




Uahi Island Grill
About
A Taste of Kailua Culture
Tucked away near the heart of Kailua, Uahi Island Grill serves as a go-to spot for those seeking elevated local comfort food. The atmosphere is refreshingly casual, stripping away the pretension of tourist-heavy dining in favor of a laid-back, open-air feeling that matches the Windward side’s relaxed pace. You will often find locals grabbing a quick, flavorful lunch or settling in for a steady dinner with family.
Signature Flavors and Local Ingredients
The menu leans heavily into Hawaiian-fusion, characterized by bold preparations of fresh island catch. The Furikake-crusted seared ahi remains the standout, balancing a crisp, salty exterior with a buttery, rare center that highlights the quality of the regional seafood. Their take on the traditional plate lunch—often featuring kalua pork with a smoky finish—is consistently popular. The kitchen’s dedication to sourcing local produce brings a vibrant freshness to every side dish, providing a sharp contrast to the rich, savory proteins.
The Windward Dining Experience
The space is bright and functional, though it can get quite energetic and loud during the peak dinner rush. Because it remains a neighborhood staple, parking can be a bit of a puzzle in this bustling Kailua corridor, so it’s wise to plan for a short walk. You’ll hear the hum of lively conversations and the clatter of plates, a pleasant soundtrack to a meal that feels authentically tied to the surrounding community. Whether you are coming off the beach or just finishing a day in the office, this is where you go for a plate that tastes like home.
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Amenities & Features
Location
33 Aulike St, Kailua, Hawaii, 96734-2708
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 8 of 569 community reviewsP NetGoogle Maps
Recently
We are here on Oahu celebrating my daughter's graduation from college. We both love to get away from the usual tourist areas, and try to find what feels like a local place to eat. Today drove up the eastern portion of the island and came to Kailua, discovered Uahi Island Grill and decided to stop in. Certainly glad we did. She had the Ahi Katsu Burger, and loved it. I had the Kimchi Steak Melt and loved it. Service was friendly, food was delicious, and I feel like maybe we got a small glimpse of actual Hawaii outside of the more touristy areas. Thanks for a delicious lunch.
Denise GuckertGoogle Maps
Recently
We would not return here. The edamame appetizer was great, but the surf and Turk entree was pretty bad. The steak was about 1/3 inedible - see how much we couldn’t eat in the photo. For us, the steak was under seasoned. We asked for salt and pepper (none of the tables had salt and pepper or any other kind of soy sauce or hot sauce), and received miniature packets (also see in photo). There were 5 shrimp that were slightly overcooked and a bit fishy tasting. We also felt that the service was extremely rushed and abrupt. When asked how we liked the meal, we replied that the meat was not good quality and showed the waiter how much was inedible. He said sorry and took off rather than asking if we wanted to speak to the manager or offering another cut.
Sheldon LeeGoogle Maps
Recently
Very happy the overall experience. But our server was the best part. He was able to crack jokes on the fly which added to our dining experience. Food was great. Our server helped clarify dietary questions. We will definitely be back. Ono! Ono!
Jory SanduskyGoogle Maps
Recently
Chill local bar and grill with casual eats. The fish red curry lives up to the hype! So fresh and great flavor profile. Service was warm and attentive. All around a great experience.
Zack CGoogle Maps
Recently
Came here the other night for dinner. Great service and good taste. Will come here again. Had the ceviche, calamari, triple surf, sricha shrimp, and the garlic shrimp. Street parking/paid parking lot across the street.
Michael SarrafianGoogle Maps
Recently
My wife and I finally decided to try Uahi Island Grill for lunch, and we were not disappointed! The restaurant had plenty of available seating, and we chose to sit outside to enjoy the gentle Hawaiian breeze. We were pleasantly surprised to find $12 Tuesday specials, which made our meal even more enjoyable. We ordered the Kalua Pork & Kale and Mochiko Garlic Chicken, both of which were absolutely delicious. The sides included garlic mashed potatoes, rice, and mac salad, were also outstanding and complemented the main dishes perfectly. As we looked around, we noticed that all the food being served looked equally mouthwatering, and we're excited to return to try more of their tasty offerings. The atmosphere at Uahi Island Grill was warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot for a casual lunch with a loved one or a group of friends. The service was friendly and attentive. I highly recommend Uahi Island Grill to anyone looking for a delightful and authentic Hawaiian dining experience. We can't wait to go back and explore more of their fantastic menu!
DominicGoogle Maps
Recently
Absolutely amazing establishment! Initially went because it was on the Triple D TV show, but now I'll continue going because of the food. Super friendly Staff and Amazing Food! Everything was perfect and flavorful.
LorraineGoogle Maps
Recently
Uahi Island Grill is a hidden gem! The flavors are fresh, local, and full of aloha. My partner and I got the Island Shrimp Ceviche for appetizer for our main entrees he got the Ahi Poke Trio and I got the Mochiko Garlic Chicken and it was packed with flavor. The portions are generous and the vibe is super chill—perfect for a relaxing island meal. Friendly service, great food, and a true taste of Hawaii. Definitely coming back!
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