Willow tree Korean Restaurant - Kailua Restaurant Image
#16 of 108 Restaurants in Kailua Asian

Willow tree Korean Restaurant

4.7(83 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Willow tree Korean Restaurant, offering the best Asian experience in Kailua. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A in the Heart of Kailua

Stepping into Willow Tree Korean Restaurant offers a departure from the typical beachside dining scene found across the Windward side of Oahu. The space maintains a humble, no-frills aesthetic that prioritizes the food over flashy decor, making it a go-to spot for locals craving authentic, home-style Korean cooking rather than a polished tourist experience.

The Flavors of Tradition

The kitchen specializes in classic Korean comfort food, with their bibimbap and savory pancakes frequently cited by regulars as standout choices. The banchan—those essential side dishes that arrive shortly after you take your seat—are crisp, fresh, and lean heavily into traditional fermentation techniques. Expect a punchy kick from the house-made kimchi, which balances the heat of the main entrees perfectly. If you are ordering the bulgogi, be prepared for the distinct, sweet-savory aroma of marinated beef hitting a hot grill, a smell that often lingers pleasantly in the dining area.

What to Expect When You Visit

The atmosphere is bustling and casual, often humming with the sound of clinking silverware and spirited conversation between groups of friends. It is a fantastic choice for those who value substance over presentation. A minor note for visitors: parking in this part of Kailua can get tight during peak lunch hours, so arrive a few minutes early to secure a spot nearby. Whether you are looking for a quick, warming bowl of soup after a long day at the beach or a place to share a feast with family, this neighborhood eatery delivers reliable, consistent flavors that honor Korean culinary roots.

Photos

Willow tree Korean Restaurant - Kailua Restaurant Image
Willow tree Korean Restaurant - Kailua Restaurant Image
Willow tree Korean Restaurant - Kailua Restaurant Image
Willow tree Korean Restaurant - Kailua Restaurant Image
Willow tree Korean Restaurant - Kailua Restaurant Image
Willow tree Korean Restaurant - Kailua Restaurant Image
Willow tree Korean Restaurant - Kailua Restaurant Image
Willow tree Korean Restaurant - Kailua Restaurant Image

Location

25 Kaneohe Bay Dr Ste 104 Aikahi shopping center, Kailua, Hawaii, 96734-1711

Directions

Reviews

Showing 8 of 83 community reviews
O

Oahu Girl FridayGoogle Maps

Recently

First time ever! The quality was great! Portions huge! Price was perfect!! Loved the radish soup- yummo!

J

Justin SGoogle Maps

Recently

At Willow Tree in Kailua, the vibe is unpretentious—classic local Korean plate lunch spot, with generous portions and the usual spread of complimentary banchan to start. I went for the Spicy Chicken Katsu, and it was easily the star of the table. The breading was crisp but not greasy, the chicken tender, and the sauce—sweet, tangy, and packing just the right amount of heat—took the dish beyond your standard plate lunch fare. It’s unique enough to stand out and flavorful enough that I’d recommend it without hesitation. My wife ordered the Meat Jun and Mul Mandoo. Both were solid, but honestly, a little forgettable. The meat jun leaned on the thinner side, and while not bad, it didn’t carry the depth or richness you hope for in a well-marinated cut. The mandoo were fine—light, chewy, and paired well with the dipping sauce—but nothing that begged for a reorder. Interestingly, she ended up enjoying the free appetizers (banchan) more than her entrées, which says something about the balance of the meal. Overall: if you’re coming here, make the spicy chicken katsu your move. Everything else is serviceable, but not particularly memorable.

J

Jeremy CamposGoogle Maps

Recently

Great service and food! The portions are awesome, and like traditional Korean restaurants you will receive a large amount of sides free of charge. The willow tree combo had a little bit of everything from the menu, and definitely could be split between two people; highly recommend that.

R

Russ LacuataGoogle Maps

Recently

Willow Tree has some of the best Korean food on the island! A small hole-in-the-wall type and family-run. I love the meat jun, flavorful and generous serving. I also love the kimchi. They get very busy during lunch hour so be prepared to wait but it's worth it.

A

Anthony StoneGoogle Maps

Recently

This place does have a bit of a wait, if your wanting to dine in. It's a small restaurant and only sits a few tables. The dishes were amazingly fresh. I would definitely give this place another try. The food was amazing

S

Sang “JohnLee” MoonGoogle Maps

Recently

Stopped by for my lunch today and it turned out great. The restaurant was quite busy considering that I came at the off hours. The workers were very efficient and polite. The food and the atmosphere were great.

G

Grandma SageyGoogle Maps

Recently

My experience at Willow Tree in Aikahi Shopping Center was nothing short of delightful, from the moment I stepped through the door until the last bite of my meal. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was promptly greeted and seated, setting the tone for what would be a wonderful dining experience. One of the first things that struck me was the efficiency of the staff. Despite the restaurant being moderately busy, I was seated right away, without any unnecessary delay. Within moments of being seated, a server arrived at my table with a friendly smile and a refreshing glass of water. This immediate attention to customer service set a positive tone for the rest of my visit. After taking a moment to peruse the menu, I placed my order, and to my surprise and delight, the food arrived remarkably quickly. The speed at which my meal was served was truly impressive, especially considering the high quality of the dishes. Each item was prepared with care and attention to detail, evident from the first bite to the last. One of the standout aspects of my dining experience at Willow Tree was the exceptional taste of the food. Every dish was bursting with flavor, showcasing the skill and expertise of the kitchen staff. Whether it was a perfectly cooked Kalbi, meat jhun, or a refreshing soup, each bite was a scrumptious and intoxicating for the senses. The ingredients were fresh and high quality, resulting in a truly memorable dining experience. In addition to the delicious food, I was also impressed by the reasonable prices at Willow Tree. Despite the high quality of the dishes and the excellent service, the prices were surprisingly affordable. This made my dining experience even more enjoyable, knowing that I could indulge in delicious food without breaking the bank. Overall, my experience at Willow Tree in Aikahi Shopping Center was exceptional. From the moment I walked in to the moment I left, I was treated to top-notch service, delicious food, and reasonable prices. The efficient and friendly staff ensured that every aspect of my dining experience was enjoyable, and I left feeling satisfied and eager to return. I would highly recommend Willow Tree to anyone looking for a fantastic dining experience in the Aikahi area. Whether you're craving a hearty meal, a light snack, or just a refreshing drink, Willow Tree has something for everyone. With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and reasonable prices, it's no wonder that I'll be returning for sure.

A

Andrei RybinGoogle Maps

Recently

Really great local Korean BBQ place. We came here after a long day in the sun and this place had AC and the server immediately brought cold waters. The staff here is really nice and friendly. They have a lot of the same American Korean traditional entrees such as Bulgogi and short ribs, mahi mahi or black cod. We really enjoyed eating here and food was served fairly quickly.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Willow tree Korean Restaurant

Common questions from diners about Willow tree Korean Restaurant in Kailua.

Yes, the restaurant offers both vegetarian and vegan options.

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