Earl's Waimea
About
A Taste of Local Traditions
Situated in the rolling green hills of Kamuela, Earl's Waimea stands as a community hub for those craving honest, no-frills Hawaiian comfort food. As you step inside, the scent of slow-roasted kalua pork mingles with the salty, crisp breeze drifting down from the Kohala Mountains. This isn't a place for white tablecloths; it's a spot where the sound of local conversation often hums louder than the kitchen equipment.
Menu Staples and Island Influence
The kitchen leans heavily into traditional plate lunches that define the North Hawaii dining scene. Their signature lau lau is wrapped with precision, offering that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that only comes from hours of steaming. Regulars consistently flock here for the fresh poke bowls, which highlight the day’s best catch from the Big Island coast. If you arrive during the lunch rush, be prepared for a bit of a scramble for a parking spot, as the lot tends to fill up quickly with local trucks and residents grabbing their midday sustenance.
The Kamuela Experience
Earl's serves as a perfect pit stop for hikers and travelers navigating the scenic route through Waimea. The atmosphere is unpretentious and focused entirely on the quality of ingredients sourced from nearby pastures and the Pacific waters. Whether you are looking for a hearty foundation before exploring the nearby ranch lands or simply want an authentic slice of island life, this eatery offers a grounding experience. The service is fast-paced and efficient, matching the rhythm of a town that wakes up early and values substance over style.
Amenities & Features
Location
Mamalahoa Highway, Waimea, Hawaii, 96743-7334
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 15 community reviewskayla limahaiGoogle Maps
Recently
It’s really hard to come by a place like this anymore, and I’m so happy I was able to indulge in their menu items because their rolls are MAYJAH and on Tuesdays they have the best sweet and sour spare ribs I ever had. 20/10
BraveguyigniteGoogle Maps
Recently
The price is right where you want it. Some of the choices are very delicious, like the Korean Chicken, Shoyu Chicken, Chicken Hecka but one of the choices like Teriyaki meatballs reminds me of something I bought at Costco. Make sure to get there early if you want to have all the options because they run out fast.
James GunnGoogle Maps
Recently
I’m hesitant to share this place as I’d like to keep it a secret. I’m a long time fan of Earl’s and have been coming here for the past 10 years. This is a local favourite ‘lunch shop’ with amazing bento rolls and other favorites. Their inventory usually sells out fairly early in the day. Their staff here are always super kind with classic Hawaiian hospitality and Aloha. I recommend trying the Korean Chicken bento roll!
Kenneth MagnoneGoogle Maps
Recently
Awesome little restaurant in Waimea. I love the variety of quick grab deliciousness. They offer plate lunches but I have yet to try that.
Philip BryantGoogle Maps
Recently
Great stop for quick service affordable food and everything we tried was fantastic! We are big musubi fans so we tried several of these options, like orange chicken, Korean beef, and of course the regular spam. All of them were great! Make sure you get there early as they will sell out of their fast moving options.
Ro A PGoogle Maps
Recently
Earl's lunch shop, there's nothing like it! It reminds me of the old school Hilo bento shops. They sell simple yet tasty bentos and bento rolls. I highly recommend this place as it's a locals favorite. Go early because this shop is so popular they sell out fast! Our favorite is the Korean chicken bento!
Jenn JennGoogle Maps
Recently
I rarely write reviews but the unko there is so nice! He had a busy line and I was in a rush and he helped me right away! They are always so nice the food is always great and consistent. I’ve been going there for years but felt compelled to write today and say how awesome they are there!
Bridget Spellman BernhardGoogle Maps
Recently
Our friend that is a local suggested to stop here on our drive from one side of the island to the other while on vacation. 10/10 this food was amazing and prices so reasonable compared to some of the resort prices we were used to seeing. Get there early! We arrived around 7am and some of the fave dishes were already sold out.
First NameGoogle Maps
Recently
Disappointed that the lady who ordered before me got much more than I did and we ordered the same size lunch plate. I’m not sure if it was a local/tourist thing but it was obvious that I got much less food the other people in line. She had 3 pieces of chicken and I had one tiny piece in the to-go box. Next time I will get the premade bento roll, if I go back. Don’t bother ordering a lunch plate if you’re not local enough.
Doreen O'DonovanGoogle Maps
Recently
Delicious food for a good price. There was still good food at 11:30 am on a weekday but some things were sold out. There are a couple of picnic tables outside.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Earl's Waimea
Common questions from diners about Earl's Waimea in Waimea.
Nearby Restaurants
Subway - Waimea (Mamalahoa Highway KTA Supermarket Waimea Center)
Breakfast restaurants • Food delivery services • Bakeries • Sandwich shops • Noodle shops
