Paniolos - Kapolei Restaurant Image
#51 of 131 Restaurants in Kapolei

Paniolos

4.7(3 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Paniolos, offering the best Bar experience in Kapolei. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Fresh Take on Mexican Grilling

When you step into Paniolos, the immediate scent of slow-roasted meats and charred peppers fills the air. This isn't your standard taco shop; it is a dedicated spot in Kapolei focusing on the build-your-own model that emphasizes quality over shortcuts. The open-kitchen setup allows you to watch as they pull succulent carnitas or fire-grilled chicken, bringing a satisfying sizzle to the dining room soundtrack.

The West Oahu Choice for Fast-Casual

Whether you are refueling after a trip to the nearby Ko Olina lagoons or grabbing a quick lunch while working in the growing second city of Kapolei, the menu is designed for flexibility. The portions are substantial, and the ability to customize your burrito, bowl, or salad means you can load up on their signature fresh salsas and guacamole made in-house throughout the day.

The atmosphere is bright, utilitarian, and clean, making it a reliable destination for a casual family meal or a solo lunch break. It does get a little busy during the peak Friday night rush, so expect a bit of a queue, but the staff moves quickly to keep the line flowing. If you prefer to eat outdoors, the patio seating captures that signature warm breeze unique to the leeward side of the island. While the parking lot can get tight during peak retail hours in the complex, the convenience of the location makes it a staple for anyone craving bold, well-seasoned Mexican cuisine without the fuss of a full-service restaurant.

Photos

Paniolos - Kapolei Restaurant Image
Paniolos - Kapolei Restaurant Image
Paniolos - Kapolei Restaurant Image
Paniolos - Kapolei Restaurant Image
Paniolos - Kapolei Restaurant Image
Paniolos - Kapolei Restaurant Image
Paniolos - Kapolei Restaurant Image
Paniolos - Kapolei Restaurant Image

Location

4450 Kapolei Parkway, Hawaii, 96707

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 3 community reviews
H

Hawaii TomcatGoogle Maps

Recently

Paniolos is excellent!!! We're from NJ originally and have tons of Chipotle restaurants there. Paniolos is 'simpler' and blows them AWAY!! I especially love the Kalua Pork and my wife the Paniolo Steak in bowls 🥣 😋. I have ONE minor issue with them and it's that there should be a rice offering WITHOUT cilantro. It's a spice that not everyone likes. It's offered on the side as well, so why not just put it on the rice AFTERWARDS? To their credit though, the servers always have been able to basically just scoop 'around' it and avoid any big pieces of it by going to the bottom and being careful when they dish my white rice out. And it's fine and delicious 😋. But suggest a third rice option, or just add it afterwards. 5 stars always delicious and great & friendly service too 😋. I mean ANNIHILATES Chipotle 😂. Everything at Chipotle is wayyyyyy too spicy even if you ask for mild. Paniolos has great options. Thanks!

T

TRULY WiseGoogle Maps

Recently

I am VERY disappointed. I ordered the steak burrito. The meat was cold and so under cooked that I could not chew it. The red sauce had little flavor. The burrito was terrible. A complete waste of $17.

L

Lindsey ItamotoGoogle Maps

Recently

If you like 'chipotle' you'll like this too! My favorite item to get is a Paniolo Steak Bowl😋😋😋. You have the option of ordering your main "protein" item (vegetarian option available) and your choice of rice, lettuce or burrito/tortilla wrapped, along with whatever salsas and toppings you want. You can pay extra for guacamole 🥑 The chips aren't always crispy/fresh tasting so honestly they're not worth paying extra for. There are tables located inside, right outside the restaurant and off the side on the big lawn before the parking lot.

F

Felipe RGoogle Maps

Recently

I'm disappointed. They usually have good portions for their prices but lately, it's been lacking heavily. Expect less portion sizes. Service was good and kind but the portion size was very visibly changed. What a shame P. S. This is my food after mixing it. None eaten

A

Attilio LeonardiGoogle Maps

Recently

This a great Burrito, Bowl or Taco joint. Really cool Native Hawaiian History on the wall. Really fast and fresh service. Staff is really nice which is an indication of great ownership and it’s leadership. Read the story on the wall to right of the register of - “Full blooded Ikoa Purdy who in 1908 in Cheyenne Wyoming won the WorldRodeo Championship for steer roping. Probably a lot of Cheehoos and what bleeps that day. !!! Staff there are Ideal Team Players - Humble Hungry and Smart. Way to go Team Paniolo Burritos!

E

Eddie WukowitzGoogle Maps

Recently

Enjoyed a few burritos here…very similar to Chipotle. However, they ran out of chips at 6:00 pm. Not sure how a Mexican restaurant runs out of chips. Luckily Target is across the parking lot and we could just get some there.

M

michael bauerGoogle Maps

Recently

A great place for healthy eating. I had the bowl with brown rice, black beans, and steak. They have several types of salsa, cilantro, onions, jalapeños, cheese, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. Portion size is good for a nice meal. Great service and friendly staff. I eat there several times per month.

A

Alex MartinGoogle Maps

Recently

This is such a local gem! The food was great, for 12 dollars and this island not having any chipotle was a great way to get in some mexican food. The food was delicious and the line wasn’t long at all which it should be for the amazing flavor it has. If you come here and want to add a little kick the spicy salsa is amazing! I am a huge fan of spicy food and this was perfect!

S

Stacey FarmerGoogle Maps

Recently

What a fabulous stop for lunch. You can select from a bowl, burrito, or salad. Incredible chili lime rice base, we had black beans and grilled steak, done to perfection. Loved the toppings which included different salsas, fresh ingredients, and guacamole for a little extra. Overall, definitely recommend. Ono!!

A

Andrew MineoGoogle Maps

Recently

Went here and got the bowls. Everything looked good and fresh. The bowls we excellent and very fair priced. Staff friendly and practiced social distancing guidelines. A few tables outside but during covid those are the only onesies updated.

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