Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#178 of 1,736 Restaurants in Honolulu Asian

Hale Vietnam Restaurant

4.2(210 community reviews)
Fine Dining ($$$$)

About

Discover Hale Vietnam Restaurant, offering the best Asian experience in Kaimuki / Kahala. Enjoy Fine Dining ($$$$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Taste of Southeast Asia in Kaimuki

Stepping into Hale Vietnam feels like dropping in on a long-time family friend in the heart of Honolulu. Located in the vibrant Kaimuki neighborhood, this spot is a local institution that eschews modern trends for deep, authentic flavors. The air inside is perpetually perfumed with the scent of star anise, charred onions, and simmering beef bones that speak to hours of careful preparation.

Signature Bowls and Comfort Classics

The menu remains grounded in traditional Vietnamese culinary techniques. Regulars swear by the Pho, known for its clear, aromatic broth that hits the right balance of sweetness and savory depth. Unlike the overly processed versions found elsewhere, the rice noodles here retain a perfect bite. If you are looking for something with a crunch, the crispy spring rolls are consistently fried to a golden hue, offering a sharp snap that yields to a well-seasoned pork and vegetable filling. The Bun—vermicelli noodle bowls—are equally satisfying, topped with fresh herbs that add a bright, peppery finish to every mouthful.

The Kaimuki Dining Experience

This is not a place for white-tablecloth pretense. Expect a bustling, high-energy environment where the clatter of silverware and animated conversations create a soundtrack of a thriving neighborhood kitchen. It is an ideal spot for a quick, soul-warming lunch or a casual evening meal with friends who value substance over spectacle. A small note for visitors: the parking in the immediate Kaimuki vicinity can be a challenge during peak dinner hours, so arriving a few minutes early is a smart strategy to secure a spot nearby. Whether you are craving a steaming bowl on a humid afternoon or a reliable takeout option to bring home, Hale Vietnam remains a cornerstone of the island's diverse food scene.

Photos

Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Hale Vietnam Restaurant - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

1140 12th Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816-3712

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 210 community reviews
A

Ami Chen (Rockie)Google Maps

Recently

Pho is good. Quick service. Plenty of tables to dine in. I got the large bowl pho for take out and ate half for lunch. The flavor is there but a little lite.

W

Warren SGoogle Maps

Recently

Awesome. Really large place, much larger than it looks from the outside. Party of four for dinner on a weekday evening. Was somewhat busy. Their selection is quite large. I got the BBQ Pork noodles (vermicelli). It was fantastic. The rest of my family was equally pleased. The waitstaff was pretty busy but they did manage to take our orders, get our food to us, and generally serve us all very well. It was a bit noisy but that may have been due to just one large table of people. Big parking lot in the back but it does cost money. If we’re in the area again we may just return here!!!

M

Moses BaikGoogle Maps

Recently

What a great photo here. No regrets here.

T

tevita otuafiGoogle Maps

Recently

Food: Broth is flavorless, lacks the depth and amazing flavor other Pho restaurants serve. Missing adequate amount of noodles, the small and large have the same portion size just different size bowls. Service: Very rude and unhelpful, the waiters only provided good service to individuals they've had previous engagements. If you have an established relationship with the staff they will serve you fast but if you don’t, be prepared to wait. Ambiance: It's a lack luster restaurant that provides an unwelcoming environment. Not kid friendly. Quality of food vs price: not worth the price for how un appetizing the food was. Highly recommend dining elsewhere for your Pho unless you like flavorless food and rude customer service.

C

Coryne S SuzukiGoogle Maps

Recently

January 2026 - cool nights call for dinner at Hale Vietnam. When I called in for a rezzy, a really sweet voice kindly took and confirmed my reservation. It was practically a full house when we arrived but our table was ready. There only seemed to be one main server in the dining room that night but she was efficient and very nice. I've been coming to Hale Vietnam for decades, ever since my aunt first brought me here when I was attending the University of Hawaii. It's still my most favorite pho! And their Imperial Rolls! 😋 I always ask for their deliciously flavorful and spicy sate sauce 🔥 My friends from Japan are also big fans!

J

Jennifer LinGoogle Maps

Recently

Pho noodles are good 👍 Spring rolls are special great 👍 First time trying the pork chop plate 👍 As usual. The lady servers are not too friendly 😅 One more thing. They added 18% tips without letting us know. We were counting and adding 20% more for extra tips. Luckily one of our guests caught it before final check out 😬

S

Sang “JohnLee” MoonGoogle Maps

Recently

Today I got to try their combination pho and it was fresh and very tasty. Also the service was friendly and helpful.

R

RoninGoogle Maps

Recently

The food at Hale Vietnam is good. I particularly liked the imperial rolls, which use rice paper for a unique, slightly chewy exterior. The shredded pork and imperial roll noodle dish was tasty but a bit expensive. My coworker's shredded pork and BBQ pork rice plate was also a hit, with the BBQ pork having a savory flavor that complemented the drier shredded pork. The service was a bit confusing; I had to patiently explain that I had a pickup order, even though the restaurant was slow. However, the atmosphere is great, the space is clean and inviting.

T

Tony TranGoogle Maps

Recently

first visit - nice family style - papaya salad/ chicken- cabbage salad with own dressing all so good - catfish hot clay salt pepper and chicken curry all so tasty - hit the spot - recommend to enjoy with beer and or wine - will return

M

M DevanGoogle Maps

Recently

Great food, friendly waiters and really worthy. When I didn't know how to properly eat the appetiser my waiter showed me how it's done and they even took the remaining food and packed it perfectly for us. There are many Vegetarian options. Their fried appetizer rolls are a must try. The place has a paid parking lot just behind it, which makes it so convenient.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hale Vietnam Restaurant

Common questions from diners about Hale Vietnam Restaurant in Honolulu.

Yes, there is a parking lot located behind the restaurant, though please note that it is a paid parking area.

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