This James Beard Award-winning spot on North School Street has been serving legit Hawaiian food since 1946, and locals still line up for good reason. The pipikaula-style short ribs are absolutely legendary — perfectly crispy, salty, and addictive in a way that'll have you planning your next visit mid-bite. Don't sleep on the butterfish collar either, which comes out light and crispy.
This isn't Instagram-pretty food — it's the real deal your Hawaiian auntie would make. Order one of the combo plates (Menu A-C) to try everything: laulau, kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon. The raw onions and Hawaiian salt they bring out aren't just garnish — dip the onions in salt and eat with everything for the perfect flavor balance. Fair warning: portions look small but you'll be plenty full, and that 'expensive' feeling disappears once you taste why this Kalihi institution has survived almost 80 years.
💡 Insider Tip
They're closed weekends and often sell out early — go before 11:30am for best selection. Sign up on the Yelp waitlist but wait outside after checking in. Parking is tight, so be prepared to walk a block or two.
Tue–Fri 10 AM – 7:30 PM
$12–$18
Free lot behind restaurant
Tuesday for freshest preparation
