The Hibachi - Kailua Restaurant Image
#12 of 108 Restaurants in Kailua Japanese

The Hibachi

4.5(129 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover The Hibachi, offering the best Japanese experience in Kailua. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Kailua Staple for Poke Lovers

Tucked away near the windward coast of Oahu, The Hibachi has carved out a reputation as the go-to spot for locals looking for high-quality, fresh-caught poke and perfectly charred skewers. Unlike the high-end tourist traps found elsewhere on the island, this is a no-frills, counter-service operation where the focus is squarely on the quality of the fish and the depth of their house-made marinades.

The Art of the Skewer

The name doesn't lie; the hibiscus-wood grilled skewers are the main attraction. The smoke from the grill hits you the moment you step through the door, mixing with the scent of salty sea air. Whether you opt for the spicy ahi or the marinated chicken, there is a distinct, deep-char flavor profile that mass-produced grills just cannot replicate. The poke selection is equally thoughtful, featuring generous cubes of ahi tossed in shoyu or a spicy mayo that actually has a bit of a kick to it.

Why Locals Keep Coming Back

The atmosphere is bustling and casual, often bordering on chaotic during the lunch rush. It is the kind of place where you grab a styrofoam container, a cold drink, and head straight to the beach to eat. Be prepared for a bit of a parking challenge in the surrounding lot, but seasoned Kailua regulars know that the wait is worth the trade-off for a lunch that tastes like a backyard barbecue. It is an ideal stop for surfers drying off after a morning session or anyone craving an authentic, unpretentious meal that prioritizes flavor over white-tablecloth pretense.

Photos

The Hibachi - Kailua Restaurant Image
The Hibachi - Kailua Restaurant Image
The Hibachi - Kailua Restaurant Image
The Hibachi - Kailua Restaurant Image
The Hibachi - Kailua Restaurant Image
The Hibachi - Kailua Restaurant Image
The Hibachi - Kailua Restaurant Image
The Hibachi - Kailua Restaurant Image

Location

515 Kailua Rd, Kailua, Hawaii, 96734-2828

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 129 community reviews
M

mike strohGoogle Maps

Recently

This is more of a shop. But, the one side has by far some of the nicest, most down to earth people running and owning it. We have been here twice now and the quality and portions of their poké are off the charts. We get plates with sides, but the bowl are just as well portioned for the money. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. Now, let me say again, the owners of this place are amazing. They were gonna close early, the owner recognized us and opened back up quick for our order! People reading this, give them your business if you are looking for some good poké. Highly recommend 50/10!! Spirit of Hawaii right here.

E

EB RGoogle Maps

Recently

Love their poke! Great selection, great service, reasonable price for quality ( compared to the ones you get in Waikiki, so much better). Great find for a hidden local spot

M

Michelle ReavesGoogle Maps

Recently

Fantastic fresh poke, kind service, and great mango iced tea. The mini poke bowl was enough for me. My husband is allergic to sesame so they made him a fresh batch with no sesame oil or sesame. I appreciate the owners accommodating us, and allowing us both to enjoy their great food. I highly recommend!

S

SamGoogle Maps

Recently

We came for a quick lunch break and got some assortment of okay and it was very tasty and fresh. I would recommend to stop by if you're in the area. There is outdoor seating in the front of the store. They also sell drinks and other snacks in the store

Z

Z XueGoogle Maps

Recently

UPDATE: their food is not ok either. Two hours after finishing their poke bowl, we diarrhea so badly. This never happens to us during the 7-day stay in Honolulu. We had many poke bowls. They are the only one causing such a problem. AVOID THIS PLACE IF YOU CAN. The food is ok. The poke bowl is average. The plate is also just ok. Nothing special. Just personal feeling, the kalbi is not the kalbi I used to have at mainland. Not sure if it is supposed to be like this. The service is the worst I have ever met at Honolulu. The sever is super impatient. They just pushed you too hard to make you order fast. They did not even give you 5 seconds to read the menu and understand the sides. Super awful service.

R

Raven DayGoogle Maps

Recently

Amazing food. Their Kalbi is the best we ate from the trip. Poké bowl is super fresh. However, they only have limited seating outside the building.

T

Tina CGoogle Maps

Recently

The short ribs was really salty and the poke was okay. The guy at the poke counter wasn’t the friendliest and made the experience bleh. We felt really rushed even though there wasn’t a wait and service just wasn’t friendly. We usually love short ribs but couldn’t finish it.

K

Kathryn MacPhersonGoogle Maps

Recently

Best poke I’ve had on island! This is easily my favorite poke spot because of the fresh poke, awesome sides, and good sized portions. Unparalleled.

F

Freddie PengGoogle Maps

Recently

This place is just AMAZING! The way they season their ahi tuna, their salmon—every single dish is unbelievably good. Fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Perfect spot to grab a bite on your way to or from Lanikai. So, so delicious!

A

Alym AmlaniGoogle Maps

Recently

This was the best poke I’ve had on Oahu. The ahi was butchered properly and not slimy at all. Absolutely delicious - we actually went back for seconds!! We also tried their teriyaki chicken because they were grilling it fresh. Holy cow, this was insanely good.

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Hibachi

Common questions from diners about The Hibachi in Kailua.

The Hibachi offers both lunch and dinner services.

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