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Moa Kitchen - Hawaii Restaurant
#13 of 43 Restaurants in Waimea Japanese

Moa Kitchen

4.2(28 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)
JapaneseSushiAsianVietnameseVegan restaurantsNoodle shops

About

Discover Moa Kitchen, offering the best Japanese experience in Waimea. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Slice of Tokyo in Upcountry Waimea

Walking into Moa Kitchen feels like stumbling upon a hidden izakaya tucked away from the main road of Waimea. The air is thick with the savory, charcoal-kissed aroma of binchotan-grilled skewers, while the sizzle of chicken thighs hitting the grate provides a steady, rhythmic soundtrack to your meal. It is a compact, no-frills space where the focus remains entirely on the craft of yakitori.

Signature Skewers and Grilled Perfection

The menu highlights the simplicity of Japanese street food done right. Their signature negima—succulent chicken thigh paired with crisp scallions—is a masterclass in balance, while the tsukune (chicken meatballs) offers a pillowy, flavorful bite that keeps locals coming back. You will find that the chefs prioritize high-quality ingredients, often sourcing local poultry to ensure the texture remains tender and the flavors remain sharp. Don’t sleep on the grilled onigiri, which arrives with a perfectly charred, crunchy exterior hiding a soft, salted center.

The Waimea Dining Experience

Because the space is intimate and efficient, expect a lively, slightly boisterous atmosphere. Seating is sparse, and the kitchen moves at a brisk pace, making this an ideal spot for those who appreciate a quick, high-impact dinner rather than a lingering, multi-course affair. Parking can be a bit of a shuffle given the popularity of the Kamuela area, so plan for a brief walk if the lot is full. It is the perfect destination for a casual date night or a solo dinner at the counter where you can watch the grill masters at work through the haze of smoke.

Amenities & Features

Dinner in Waimea
Lunch in Waimea
Table Service in Waimea
Vegan options in Waimea

Location

65-1298 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, Hawaii, 96743

Directions

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Reviews

Showing 5 of 28 community reviews
M

Mackenzie BellomoGoogle Maps

Recently

Honestly the service was super disrespectful and didn't make an effort to smile or be nice. Also, after explicitly saying that our table was gluten free, they brought edamame with a wheat noodle in it. It wasn't a great experience.

I

Ivy HopeGoogle Maps

Recently

If you haven't tried the skewers at Moa Kitchen yet, you're missing out! 🍢✨ Everything we ordered was delicious, but the BBQ skewers were the stars of the show. Great service and even better food. 9/10

M

Manish BhattGoogle Maps

Recently

One of my favorite places to eat on big island. Great sushi and ramen, friendly staff, and vibrant ambience. Hamachi Crudo tastes fantastic.

B

Blanca DelgadoGoogle Maps

Recently

I came here twice during my visit to Hawaii and drove out of the way because the quality of the food is THAT GOOD. I ordered so many things on the menu, and everything was ridiculously tasty. Their spicey chicken miso ramen was rich in flavor and the portion was just right. Their yakitori skewers truly are incredibly good and are a must. The flavor it gave to the tomatoes and shitake mushrooms was my favorite. The sashimi: wow. The cuts of fish are the most generous I have ever seen and the fish is fresh. I had to bring my husband with me a second time and everything we ordered exceeded our expectations. This place is a must if you're ever on the Kailua Kona side. Of course, staff is very welcoming and friendly. I felt right at home and had some of the best meals during my vacation.

M

MonZterella LeeGoogle Maps

Recently

Chill night out with my crew at MOA Kitchen — and wow, now I get why everyone’s obsessed! 🍣🍜 We ordered way too much (as always 😂) — ramen, sushi, sashimi, and a few small plates to share. Everything was spot on. But the highlight? KUBOTA. Smooth, clean, and dangerously easy to drink. 🍶 Good food, good laughs, good sake — that’s the vibe. 💫 #BigIsland #Hawaii2025 #USA2025

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Frequently Asked Questions about Moa Kitchen

Common questions from diners about Moa Kitchen in Waimea.

Yes, they provide vegan options.

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