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    Taco Rice Hawaii

    4.6 (43 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Order Taco Rice Hawaii Takeout or Delivery

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    TACO RICE HAWAII ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Taco Rice Hawaii

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    Cute decor and condiment section
    Irene M.

    Haisai... I never knew that Taco Rice was a Okinawan thing and later came to understand it and fully embraced it but as I wanted to visit some biz for the AAPI Month what better reason than that to show some love. Though they seem to be closed only on Mondays the few times I did try to visit they were closed only time listed that it was open which is quite disappointing and wished they advised days that they would close for a heads up but finally the time had arrived and here I am and what a cute and cozy spot. As they're located right on busy Kalakaua near South King Street area it can be nerve racking but they do have parking in the back with the entrance right beside the restaurant. As you enter it's basically just a service counter and shelf for condiments a small spot no seating but very easy to order as you just choose your size and protein and comes with the basic (lettuce, cheese and tomatoes) with a list of toppings for additional price which as that wouldn't make it for me lol...so I added corn, jalapenos and olives...yum! What they also had to make a complete feast is their Shikuwasa Honey drink a refreshing drink you can enjoy as water or soda is what i did and the gentle tangy of the Shikuwasa which paired perfectly with my Taco Rice and though the plate comes with sour cream and salsa (which is mild) the staff suggested some hot sauce to top it off which is nice that they have a huge variety to choose from so it was Valentina and Cholula for me which really elevated it further. Loved it as it was nice and hearty along with fresh toppings made it a perfect combination for a yummy Okinawan bite. Thank you!

    Jess V.

    The Taco Rice was such a taste of home reminiscing back on our Oki days. My husband put me onto taco rice when I used to visit him out in Okinawa - we're so grateful to have this amazing local spot to enjoy this delicious dish!! Service was incredible and the outdoor seating was perfect. Cannot wait to return!

    Outside
    Nadine C.

    Lunch in Honolulu, Hawaii... I saw "Taco Rice" and wondered what it was. I thought: "I should try it, even though it sounds a bit weird, but you never know..." It's supposed to be Okinawan comfort food... I've never heard of it before... Let's go... First of all, there's a small, free parking lot behind the building. Look for the sign on the wall and drive carefully through the narrow driveway. Taco Rice Hawaii is where Do-Ne used to be. It's now a cozy takeout place with friendly, helpful staff. One guy said that Taco Rice is like a Chipotle... hmmm... I think it's more like a taco salad on a bed of rice. Another guy pointed out the bottles of hot sauces. Ummm... I'll pass! It had enough kick to me! I selected the Combo Meal because it included a canned drink and tater tots! It seemed like a good deal for just $3.29 more! I chose beef instead of Tofu and rice instead of salad. It came with a side of housemade salsa and sour cream. It was great with shredded cheese topping, fresh lettuce, and cherry tomatoes! I was gonna take my meal into the movie theater, but ended up parking on the side of a road and gobbling it all up! Haha! It might have been too messy in the dark...

    Hours
    Harlan K.

    Happy Taco Tuesday! Trying out Taco Rice Hawaii at 1614 Kakalaua Avenue. Taco Rice is a beloved Okinawan comfort food created to satisfy the American military personnel with a food they were familiar with and affordable. There is now a shop near Palama Market that just makes this dish. I got the standard ground beef version as well as a tofu one for Monster. Both were delicious and I upgraded to the combo that also comes with tater tots and a drink. There are many add-ons that you can customize it and don't forget to check out their hot sauce selection. There are containers for you the add the sauces to take home. No real space to dine in, but there is a lot of parking in the rear of this shop. Enter the alleyway that is just past the restaurant and be careful, it's a one lane in and out. The gentleman behind the counter was very helpful being that it was the first time being there and even hinting that they may bring chicken as an option.

    Outside
    Yasneen M.

    A little expensive for what it is but it tasted good! Took a little bit of time to receive our order which is okay because that means it's fresh. I would go again and try some of the customization options they offered.

    Patrick H.

    Taco Rice Hawaii is one of those places that instantly feels like home. Serving up the Okinawan/TexMex fusion staple "Taco Rice" the plates are a heaping portion of nostalgia. The dish is simply, white rice topped with taco spiced ground beef (tofu option is available), shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped tomato, salsa and sour cream. Multiple add-ons are available. The space is quaint and charming. The beef is perfectly seasoned and delicious. Counter service only with a walk up window option as well. Fast, friendly and efficient! Located on the section of Kalakaua NOT in Waikiki...they have ample parking behind the shop. This is great comfort food at a very affordable price. Highly recommended!

    Shari T.

    NEW HAWAII OKINAWAN OWNED RESTAURANT ALERT: Taco Rice Hawaii! Taco Rice Hawaii opened up recently at 1614 Kalakaua Avenue (at the old Do-ne location). Nick, the owner, grew up eating this Okinawan comfort food and wanted to open a restaurant that could introduce his favorite small kid time meal to folks in Hawaii. WHAT IS TACO RICE? Taco Rice is a super popular fusion dish created in Okinawa in the 1980s that has Tex-Mex taco fillings (seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, salsa) on rice. Obviously, this dish was influenced by the presence of the U.S. military but has become a staple for locals in Okinawa. I'm surprised at how many Hawaii Okinawans have never heard of or tried Okinawan Taco Rice. Here's your chance! REVIEW: Nick's version is done right and he saves you from having to fly to Okinawa. He prepares his own seasonings for the ground beef and makes his own salsa. I appreciate these kinds of details. You can go with the "classic" Taco Rice or add on extra toppings like cilantro, avocado, boiled egg, Doritos, jalapenos, etc. I'm all about texture, so I'm glad there is an option to add in Doritos for cheesy crunch! Would like to have other chip options like Fritos and Tortilla strips in future. I'm impressed that the focus of this business is Okinawan Taco Rice and that they are constantly striving to perfect the dish. This is the only Okinawan-owned restaurant making Taco Rice on Oahu since Ethel's Grill has shut their doors. The other versions around (Izakaya Naru, Kotetsu Chaya, Minatoku Kitchen, and Joy Cup Noodle Mean) are Japanese. All are pretty good (Naru's version is in a Korean hot stone bowl) but I'm glad we have another option on Oahu! Marina, the other owner (and Nick's wife), is currently working on Vegetarian and Vegan versions of their Taco Rice. The menu is limited for now but will expand in the future. Follow them on IG for updates: https://www.instagram.com/tacoricehawaii/ IMPORTANT INFO: This location is not in Waikiki, but closer to Don Quijote side of Kalakaua. There is parking located in the back. They are take out only. Hours are currently Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 2:30 pm. Phone: (808) 992-2992 Btw, Nick has roots in Ginowan, Naha, and Okinawa City.

    Taco rice with Doritos, boiled egg, salsa, sour cream and tatotots.
    Lori F.

    I came across this place on instagram and decided to try for lunch. There hours at 1130-230; then 530-7. Parking is easily located in the back, soon after the restaurant on Kalakaua Avenue. Place is very clean and the owner and his worker are very nice. This will be my go to place for Okinawan soul food reasonably priced. I would go definitely return.

    Menu as of May 14, 2026
    Cherish N.

    Super friendly & quick service, with ample parking in the back. The taco rice is really good & authentic, but the shikuwasa honey beverage is REALLY good. And I love how customizable a bowl can get! The interior is small, but well-kept and enough space to wait for your food and add any hot sauces. Highly recommend phone or in-person ordering to save on fees.

    Damian M.

    This new restaurant highlighs fusion comfort food created in Okinawa. The food is exactly what they advertise, and it's delicious! They offer plenty of add ons like jalapenos and free hot sauce, and even plan on adding meat alternatives to the menu. To add, the owners are very friendly and their service was quick!

    Dan A.

    Taco Rice Hawaii has their soft opening start this Tuesday.16.December.2025. Situated on Kalakaua Avenue, directly across from Palama Market. Tiny space with an ordering window. Beef Taco Rice is the only item offered for now. Taco ( lightly ) seasoned ground beef over rice and topped with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a shredded cheese blend. Taco rice is an Okinawan/Tex-Mex fusion. Thankfully, they do not add dashi to their taco rice recipe. Order was received within five minutes. Good for $12. It also comes with a mild salsa and sour cream. Customer can add avocado or jalapenos for an extra $1 to $.50. Open daily from 1100a till 700p, except for Sundays when they are closed. Parking is in the back...drive thru the alleyway that leads to a small lot. A signboard is just in front of the entrance/exit.

    Beef Taco Rice
    Lauren H.

    Very cool learning the story of taco rice in Okinawa. We had great service and loved our food. It's like white people taco bowl night! Husband had of bowl and I had tofu bowl, added crushed Doritos on top- delicious!

    Regular Taco Rice
    Daryle W.

    The regular taco rice was amazing. We will definitely be back for more. Be careful of the green hot sauce, crazy hot if you have not had it before.

    beef taco rice

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    12 days ago

    Great food, vegan option was very flavorful; friendly and fast service! Will be returning soon.

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    6 months ago

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    6 months ago

    Simplicity acts its best. Rice, meat, cheese and all your other taco additions make up a simple but underrated lunch.

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    4 months ago

    Great food, low price, awesome value and friendly staff. Good location and plenty parking.

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    6 months ago

    The location is very convenient and ample parking. Food was very tasty, at reasonable prices and the owners are very friendly!

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    7 months ago

    He was so kind and the food was amazing ! They also have parking in the back available :)

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    Ask the Community - Taco Rice Hawaii

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    Aloha Mamacita

    Aloha Mamacita

    3.8
    (630 reviews)
    1.7 mi
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    I ordered the $26 birria set and I was really hesitant because that is so expensive for 3 birria…read moretacos When I opened the box I wanted to throw up because I was fucking so sick to my stomach at what I saw Three LITTLE ASS fucking tacos look like Jack n the box mini tacos and stale and crunchy shells which I assume used to be soft corn tortillas that are just old It's over $26 after tax that's $8.66 per little ass taco I gave three stars because I honestly feel bad for them tho idk how they are paying rent at restaurant row and selling enough of this to break even And the birria is actually ok but it really should at least come with beans and rice for $25 or sell it for $15 at the very most realistically should be like $8 but I know it's Hawai'i but come on holy fucking hell

    We came in excited to try Lushly Margaritas and support an Asian-owned business, and we really…read moreappreciate the effort and concept. However, the margaritas felt a bit too light and mostly tasted like melted ice, which was a little disappointing. The food was okay overall, but there's definitely room to improve consistency and quality across the menu. We truly love supporting local spots, and hope they can fine-tune the drinks and food so the experience matches the great idea behind the business. Wishing them growth and better consistency moving forward.

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    Thyda's Tacos

    Thyda's Tacos

    4.7
    (540 reviews)
    1.0 mi
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    About a month ago I walked by a man eating a burrito at the beach and I couldn't help noticing that…read morethe tortilla looked better than any other I'd seen in Hawaii. I believe that Mexican food is only as good as the tortilla, so I asked him where he got it and he said "Thyda's - bro you have to go!" Well, today I finally went and let me tell you - that random beach man was absolutely right! I got the carnitas burrito and it was simply perfect. At $12, I'd say it was reasonably priced too. Service was fast and Thyda and Magid - the husband and wife owners - were so friendly and chill. You can tell they take a lot of pride in what they do and love whipping up great food with a great attitude. They talked to us while we ate and shared a little of their 10 year taco stand journey. I wasn't surprised to learn they spent years in LA. The food definitely holds up to LA standards. Head's up - there's no tables and not much seating or parking. We ate on a small step near where you order. Also note that they have Taco Tuesday deals. Can't believe I've been missing out on this place for so long and I can't wait to go back! Check it out

    I ordered the asada taco and asada mulita. I much preferred the mulita and would get it again. It…read morewas my first time having one. I also got the horchata. Service was nice. They have sauces out to pack with your food. I didn't see any tables to sit, but it's in the ward village area so easy to walk somewhere to sit and eat.

    Photos
    Taco Tuesday!
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    Sauces. Orange: very hot. Red: hot. Green: mild.
    Sauces. Orange: very hot. Red: hot. Green: mild.
    August 2025: $12 carnitas burrito. Delicious

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    Taqueria El Ranchero

    Taqueria El Ranchero

    4.0
    (2.4k reviews)
    18.5 mi
    $$

    My foodie friends wanted to make sure we stopped here on our food adventure. I always love coming…read morehere because the Mexican food is pretty good! But what I didn't know was that they don't have a happy hour...they have a HAPPY DAY!!!!! 10-6 PM! So even though we were not really hungry cause we just had lunch, we ordered some crispy tacos...which are four minis. The day was getting happier and happier! The bartender was great! Friendly and attentive! And it still has the same great vibe to just relax and enjoy! Gracias and Mahalo El Ranchero!

    The food at Taqueria El Ranchero is still very good, and the prices are reasonable. I had the wet…read moreseafood burrito with shrimp, and as usual, it had an impressive amount of shrimp in it. Flavor was solid, portion was generous, and the food itself is the main reason I keep coming back. The ambiance is chill and local. Most of the afternoon crowd seemed to know each other, which gives the place a comfortable neighborhood feel. That said, the inside is a little dingy and could probably use a renovation. The issue on this visit was the service. When we got there, it was pretty empty, maybe 4 or 5 people sitting at the bar. The guy working behind the bar seated us, but then never brought menus, never brought water, and never came back to take our order. When my friend tried waving him down, he ignored us. Eventually another employee came in, and the bartender just told him, "Go take his order," without acknowledging us at all. I don't know if he was only working the bar that day, but he could have at least brought water, menus, or simply said someone would be right with us. Instead, the whole interaction came across as dismissive and unnecessary. Food was very good as always, but service matters too. Based on this visit, I'd call it 3 stars overall.

    Photos
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    WATERMELON SANGRIAS
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    SEAFOOD WET BURRITO

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    Taco Rice Hawaii - japanese - Updated August 2026

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