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    Waikane Store

    4.9 (292 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    WAIKANE STORE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Waikane Store

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    Outside - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Kyle W.

    A very unassuming shop with a modest interior and exterior, very easy to pass by if you go too fast driving. Inside, you don't even know they serve one of the best crispy chicken (mochiko chicken) and solid maki (the roll was tuna, carrot, and egg) since there is no menu in sight and the store is like a general store. The mochiko chicken itself was about $10 and the maki was $8, offering a pretty good value snack. The chicken is so flavorful and juicy, with the right amount of sweet and savory, and the flour is just the right amount. We wanted to get seconds but we went on quite a food tour hitting 6 different spots so we were absolutely stuffed. The maki is good but I found it a bit too vinegary. Make sure to bring paper plates as the wrapper is a bit flimsy and you'll want to eat it fresh. They give a good amount of tuna and egg and it was still a pretty solid roll even though it doesn't really align to my taste preferences. Definitely ask and order the mochiko chicken!!

    Tha chicken
    Reid E.

    Great chicken! Super friendly service! Definitely recommend coming to see them for some chicken.

    Outside store
    Ross T.

    We was visiting a friend and heard about this local run store that served Michiko chicken & Hawaiian Style local Maki sushi, surviving 3 generations local family, decided to check it out. I passed the store many times throughout my life, but it always looked like it was closed and never notice any cars or anyone around. It brings me back to my younger days when there was no large chain supermarket that were available near the community, and there was a lot of mom & pop stores selling candies, bread, milk. Eggs and can goods and kerosene your little local community store where everyone meet and talk story with the owners and fellow community families. Yes! While there the owner was a friendly lady that was very enjoyable talking with and even though it wasn't the type of modern store of today the nostalgia cannot be ignored. Off road parking in front the store and store if there is more than 3-4 customers it would be crowded.

    Rachel K.

    We bookmarked Waikane Store after seeing the reviews on Yelp and a video from Amanda and Felix Eats. As soon as we learned about this little hidden gem we knew we had to try it. We even made a special trip to this side of the island just to catch them while they were open. You could easily pass them right by if you weren't looking for them, but they did have a couple pop up flags by the road to attract attention, one said "Fried Chicken" while the other signaled "now open". The parking lot is less of an actual parking lot and more of a driveway, but it creates an easy spot to pull off and stop in, if it's already full you should be able to park off the street within walking distance. The shop itself is VERY small. You can probably only fit 2-3 people at a time with room to look around. This spot is the definition of a small hole in the wall spot, but there's a reason it's been around since 1898! We were greeted kindly by the owner and she was pleased to hear that we already knew about the mochiko chicken and maki. The chicken is sold by weight and the maki is sold by the roll. They also have little snacks, drinks, and even board wax available. We ended up each getting a container of chicken and I got a roll for later. We ended up devouring the chicken at the car. It was amazing, so flavorful and the rice flour coating made it both crunchy and chewy with the perfect seasoning. My husband ended up going back in to buy more chicken and we ended up getting some fresh from being fried, it was HOT and even juicier than the first batch. If we could have brought it home with us we would have bought even more, it was that good. This will definitely be something we crave going forward and will be a must visit spot anytime we visit this island. A very small business, but it has big flavor and great customer service.

    Maxine P.

    Drove a few extra miles to this little hole in the wall because of reviews on Yelp. First of all you pull up and you are not sure if they are open. Looks like the little store has had better days on the inside and outside. That being said a friendly older woman takes our very basic order of chicken and cooked tuna roll which the two of us are sharing. There is no where to sit inside so we walk to a closed fruit stand with a roof to get out of rain to eat. The chicken was amazingly moist. My friend wondered how she could prepare it that way. Very Ono. The sushi roll was good and large. Although I wish there was soy sauce available. We were happy and satisfied. Visiting here felt like visiting a grandmother's house that unorganized yet well prepared very tasty food.

    Mikey H.

    I can't remember where I had read about Waikane Store, but I had just pau Kailua beach and needed lunch. Google mapped it and there it was, on the side of Kamehameha Hwy. Look for the bright chicken flag! Parking is a little limited, but most people who stop, get their goods and go. When you walk in, it is a store. It's been around forever! My first thought was, "there's food here?" But a friendly hello and I just asked for the fried chicken and maki sushi. This is made old school style, tuna, egg, and carrots, wrapped in delicious sushi rice and nori. The wax paper wrapping reminded me of when my mom use to make it. Soooooooo ONOOOOO! The mom and son who run the store are so sweet and kind. They were selling a special soy sauce and gave me some chicken and maki to sample. It's really good and I should've bought a bottle. The chicken is simple; dusted in flour and pan fried. Some parts might come out a little charred, but I happen to like it. I did come back one more time to try the portuguese sausage maki, which is grilled and served with a light spread of Chinese hot mustard. Soooooo goooooood! I belong to this FB foodie group and posted my first visit. They were so appreciative, Alden gave me a Spam musubi on the house. They make it with fried Spam and sushi rice. I can't get it like this on the mainland! They do it right! If you are in the area, and need snacks or a soda, definitely stop by and pick up food to go! You won't be sorry! Mahalo Alden and Aunty!

    Old school maki roll! Yum!
    Gerald P.

    Update: after our last visit , a year ago! Lunch time & had to stop for aunty's mochiko chicken & maki sushi roll. Parking was filled , but we did manage to get a spot . Store was packed with customers& the store was packed with mostly things from the way past everywhere. The mom / son team was busy in the kitchen friendly to all their customers& filling their orders! The mochiko chicken is fried to a crispy burn in some areas & so '' Ono'' tasty & delicious. Aunty says the rice in the sushi is imported from Japan& the sushi is the kine Old school Maki sushi! Happy that Waikane Store is still open after over 125 years. & that Mom & Son are great proprietors! Looking forward to going more often!

    Mochiko chicken and spam musubi
    Alfred S.

    So it's a little drive to get here specially if you're staying in any of the tourist areas. It's a very small market with barely standing room inside. Not much room to park in front either. It's a mom and son operation but they are very friendly and very nice. The mochiko chicken is totally worth the drive. It's juicy, flavorful, and so Ono. If you have the time to cruise up for a quick grab and go meal definitely check them out!

    2. Chicken
    Stephanie N.

    When you walk in you instantly feel home. The ambiance of friendly service, the aunty is so sweet and the owner gets happy to see new business coming in especially through social media! The chicken is soo good and juicy. Hands down the best chicken I've ever had. Every time I'm on the east side I will make it a point to visit the waikane store, and I hope everyone does as well - local and/or tourists, everyone must all go!

    Craig T.

    Today I had a celebration of life @ Kualoa Ranch so I decided stop at Waikane Store . Many years ago I use to stopped by for their chicken and sushi. This small Ma and pop store is located right after crossing the Waikane bridge heading Northbound on Kam Hwy. it's a small store so it's easy to miss. Today i ordered their Maki sushi and their Portuguese Maki. It was very good and customer service is always pleasant. Support local

    Inside
    Kim B.

    It's a cute little store. I stop to get chicken and that's all I get. I haven't tried their sushi and I'm sure it's awesome. Run like a true mom and pop store it's easy to miss if you're speeding so slow down. It's a small store but over 100 years old and I'm sure providing the same awesome service. The chicken is tasty and I always enjoyed it. The people there are friendly and hard working. So if I'm ever passing Kualoa Ranch, this is a pit stop before the shrimp shacks!!

    The best chicken I've ever had ... found this place and saw the reviews were amazing so decided to give it a try and was SO happy we did. A must stop!

    sushi and chicken
    Emily P.

    This store is such a good representation of home. Very small and unassuming, with the sweetest aunty and her son who run the place. The chicken is packed tight in the paper boat and saran wrapped, and the sushi made with hokkaido rice rolled into a paper wrapping. Those are the main 2 things this store offers, and they do those two things exceptionally well. Aunty knows the regulars and is very excited to meet new customers.

    Fudge rack looking sweet!

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    Photo of Thao N.
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    1 month ago

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    Photo of Alden T.

    Alden T.

    Mahaloooo!!

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    Photo of Ada H.
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    2 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you so much for trying us out!!!

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    3 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you!!!!! Thank you!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!

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    3 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Oh my goodness! Thank you!!!

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    Photo of Reid E.
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    17 days ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalo nui loa!!

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    5 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you.

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    7 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Awwww thank you!! Thank you!!!

    Helpful 7
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    6 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalo!

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    Photo of Doug T.
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    2 months ago

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    Photo of Alden T.

    Alden T.

    Mahaloooo!!!

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    10 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you so much for your kindness.

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    9 months ago

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    Alden T.

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    6 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Ho my goodness!! Thank you so much!!

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    1 year ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you a million!!

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    1 year ago

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    Alden T.

    Holy cowwwww!!! Mahalo!!

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    1 year ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you!

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    1 month ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalo nui loa!!!

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    10 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalo nui loa !!

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    11 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Woooow! Thank you!!!

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    Photo of Kayla C.
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    2 months ago

    Driving by and decided to stop. This food is amazing! Will definitely come back if we find ourselves on this island again

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    Alden T.

    Thank you!!!

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    1 month ago

    Friendliest Mom & Pop store you will ever find! AND the BEST hand-rolled sushi & mochiko chicken.

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    Alden T.

    Mahalo nui loa!!!!

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    2 years ago

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    Alden T.

    Awww thank you sooo much!! Hope to see you soon!!!

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    1 year ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalooooo!!! Thank you for the visit!!!

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    6 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalo nui!!

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    1 year ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you!

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    9 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you!!

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    10 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Maaan!! I thank you so much!!

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    4 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalooooo!!

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    10 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you soooo much!!

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    1 year ago

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    Alden T.

    Awwww thank you!! We appreciate it so much!!

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    4 months ago

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    Alden T.

    We are so flattered. We thank you. We sincerely thank you.

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    1 year ago

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    Alden T.

    Awwww thank you sooooo much!

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    2 years ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you!!!! Thank you!!!!

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    1 year ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahaloooo!!!

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    9 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Woooow!! Thank you!!!!!

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    6 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalo piha!!!!

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    2 years ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you for stopping by!

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    2 years ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalooo!!

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    7 months ago

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    Alden T.

    Mahalo iaoe!!

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    2 years ago

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    Alden T.

    Thank you for visiting!!

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    4 months ago

    If you're in the mood for good mochiko chicken and maki sushi, make a stop here on the way to or from the country. Supa ono!!

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    Alden T.

    Mahaloooo!!

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    Ask the Community - Waikane Store

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    4.6(304 reviews)
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    Amazing amazing amazing! Service was amazing and everything ran so smoothly. The ambiance is calm,…read morecozy, and intimate as you're sitting at the chef's bar. The food -- amazing. The soup pairing just makes sense and this is such a comforting meal for me since I LOVE sushi and miss Japan.

    The five star rating is two fold. First is that the food was absolutely delicious. The food…read morequality and portions were perfect. The fish was fresh and flavorful. And how do I know that it's fresh? Because as we were at the restaurant, deliveries were being delivered nonstop. My kids devoured the salmon bowl with the salmon roe. My 8 year old's bowl was wiped clean. My 7 year old had only 2 slices of salmon and a few ikuras left. The 5 year old polished off her few pieces of salmon and roe along with her miso soup. And momma's Fukuju? Absolutely demolished. I should have ordered it with extra ikura because the quality and flavor that it provided to the bowl was something that I've never had before. I am usually not a fan of ikura, finding it too salty, but the ikura at Totoya was perfectly balanced. Second, the service was great. I had to give it to the lovely staff who were able to keep it all together when a party of 5 adults and 7 kids (aged between 5 to 11) rolled in, and of course the kids all chose to not sit with their respective parents. The food came fast and kept the peace of very hungry children. The place itself is a small little restaurant with just bar seating, no more than 16 seats, so definitely cozy. My friend sitting all the way on the other side of the bar said she could hear my conversation perfectly well, even though all the kids were loudly chatting. We will definitely be back the next time we make it out to Honolulu. Thanks to the restaurant again for providing such a memorable meal. It was all I could think about on the flight home because it was that good.

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    Kenko Ya

    Kenko Ya

    4.1(476 reviews)
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    My parents aren't as mobile as they used to be. So after helping them all day, I came here to eat,…read morejust like old times. Kenko Ya will always have a special place in my heart. I was a little sad that my favorite server was not working. Maybe I'll see her next time! I decided on Udon. The broth is really good and warms the soul! I also got my usual, inari and an eel roll. Both very good! Would've had green tea, but it was late and it would've kept me up. The young servers working were all very friendly. I do remember when they were at the other smaller location, which was when I first discovered them. Good times! Mahalo again Kenko Ya!

    Kenko-Ya is probably one of my favorite restaurants on the windward side! A great Japanese…read morerestaurant with big portions. I usually order their combination meal with butterfish, mochiko chicken and shrimp & vegetable tempura. Their butterfish is moist and has great flavor. The mochiko chicken here is one of my favorites and they give you a lot! I have enough for leftovers the next day. The shrimp & vegetable tempura has a nice light and crispy batter and they give quite a lot of veggies with two big pieces of shrimp! At our recent visit with got spicy ahi which was quite spicy but still tasty! The service is really good, with the servers being very attentive. I definitely recommend this spot if you're craving Japanese food!

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    No7 Poke n Roll - Tonkatsu Side ($9)

    No7 Poke n Roll

    4.5(60 reviews)
    17.5 mi

    Tucked away in the Haleiwa Town Center, No7 Poke n Roll is one of those hidden gems that makes the…read moredrive out to the North Shore totally worth it. This spot came highly recommended by a co-worker and now I see why. There are two entrances (one from the parking lot and another from the street side), and the setup is casual and welcoming with both outdoor and indoor seating. I got there just before the rush, which worked out perfectly because I was able to snag a seat inside before the place filled up. Ordering is quick and easy thanks to their tablet system. It was super efficient, especially when things get busy. My son joined me, and we decided to go all in with a 2-combo poke bowl featuring spicy garlic and spicy mayo. I chose a mix of ahi and salmon and added avocado (for an extra charge, but absolutely worth it). Every bite was incredibly fresh, and the salmon in particular just melted in my mouth. The bowl was nicely rounded out with salad and rice underneath: simple, satisfying, and done right. My son went with the katsu curry rice, and of course I had to try a bite. It was hearty, comforting, and full of that rich Japanese-style curry flavor that never misses. He also grabbed a spam hand roll, which he gave a big thumbs up. The only minor downside was a few flies making their way in from outside, but the staff was quick to shut the door, which helped. It really didn't take away from the experience much as I was too busy enjoying my poke. Overall, we left full, happy, and glad we made the trek out to Haleiwa. Supporting local spots like this feels even more important, especially after the recent Kona Lows. Fresh food, great flavors, and a laid-back vibe. Definitely a place I'd come back to again.

    Looking for a budget bite on the North Shore?…read more No7 Poke n Roll in Haleiwa has $7 poke cups and $5 handrolls. The poke cups are super customizable where you can pick the types of fish: salmon, ahi, hamachi, or get a combination of any of those fish choices. It also comes with rice and a little salad. The poke cups are perfect if you're in between meals, or for me I got 2 poke cups so I could try two different poke flavors. The chicken karaage is also super good and comes out hot hot HOT. They put takoyaki sauces on it, so you can get that same vibe if you're not a fan of octopus pancake balls lol. Sometime this place gets really packed but the ordering is super simple using their kiosks.

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    Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro - kurobuta tonkatsu

    Ginza Bairin Tonkatsu & Yoshoku Bistro

    4.3(4.2k reviews)
    14.8 miWaikiki
    $$$
    Free parking
    19 years in business

    I'm not sure what happened to my original review when I tried this spot 2 years ago but this update…read morewas well deserved! During both visits, the employees were so accommodating. Even with a decent amount of seating, there is minimal space so they ask that you leave your strollers outside. When we called the first time saying our daughter was asleep they arranged everything in order to fit the stroller inside. The second visit, I had an even bigger stroller because it was a double stroller for my daughter and son. When I said my son was asleep they again, quickly tried to arrange space for the stroller until we realized he woke up. I truly appreciate them being so welcoming because I've come across many establishments that are not especially towards kids. As for the food, the first time the tonkatsu was a miss for me. I was comparing it to a popular spot on the island that books out months in advance that I tried just before my first visit here and it just seemed a lot more oily and not as tender. We were actually going to eat at the other business again but with two kids and walking non stop on our trip already, I was so happy we had an option closer to us. Both times, we were coming from Hilton Hawaiian Village. They have the cutest car bento boxes for the kids, and they let you choose the car color. My daughter loved the mini umbrella that came with her plate. My son was days before turning 1 year old so a lot of things ended up on the floor and even then, they were so kind about it. The best thing though for my husband and I AND my son, was the loco moco which we were told was limited and a new item for dinner since it was primarily only served as a lunch option? The flavor of the gravy alone was sooo good and rich. My son ended up eating my whole portion of rice and gravy with no crumbs left behind or on the floor lol. The other katsu items we ordered were nice and lightly coated and were not heavily oily at all. The only thing that I felt lacked was their curry especially in comparison to their gravy. I would definitely recommend coming here and I can't wait to come back. That was one of our favorite new dishes this trip and we come every year!

    Such a great tonkatsu experience as if I was in Kyoto on a quick trip. The restaurant flavors felt…read morevery traditional and genuinely Japanese in the best way. I got the pork loin with shrimp combo (the mixed portion instead of the large), and everything was perfectly crispy, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling too heavy. One of my favorite parts was grinding the sesame seeds myself in the little ceramic bowl with the wooden grinder, then mixing in the tonkatsu sauce. It made the whole meal feel interactive and intentional, and the sauce was SO good on the pork loin. I also ended up getting a refill of the cabbage because the sesame dressing they served with it was honestly addictive. I went around 8 PM to avoid the dinner rush and was pleasantly surprised I got a table pretty easily. Taking my time with the smaller mixed portion made the whole experience feel relaxed and enjoyable instead of rushed. Overall, really delicious food, great atmosphere, and one of my favorite meals I've had in Waikiki so far. Pictured are the before and after of my dish. Probably a better "go with friends place" than a date.

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    3.9(1.6k reviews)
    17.7 mi
    $$

    I recently visited Haleiwa Joe's and overall had a great experience. The weather was absolutely…read morebeautiful, and we showed up a little early (before their 4:30 PM opening) hoping they might seat us sooner -- no luck there, but it was worth the wait. We actually lucked out and grabbed seats at the bar first, which worked out perfectly. We had a couple of drinks, and shortly after, they moved us to an outdoor dining table. Honestly, the timing couldn't have been better -- the ambiance outside with the weather was amazing. Service was super quick, even as the restaurant filled up insanely fast (seriously, it got packed almost immediately). As always, we went for the prime rib -- and it did not disappoint. The portion was huge and easily shareable. We also ordered the Brussels sprouts, which were sweet, crispy, and paired perfectly with this super umami, flavorful mayo-based dipping sauce. For dessert... wow. If you love anything with an Oreo crust and coffee ice cream, you need to try it. I'm still thinking about it. Tip: Get there right when they open -- or even a little before -- because the place fills up fast and parking is pretty limited.

    Highly disappointed. Went in at 1:45 on a Saturday afternoon and there was a sign in the lobby…read morethat stated main dining room was closed - serving tapas and lunch in the bar/lounge area. We walked into the bar area and the bartender rudely yelled across the room that the kitchen is closed and offered no explanation. Rude and poor customer experience and service. I was looking forward to eating there, as several things on the menu looked very appealing.

    Photos
    Haleiwa Joe's - Bar seating

    Bar seating

    Haleiwa Joe's - Crunchy Coconut Shrimp

    Crunchy Coconut Shrimp

    Haleiwa Joe's - Calamari Fries

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    Calamari Fries

    Waikane Store - japanese - Updated May 2026

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