The eternal line up front says it all: many locals think this is the best Hawaiian restaurant. Ono Hawaiian Foods' on Kapahulu Avenue caters mainly to the locals, and some informed tourists, who stop in for authentic Hawaiian dine in or take-out. Like most local eateries, Ono's is small and reasonably priced. The dining area is rustic and simple. It only has about ten tables which helps explain the snake-like lines outside.

The word Ono means "delicious," and it's the perfect way to describe the foods served here. The generous combo plates feature various favorites that include Kalua pig which is a pork that is steamed and then shredded to thin slices. There is also the lau lau, which is either pork or chicken wrapped in taro leaves and then steamed. (Think Hawaiian Dim Sum). Unfortunately, during my visit, the lau lau wasn't being served because recent and unusually heavy rainfall had wiped out a good portion of the local taro leaves. Ono's is known to use local meats and produce whenever possible.

With the combo plates, you'll also get favorite local sides such as pipikaula (pork jerkey), rice, salt meat, tripe stew and na'au pua'a (stew made from innards). One of the most popular sides is the lomi salmon which is salmon, onion and tomatoes all diced together. You can't say you've tasted Hawaiian food until you've tried Poi! Poi is also made from the popular taro plant. Luckily, the recent rains didn't impact this soupy treat. Although taro is eaten around the world, only Hawaiians make poi. Traditionally, the bowl of poi was considered so important and sacred, that whenever a bowl of poi was uncovered at the family dinner table, it was believed that the spirit of Haloa, the ancestor of the Hawaiian people, was present. Because of that, all conflict among family members had to come to an immediate halt. Maybe that's why the Ono diners seem so content. There are also a la carte menu items available, but on your first visit, go with the combo plates.

The lavish portions encourage "family style" dining, which locals are used to anyways. All of this if followed by casual, quick and warm service. Enjoy the authentic flavor at Ono's, but like the sign says, go there expecting a bit of a wait and remember, "No Huhu (No Get Mad)."

Written By: John Kim

Features
Kid Friendly  |  Dinner  |  Smoke-free  |  Catering  |  Lunch  |  Take-Out

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