Makai Hale Beach Bar

We left the resort and tried something different tonight, and we are so glad we did! The restaurant itself is located IN Foodland Farms. When we arrived we were greeted warmly, and seated quickly. There was live music, and service started promptly. Our server Thomas was outstanding, with great suggestions throughout our meal. The food was some of the best we had on the Island. We enjoyed the Wontons and Scallion Bread as appetizers, and then had the following entrees: the children’s Loco Moco, Braised Shortrib, Spicy Noodles with Salmon, and the Butterfish. All were terrific, though the Shortrib and especially the Butterfish were exceptional. While there we were treated to an impromptu Hula dance, and the music was excellent throughout as well. A real gem and a highlight of our trip!

Mai'ai Table is located inside the Foodland market. We didn't have dinner reservations, so it took 20-30 minutes for a table to be ready, which was fine since we could browse Foodland to pass the time. The dining area is clean and spacious with a full bar. Once seated, we wasted no time ordering drinks and looking over the menu. The house cocktails sounded terrific, but I got the strawberry-lychee lemonade, and it was refreshing and sweet. We started with some delicious appetizers to share—Soy-Glazed Mango Habanero Wings, Steamed Shrimp & Pork Wonton, and Korean Sticky Ribs. All had great flavors, and the ribs were very tender. My main entrée was the Spicy Garlic Noodles, and I really enjoyed it. It was a little on the salty side, but it didn't stop me from devouring it all. You can also add proteins like chicken, fish, and shrimp, but I enjoyed the 7-minute egg that comes with it already. For dessert, we shared the Kulolo Haupia Sundae and Kona Coffee Mud Pie—both were decadent and a satisfying finish to our meal. There was also live music for dinner. I forgot the musician's name, but he covered some great popular and local tunes. I had to tip him on a couple of favorite songs he covered. The staff was kind and attentive. Checking in regularly but not overbearing. I would come back again when I'm back on vacation in the area. An enjoyable experience overall.

Another Update: this place has slowly becoming my favorite restaurant on the island even though we live 40 minutes away. After trying its dumplings, I knew I had to drag my friends to try the dumplings and my other favorites. Naturally, my friends love them as well. Those dumplings can give you a geastomical experience you soon won’t forget. Also had its butter fish that was definitely delightful. The only dish that could use improvement was the salmon that came with the garlic noodle. It was very dry, not sure how that happened. Everything else was great. The cocktails we got tasted good, but they were light on the liquor. Update as of 1/2026: we came with with my in-laws. The garlic noodle with shrimps was very good and as well as its spicy chicken wings. Service was wonderful as before. Our group thoroughly enjoyed our dinning experience here. Original Review: What a great find inside one of the finer Foodland stores on the island. The farm to table freshness was clearly tasted. We came by at just as the Happy Hour started (2-6 p.m.) . We tried the mushroom pizza with truffle oil and it’s one the best pizzas we had on the island and that’s saying a lot because surprisingly Oahu boasts quite a few places that offer above average pizzas. We also had its salad that was tasty and fresh, of course. Finally, its Brussels sprouts had a very complex yet satisfying taste. I could sense its tiny bit of sweetness, sourness and saltiness all at the same time. This is a must try item here. The juice was very good here as well. The service was wonderful and the sitting area was roomy and clean, though a bit on the boring side.