GREAT EATS HAWAII

HUALANI'S - KAUAI

2026-06-02T17:26:40.930-10:00

HUALANI'S RESTAURANT

TIMBERS KAUAI OCEAN CLUB & RESIDENCES

3770 ALA OLI ST

LIHUE, HI 96766

808-320-7399

https://www.timberskauai.com/experience/farm-sea-table/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/hualanis-restaurant-lihue

https://www.instagram.com/timberskauai/p/Bj5qIEjAem7/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/timberskauai/videos/hualanis-restaurant/557224071694508/

Back on Kauai and that means lunch at Hualani's which is only a couple of minutes from the warehouse. It was rainy and gloomy so for the first time ever I had to dine inside. Luckily the sun came out for a few minutes as I was leaving. Enjoyed fresh Macadamia Nut Crusted Swordfish with a nice Pineapple Salsa, Coleslaw and Rice. Very good and satisfying.

Click links below to view previous posts on Hualani's;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/05/hualanis-kauai_01820692076.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/05/hualanis-kauai.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/04/hualanis-kauai.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/03/hualanis-kauai.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2022/03/hualanis-restaurant-kauai.html

FRESH MACADAMIA NUT CRUSTED SWORDFISH AT HUALANI'S

A LOCAL GEM ONLY MINUTES FROM THE AIRPORT

TAKE A MINUTE TO ENJOY THE VIEW

THE BEAUTY OF KAUAI

HUALANI'S INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SEATING

SPICY BEAN TOSTADA

2026-06-01T17:29:47.903-10:00

DINNER AT HOME

These Spicy Bean Tostadas are so much better than any Mexican restaurant on Oahu.

I add Onion and Jalapeños to the Refried Beans to spice things up and then top with crisp chilled Lettuce, freshly grated Cheddar Cheese, Pico de Gallo and Cotija Chesse. So good with a crunchy Ala Madre Low Carb Tortilla.

SPICY BEAN TOSTADA

GIOVANNI'S STYLE GARLIC SHRIMP

2026-05-31T18:50:44.858-10:00

DINNER AT HOME

My wife spent years perfecting the famous Giovanni's Garlic Shrimp from the North Shore Food Truck. So nice to be able to enjoy these delicious Shrimp at home. We even bring the Hot Sauce from the Food Truck home so we have the perfect Giovanni's Style Shrimp. The Hot Sauce is what makes it so good!

GIOVANNI'S GARLIC SHRIMP COOKED AT HOME

VEGETABLE SPRING ROLLS

2026-05-31T05:47:51.535-10:00

DINNER AT HOME

LOVE these Vegetable Spring Rolls that are made by a family member. She fills them with fresh veggies and even a little Sweet Potato. Served with a Vinegar base Dipping Sauce. These are so much better than any restaurant in Hawaii and some of the best I have ever eaten.

VEGETABLE SPRING ROLLS

SHIRO'S SAIMIN HAVEN & FAMILY RESTAURANT

2026-05-30T18:14:37.137-10:00

SHIRO'S SAIMIN HAVEN & FAMILY RESTAURANT

98-020 KAMEHAMEHA HWY

AIEA, HI

808-488-4834

https://shiros-saimin.com/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/shiros-saimin-haven-aiea-2

https://www.instagram.com/shirossaimin/

https://www.facebook.com/shirossaimin/

After living in Hawaii for 40 years, I finally made it to Shiro's Saimin Haven in Aiea. This Hawaii institution is world famous and now home to the #1 rated Cheeseburger in the U.S. according to Yelp. I was amazed when I opened the menu and saw how many items they offer. Much more than just Saimin. The Hula Burger shows a 3oz portion on the menu so I ordered the Double Deluxe with Lettuce, Tomato and Onion. Wow...came out looking nothing like 3oz beef patties. One would have been enough for me. The Double is huge and includes a third bun in the middle of the patties similar to a Big Mac. I really liked the Burger and definitely would come back again for a Single. The French Fries sucked. Bland, limp with no flavor or crunch. My wife liked the Club House Sandwich and enjoyed the Side Salad which is served perfectly chilled. Loved the Hot & Spicy Saimin which was filled with delicious pieces of meat, Won Tun and Vegetables. This place is awesome and somewhere I want to return here again and again for the nostalgia, local vibe and great food.

SHIRO'S SAIMIN HAVEN & FAMILY RESTAURANT

FRONT DINING ROOM

BACK DINING ROOM NEAR KITCHEN

SHIRO'S SAIMIN HAVEN MENU

BREAKFAST MENU

SPECIALS

CLUB HOUSE SANDWICH

SERVED WITH CHILLED SALAD

HOT & SPICY SAIMIN

DOUBLE HULA BURGER DELUXE

DELUXE WITH LETTUCE, TOMATO AND ONION

VOTED #1 BURGER IN THE U.S. ON YELP

SHIRO'S A HAWAII GEM SINCE 1969

KAHAI KITCHEN CATERING

2026-05-30T14:49:42.025-10:00

KAHAI KITCHEN

946 COOLIDGE STREET

HONOLULU, HI 96826

808-845-0320

www.kahaistreet-kitchen.com

www.yelp.com/biz/kahai-street-kitchen-honolulu

www.facebook.com/KahaiStreetKitchen/

www.instagram.com/kahaistkitchen/?hl=en

Kahai Kitchen is my "go to" caterer for most all of our company events. These guys can cook anything and always deliver with fresh food, great flavor and incredible service. Nao and Wes are the hardest working people and they never disappoint. For this event we enjoyed Kalbi Tacos, Kalua Pork Sliders, Thai Shrimp Rolls, Steak with Chimichurri Sauce and a Pasta Bar with your choice of Chicken, Vegetables, Meatballs with a Marinara or Cream Sauce. Yummy! Highly recommend Kahai Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, dinner or large and small catering events. The people and food rocks!

Click links below to view more posts on Kahai Kitchen catering;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/02/kahai-kitchen-catering-university-of.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/09/taste-of-world-party.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/09/kahai-kitchen-catering-oahu.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/06/kahai-kitchen-catering.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2024/09/taste-of-korea-party.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2023/12/kahai-kitchen-catering-christmas-party.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2022/09/party-at-our-house.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2018/09/party-at-my-house.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2013/09/rainbow-wahine-volleyball-team-dinner.html

KAHAI KITCHEN CATERING

WHAT A SPREAD BY KAHAI KITCHEN

LOOKED AND TASTED GREAT!

KALBI TACOS

KALUA PORK SLIDERS

MAKE YOUR OWN PASTA BAR

ASSORTED VEGETABLES

GRILLED CHICKEN AND MEAT BALLS

CREAM AND MARINARA SAUCES

A LITTLE EVENT AT WORK WITH GREAT FOOD FROM KAHAI KITCHEN

THUMBS UP TO KAHAI KITCHEN CATERING!

CUSTOMERS LOVING KAHAI KITCHEN

PLUMERIA BEACH HOUSE - THE KAHALA RESORT

2026-05-30T10:51:55.242-10:00

THE KAHALA HOTEL AND RESORT

5000 KAHALA AVENUE

HONOLULU, HI 96816

808-739-8760

www.kahalaresort.com

www.yelp.com/biz/plumeria-beach-house-honolulu-3

www.facebook.com/PlumeriaBeachHouse/

www.instagram.com/explore/locations/246798991/united-states/honolulu-hawaii/plumeria-beach-house-at-the-kahala-hotel-resort/?hl=en

I love the Plumeria Beach House at The Kahala Resort. While the food is good, I come for the incredible views and relaxed atmosphere that makes this my "Happy Place". The Fried Ahi Musubi is a must try but beware it is $27 for a Musubi. Nice to share with the table so everyone gets a bite with the amazing sauce. I had the Kahala Burger and it was a bit messy and fell apart. Comes with two beef patties which is a bit too much for me.

Love the French Fries.

Click links below to view previous posts on Plumeria Beach House at The Kahala;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/03/plumeria-beach-house-seafood-buffet.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/02/plumeria-beach-house-kahala-resort.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/02/plumeria-beach-house-seafood-prime-rib.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/09/caviar-and-champagne-at-kahala.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/08/aloha-friday-at-kahala.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/07/aloha-friday-at-kahala.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/07/plumeria-beach-house-prime-rib-crab.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/06/happy-aloha-friday-from-kahala-resort.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/06/aloha-friday-at-kahala-resort.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/05/sashimi-at-kahala.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/03/plumeria-beach-house-seafood-buffet.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/02/plumeria-beach-house-seafood-buffet.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2024/11/plumeria-beach-house-kahala-resort.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2024/10/plumeria-beach-house-kahala-resort.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2024/09/plumeria-beach-house.html

PLUMERIA BEACH HOUSE - THE KAHALA RESORT

THE $28 KAHALA BURGER

FRIED AHI POKE MUSUBI

PLUMERIA BEACH HOUSE HAS ITS OWN BEACH

TAKE A WALK AROUND THE KAHALA RESORT

AMAZING VIEWS FROM THE KAHALA RESORT

WATERFALL AT THE KAHALA

NOTHING BEATS THE KAHALA RESORT ON OAHU

TJ'S WAREHOUSE CATERING - MAUI

2026-05-30T10:23:23.198-10:00

TJ'S WAREHOUSE

875 ALUA STREET

WAILUKU, MAUI, HI

808-244-7311

https://tjscateringmaui.com/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/tjs-warehouse-outlet-wailuku

https://www.instagram.com/tjswarehouseoutlet/

https://www.facebook.com/tjswarehouseoutlet/

My customers and employees loved the food from TJ's Warehouse on Maui. Food was fresh and delicious. Great Poke!

Click link below to view another post on TJ's Warehouse Catering;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/06/tjs-warehouse-catering-maui-hawaii.html

CJ'S WAREHOUSE CATERING - MAUI

CHILLED POKE IS SERVED

TAKO POKE

FRESH AHI POKE

ASSORTED POKE

COBB SALAD

FRIED RICE

YAKISOBA NOODLES

MEAT JUN WITH SPICY DIPPING SAUCE

ROAST PORK WITH GRAVY

MOCHIKO CHICKEN

TJ'S WAREHOUSE CATERING SPREAD

FOOD WAS LOVED BY ALL!

GRINDING TJ'S CATERING

SAMMY'S BEACH BAR & GRILL - MAUI

2026-05-30T10:03:25.258-10:00

SAMMY'S BEACH BAR & GRILL

KAHULUI AIRPORT

1 LANUI CIRCLE

KAHULUI, HI

808-877-5858

https://www.sammysbeachbarandgrill.com/locations/maui/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/sammys-beach-bar-and-grill-kahului-2

One of my favorite lunches and salads on the planet is the Beach Salad with Ono at Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill at the Maui airport. So good that I always try to make time for this when flying in or out of Maui. The Beach Salad is fresh, chilled and served with one of the best Salad Dressing ever. They make it fresh each day and you can taste the difference. Love this salad and Sammy's at the Maui airport.

Click links below to view previous posts on Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill Maui;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/09/sammys-beach-bar-grill-maui.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/11/breakast-burrito-sammys-beach-bar-grill.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/11/beach-salad-with-ono-sammys-beach-bar.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/10/sammys-beach-salad-to-go.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/03/sammys-beach-bar-grill-maui.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2024/11/sammys-beach-bar-grill-maui.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2024/06/sammys-beach-salad-kahului-maui.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2024/06/sammys-beach-house-salad-with-ono.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2024/04/beach-salad-sammys-beach-bar-grill.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2024/03/sammys-beach-salad-with-ono.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2023/11/beach-salad-with-ono-sammys-beach-bar.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2023/07/sammys-beach-house-salad.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2023/04/sammys-beach-bar-grill-breakfast.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2023/04/beach-salad-with-ono-sammys-beach-bar.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2023/01/beach-salad-sammys-beach-bar-grill.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2022/10/sammys-beach-bar-grill-kahului-hi.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2022/05/sammys-beach-bar-grill-kahului-maui.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2022/02/sammys-beach-bar-and-grill-kahului-maui.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2021/07/sammys-beach-bar-and-grill.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2020/02/sammys-beach-bar-and-grill-kahului.html

SAMMY'S BEACH BAR & GRILL MAUI

THE PERFECT AIRPORT LUNCH

SAMMY'S BEACH SALAD WITH ONO

UMEKEE'S CATERING - KONA

2026-05-30T09:44:55.539-10:00

KONA, HAWAII

Once again Umekee's delivered great food for a 50 person event we hosted in Kona.

From the planning to deliver and eating, this was perfect. Customers loved the food!

Highly recommend Umekee's for lunch, dinner or catering.

www.umekesrestaurants.com

UMEKEE'S CATERING KONA

ASSORTED AHI POKE

MORE FRESH POKE

COLE SLAW FOR MAKE YOUR OWN SLIDERS

KALUA PORK FOR SLIDERS

COCONUT RICE

BBQ CHICKEN

STEAK WITH CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

FRESH GRILLED FISH

ENJOYING UMEKEE'S CATERING IN KONA

CUSTOMER EVENT IN KONA

MAUKA MARKET LOCO MOCO

2026-05-30T09:30:37.342-10:00

HONOLULU AIRPORT

Made the mistake of ordering the Loco Moco at the Mauka Market at Honolulu airport.

The Beef Patty was dry, hard, unseasoned and tasted like old frozen beef. Not even the Egg, Gravy, Ketchup and Tapatio Sauce could save this breakfast. Pro Tip: Order the Grilled Mahi Mahi Bowl here. It is FANTASTIC!

Click link below to view post on the Mahi Mahi Bowl;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/04/mauka-market-honolulu-airport.html

MAUKA MARKET LOCO MOCO

MAUKA MARKET MENU

BREAKFAST MENU

LOCO MOCO

DRY, HARD, UNSEASONED AND NOT FRESH BURGER PATTY MADE THIS A MISS

SALMON WITH HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

2026-05-30T09:21:46.012-10:00

DINNER AT HOME

One of my all time favorite home cooked meals with Wild Alaskan Salmon.

SALMON WITH HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

WEDGE SALAD WITH ROASTED BEETS

2026-05-26T16:49:30.258-10:00

DINNER AT HOME

After a holiday weekend eating out and having several Drew Burgers it was nice to stay home and enjoy a simple, light and delicious Wedge Salad with Roasted Beets. The perfect dinner with a nice Chardonnay on a warm Hawaii night.

WEDGE SALAD WITH ROASTED BEETS

MY FAVE WEDGE SALAD WITH BEETS

LUNA'S TEXMEX CANTINA

2026-05-25T06:21:48.309-10:00

LUNA'S TEXMEX CANTINA

A'ALI'I CONDONIMIUMS

987 QUEEN STREET

HONOLULU, HI

808-312-3804

https://lunascantina.com/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/lunas-tex-mex-cantina-honolulu

https://www.instagram.com/Lunamexicanrestaurant/

Readers of my blog know that I am a Certified Tacoholic so when I learned there was a New Mexican restaurant in Kakaako, the reservation was made. Entered to find a bright and busy place with Margarita machines churning. I had made a reservation for outdoors but on this night it was very windy. The receptionist was kind enough to change our seating to indoors and we were seated in a nice little spot in the back. Our waiter was nice and tried hard but missed the mark in several ways. While every table around us had water, we did not get offered any until we asked half way through our meal. We ordered the Chips and Salsa for $6 and it did not arrive until after we asked for it and after our entrees came. The Chips were not fresh and both the Red and Green Salsas sucked. Very little flavor and zero heat. Not something you would want to grind with a bowl of Chips. I didn't even want to put in on the Ground Beef Tacos even though the Beef was pretty tasteless. The Tacos broke apart after the first bite and didn't impress me at all. I liked the Beans but the Rice was dry, clumpy and tasteless. My wife said that the Chef and owners didn't know how to cook Mexican food.

The Baja Fish Tacos that did not fill the Tortilla and were so salty that we could not finish them. After one bite we both put them back in the taco rack. My wife did mention to the waiter that they were over salted. The Chicken Enchiladas were not bad and the only dish that we would order again. Liked the fact that they honored my request for both Red and Green sauces. Preferred the Red. Sad to say that I will not be returning here anytime soon.

Still no good Mexican food in Hawaii.

LUNA'S TEXMEX CANTINA

LOCATED IN THE A'ALI'I CONDOMINIUMS IN KAKAAKO

LUNA'S TEXMEX CANTINA MENU

$6 CHIPS AND SALSA

GROUND BEEF TACOS

BAJA FISH TACOS

FISH TACO WAS MORE TORTILLA THAN FISH AND VERY SALTY

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS WITH GREEN AND RED SAUCE

DIDN'T LIKE THE FOOD BUT LOVED MY DATE

BRICK FIRE TAVERN

2026-05-24T03:52:32.962-10:00

BRICK FIRE TAVERN

3447 WAIALAE AVE

HONOLULU, HI

808-379-2430

https://www.brickfiretavern.com/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/brick-fire-tavern-honolulu-2

https://www.facebook.com/brickfiretavern/

https://www.instagram.com/brickfiretavern/?hl=en

Brick Fire Tavern just went up a notch in my book after this delicious meal. This may be my new "go to" spot in Kaimuki. Love the Pizza and Pasta plus the service was great. I was seated facing the wall which has a beautiful hand drawn history of Napoletana Pizza and the restaurant. Truly a work of art and something that everyone should spend a few minutes looking at. Loved the Caesar Salad which comes nicely chilled and with a delicious dressing. The Clams were a bit small and flavorless so this is probably a dish that I would not order again. I did however like the Toasted Bread and Broth. The Mama Mia Pizza and Spicy Vodka Pasta are items that I would order again and again. Pizza here is solid and very good if you like the Napoletana style which is a bit floppy in the middle. I prefer a crispier Pizza but the quality of ingredients, crust and sauce made this Pizza one of my favorites in Hawaii.

Click links below to view previous posts on Brick Fire Tavern;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2023/04/brick-fire-tavern.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2017/11/brick-fire-tavern.html

BRICK FIRE TAVERN

A KAIMUKI GEM

LOVE THIS HISTORY OF PIZZA AND THE TAVERN

BRICK FIRE TAVERN MENU

CAESAR SALAD

TOMATO FENNEL CLAMS

MAMA MIA PIZZA

SPICY VODKA PASTA

LOVING BRICK FIRE TAVERN

IZAKAYA MATSURI

2026-05-24T03:27:46.657-10:00

IZAKAYA MATSURI

1436 YOUNG STREET

HONOLULU, HI 96814

808-745-5858

https://matsurihawaii.com

https://www.yelp.com/biz/matsuri-honolulu

https://www.instagram.com/matsurihawaii/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/wakshoi

Another amazing, delicious and oh so satisfying meal at Izakaya Matsuri. There are only a handful of restaurants that I visit that truly make me happy every single time. This is definitely one of them and I already want to go back. Love the fresh Otoro, Hokkaido Crab and Hamachi Kama which are my go to dishes. Tried the Aburi Toro Taku Futomaki for the first time and it was a work of art. The delicate precision of the presentation was beautiful. Tasty too! My wife loves the Kagani Kamameshi which comes to the table with a flame of fire at the bottom. Everything seems to be good here and the freshness and quality of ingredients shines!

Click links below to view previous posts on Izakaya Matsuri;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/05/izakaya-matsuri.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/04/izakaya-matsuri.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/10/izakaya-matsuri.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/08/izakaya-matsuri.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2025/06/izakaya-matsuri.html

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2022/08/izakaya-matsuri.html

IZAKAYA MATSURI

A SMALL NEIGHBORHOOD GEM

IZAKAYA MATSURI MENU

OTORO

ABURI TORO TAKU FUTOMAKI

LIGHTLY SEARED BLUE FIN TUNA ROLL WITH TAKUAN AND SHISO, TOPPED

WITH UNI, IKURA AND CAVIAR

HAMACHI KAMA

KAGANI KAMAMESHI

WARM RICE WITH CRAB

HOKKAIDO CRAB

SWEET AND SO DELICIOUS

LOVIN THE CRAB!

DATE NIGHT AT IZAKAYA MATSURI

MINI DREW BURGERS

2026-05-24T03:27:02.222-10:00

LUNCH AT HOME

Started the Memorial Day weekend with Mini Drew Burgers. Wow...these little guys are delicious.

MINI DREW BURGERS

WHO NEEDS IN N' OUT WHEN YOU HAVE DREW BURGERS

SKINNY MIKE'S HAWAIIAN ICE CREAM - KAUAI

2026-05-23T10:45:13.985-10:00

SKINNY MIKES HAWAIIAN ICE CREAM

HARBOR MALL

3501 RICE STREET

LIHUE, HI

808-245-9386

https://www.yelp.com/biz/skinny-mikes-ice-cream-and-shave-ice-lihue

https://www.instagram.com/skinny_mikes/?hl=en

Enjoyed some Mexican food upstairs from Skinny Mike's and on the way to the car decided to stop in and grab a scoop of Ice Cream. Went with Mint n' Chip and it was delicious. This is a cute little spot with a lot of varieties and specialties. The Banana Split looked amazing.

SKINNY MIKE'S HAWAIIAN ICE CREAM

SKINNY MIKE'S LOCATED BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND CRUISE PORT ON KAUAI

I LOVED THE FUJITSU AIR CONDITIONER!

SINGLE SCOOP

LOCATED IN THE HARBOR MALL IN LIHUE

MARIACHI'S MEXICAN CUISINE - KAUAI

2026-05-21T18:49:00.770-10:00

MARIACHI'S

3501 RICE ST

LIHUE, KAUAI

808-246-1570

https://www.mariachis-hawaii.com/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mariachis-mexican-cuisine-lihue

https://www.instagram.com/mariachiskauai/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1478535869139825/posts/3798532727140116/

Now that I have a new warehouse on Kauai, I will need to find a decent Mexican restaurant near the office. Well, I may have found a place. Mariachi's on Rice Street. Enjoyed lunch here on a very slow Wednesday where there were only a few tables of customers. The Bartender served as waitress and a very nice and dedicated man helped serve and bus the tables. Started with the Chips and Salsa which I loved. The Salsa was top notch and kept me mowing the Chips. A hotter version Green and Red Sauces were also provided and they were both really tasty. The Bean Dip was delicious especially when mixed with the Salsas. I started with the Shredded Beef Tacos Dorados. Nice Crispy Tacos which I love but the beef lacked a lot of flavor. I also tried the Chicken Enchiladas which were good but needed a sauce as they were a bit dry. I drenched them in Salsa and was happy. My co-workers loved the Taco Salad with Shredded Chicken and Carne Asada Burrito. Pretty good stuff so I will definitely be back.

MARIACHI'S

LOCATED ON THE SECOND OVERLOOKING RICE STREET AT HARBOR MALL

INDOOR SEATING AND BAR PLUS LARGE OUTDOOR LANAI

MARIACHI'S MENU

LOVED THE SALSA!

A LITTLE GREEN AND RED EXTRA HEAT

BEAN DIP

SHREDDED BEEF TACOS DORADOS

NOT MUCH MEAT IN HERE

TACO SALAD WITH SHREDDED CHICKEN

CARNE ASADA BURRITO

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS WITH RICE AND BEANS

TWO STORY HARBOR MALL IN KAUAI NEAR THE PORT AND AIRPORT

FILET MIGNON

2026-05-19T14:04:46.227-10:00

DINNER AT HOME

This dinner was like having Ruth's Chris at home. My wife cooked the perfect steak and served it with Maple Glazed Carrots and Broccoli. Pretty perfect!

FILET MIGNON

COOKED TO A PERFECT MEDIUM RARE

TUNA MELT

2026-05-18T16:00:47.959-10:00

LUNCH AT HOME

Saw someone on an Instagram post making a Tuna Melt and remembered that I had some Tuna Salad in the refrigerator. Made this in minutes and it was delicious!

Click link below to view my recipe for Tuna Salad;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2012/03/worlds-best-tuna-sandwich.html

TUNA MELT

CRUNCHY BEEF TACOS

2026-05-18T16:00:42.496-10:00

DINNER AT HOME

I am a Certified Tacoholic. The problem is however you cannot get good Tacos in Hawaii so I am forced to make them at home. I'll put these Crunchy Beef Tacos up against any in Hawaii and they are especially great because they are low carb using Ala Madre Low Carb Corn Tortillas. We do both Ground Beef and Shredded Beef Tacos at home. I like both but a good Shredded Beef is really the way to go.

CRUNCHY BEEF TACOS

BLOOM CAFE & RESTAURANT

2026-05-17T15:21:39.718-10:00

BLOOM CAFE & RESTAURANT

KA LAI HOTEL

223 SARATOGA RD

HONOLULU, HI

808-683-7456

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hnlwiol-ka-lai-waikiki-beach/dining/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/bloom-honolulu

https://www.instagram.com/p/DRsfKn2CarM/

https://www.facebook.com/kalaiwaikikibeachlxr/posts/this-just-in-bloom-cafe-restaurant-has-arrived-a-new-culinary-experience-inspire/122242030892175422/

Bloom at the Ka Lai (formerly Trump) was a bit difficult to find due to hotel construction but when we did finally find it via a stairwell the space was perfect for an early evening dinner. Outdoors with incredible Hawaii weather. Service was good throughout our meal which was nice. The Happy Hour prices are good for Waikiki and I would recommend coming here for the Happy Hour. We started with three items off the Happy Hour menu. Poke Nachos and California and Spicy Tuna Rolls. The Poke Nachos were ok but didn't really wow me. The Sushi was not good at all. They don't use Sushi Rice and there was very little flavor. In fact, the California and Spicy Tuna tasted about the same. Definitely would not order the Sushi Rolls again. The savior of the night was the Roasted Miso Black Cod. Absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked. Served with some super tasty Wasabi Mashed Potatoes. Loved it!

BLOOM CAFE & RESTAURANT

LOCATED AT THE LXR KA LAI (FORMERLY TRUMP HOTEL)

TERRACE DINING ON A PERFECT EVENING

ADDITIONAL HAPPY HOUR MENU

HAPPY HOUR SELECTIONS

POKE NACHOS

CALIFORNIA ROLL

SPICY TUNA ROLL

MISO ROASTED BLACK COD

DATE NIGHT AT BLOOM

WE HIT THE POOL DECK FOR A NICE SUNSET IN WAIKIKI

BEST BITES 2026 - HAMACHI CRUDO, CHAO

2026-05-16T14:14:12.181-10:00

HAMACHI CRUDO

CHAO

It was Love at First Bite with this Hamachi Crudo at Chao. The fish was fresh, Ponzu Sauce was delicious and the Tobiko and Chili added that extra yummy!

Click link below to view full post on Chao;

https://www.greateatshawaii.com/2026/05/chao.html

HAMACHI CRUDO

CHAO

2026-05-16T13:51:02.159-10:00

CHAO

NUUANU SHOPPING PLAZA

1613 NUUANU AVE

HONOLULU, HI

808-582-8055

https://www.instagram.com/chaohawaii/

I immediately like the look, feel and vibe of Chao the moment we walked in. Place was packed on an early Friday evening. We were seated in the back section behind the bar and had a really nice waiter who provided excellent service. Started with the Hamachi Crudo which was the best dish of the night. Loved the fresh Fish, Ponzu Sauce, Tobiko and Chili. I might have to put this on my Best Bites of 2026 list. The Spring Rolls were a bit bland and after eating one, I really didn't want a second. The Duck Salad was a disappointment except for the Duck which was delicious. The Greens and Dressing missed the mark for me and the Crispy Fried Noodles were not crispy and tasted stale. This is what ruined the dish along with the greens just being thrown in a bowl. I thought they could have done a better job. Second best dish of the night was the House Fried Rice. This really delivered on a taste of Asia and I would order it again. The Beef Pho didn't have a lot of flavor but I did enjoy the meat. At the end of the meal we were not satisfied and my wife asked me the one question that defines a good restaurant for me. That is "would you come back?" Sadly I had to say no.

CHAO

LOCATED IN THE NUUANU SHOPPING CENTER

SMALL BAR

DINING ROOM

CHAO MENU

HAMACHI CRUDO

CRISPY SPRING ROLLS

GOTTA WRAP AND SPICE THEM UP

DUCK SALAD

HOUSE FRIED RICE WITH EGG AND CRAB

BEEF PHO

A LOT OF DIFFERENT FLAVORS HERE

DATE NIGHT AT CHAO