Alebrije Hawaii (68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #111)
About
A Vibrant Escape in the Heart of Mauna Lani
When the craving for authentic Mexican cuisine hits while exploring the Kohala Coast, Alebrije Hawaii stands out as a colorful destination tucked within the Mauna Lani resort area. The atmosphere leans into the playful spirit of its namesake—the intricate, vibrant folk-art sculptures of Mexico—which is reflected in the bright, welcoming decor that feels worlds away from the typical tourist strip mall vibe.
Crafting the Mexican Spirit on the Big Island
This kitchen prides itself on elevating staple dishes beyond the expected. Diners frequently rave about their signature birria, which undergoes a slow-cooking process that results in meat tender enough to melt upon contact. The consommé served alongside is rich, spiced correctly, and provides that deep, savory immersion often missing in standard taco shops. The handmade tortillas provide a distinct textural advantage, carrying the weight of slow-simmered proteins and house-made salsas with ease.
What to Expect When You Visit
The space is casual and unpretentious, making it a perfect post-beach stop for families or couples looking for a flavorful, low-key dinner. You might notice the service pace is quite relaxed—a true "island time" operation—so settle in with a cold drink and enjoy the hum of conversation. While parking can become a bit snug during the dinner rush, the payoff of a well-balanced plate of carnitas or a perfectly charred taco makes navigating the lot well worth the effort. It is a refreshing, authentic addition to the Puako dining scene that prioritizes bold spice profiles and genuine hospitality over flashy gimmicks.
Location
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #111, Puako, Hawaii, 96743
More to Explore
More cuisines in Puako
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Reviews
Showing 6 of 1 community reviewsWilliam StohlerGoogle Maps
Recently
Cold, bland chicken enchiladas. Fish tacos with very little fish. Chips that didn't taste as good as bagged chips. Salsa was decent. The margarita was mostly ice. Overall, some flavors were there, but the food wasn't hot and didn't taste as if it had just been prepared. We won't return.
Kinan WhyteGoogle Maps
Recently
Really enjoyed the service and friendly vibe. Really loved our waitress. Digged the atmosphere, great open space. The food was really disappointing—I was almost shocked how low quality it was. It didn’t seem like anything was fresh, maybe as if all ingredients are canned. We just got the nachos so I could be missing something here but I cant help but ping the owner and management in hopes they make some adjustments. Maybe some actual fresh cheese and real home style salsas alone would go a far way but for the future after this food experience i think I’ll explore alternative options.
Akori NGoogle Maps
Recently
This is a pretty bad restaurant for Mexican food. The salsas are all extremely sour. That’s a theme here. The rajas tacos were oily and tasteless. But the worst was the apparently award winning plate of cauliflower. That was a random assortment of things thrown in together, with no rhyme or reason. This place is severely lacking if you are vegetarian/vegan. It appears this would be a good option but it is super disappointing.
Rena GGoogle Maps
Recently
Drinks are great. But the food is so so. Mexican rice was under done . Crunchy. The flavor was so so. Ceviche needs more flavor. Beans had zero salt in them, they were bitter. Fries were good.
Korie ValehoGoogle Maps
Recently
Arrived with a five top for a late lunch, it was pretty mellow and quiet. Food and drinks hit the spot, everything was great. They have a great selection of food and drinks to choose from. I’d suggest this place to anyone who needs a casual lunch that are lower in price point in comparison to the resort prices in the area.
Scott MitchellGoogle Maps
Recently
My wife and I tried here as the menu stated it accommodated gluten free folks. What a Find, we both ordered the 3 taco specials, we both changed our tacos to (hers) chicken, onion, cilantro and cheese only, mine was grilled steak. BEST TACO'S we have EVER eaten, Anywhere in our lives. Yes, we've been to Mexico many times. They said they will make some GF desserts, so we can have those next time too. Can NOT wait to come back here in March with the adult kids. Looked like could use a few more customers, only writing this so they stay in business, not to make a giant wait next time we come. Go Here, they deserve the business, for the phenomenal food they put out. We'd give 10 stars if we could too, like another reviewer said
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Frequently Asked Questions about Alebrije Hawaii (68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #111)
Common questions from diners about Alebrije Hawaii (68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr #111) in Puako.
