Nui's Thai Food
About
A Taste of Thailand on the North Shore
Finding genuine, scratch-made Thai cuisine while driving through the rural landscape of Waialua is a rare delight. Nui’s Thai Food operates as a beloved local staple, stripping away the pretension of white-tablecloth dining to focus entirely on the heat, acidity, and aromatic balance of traditional recipes. The air is consistently thick with the scent of toasted chilies and fresh galangal, a welcome greeting as you walk up to the order window.
Spice Levels and Signature Staples
The menu here doesn't shy away from intensity. Regulars often lean toward the Green Curry, which maintains a perfect harmony between creamy coconut milk and the sharp, bright sting of green bird's-eye chilies. If you prefer stir-fries, the Pad See Ew carries a distinct wok-charred smokiness—a depth of flavor achieved only by someone who knows exactly how to handle a seasoned pan over a high flame. Portions are generous, making this an ideal pit stop for hungry surfers coming off the waves or locals grabbing a hearty lunch during a workday.
The Waialua Atmosphere
Be prepared for a casual experience. This is an open-air setup where the sounds of the North Shore breeze compete with the rhythmic chopping of vegetables from the kitchen. It is not the place for a quiet, intimate conversation, especially when the lunch rush kicks in, but that is exactly what gives it character. Parking can be a bit of a challenge when the small lot fills up, but the trade-off is a meal that feels curated by a grandmother’s recipe book rather than a corporate kitchen. Grab a Thai iced tea, find a spot, and enjoy the unfussy, vibrant flavors that define this corner of the island.
Photos
Amenities & Features
Location
67-096 Kealohanui St, Waialua, Hawaii, 96791-8100
More to Explore
More cuisines in Waialua
▼
Reviews
Showing 3 of 5 community reviewsTay C.Google Maps
Recently
I really wanted to fall in love with this place. The pictures made it look really yummy. The cashier was kind. Unfortunately, the pad Thai severely disappointed. It tasted very dry, not enough sauce. There were no peanuts, no carrots, no bean sprouts, and no lime at all at this establishment. The cabbage on the side was not traditional. I have never eaten pad Thai with lemon before…. Same with Thai tea, they served it with lemon which I ended up wasting. Think there needs to be a rethink with the recipe and ingredients. $20 for this… Also if you’re vegetarian, make sure to specify. I just ordered the pad Thai and they put chicken in it, had to pick it out
Matthew LGoogle Maps
Recently
Nice little spot to grab Thai food if you're in the area. You can either eat inside or outside. I got the Padh Thai which I found to be a great deal for the amount served. I also had one of the spring rolls after slittingthe order with a friend. This is a really close place to the Ko Hana distillery, which makes it a solid lunch option after some rum tasting.The view of Honolulu is pretty legit too.
Sally BradyGoogle Maps
Recently
Hands down the best food that we have eaten in Oahu. I almost turned around and tried something else, but I'm so glad that I didn't. We paid $28 for three entrees that our young family of five could not even finish. (Even though we wanted to!) If I would have paid double I would have been totally thrilled. Food on Oahu can be pricey, so we couldn't believe that we ate the best quality food for the cheapest price yet. Fresh, insanely delicious, food. I would eat here every day. A little extra drive from mainstream North Shore eats, but you will be glad you went. The pad thai and the curry were amazing. The fried rice was filled with fresh vegetables and cooked to perfection. There should be a line down the street.
Comments & Reviews
Please sign in to write a review.
No reviews yet. Be the first to write a review!
Frequently Asked Questions about Nui's Thai Food
Common questions from diners about Nui's Thai Food in Waialua.
Nearby Restaurants
$$
$Paalaa Kai Bakery
Breakfast restaurants • Malasadas & Local Bakeries • Bakeries • Noodle shops
$$