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Nani’s Cafe

4.8 (65 reviews)
Closed • Closed

Nani’s Cafe Photos

NANI’S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Dogs allowed
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Nani’s Cafe

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Menu
James W.

This place was a treat. I got a AAA Threat Bento Box. Some namasu pickles. Chow fun. And a mocha chocolate macadamian nut brownie. Really cute little place in Waialua. Small and quaint. Nice selection of food as shown in menu. The lady who served me was very helpful and pleasant. This place was a fun find. If I drive through here again, this will be on top of my list. Highly recommend. The filtered water refill station was a bonus.

Manny P.

Staff was very friendly and felt very welcoming. There are already made bentos or you can make your own like an okazuya. I got the oceans bento which comes with teri beef, bbq chicken, a hot dog, inari, and chowfun. It was tasty and I believe is worth the price. Also got their ube donut holes and honestly I would go back again jut for those. It taste like a crispy undagi with poi mochi inside definitely need to get this!

Cutest place ever

My go-to and favorite cafe on the whole island!! The staff is so friendly and they are a family kind of business so coming here is like a warm hug of community and delicious selection. My favorite drink is the iced mocha with cold foam and also their hot chai latte is slept on. As a local resident whose home was flooded during the March Kona-low's, Nani's provided us and the community with free fresh fruit, eggs, and excellent filtered water with their free machines. I cannot describe how much that helped us out when we were in between housing. Huge mahalo to Nani's and staff for their hard work, kindness, and amazing food+drink

Famous Ube Mochi donut holes
Ryne T.

My friend told me to check this place out in Wailua because it's a local owned business. Brah you know me when it comes to supporting local, I'm dea! Plenty parking and real plantation vibe. Well hell it's smack in the middle of a plantation village. When come here it's like you're home. Home meaning Hawaii country easy living no rat race take it easy chilling home. I already ate lunch but I wanted to try their coffee. We were greeted by a beautiful friendly young lady who took our order. Then my wife saw it, the famous Ube mochi donut holes!! It was great with my coffee. This place sells Okazuya!! Can you believe it. A lot of older Okazuya restaurants in Hawaii are shutting down. It's hard to find them now in your area. So be hungry when you visit Nani's. Lastly, pick up their shirt, it has a great marketing line. IYKYK Maybe gotta explain to tourists lol.

Cone sushi
Rod U.

Preface: All "local" food has its origins in the plantation era. People from specific regions of Japan, China, the Philippines and Portugal "settled" in specific plantation villages. The blending of flavors created each plantation region's preferential taste. Broadly, teriyaki is sweet in Hilo, sweeter and bolder in Kona, saltier with pronounced soy on Maui, uses more sake and ginger on Oahu and a variant that seems to have originated in the Wailua plantation village that is straight up meat candy. Why is this important? Nani's Cafe's food is just too sweet, too ginger forward, too different. It doesn't mean it's bad, it's just not what I'm used to nor my preference. That said, this family run okazyua / bento spot is worth the visit. Super friendly local service and lots of enthusiastic people waiting to get their grindz on. Who doesn't want a still warm, nicely breaded and fried bone in pork chop as one of the choices or a very unique mashed purple sweet potato / celery salad. Teriyaki items (miso chicken, kalbi beef) as previously mentioned are very sweet. As is the chow fun that must use the teri marinade as seasoning. All are however well cooked. Very good but sweet cone sushi. The only big miss, the mochiko chicken which is extremely bitter (too much ginger). Tip: For the best value, opt for the premade bentos. Ordering ala carte okazuya style cost more for the same thing. Don't regret the experience but the flavors are not for me. That said, the food is properly made with care so maybe it's for you.

AAA Threat bento box
Stephanie S.

Stop here for a birthday lunch with family. We walked right in and were greeted immediately by a nice lady behind the counter of food options. Everyone took a turn building the bento box or picking their items. We paid and went out side to sit at the nice little patio area at the side of the building. There's even a pass through window they can give you your food that way so you don't have to carry it all out. I got a AAA Threat bento box and also tried a couple other items including the cone sushi I read about on someone's review, a spam Musubi variety I hadn't tried before and we of course had to try the ube donut holes. Everyone enjoyed their food. My grandson said 5 out of 5 and ate every bite of his. My box had a large variety of items so I had some to take home for later. I also got an iced vanilla lavender latte which was a solid choice. My son said it would definitely be a place he came back to and would get the same thing next time. It's quick service. The food is good and the prices are reasonable. I don't think you'll go wrong with this one.

My bento
Gail U.

Opened since July 2025, very welcoming as soon as you enter this okazu- ya type ordering with coffee and refreshments available. Three of us each ordered our own bento so we could let our eyeballs select what our tummies might want since they have a variety of offerings in plain view. I handed the pretty young female my card for all 3 of us and asked if I could take her photo for Yelp. I asked her if it's a family business. She said her mom and the other young male employee's aunty are owners. We are taking our bentos home to eat lunch with fur Bebe. The food looks great behind the counter. A lot to decide on. I liked my Teri beef slice and hash the most. The namasu looked fresh and colorful with a vinegary twang but no crispy texture. The nishime had some slivers of gobo but I didn't notice konbu knots and needed more color, taste. Doc said if it's good it can be on our North Shore go to rotation. Very close to Island-X.

Ube mochi holes
Michele T.

Stopped here specifically for the ube mochi holes. The bowl was empty when we arrived, but a fresh batch was brought out when we asked about them. $2.50 per order - comes with 3 but aunty threw an extra one in for us. Loved that they were piping hot and good texture. Maybe a bit sweet since they're rolled in sugar, but still good.

Elizabeth H.

I really enjoyed trying all of the vegetarian Hawaiian foods. Very impressed with all the different options and vegetarian choices available. The ube potato salad and macaroni salad were my favorites, but I also liked the noodles and tofu. Service was great, and the lady working was excited to give me her vegetarian recommendations. I liked the cafeteria style service here, and we were able to make it a quick stop between activities.

Mochi holes and hours
Christine G.

The cutest little cafe in Waialua! Their prices are very reasonable and the staff is friendly. Their drinks are amazing, as are the mochi donut holes. We stopped in mid-morning so while they had the bentos and plates to put together of your choosing out and ready, it wasn't quite lunch time for our bellies. But I will definitely be back to try their lunch assortment as it looked delicious and fresh! A hidden gem across from the Waialua feed store.

Salty bum & Haleiwa ice house coffees.
Lindsey S.

Such a cute spot! Such a welcoming and friendly staff. We went around 10 AM and the parking lot was pretty full already because there are other businesses in the area. We made our own bento, got 1 AAA threat bento from the menu and the Keiki bento, spam musubis, 2 coffees, some ube donut holes and a yogurt parfait. All so good! We moved to waialua almost a year ago and have been wanting to come by and finally made it. Will definitely be here more often as it's just down the road from us.

Kevin W.

Nice little bentos that are easy to grab and go enjoy on the beach. Latte was really good, especially when paired with these ube donut holes; honestly some of the best donut holes I've ever had. Slightly crispy in the outside with a soft semi-chewy center. Worth a visit!

Exterior
Jessica G.

Cute little cafe in the Waialua shopping center. When you walk in there is an array of food to choose from. Everything looked Ono! I'll have to try some next time. I did grab a cold brew with an add shot $8 and a lemon, lavender cookie. I like my cold brew strong and it was delicious! The cookie was huge and delicious. There is an outdoor seating area with about 5 tables.

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Reviews are largely positive. Many highlight the friendly and welcoming staff, fresh and flavorful food, and inviting atmosphere.

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10 months ago

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Kanani O.

Yay! Thank you so much for coming in, we appreciate the support!

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Kanani O.

Thank you for supporting, we can't wait for your next visit.

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4 months ago

It's amazing parking is awesome Plenty kine it's got a country vibe and most importantly the food is amazing come check um go check um

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1 year ago

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Ask the Community - Nani’s Cafe

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puffy - has custard creme inside

Paalaa Kai Bakery

4.6(1.3k reviews)
0.9 mi
•$$

We found this bakery as a happy accident on a scenic drive to the North Shore. It was closed by the…read moretime we stopped by so we had to make time to go the second time around. On this visit, we got a full spread! We got a box of all of the things and it didn't disappoint. I was so excited to choose all kinds of pastries for my box. At this point, everything is already in my tummy and I've already crossed memory lane, so I can't tell you the names of every pastry but what I can tell you is take the scenic drive. Check out the businesses you normally wouldn't have stopped by. Visit the Yelp page. Look at recommendations from fellow Yelpers! When I'm curious of a place and I'm not convinced yet, I always go to Yelp to see what the people have to say and the people love the pastries here for good reason. This place has some good pastries. I would come back just to satisfy the sweet tooth again. I will say, leave the snow puffs for enjoying when you're not in your vehicle unless you're okay with a mess lol

Cute little bakery filled with so much yummy desserts inside. You need to make this one of your…read morestops when you are taking a trip around the island. We love the flaky pastries filled with custard. My husband and kids also love their chocolate chip macadamia cookies. They also have classics like ensemadas, an pan, twisted donuts. It can get crowded inside as it's a very small shop. Staff are very friendly

Photos
Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puffies!

Snow puffies!

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puffy

Snow puffy

Paalaa Kai Bakery - Snow puff

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Snow puff

Ted's Bakery - Keylime

Ted's Bakery

4.2(3.1k reviews)
9.0 mi
•$$

Went to Ted's everyday that I was staying in the North Shore and everything we had was delicious…read more For breakfast I loved the spam egg and cheese sandwich, so good! We also tried the loco moco which was great, but it's quite a bit of food. I shared with my partner and we weren't able to finish it. One of my friends who used to live in Honolulu told me I HAVE to get the garlic shrimp and Ted's is where it's at. She was absolutely right about that!!! Best garlic shrimp I had on the trip. I wish I could go back just for the plate. We also tried the chocolate haupia pie which was delicious & the plain glazed was soooo light and fluffy. Plenty of parking in the lot & access to a public restroom. It can get busy but they're very quick with your food. Seating is outside under an umbrella.

When in the North Shore you've gotta stop at Ted's!…read more Ordered: Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie: 4.5/5 Surprise to no one that I ordered this. Honestly I liked it! I didn't think it was too sweet especially for the hour I went and got this. It's almost a little lighter than a cheesecake consistency wise so I think one slice is actually more filling than you think. It could be shareable. But the whip cream balances out the richness nicely. Loco Moco: 4/5 - My first official loco moco! It was quite tasty! Definitely a hearty meal and this one is good to feed two people easily my god. Realistically great for the price. Service: Fast during the time I went. The line was short in the morning but once I got my food it was out the door. I'd say however it moves quickly. There's plenty of seating. They even have an extra back space where the restrooms are. They have a parking lot but most people parked on the road probably assuming there wasn't space. Glad to have tried a classic!

Photos
Ted's Bakery - Baked goods

Baked goods

Ted's Bakery - Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie - it's not overly sweet which was great  :)

Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie - it's not overly sweet which was great :)

Ted's Bakery - Menu at Ted's Bakery

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Menu at Ted's Bakery

Donut King Hawaii - Cronut hole

Donut King Hawaii

4.5(649 reviews)
27.9 mi
•$

@fortunefoodfinds: "Wishin' you a HOLE lotta fun this weekend! My all time favorite donut since I…read morewas a kid has been mom-n-pop Glazed Donut Holes. Luckily I can still satisfy my childhood sweet tooth by visiting Donut King Hawaii, at the Market City Shopping Center, who are my go-to on island for these tiny treats. In addition, I gotta get their Croissant Bites, an Apple Fritter for da hubz, n' anything with chocolate and/or sprinkles for the kiddos. When it comes to the end of the school week, anything goes!" SERVICE: friendly INTERIOR: walk through to order n' pay, takeout only. Also have coffee, frappes, n' bottled drinks for sale. EXTERIOR: located in the Market City Shopping Center WAIT TIME: none, was helped out immediately PARKING small free lot with tight spaces OVERALL COMMENTS: my favorite place for mom n' pop donuts. There's something for everyone in my family. Always hits da spot when we're wanting donuts. Continue to come here again n' again!

Dash For Da Donuts #11- spontaneous edition. We Did It!…read more The Dash made it for 2026, a last minute, "hey we didn't do it yet" to keep the streak alive. Bought some of their soft delights met with some Yelp Elite "King Pins" from the Yelp community- Nadine, Kim and Roz Spontaneous, because this was a spur of the moment celebration of a long running event of the donut community that was added to a meet up with one of the original dash participants 11 years ago that lives on the mainland. Donut King has hosted our dash multiple times over the years- we plan to do a more "formal" uye dash Nov or Dec to coincide with their Hawaii founding and 10th anniversary. Be on the look out and see you there.

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Donut King Hawaii - Warm Custard Filled Donut

Warm Custard Filled Donut

Donut King Hawaii - Cronut

Cronut

Donut King Hawaii - Non-Filled bar

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Non-Filled bar

Papa Ole's - Pulehu Short Ribs

Papa Ole's

4.5(1.5k reviews)
13.6 mi
•$$

Papa Ole's is a spot I heard about from a friend, and it hasn't disappointed me yet. It feels like…read morea small mom and pop type place that locals enjoy, which is always a good sign. My personal favorite is the kalbi ribs. They've got that backyard BBQ taste that feels like a homecooked meal, and it's usually what I end up ordering. Simple, comforting, and it just hits. I also love grabbing food here and taking it down the street to eat at the beach. It's one of those meals that feels even better when you're eating it by the water. I just read that they may be closing soon, and if that's true, thank you for all the delicious meals over the years and wishing the team nothing but the best moving forward.

The closing date is set, December 15, 2025…read more Their regulars have stepped up their visits while locals living farther away are making their final pilgrimages. By now, anyone who is a fan knows their food so rather than another review, some tips for securing that last taste. 1. They are in a cellular dead zone. All calls made to their number from a cell phone will fail to connect. You MUST call using a land line phone (those things plugged in the wall with physical buttons to press). BUT... 2. They do not answer their phone if they are busy helping customers. Good luck. SO... 3. Go early and order in person. Popular items like the roast pork and hamburger steak sell out by 10am. Others like the kalbi and pulehu shrot ribs by 11:30. 4. Be patient. The wait time is 45min - 1hr. It is accurate. Use the time to grab poke and drinks in neighboring Laie or Kahuku. It's all worth it. Same loaded plates. Same nostalgic taste. Same aloha delivered with a smile. One last time.

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Papa Ole's - Papa Ole's Menu

Papa Ole's Menu

Papa Ole's - Papa Ole's Sign

Papa Ole's Sign

Papa Ole's - Jumbo Shrimp Plate

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Jumbo Shrimp Plate

Nani’s Cafe - cafes - Updated October 2026

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