancakes, garlic shrimp, loco moco, and a mango cream shake--and not a single thing disappointed. Everything was packed with flavor. That said, the garlic noodles with beef ribs? Hands down my favorite. Chef's kiss. There were a few small service kinks (totally expected since they just opened), but nothing that took away from the experience. You can tell they're going to smooth it all out in no time. They've got that island music playing, the vibes are on point, and every employee we met was super nice and welcoming. Already counting down the days until we can go back and try everything else on the menu! read more

See all

New local Hawaiian spot that everyone recommended to try it out We got there right after opening and they have a line out the door, interior has a few small tables for seatings and a little outdoor area with a couple of tables. It was a bit too busy so we ordered for take out and the staff were friendly and service is pretty quick We ordered: Loco Moco: the portion size was on the bigger side, the meat was bland and dry, and mac salad was decent Beef rib mixed plate: they give out 3 pieces of ribs very tender and juicy, I would get this next time Overall: friendly staff, large portion and price is fair, I'll probably go back one to try other items on their menus read more

PEAS. There are peas in the mac salad. After the plate got dropped off at the table and I saw the peas in the watery mac salad, I knew the bar was about to be very low. If you're looking for hawaiian kine local food, you're better off going to L&L. The mac salad had no onion flavor whatsoever, they're using some weird mayo and not best foods mayo, it's watery and HAS PEAS IN IT. Maybe they bought it in the haole section at safeway but it's not local kine mac. Got the 808 plate and the only thing decent was the ribs and the lumpia. Everything else was bland and odd. The lychee refresher has nothing refreshing about it. Tastes like they put 4 cups of sugar in one drink. I had high hopes but I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, especially with L&L right down the street. read more

Makai Island - 808 Plate (junk mac salad) - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

Overall, great place to get Hawaiian food in the Renton area. They have a large selection of yummy items that range from drinks to food. We got the 808, but Ube pancakes, the mango sago smoothie. Overall, I would give it a straight, four out of five, presentation was nice, the chicken was a tad dry and not as juicy as I would like, wish there was more sauce. The big pancake texture was good! The mango flavor could be more fresh. Overall, great time, I'll come back. read more

Makai Island - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

We wanted to come and try Makai Island after seeing all the reviews of the restaurant. We ordered take out knowing how busy the place was. I'm glad we did, because there was definitely no where to sit as they were all taken. The inside is not too big. Makai is super busy, where there always a line forming at the register. Even though they're busy, the food was done by the time we arrived and the staff here provided good service. As for our food, I ordered the 808 beef mix plate definitely had lots of food! You can feed at least 2 people if you wanted to. The beef ribs were tender, saucy and tasty. My husband got the Inihaw Chicken Plate. I tried the chicken and that was good too. Saucy just like the ribs and the meat was tender, as well. Oh, we had to get something sweet!!! So glad that we ordered the Ube pancake with macadamia nuts. Pancakes are fluffy and yummy! As for the coco mango cream-shake!!!! My husband and I shared this and we both really enjoyed it! We will be back to try out a something new, but will be ordering the coco mango again! read more

See all

Shared the mixed plate and good thing we did. Very big portion and the beef ribs were huge! The menu was a little confusing for the mixed plate as we thought it came with chicken, pork, & beef vs one of the protein. Would love to try the locomoco next time. read more

Makai Island - Mixed plate - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

Tried this new Hawaiian‑Filipino spot and it's off to a strong start. The Loco Moco was above average with good flavor, and the Spam Musubi tasted great, though the rice‑to‑spam ratio was a bit heavy. The stars of the meal were the Hurricane Chicken and Lumpia -- both excellent and highly recommended. The Mac Salad was decent, but it includes peas and tuna, which may not be for everyone. For drinks, the Mango Refresher was very good and the Guava Lychee Refresher was also enjoyable. Overall, flavorful food, standout dishes, and definitely worth a visit. read more

See all

Perfect blend of 2 amazing cultures! We had to make a stop after reels of this place blowing up our phones. It did not disappoint!!! My favorite was the lechon garlic noodles! The line was sooo long but the food came out incredibly fast! The kitchen staff was full and the workers were so efficient! The restaurant had plenty of seating and we did not have a hard time finding a place to sit. Will definitely be back!! read more

See all

This place is delicious. I never had a cold plate, food comes out fast, and that staff's provide exceptional service. I love how the beef ribs have a nice crunchy exterior and tender and moist in the inside. Ube pancakes with macadamia was one of the best I've ever had! read more

Makai Island - Pipikaula Rib Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

Great little spot to grab some flavorful food. Their Ube coffee was so good, and the hurricane chicken was really juicy. The mac salad I think has tuna in it. No shade to any family's recipe, I liked it, but just a warning for anyone with seafood allergies. read more

Makai Island - 808 mix plate with ribs and hurricane chicken - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

AMAZING quality and taste. My wife and I got the loco moco, the hurricane and shared the ube pancakes. Loco moco gravy was smooth and very tasty. Mac salad was great - not runny or watery. My wife's hurricane looked amazing. I tried one piece of chicken with their sauce and was left speechless. The ube pancakes - where do I start. There are no words to describe the euphoria I felt taking the first bite. 3 fluffy ube pancakes staked high with a creamy but not runny ube sauce. Not overly sweet but just enough for the taste buds to scream with joy. 1,000% recommend. It's a small restaurant so seating is limited read more

Buenass I ran in to order lunch real quick & the service was great, food came out hella fast, that did not affect the quality. The ambiance was great but I had to go back to work. My songs were playin. I got to work & started eating. My coworkers might have heard me moan while I was eating it was soo yummy. I don't usually leave reviews places but this was fiah. Told my coworkers & they'll be going next week! thank youuuu. 10/10 recommend read more

Makai Island - 808 plate w/all the meats - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

Good, fast service. Authentic Hawaiian and Filipino food with good portion sizes! Love the local Hawaiian/Reggae music playing. Makes me feel like I'm back in Hawaii. I went 5 other people. Forgot to get pictures of everyone's plates but no complaints on most dishes. The ube pancakes were the best I've had so far in the PNW. The 808 mix plate cannot go wrong with -- the spam, lumpia, mac salad sides go great with anything. My biggest complaint is the rice, and so far everyone that I've talked to that have also tried here have the same complaint. Rice was hard and dry, which was disappointing because I miss Hawaii sticky rice! Also, I like my loco moco with way more gravy, but otherwise it tasted really good! Overall 8/10, I would definitely come again. :) read more

See all

Tried this place for the first time a few days ago. I asked the staff what they think is popular, and ordered it! Loved the hurricane chicken, and I highly recommend the ube tres leches cake. It was soooo good! read more

I ordered the 808 BBQ plate and I'm so glad I did. It came with ribs, spam, shrimp, lumpia, macaroni, rice, vegies, and 2 sauces for under $18.00. The ribs were very juicy. This spot will definitely be a big competitor to Saimins Says nearby! Lunch time is very busy! read more

Makai Island - 808 BBQ Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

Just got food from here for the first time and it was definitely good. The drinks were both delicious, I got the Guava Lychee and my husband got the Plantation. The butter shrimp was pretty good and the noodles had a great flavor the only thing was the noodles were not warm at all. The PipiKaula plate was great, the Mac salad could be better but overall we definitely enjoyed it. read more

Makai Island - Lumpia, butter shrimp with noodles, PipiKaula - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

killahz (peas in the mac salad was new for me tho, never had that before) service also super nice read more

See all

Food is amazing and came out quick. As soon as we sat down, 5min later our plates were out. Played lots of good island reggae music. Customer service, top notch!! Definitely going back to try out their other menu. So far I tried mango tres leches, ube tres leches, mango sago, lechon bowl and garlic noodles. All were so darn good!!! Definitely recommend the mango tres leches and garlic noodles so nummy nummy!!! read more

Makai Island - Lechon Bowl and garlic noodles 10/10 - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

My fried rice taste like the rice was not cooked the rib was on point Mac salad it was weaker then L&L overall looks good taste different as in not great but customer service was 100. read more

Makai Island - This fried rice would've been good if the rice was cooked al the way or rice from yesterday - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

Makai Island is my new favorite spot! The food was delicious and authentic. I was impressed by how quickly the food came out. A big plus is the Hawaiian music playing in the background--feels like being at home on the islands. Definitely a local treasure! read more

Makai Island - Garlic Noodles, Hawaiian Fried Rice, Lumpia, Ube Butter Mochi and Lychee Refresher - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

Food was good customer service and atmosphere was good... But for some reason the beef ribs had a horrible smell... Literally smelled bad maybe old meat? But they were still kond of tasty... But stinky meat read more

The service was quick for food, but if you got a blended drink then you waited longer. The rice that comes with the plate lunches was kinda dry. The garlic shrimp was really mushy. The ribs felt like it was all fat and no meat. The chicken was good. The lumpia nice and crispy, but very minini. Alot of things were out, which is understandable. The staff is really nice and friendly, but space in the restaurant is really small. read more

inihaw plate with chicken was seasoned to perfect it was so good, would definitely order again. I also got to try the garlic shrimp which were huge and yummy. The ube pancakes weren't very sweet but still tasty! The coffee was perfect for me. Would definitely come again to try a different dish read more

Makai Island - Iced coffee with ube sweet cold foam - Barbeque Near Me - Renton, Washington

See all

Looked it up and it looked good to try . So I waited for 405S traffic to die down , I walked in at 6:40pm ! 50 min before they close to order takeout . A gal was mopping the floor and said she was sorry they were closed . Hmph Not too happy . There was one table still eating . I know sometimes it's warranted but a NEW place ! Unannounced they decide to close apparently 1 hour early . Website says 11:30-7:30 read more

The food was mediocre. It's more Filipino food and the only thing Hawaiian is the kalua pig. The Mac salad was not good. Frozen peas and carrots in the creamy (not best foods mayo) in the Mac salad. The loco moco taste like frozen patties and runny gravy. Not to my liking read more

The food is very tasty is the best. Really addictive. "Absolutely amazing! Perfectly balanced flavors, beautifully presented, and cooked to perfection". Nice place clean. Service is excellent very friendly read more

Honest opinion because most reviews on here rave how good the food was, but we did not have the same experience. Unsure if it's different everyday deepening on the cook, or how busy they are, but expected better with all the hype. 1. Food came out quick, but was cold. It's one thing to have cold noodles but my chicken should not be cold.. so for safety reason we decided to take it home to warm up. 2. Chicken tasted like any other chicken with bbq sauce. 3. Mac salad had 0 flavor. I will stick with L&L 4. Lumpia was burnt 5. Loco moco patty was dry and burnt, received two patties and one egg on top. Fried rice was mushy. Again, it was cold. 6. Drinks were extremely sweet. I wanted calamansi refresher and menu did not state it contain green tea.. 6. Noodles with shrimp were warm thank goodness. Nice shrimp size, only item we liked. Noodles did not have flavor, minus the cheese on top.. noodles were dry. 7. $80 dollars for 3 dishes and two drinks. Plus tip Typically I would take pics of my food, but bringing out cold food ruined it for me. read more

Came with high hopes given the social media posts I've seen about this place. Left disappointed. Loco moco consisted of extremely salty and burnt gravy, a dry meat patty, an over hard egg (most places ask how you want your egg) and mushy rice. Putting parmesan cheese on top of the garlic noodles absolutely ruined them. The hurricane chicken was very bland. Although the ube pancakes tasted good they were way too dense. To top it off we never received the lumpia we ordered. read more

They opened late and we were 7th person in line and they're out of food. Only thing I did get just looked pretty didn't really taste good and then didn't have any utensils. Waste of time.. read more

Review: Makai (Renton, WA) Rating: If you're looking for a literal taste of the islands without the five-hour flight, Makai in Renton is the spot. This isn't just another "overrated" viral restaurant; they are genuinely putting their heart into the food and the hospitality. The "Must-Orders" * 808 Mix Plate: The ultimate sampler. If you can't decide, this gives you a bit of everything and doesn't disappoint. * Loco for Moco: Pure comfort food. The gravy is spot on, and the proportions are massive. * Pipikaula Rib Plate: These are smoky, tender, and seasoned perfectly. A rare find done this well in the PNW! * Ube Pancakes: You have to save room for these. They are vibrant, fluffy, and the perfect sweet finish. The Vibe & Service The atmosphere is "Island Feels" 101. From the moment you walk in, the decor and the energy make you feel like you've stepped onto the shores of Oahu. The service is a definitive 5/5. The staff is incredibly attentive and friendly--you can tell they aren't just going through the motions; they are giving their absolute best to every table. Final Verdict: 10/10. Not hype, just high-quality food and "Aloha" spirit. read more

Good service the only downfall for me was the food was cold. We ordered the beef ribs and loco mocos was cold and patty was burned. Yes our food was ready before sitting down. lol Ube pancake was ok too. Glad I got to try this place tho. read more