Update Paalaa Mini Mart right next door to Paalaa Kai Bakery . Kill 2 places onetime lunch and dessert . Paalaa Kai mini mart is famous for their fried chicken and musubi. They also sell other hot item like fried calamari, lumpia , banana lumpia and fried noodles. Service is fast and friendly and they also sell cold drinks along with alcohol. Support local read more

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Old time spot for everything you need The food n grindz they have is unreal. Chicken is the bomb. Musubi & Chicken combo is my favorite kine My your own sauce , i have a Fire In Da Hole I make. Great place to have . Parking is so so, if busy, be patient, it's worth it. Great customer service n very polite and friendly read more

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Savory bites... Many stop by for the neighboring Snow Puffies but are you aware of what they offer at this Mini-Mart...bentos and fried chicken though I've never had their chicken since it's cooked in the same oil as the shrimp sadly the temptation isn't a great as the suffering it will cause me so I usually enjoy their musubis after a day at the beach in the north shore area. It's been so long since my last visit here and on this visit it was for the Snow Puffies but we came here for another reason and as I browsed around I noticed a rack with some Beef Jerky Chips and the staff was so friendly describing it and decided to grab a bag since it was made in Hawaii I'd like to support local. You can find various drinks and snacks along with their own Chickenfry Mix so I an make my own fried chicken at home since I'm not able to enjoy ones that are made here is a nice and cool option but it's a great spot for a snack or to just refuel after a long day at the beach with free parking makes it an easy spot for it all. Thank you! read more

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Crispy chicken was so good. Spam musubi was yummy too - yes basic but done right. There were rice plates and other snacks - not to be missed. read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Musubi + - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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I don't know what brand takuan they use in their kimbap but it is delish! I love getting g a couple of rolls of kimbap and the fried chicken skin for a little North Shore snack. Then stop next door for any flavor turnover. They're all so yummy!!! This trip I hit a whole variety box of turnovers. Apple, cherry, blueberry and azuki. I pop the ones we didn't eat on the spot into the air fryer at home and voila light and crispy warm turnovers. read more

Such a great place for fast food. We got a spam musubi. Plus the bakery is the bomb next door. Snow puffies and anything in here. read more

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I've visited this place 2x already because I heard they make really good fried chicken. I love fried chicken. It's best to come in the morning because the chicken is fresh. They sell different options of food from fried chicken, kimbap, spam musubis, lumpia's, etc. I always get the fried chicken that comes with their rice musubi and it's always a hit!! I love how they also sell other miscellaneous things like drinks, daily household items, etc. read more

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Paalaa Kai Mini Mart is located in Waialua right next to Paalaa Kai Bakery! They're under new owner/management but the food seems to be the same. They're known for their fried chicken but I always go for their japchae and korean pancake! Portions seemed a little smaller and pancakes were much thicker than before. Would prefer it to be thinner, but still good! Both priced at $7.49. read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Korean pancake and japchae - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

So funny, stopped in since we were going to the bakery next door and happened to scroll on yelp to see what people were saying about this place and glad I did. Everyone raved about the fried chicken so you know I had to get some too! Chicken was absolutely juicy and the skin fried to perfection. I wish I got extra chicken skin. Perfectly paired with a spam musubi. We came in the afternoon so there wasn't everything available but I'm stoked with what I got to try and will be back. Follow them on Instagram for the most current updates! read more

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I'm one of those peeps that enjoy consuming fried chicken on occasion. I was enthusiastic about first bite indulging in crispy skin and moist chicken. First thought, "Mild. Can taste flour, some black pepper. Yum!" Then experiencing after taste of excess salt equaled disappointment. I turned to my husband and asked, "How was your chicken?" First word that came out of his mouth, "Salty." I said, "I feel the same way." Taste lingered in my mouth and I couldn't get that thought out of my mind. Appearance can be deceiving. Glass noodles, carrots, green onions and mixture for jap chae was just right. Thick slices of onions overpowered side dish. Spam musubi tasted delicious. If you're craving, forget to make and bring spam musubi, here's your chance to pick up. Worker asked us if we needed a bag. We declined. Service was quick and efficient. Casual. read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - 3 pcs Fried chicken + Jap chae - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

Bro...this place never disappoints...I take that back. They only disappoint on Monday's cause they closed. Today I had the vegetable lumpia. Didn't need any sauce. Was perfect plain. Then got a plate of chicken, fried noodles and few spicy shrimp rolls to go. Pretty expensive but if you out here you just kinda have to. read more

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Stopped here for some sodas and grabbed a seaweed namasu as well. I've never had it, but it was YUMMY! The place was pretty busy for a Thursday mid day. They have a ton if hot food options for beach snacks. Would for sure come back to grab food for the beach and avoid the touristy area. read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Seaweed namasu - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

An unassuming spot for some delicious musubis and snacks. The line moves quick and the people come here for one reason; their hot and ready food in the display. We got a variety of items: Spam Musubi, Spicy Shrimp Roll, Kim Bap. The best one was the Kim Bap! Complex flavors, but simple fresh ingredients. The spicy shrimp roll was really good too! Perfect spot for a quick snack on the go read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

If you're on this side of the island, you absolutely have to stop here! This place is one of those hidden gems that really captures the local flavor and island vibe. It's the perfect stop whether you're driving around exploring for the day, heading to the beach, or just looking for a good local-style meal without spending a fortune. Everything here tastes homemade and fresh. My personal favorites are the bento boxes -- they're packed with variety and flavor, and perfect for eating on the go. The spam musubi is hands down some of the best I've had -- warm, perfectly seasoned, and such a great snack. The noodles are always satisfying, and the chicken katsu is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and comes with just the right amount of sauce. What I really appreciate is how reasonable the prices are for the quality and portion sizes you get. You can tell they put care into what they make, and it really shows in every bite. The staff is friendly and welcoming too -- they make you feel right at home. If you're visiting or even if you're local and haven't checked it out yet, don't pass this place up. Grab a bento, a few musubi, and head out for a beach picnic -- you won't be disappointed! read more

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I love this market. A good old Hawaiian general store with many spamusubi and bento boxes. These're flesh and tast good! read more

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We all know the bakery. Snow puffies, I get it. I actually like the a different pastry but gate keeping. But also everyone has told me forever to try to okazu here. And OMG it did not disappoint. The fried chicken is legit bomb. The spicy shrimp musubi is indeed spicy. The regular musubi was kid approved. Chap Chae was delicious, I probably could have got the small. Fried Shrimp was so ono. Banana Lumpia all the way. I was so full. And it was inexpensive!! I cannot wait to go back. read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Still my favorite-est fried chicken on the island...maybe in the world. I like that it's simple...no frills and sauce. Just good ol tasty well-cooked chicken. Got a box...hubs had a couple, I had one, baby ate off of several...then I had for the rest of the week too! SOOO GOOOD. read more

Needed a snack and decided I needed to get my butt in here! Swung by on a weekend a bit before noon and was happy to greeted by a plethora of food items in their hot case. If you are vegetarian like me you will essentially have 2 choices -- the japchae (Korean glass noodles) or the korean pancakes. I will admit I was a bit bummed that there was no musubi option for me and the kimbap had fish cake so that was a no go, but hey if you are an omnivore, you have many more options including fried chicken, musubi, fried chicken skin. etc. After an internal battle between japchae and jeon (pancakes), I went with the jeon and wowow did not regret it ONE bit. These are some of the best jeon I have ever had in my life and I would absolutely get it again. They were fried to a crispy outside, dense savory inside, and lived up to the hype 100%. The price was totally fair for the quantity and quality and I bet that the japchae would have slapped too if I had gotten it. Service was kind and the interior is just as it sounds aka a mini-mart. There is a parking lot which is nice but it can get full on busy days. If you are feeling peckish or just want some good snacks/meals, swing by this spot and enjoy! read more

The musubi and 1 piece fried chicken hit da spot after a training sesh running up to peacock flats. Only $5 for 100 percent satisfaction

I stumbled across this store by accident. My wife was at the bakery, and I was outside and wanted to get a cold drink. I walked inside and was welcomed by the sight of all these musubis, bentos, and fried chicken in a display case. Service was friendly, but there was a language barrier when I was curious about certain food items. I picked up a spam musubi because I just can't resist it whenever I see it. This was good, but nothing to spectacular. Crispy Chicken Thighs: The skin was crunchy, crispy, and seasoned well, but I felt the chicken itself was dry. I ate the 3-4 pieces, but all were the same. Overall: 3.5 stars. read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Crispy Fried Chicken - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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They have new owners now. I went one day to pick up box of their fried chicken since I heard good things and their spam musubi. They also sell other bentos and Filipino desserts here. Great pit stop before going to the beach! read more

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Da best! Always look forward to a visit! Variety of sushi and bentos. Never disappointed.

5/5 Stars North Shore can get really busy, so I was thrilled to discover this little gem on my trip to Hawaii. The food was delicious, affordable, and exceeded my expectations. Everything I tried was flavorful and well-prepared. Great quality for a great price--definitely a 5/5! I'll be coming back next time I'm in town. read more

Some of the best spam musubis you'll find! A classic local store serving some of the best beach food ever! A must stop for fried chicken, calamari, and a couple musubis and you're good to go! Sweet tooth? Walk next door and get some pastries if their famous snow puffies! As always, let's support local! read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Always my go-to for simple fried chicken and musubis. My family especially my grandpa would come here every day until his passing. Service has always been great and so happy it's still open read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Outside - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

Food tastes exactly the same after change in ownership! My favorite is the korean pancake, it is so crispy and has the perfect flavor with the sauce. They have a great assortment of snacks for the beach, we got the spicy shrimp musubi, furikake musubi, and a small breakfast bento. The workers are so friendly and it is the perfect stop before or after your beach day. It is a small convenience store with the bakery on its side. For now they are only accepting cash. read more

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A small Korean mart that sells pre-made hot foods like spam musubis, karaage, bentos, kimbaps as well as any snacks or drinks you could want. I stumbled across here when my local friends asked me if I wanted any food while we stopped by next door for some snow puffies (which I would highly recommend as well). Perfect place to grab good food if you are on the road and have a busy day planned or just want something quick and low key. Food There are tons of delicious smelling Korean and local foods to try. I tried the karaage and spam musubi. The karaage was hot and nicely crisp on the outside. The chicken was pretty good. The spam musubi was a spam musubi and I would get it again since it was good. Next time I want to try the huge kimbap (didn't get this time since I had so much other food). The snow puffys next door are highly recommended as well since it's so puffy, flaky, and perfectly sugared. Atmosphere This is a stop and go place. The walkways are narrow with snacks and drinks to be found on both sides. Lots of people walking around so be direct in where you are going and get it! Pricing The prices are pretty reasonable and cheap. Service The staff there are nice and friendly. Other Small parking lot in front so can be challenging to find a spot since everyone is lining up for a snow puffy. There are spots if you look around but be careful. read more

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The fried chicken has not been the same , since we moved back to Hawaii in July 2023. Our last two visits, the 3 & 6 piece box of chicken were dry, the selection of pieces of chicken were ugly& I never noticed before eating it cold was no good! Totally disappointed, as in the past we were totally happy! Crispy, moist & delicious no more! The musubi's are still delicious! The bakery is still carrying delicious pastry's ! Won't return for the fried chicken, hopefully they we'll get it right again ! read more

5 stars for their addicting chicken. I stop by here sometimes when I go to the North Shore just for their chicken. I have a lot of favorite places I go to to get a good fried chicken and Paalaa Kai Market has a one of the best. There is always a short line at the cashier to buy musubis, sushi and of course the chicken. The chicken is nice and crispy on the outside and moist and juicy on the insides. I am not sure on what exactly they season the chicken with but the flavor is addicting. So, you can get their famous friend chicken and then go next door to the Paalaa Kai Bakery and pick up some of their famous puffs. Trust me, it is worth stopping by here. read more

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Reasonably priced snacks to grab before hitting the beach! Loved their kim bap roll and always gotta get their fried chicken. You can also call in big orders of their fried chicken. We were there for less than 5 minutes and saw them restocking all of the hot food so you can rest assured that the food is fresh! The mart also has your usually gas station items(ice,snacks,drinks). Service is fast and friendly. Located to the left of Paalaa Kai bakery(snow puffies). Parking lot is shared with them so it can be busy. Just be patient people are usually in and out. read more

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I stopped by here due to a friend's recommendation. We bought some musubis and chicken. They were delicious. I like to have a handful of easy to eat snacks that are made locally while we're at the beach or just walking around. This place is small but has a good selection of hot food. The girl in the counter was very friendly. Will def come back. read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

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Fried chicken, musubi, bentos, etc. on the way to the North Shore... Driving to Haleiwa from Honolulu, my friends and I stopped at Paalaa Kai Bakery for the famous Snow Puffies (pastry). Since we were there already, we went next door to Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart for the famous Fried Chicken! In the warmers are other local favorites at reasonable prices. I got the KimBop which is like a Korean musubi. It was filled with goodies such as egg, carrots, takuan, and more! It's wrapped in nori (seaweed) and surrounded by a thin layer of rice! I could taste a bit of sesame seed oil... Authentic! After eating a snow puffy, a butter roll, and the kimBop, I was too full to eat the fried chicken... It has crispy skin!!! Ahhh... Next time! Note: free shared parking in the cozy lot (I parked across the street on the grass) and old school atmosphere inside read more

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Perfect stop to/from the beach! Mini mart with hot food. Known for their fried chicken. But premade bentos and musubis also available for purchase. Cold drinks and slush puppies also available. Some mini mart things like prepackaged banchan also available. read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Fried noodles and musubi - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

5 Words... SPAM MUSUBI'S AND FRIED CHICKEN!!! Yes, This Is The Spot For Very Great Amazing Yummy-To-Your-Tummy Spam Musubi's & Fried Chicken... This cute little run-down, still-good convenient store serves-up THE BEST Hawaiian favorite snack and then some... make sure they're open on a day you're visiting. Great spot to pick up snacks and drinks before the beach or island cruising. read more

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Went there to get calamari. I noticed that the young boy just put out chicken skin. I noticed that a fly was landing on the foods. Mind you, they had the covers but instead of using the cover to close it and rubber band or tape it, they put another food on the cover and that other calamari was open and it was the same as the fried chicken. I went to Food Safety and this doesn't look good. I will be making a report and I hope y'all catch this before they pay y'all a visit. Flies lay eggs real fast on food. Be Akamai and cover the foods. I wish I took a picture or video. But Mahalo read more

OMG!!! If you're down in Wailua and hungry, this place is a must! Ono crispy, fried chicken, delicious calamari, and so much more! Either before or after the beach their food hits the spot. And while you're there, stop by Paalaa Bakery for some ono puffies! read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - Crispy fried chicken, musubi and calamari. - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

Hold on to your deep frying oil and chefs hat, because this place is the source of the best fried chicken around. Crispy, tasty, oily and like my favorite local attorney, extra greasy! This mini-mart has the usual chips and drinks, but I think most people come for the cooked foods. Many musubis, noodles, and fried chicken options. 3 pieces with no rice, 2 pieces with rice, 6 pieces in a box, this place has your fried fowl needs covered. This is the pinnacle of fried poultry on the north shore. The parking lot is pretty tight, so please show aloha when pulling in and out and parking. Most people only stay a few minutes at either the store or the bakery, so don't worry if it looks crowded. read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - 3 piece chicken - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

7-22-21 Have previously read Yelp reviews on how ono their chicken and spam musubis are. It's true!!! Decided to pick up dessert from the bakery next door to take for a dinner invite. Perfect chance to check out the mini mart next door. The chicken skin is so crispy and delicious. It's good even eaten straight out of the fridge for snacking while watching tv. The crunch lasts! The spam musubi was good because of the rice to meat ratio plus the sauce it was cooked in was perfect. For some reason the texture reminded me of luncheon meat but very tasty. Good size cuz you don't need to stretch your mouth to bite into and look like an oinker. It easily fits for a bite to savor and enjoy. The next day we picked up 2 spam musubi from a bento place at Pearl Kai. Even though that one had furikake, I enjoyed the one here better. You have to judge for yourself but if you find yourself in Haleiwa, drive a little bit more to Waialua and try the chicken and musubi here. Yum! read more

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart - 7-22-21 yum! Chicken & spam musubi - Convenience Stores Near Me - Waialua, Hawaii

I've been to the bakery next door but somehow never got around to visiting the mini mart until now. When I heard that the fried chicken and other okazuya-style foods were good, that's what I sought out to try. The grab and go food is on the left-hand side as you walk in, and the rest of the store is to the right. Fried chicken - I can see why people like it; the seasoning was on point, and the skin had a nice crunch. Like many fried foods though, it's heavy, so take it easy/be prepared for kanak attack. Japchae - For the most part, everything you'd expect and with the right amount of pepper to add a tiny little kick to break through the sweetness of the noodles. In terms of veggies there were just a few pieces of onion, green onion, and julienned carrots. Kimbap, but a hand roll version - Surprisingly, my favorite item! Really nice balance of veggies (choy sum, carrot, daikon) with egg and some kind of marinated fishcake. With rice and nori all around, of course. Furikake spam musubi - Not sure if I picked a bad one, but this was nothing special for me. There were a lot of other goodies that I didn't get to try, so I'm looking forward to visiting again! read more

We came across this place from a friends recommendation. We've been to North shore but never knew about this place. All I can say is this is definitely a must stop for everyone visiting North Shore for a few reasons: 1. Their food was DA BOMB - first the fried chicken, you get 3 huge pcs and rice for less than $6 and their chicken is better than Popeyes or KFC. It's moist on the inside and the skin is so crispy. Flavor was spot on. Not too salty and not oily. 2. Spicy shrimp musubi - this is a must to eat!! I can eat 2 of these and be so satisfied. It's a very simple dish of fried shrimp tempura with some siracha mayo aioli wrap in rice and nori seaweed. Shrimp was well cooked wasn't dry and every bite is just ONO 3. Kimchi - love it coz it wasn't too fermented and just enough tanginess. Goes so well with the fried Chicken and musubi 4. Spam musubi - it was good but nothing extraordinary. The only thing I wasn't a big fan is they out too much rice. 5. Snow puffies - it's from the bakery next door. It's like the Hawaiian version of cream puffs but what I like about it is the dough is flaky and good amount of the cream filling inside. All I can say is get yourself at least half a dozen. Man, this place is legit. It's right at the corner before you reach Matsumoto shave ice and all the famous food Trucks. If you haven't been to this place you are missing out big time. It's a great meal before going to the beach or after surfing and it doesn't break you wallet. read more

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