Kalua pig (left), pork lau lau (right)
Although I enjoy Hawaiian food, I do not often eat it. It has been many, many years since I was last at Ono Hawaiian Foods. Most of the times that I have passed by, I have seen a line outside the restaurant’s door and that has proven to be a deterrent. At other times, I could not find parking near enough to the restaurant — so I did not stop in.
On a recent afternoon, I drove past and discovered no one waiting outside for a table and I found a parking space right out front. Granted, I had to put coins in the meter, but hey, it’s a small price to pay. I brought along a friend who had not really experienced Hawaiian food before so we were able to sample a wide variety of dishes — lau lau, poi, lomi salmon, kalua pig, squid luau, chicken long rice and the fried ahi. I was going to attempt ordering the salt meat with watercress and a couple of other dishes, but then I would be overindulging and in desperate need of a nap afterward.
The food served here is at once comforting, and in a way, soulful; if you grew up here you would understand what I mean.
Ono Hawaiian Foods
726 Kapahulu Avenue
Telephone: 808.737.2275
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never been to Ono Hawaiian Foods, despite having filled my gas tank many times at the Tesoro across the street and eating at the Taco Bell, KFC and Jack in the Box across the street more times than my heart and digestive system would like. I guess I’ve also been deterred by the line outside and the lack of parking. Maybe I should park at Safeway and walk over.
[Marvo, You could definitely try parking at Safeway, but I've noticed that they are quite crowded during the day. You might want to go during the weekends and park at Bank of Hawaii. Not sure if the parking lot is monitored though.]
OK consider me to be certifiably homesick. One of those places in my old neighboehood that I really miss.
[Kirk, You should come back to visit soon. When is your next visit anyway?]
Hello, I’m so glad that you’ve written another article. I found your site many months ago, and was sad that you were not actively updating. No pressure as I totally understand the work involved in keeping a blog going. Just wanted to say that I’ve enjoyed what you’ve written.
Happy Holidays!
[Thank you!
I'm going to actually start blogging regularly again once I get a schedule together for myself. What I actually need to do is finish all of these posts that are just sitting around half finished instead of publishing them just to get something out. Happy Holidays to you too!]
Reid: I miss your reviews . I have you in my RSS feed so I can keep track of you.
Have a happy and prosperous New Year.
Matt
[Matt, thanks for stopping by! I'm glad that someone out there still reads this thing. Stay tuned for more in the upcoming weeks. I'm ready to relaunch this site. Thanks for your patience.]
I love hawaiian pork dishes! I miss them!
[Suzanne,Thanks for stopping by. I like pork dishes too. Unfortunately, I haven't been eating too much meat lately.]
Ugh. I am now officially TOTALLY craving Roy’s (or better yet, some lower end Hawaiian cuisine). thanks a lot
[Toffee,Thanks for stopping by. I generally like small hole-in-the-wall places, but I wouldn't ever say no to Roy's.
]
I’m trying to figure out where the best Hawaiian plate (Kalua pig, Laulau, Lomi salmon, poi, chicken long rice, squid luau, pipikaula, rice AND Mac Salad) is?
There are a few of us in our office have an ongoing debate. I think Highway Inn or Youngs (expensive, but worth it). Someone mentioned Helena’s or People’s Cafe. I haven’t tried either but plan to. Then there’s Ono’s which I have tried but didn’t think it was as good as the first two I mentioned. Not sure if it was just a bad day or what, but I plan on trying it again. Which one do you think really is the best? I am determined to find out which one really is the best.
[Dwayne, I think you will have a difficult time finding out which is best if only because each place has their specialties. Overall, my favorite is Helena's, but that's because I grew up eating there. I also liked Leong's, but sadly, they are now closed.]
I went here once while on vacation. Delicious!! The picture you posted is making me drool.
[Cherie, Glad to hear that you enjoyed your dining experience at Ono Hawaiian Foods. Hopefully, you will be able to visit Hawaii again soon!]
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