Mark's Place - Hawaii Restaurant

Mark's Place

4.5(560 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Mark's Place, offering the best Hawaiian experience in Lihue. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Taste of Real Kauai

Tucked away in the industrial heart of Lihue, Mark's Place is where local residents head for a no-nonsense, high-quality lunch. This is not a spot for white tablecloths or beachside views; it is a bustling, high-volume kitchen serving the kind of comfort food that defines island living. When you walk in, the immediate scent of furikake-crusted fish and slow-roasted kalua pork hits you—a promise of the heavy, satisfying portions to come.

The Art of the Plate Lunch

Chef Mark Oyama has mastered the local plate lunch, elevating humble ingredients into community staples. The menu changes daily, but regulars know to look for the signature teri-chicken or the expertly seasoned beef stew. Every plate comes with the traditional double scoop of white rice and a side of macaroni salad that is arguably the benchmark for the entire island. The texture is perfect, and the flavors are balanced without being overly complicated.

Know Before You Go

The efficiency here is legendary, which you will appreciate when the lunchtime queue spills toward the door. Parking in this Lihue industrial pocket can be a bit of a scramble, so patience is a virtue. Because the kitchen focuses on volume and speed, there is very little seating available; most patrons grab their brown paper bags and head straight to a nearby beach or back to their jobs. Whether you are a visitor looking for an authentic taste of Hawaii away from the resort menus or a local grabbing a quick bite, Mark's Place delivers consistent, soulful food that tastes exactly like home.

Location

1610 Haleukana St Ste A Puhi, Lihue, Hawaii, 96766-8990

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 560 community reviews
L

Luna Kai PhotographyGoogle Maps

Recently

Been coming to Mark’s Place for as long as I can remember. I used to always order the mix plate, but lately I’ve been hooked on their burger. The fries are so good too. Definitely one of my favorite local spots in Līhuʻe.

S

Shannon HessGoogle Maps

Recently

This place is in a odd location industrial park, but so worth it! I had the encrusted Mahi and it was the quality of a 5 star restaurant. The staff is super friendly and prepares everything fresh.

B

Bryan GGoogle Maps

Recently

Staff made it point to know and call me by my name. Very impressed. Food was good though I expected the flavors to be more pronounced and distinct on Mark's Famous Mixed Plate. It was enough to share and glad we did. No seating inside, only outside on picnic tables. They needed to be cleaned though. Not all tables have shade umbrellas so expect full sun dining. Parking is limited. Popular place for the locals. Wish I could try more items on their focused menu. Recommended for sure

A

Alyssa ChowGoogle Maps

Recently

All I have to say is Mark’s place is da spot! So delish! We had the Kalbi beef and mahi mahi plates! The beef explodes with flavor in da mouth! The mahi fish was so tender and moist! We tried the adobo wings which had a delightful mix of subtle tang and saltiness. Thanks Casey & crew!

J

Jon LewisGoogle Maps

Recently

Went two days in a row because that’s how good it is! We got the daily combos today: One was a poke and hawaiian chili chicken combo and the other was the pork ribs, portuguese sausage, and more of the fried chicken nuggets. (both with lo mein, white rice, and macaroni salad as well) The sauce on those ribs are to die for. I could eat anything dipped in that teri sauce. It was so tender. The teri beef we had yesterday was also a favorite. Sadly it was sold out today, but it was delicious. (we came back for that honestly ;) ) The fried chicken (both korean and the chili hawaiian) are crispy and flavorful and the chicken quality seems really good! For Hawaii, the price is amazing for the amount of food you get. Will definitely be back when I am back in Kauai!!

C

Cassidy BegashawGoogle Maps

Recently

The BEST food we had on the island hands down. We were told about this spot on the shuttle to hike the Na Pali coast. We went prior to departing the island because it's near the airport. We wish we went earlier to eat there twice. Everything was so flavorful, huge portion size and great price. Chili chicken and the sampler plate!

A

Ann DoGoogle Maps

Recently

Food are decent and portion is small for the price. Service is so so. I got three small pieces of beef in my meat stew plate (14$), and 7-8 medium size shrimps in the shrimp rice plate (22-23$). I got charged 3% for credit card as well. We tried two other local spots and their food were better with better price.

A

An KrapivkinGoogle Maps

Recently

(Late review - July 2024) This place was recommended by a friend since it was the hubby and my first time in Kauai. Only outside seating is available. Portion size are large. Decent price for the portion. Flavors were pretty good. Service was quick. Bottom line: Easy and quick fix for some local Hawaiian food.

R

Rasheeda Eskak-FarrellGoogle Maps

Recently

Specials take a while, so don’t come if you’re in a hurry. You come in, you order, get a beeper and get out to sit outside. No bathrooms so be warned beforehand. The food is good, no fuss, some of the best Mac salad I’ve ever had on Kauai, the potatoes were such a good addition. Outside is cute because we ate with chickens wandering around our feet, but that is the norm after all haha. I got the loco moco, my husband got their specialty mix lunch plate. It was a lot of food! Unless you’re sharing, I’d recommend getting the mini.

M

Mat LitGoogle Maps

Recently

Really enjoyed the plate lunch here. The Mac salad is perfect — not too sweet or saucy. Ahi katsu special was substantial and very crispy. The beef stew tastes just like home made (in a good way). The beef teriyaki was a bit dry but had nice flavor. Overall, really fantastic food. Loved eating outside too.

Comments & Reviews

Please sign in to write a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!

Frequently Asked Questions about Mark's Place

Common questions from diners about Mark's Place in Lihue.

Yes, the place is vegetarian friendly.

Nearby Restaurants

Rainbeau Jo's - Kauai Restaurant Image
$
4.8(3)

Rainbeau Jo's

American • Cafe • Vegetarian friendly

Lihue
Costco - Kauai Restaurant Image
$
4.6(3)

Costco

Fast Food • Specialty Food Market

Lihue
Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi - Kauai Restaurant Image
$$
0.0(0)

Ocean House by Roy Yamaguchi

Seafood • Bar

Lihue