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    Puka's

    3.4 (200 reviews)
    ModerateBars, New American, Salad
    Closed 1:00 pm - 8:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Puka's Photos

    PUKA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Puka's

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    This is the server with her back towards us ignoring us and socializing and eating with her friends!
    Dae Dae M.

    Puka's was a place where I used to go for pau Hana with my friends. It was also a cool spot with the friendliest staff! Today is January 6, 2024 I went in with my friend at 3:30pm! When I came in we weren't greeted as we usually were accustomed to! The young woman server made it seem like it was a problem for us to be in there! She said you order from the bar with the most privileged dirty attitude! We wanted to order food and she said all we have is wings and burgers, so then I said that's fine can we get wings and burgers, she rolled her eyes at us and walked away! We weren't offered any water or anything! She continued to talk to her 2 friends that were at the bar and laugh and just socialize! When she finally brought the food out I asked for water and plates and she rolled her eyes again! Finally when she brought out the plates and water I kept saying thank you , and she didn't respond ! Very rude attitude ~ she didn't check up on us if we needed anything and didn't bother to check if we needed water refills! Frankly we could've left without paying and she still wouldn't have noticed! She continued on with her friends and was even eating wings ignoring everyone! She disappeared to the back and I had to cash out with the cook! This type of service is going to ruin your restaurant! This server should be fired! There is no aloha spirit when she is working! And because I'm in the service industry I still tipped! Everyone has to work to eat right? I will never come back to this place anymore! The ambiance just got ruined for me! A Japanese couple came in confused and she ignored them and they left, and 2 women that ordered beers from the bar she rolled her eyes at them! This is a picture of the back of her head just socializing and eating with her friends at the bar! Absolutely disgusting attitude can really mess up your business!

    Menu
    Mika Y.

    We stopped by to eat some pupus and have drinks. It was Tuesday so they had tacos & draft for $13. Drafts are around $7 and tacos are $11 ($14 for fish tacos) so $13 is a good deal. My husband and I shared Kalua Tacos, chicken wings, and chicken strips & fries. All tasted pretty good. There are so many beer choices. Around 15 beers. There are counter type seatings and few tables inside. I like the counter seat where I can look outside. Not sure what days but they had trivia night. We didn't play but sounded fun. We went there around 5pm so it wasn't crowded yet. But when we were leaving around 6pm, most of the seats were occupied.

    Happy Hour
    Cody Z.

    CODY stopped by on a week night CODY ordered cauliflower nachos and a beer CODY food was tasty and amply portioned CODY bartender was friendly and helpful CODY bar area was clean and inviting CODY will return to order other menu items

    Beyond Burger
    Liz W.

    It's been over a year since I've been here. Order at the counter, pay and pickup your own food at the counter cafeteria style. So glad this place is still open. The cauliflower nachos were on point (larger pieces of cauliflower- needed to cut them in half). I tried the Beyond Burger. Served the same as the Pub Burger. And to me, tastes just as good. We were told the cheddar cheese is vegan, which I wouldn't have guessed except for the fact it didn't melt even after being under the salamander. The flavor isn't the same as real cheddar but when mixed with the brioche bun, patty, veg and spread it's literally still so delicious.

    Traditional chicken wings with assorted veggies.
    Rae S.

    Bf and I came here for dinner tonight. We ordered the salmon salad, cauliflower nachos, chicken wings, and $3 Heineken beer. All the food was very yummy and delicious. The prices can't be beat. $3 beers (Heineken, longboard, Sapporo) on Sundays. My salmon salad had a good piece of salmon on a piece of green beans, sauteed tiny potatoes, hard boiled egg, mixed greens with kalamata olives, tomatoes, tossed with balsamic vinegar for $12. The salad was very fresh. The dressing with the kalamata olives were perfect. Plus the moist grilled salmon on a bed of green beans. Dozen traditional tossed organic chicken wings for $13. The chicken was very crispy and juicy. Awesome cauliflower nachos topped with avocado crema $12. Highly recommend. The flavor together were sooo Ono. Everything was very tasty, fresh and made to order. Plus the NFL game playing. Good to be in a non crowded AC restaurant. The staff were all very nice and helpful. We definitely will be back!

    Proof lol after I wrote my review took 5 mins 2/15/19
    Nanea L.

    The takeout at this place is horrible I ordered here twice just a burger and fries nothing crazy, asked for the quoted time I should strive, waited that time to come, and I still had to wait 15 minutes for my order after I had arrived to their establishment. I called another time wanted to get cauliflower nachos 30 minutes before closing and they told me that their kitchen was closed. WTF, that's terrible customer service. There is nothing worse then a lazy kitchen and that's their primary job. I could see if I called 5 minutes before closing, but 30 fkn minutes. C'mon! I'm not even going to try and eat inside because if this is how the takeout is then I can only imagine how the service is inside. It isn't even worth trying to find parking either This is unacceptable customer service and I hope they do better or train their employees better because that's complete bullsh*t! Don't go here, not worth your time they don't care about their customers.

    Fish and pork tacos
    Kai P.

    We ate outside right in front of the establishment because we had a stroller and inside is very small with high top chairs. It was nice out with live music. We ordered the fish and pork tacos! The pork taco was nice and juicy!! Fish taco was okay.. We also got the cauliflower nachos. It was nice and crispy. The topping and sauce brought the dish to life. Overall, a fair experience.

    Lily D.

    Hmm Here's another review on behalf of my pooches! I came here to order off the dog menu since I wandered past this store one day and noticed a menu with a huge dog face on it. They offer either bacon, hamburger or hot dog and it's all under $5 each item. I opted for the 2 hamburgers for $5 and it was hot off the grill in 15 mins! The set up is kinda confusing. I was actually looking for a register so I just walked through the entire restaurant. It looks like you can just seat yourself but a kind man helped me and gave me a lunch menu. I kindly refused it and asked for the dog menu. Lol. It also looked like they had daily specials on the board behind the bar. I asked how do people order if they have their dog and there is no dogs allowed signs everywhere?! They said it was ok if you're just coming in to place a order but I guess people take advantage. However, you could totally enjoy the outdoor seating with your pup. It was still nice and hot when I got home and my pooches scarfed them up! I honestly could probably make it myself but what a nice treat for them to have. I'll probably go back again and try human items. Lol

    BeerLabHI Cocomansi
    Margarita B.

    We stopped by on Labor Day to have a few tasters after shopping at some shops at Kahala Mall. They have a nice selection of craft beers and it was nice to sit at the bar and enjoy them. We had a challenge finding parking at the mall on a holiday, so I'm sure this place gets quite busy at Happy Hour during the week. However, if you're in the area and not in a rush, this is a great spot to meet friends for drinks and pupus.

    Menu
    Michael C.

    setting the bar high? I stopped here last week (for the first time) after watching a movie at the Kahala Theatres. The wait time at our first choice was unspeakably long and bordering on unacceptable. We decided to grab a drink here while we contemplated dinner.....and actually just ended up grabbing drinks AND food at Puka's. LOCATION/SETTING: Whole Foods at Kahala Mall. Ample parking available at the mall. For those of your familiar with the mall, Puka's now occupies the former Cinnabon space. And to be brutally honest, its not that big. Seating is regulated to the bar, a communal table in the center (main area), and tables placed along the corridor that connects Puka's to the main Whole Foods store. NOTE: Happy hour is Monday to Friday, 400-600pm. Select wines $6, select IPA draft beer $5, and one small plate (Roasted Brussells Sprouts) $5. There is a daily weekday special that includes an entree and beer; specials differ from day to day. FOOD/DRINKS: Unfortunately, happy hour had lapsed by the time we sat at the bar at about 745pm (the bar closes at 9pm). Food selections include sushi, small plates, salads, fish and chips, and two types of burgers. To quench one's "thirst", the choices are beer, wine, and signature cocktails. I ordered a Kahala Mule (no doubt their version of a Moscow Mule), and my dining companion and I shared the Salmon Avocado Roll, the Spicy Crab Meat California Roll (two orders), and the Charred Green Chile Guac & Cabo Chips. The food is just ok IMO. If I was forced to chose a "favorite", I would say I liked the California Roll the most. SERVICE: Satisfactory. We sat at the bar, and I felt the bartender attended to us in a timely manner. No complaints. BOTTOM LINE: If you need a break from shopping, or just need a drink, drop by Puka's. Its too bad there aren't more food choices on the menu.

    Fish and chips with truffle fries, cauliflower nachos, and salmon Cobb salad.
    Kayla T.

    Located inside of whole food with the option to dine in or sit outside. With the crazy case counts for Covid recently they make it easy to feel safer with outdoor seating. There is a security guard who stands in the entrance of the outdoor seating to check for vaccinations. When going inside to order we were quickly greeted and introduced to the menu. They have plenty of tap beers to choose from, and they are so knowledgeable about each beer. We tried the celebration beer which was a darker tap beer but so tasty with our pupus. We ordered the fish and chips with truffle fries (my favorite was the truffle fries), cauliflower nachos, and the salmon Cobb salad. I was so surprised at the variety in the Cobb salad which ranged from green beans, sunchokes, and garlic! I also really loved how soft the fish was with the fish and chips and the truffle fries is a MUST. I would definitely come back here to try some of the different items and take advantage of the great seating and service.

    Fish tacos

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    9 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    We’re happy to hear that, Mika! Please stop by anytime.

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

    They have bed bugs. Stay away from this place. Went there on Monday and my arm got destroyed by bed bug bites. Never going back again.

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    5 years ago

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    Page 1 of 5

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    Ask the Community - Puka's

    Can YOu Tip?

    Yes. Their systems broke like 6 months ago and management hasn't fixed it. They can only take cash tips for now. Hard to believe Whole Foods and amazon can't fix it but I always bring $10 cash to tip.

    Are you able to buy drinks from puka's or whole foods and drink it outside?

    I apologize for the delayed answer. If you purchase drinks from the outside Puka bar you can drink outside in a specified area. However, you cannot buy drinks in the store and take them outside. Thank you!

    View All 3 Questions

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    Vintage Books - Flight of tacos (@miguelmoralesphotography on Instagram)

    Vintage Books

    4.4(174 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$$
    Gluten-free friendly
    Romantic vibe

    What a great little place...and very tricky. The entrance was interesting and I thought it was so…read moresmall when we entered, but behind the closed door a very different space! The hostess was so sweet! This was my first time. My Hawaii posse was already there. We had a great table for all of us. Our server was very good! She checked on us without being intrusive which is perfect for a "speakeasy." Loved my old fashion! The food was delicious too! I know we got the karaage chicken which was nice and crispy. The lamb ribs were very good. But I was not ordering the food, it just came out...LOL! There were a number of people there on a Sunday evening. We spoke to the manager and he explained the concept and what they were doing which is really good for the area. Kaimuki is really becoming a cool destination for food and drinks. Looking forward to coming back. Reservations are highly recommended. Mahalo Vintage!

    I really wanted to like this place, but I was disappointed on my first visit for dinner with a…read moregroup of friends. The moody speakeasy vibe was cool and our server was friendly, but the problem is nothing on the menu is very appealing or affordable. I decided to gamble on the 3 taco flight. Mexican food in Hawaii is always a gamble, but these were the worst tacos I've ever had in my life. They were comically small and, unfortunately, quite disgusting. Especially the tortilla, which was made from ulu and tasted like oily construction paper. The presentation was pretty underwhelming as well and did not include any salsa or hot sauce. When asked, the server offered Tabasco. Really?! But the real crime was the $27 price tag. We're all used to Hawaii prices, but come on. How can you charge NINE DOLLARS per tiny taco with a straight face? The drinks I had were ok, but nothing super memorable. Loved the vibe and I could see this place really popping off if they overhauled the menu. Until then, it's a pass for me.

    Photos
    Vintage Books - Bar & lounge

    Bar & lounge

    Vintage Books - Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako

    Flight of three tacos: kalua pig, suadero, and tako

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    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    430 Pkwy Cocktail Lounge

    4.5(48 reviews)
    4.1 miAla Moana

    I went here for my birthday and didn't realize I should've made a reservation for a larger group,…read moreespecially since it was my first time. Thankfully, Michael and his team were able to accommodate us, which I really appreciated. From the moment we walked in, the place had a great vibe, the interior is beautiful. Throughout the night, the staff and Michael (the owner) were incredibly welcoming, funny and attentive. The cocktails were amazing. I had the expressing my love all night and even though the place was busy and there was a bit of a wait for food, it was honestly worth it. We had the crab dynamite, the ahi brioche, and the prosciutto and burrata. SO GOOD! My friends and I had such a great time and will definitely be back.

    Some places you find, others you have to earn, and 430 Parkway is one you'd miss if you weren't…read morelooking for it. Tucked on the second floor of a Piikoi Parkway building, it feels like stepping back in time, a true bespoke bar with vintage art, moody lighting, and comfy couches that make it perfect for couples or a night out with friends. We sat at the bar, which was a highlight, Michael and Tony were welcoming, easy to talk story with, and clearly know their craft. I went with the Barreled Old Man, a smooth, layered mix of bourbon, rye, and brandy that just worked, while my wife's Sesame Veil brought a nutty, balanced flavor that stood out. For round two, the Espressing My Love was a great take on an espresso martini, and Michael built my wife a custom drink off her favorite flavors and nailed it again. We paired it with the smoked mozzarella and salami grilled cheese and Ho Farms tomato soup, and this is where it really hit. The sandwich came out hot and crisp, and when you took a bite the cheese pulled away just right, that perfect melt, with the salami adding a savory kick. The tomato soup was fresh, bright, and made for dipping you didn't want to stop. We were welcomed with a table that had our name on it, a small touch that goes a long way. Prices are on point for the quality and experience you're getting. It's a bit of a hidden, hip spot, not for a quick drink but for when you want to sit, relax, and enjoy it. Parking is tight, but you can park at Ala Moana and walk over, and it's worth it. Next time we're coming back for Grandma's Old Fashioned and the pork belly bao buns. This isn't a bar you stumble into, it's one you come back to.

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    SPRING COCKTAIL MENU

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    Puka's - bars - Updated May 2026

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