Kalapawai Cafe

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1. JS

   JeffreyS

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Everyone was friendly and professional. Would highly recommend.

   Report
2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Hawaii

   6 reviews

   4.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 31 July 2022

   overall4food3service5ambience5

   We frequent this place a lot. The food is consistently good. However, last night I decided to try the gnocchi. The presentation was pretty but the gnocchi were pan fried and most were burnt on one side and mushy and undercooked On the other side. After dissecting the gnocchi to remove the burnt crust they were edible. The table ordered the fish special, chicken adobo, wedge salad & a side of Mac & cheese. Everything but the gnocchi was great. Our server was fantastic! We’ll definitely be back, but just won’t be ordering the gnocchi again.

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on 1 August 2022Aloha, We are sorry to hear that the preparation of your gnocchi was not appealing. We hope to see you again soon since the rest of your meal was tasty and your server was awesome!

   Report
3. KK

   KellyK

   Richmond

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 29 July 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We enjoyed the pizza, meat special (rib eye), and gumbo. Everyone enjoyed their meal. The ambiance was great. It’s on a noisy corner, so there was some noise, but nothing that we didn’t expect. Service was outstanding! Thanks for a great dinner out!

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on 1 August 2022Aloha Kelly, Mahalo for the great review! Happy to hear your party enjoyed their dining experience, we look forward to seeing you again soon!

   Report
4. C

   Chris

   Omaha

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 26 July 2022

   overall3food5service3ambience4

   I’ve been to Kalapawai many times and the food if always wonderful. However, last night wasn’t the best experience I’ve had there. It took an hour from the time we sat down to get our food and when we finally did my girlfriend didn’t receive what she ordered. It then took another 30 min for her food to be ready. Our server was very polite however that kinda thing I’m sorry to say really ruined our experience there.

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on 27 July 2022Aloha Chris, We are very sorry to hear that your experience last night was not as great as you had expected. We hope that you will give us another chance soon to improve and give you the Kalapawai experience our guests know and love!

   Report
5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 25 July 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Best new york steak ever

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on 27 July 2022Mahalo for the 5 star review! So happy to hear you enjoyed our chef's Mai Ka Aina special!

   Report
6. N

   Nomique

   Orlando

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 25 July 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Kalapawai Cafe for dinner is worth the drive from Waikiki. It’s casual beach town atmosphere with an absolutely delicious menu and many gluten free friendly options. Recommend the crab and artichoke dip, wedge salad, gnocchi and fresh fish dishes. Everything we’ve had here has been excellent. It’s our fourth time. We come here whenever we are on Oahu. Their lunch options are great as well after a morning at Kailua Beach.

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on 27 July 2022Aloha Nomique, We are so happy to hear that Kalapawai is a must stop when you are on island! Mahalo nui for the 5 star review, we hope to see you soon!

   Report
7. RF

   ReginaF

   San Diego

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 24 July 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We enjoy this neighborhood restaurant for dinner once a week. Food is consistently very good and service is awesome! Sandwiches for lunch are great too!!

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on 27 July 2022Aloha Regina, Mahalo for the 5 star review! We are so happy that you continue to enjoy your time at Kalapawai! We look forward to your next visit.

   Report
8. SL

   SherryL

   Dallas

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on 22 July 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   We are visiting from out of town and was recommended this restaurant. It did not disappoint! We were happy to get away from the busy tourist area and visit the lovely restaurant. We sat outside, loved the food and the service. Plus, we took muffins home for breakfast the next day, which were huge and yummy.

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on 25 July 2022Aloha Sherry, We are so happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience dining with us! We hope too see you again!

   Report
9. KH

   KimiH

   Hawaii

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 19 July 2022

   overall4food3service5ambience4

   Fish special lacked flavor and seasoning. Portions are so tiny now.

   Kalapawai CafeResponded on 22 July 2022Thank you for the review and critiques, we want to hear and address all concerns. I want to assure you that the experience you had is not the expectation or standard we strive for and are known for.

   Report
10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Boise

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 July 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    Service was excellent but main was a little slow to come out. The auction fish was amazing but the ono fish was “good” but nothing more. My son’s hamburger was great.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 19 July 2022We are happy to hear that our service was excellent! We hope that you will dine with us again so that we may elevate your experience.

    Report
11. TM

    TutuMomi

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 16 July 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience4

    Great service. Meal hit the spot, but wished I tried the specials!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 19 July 2022Mahalo for the awesome review, we look forward to having you dine with us again to try our chefs daily specials!

    Report
12. K

    Keri

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 12 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was amazing, as always. The food was fresh and delicious. The hamachi was amazing!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 22 July 2022So glad you enjoyed everything! I hope you can join us again soon!

    Report
13. JK

    JonK

    Hawaii

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 7 July 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Wait staff good but needs to clear in more timely fashion. Also did not pour wine when needed.

    Report
14. o

    opensource

    Hawaii

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 2 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and attentive staff. Appreciate the outdoor seating!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 3 July 2022Thank you for the five star review! I'm so happy that we could make your experience enjoyable!

    Report
15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 June 2022

    overall4food5service1ambience5

    The food and ambiance is great. Our server was nice but preoccupied with her friends seated next to us. She spent more time talking to them and actually sitting at the table. If it weren’t a busy night I can understand enjoying the fact that friends were in the servers section but it was a busy Friday evening. It’s not knock on the restaurant. I totally recommend this restaurant. I hope this serves as a good recommendation and constructive criticism.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 29 June 2022I apologize that your server was not more attentive and this is not our standard. I am happy to hear that your evening was still enjoyable!

    Report
16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 24 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Pick this place out of the blue to take my daughter and son-in-law out while vacationing. Our server was a female and she was fantastic. She said she was soon to be married she made the experience even more enjoyable

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 29 June 2022So happy you made the right choice and come to Kalapawai! I love to hear that your server made the experience even better!

    Report
17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 June 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Amazing. A must visit.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 23 June 2022Thank you for the awesome review! We hope to see you again soon!

    Report
18. JO

    JOANH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food, attentive server, 8nnovative menu, outdoor seating on a busy street corner so we did have an ambulance and some lift up trucks making noise during dinner. $210 for party of 6 Recommend!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 23 June 2022I'm so happy to hear that you enjoined your dining experience! We do our best to offer fantastic food and spectacular service at an reasonable price. We are right at the entrance of Kailua town on lively Kailua rd. but this makes us an easy quick stop not out of the way! I hope you can come and visit us again soon!

    Report
19. JR

    JosephR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 June 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    The place is great, it was really just the special on Father’s Day. It was over priced for what it was. The ribs were OK, the sides good, but overall not good enough for the price. A steak special would have been much more fitting for Father’s Day especially since there’s a decent BBQ place across the street. The kid’s meal Mac and cheese is also pretty small.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 23 June 2022Thank you for the review and comments. We appreciate all feedback and will look into pricing more diligently as well as portion size for keiki options. Overall we are happy to hear you enjoy us!

    Report
20. SS

    ShawnS

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 18 June 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    We have had great meals here in the past and the main course was good this time, but the sides of brussel sprouts and asparagus were not good. Over cooked and dry. I also prefer to sit out back than in front at the entrance.

    Report
21. BM

    BugsyMalone

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 18 June 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    Not bad not great very limited choice of booze plenty of oddly flavored beers and over hopped ales. our table was in the heart of traffic and it was difficult to converse. food was not cooked as i asked i can’t recommend the place but i won’t lose over the experience either

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 23 June 2022I do apologies for the food not being prepared to your liking, we are always more than happy to remake a dish for anyone. Bustling Kailua rd. can be loud at times, in the future with a reservation you can request to be "inside" or "away from the road"and hopefully that part of you experience could be improved by possibly dining elsewhere in the restaurant. We do have a smaller selection of liquor but and beer but this is mainly to focus on supporting other local businesses and quality products.

    Report
22. S

    Stef

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We’ve never had a bad or even a mediocre time at Kalapawai. It’s our special occasion spot as well as our first choice for a midweek date night ! Love Kai whose service is always fun, friendly and professional. The food is always fresh, delicious and memorable !

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 2 June 2022Mahalo for the awesome review! We are so glad that you have enjoyed coming to Kalapawai! We have all of our amazing staff to thank for making these experiences possible! We hope to see you again soon!

    Report
23. V

    Vered

    Los Angeles

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Great meal!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 17 June 2022Thank you for the great review! We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your meal!

    Report
24. LC

    LisaCT

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 21 May 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience3

    Drinks are always great and service friendly. Would love to see new menu items; especially a different gnocchi and a regular risotto perhaps?

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 28 May 2022Thank you for the great review! We appreciate the ideas! we do change our menu seasonally and hope the next change is something you will enjoy!

    Report
25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 18 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We dined outside on a busy night & noticed a flower stand of the most beautiful local flower arrangements for only $15! We took one home that night & it lasted around 2 weeks which is such a long time. I love the charcuterie platter here & opted for that for our appetizer

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 19 July 2022Mahalo for the great review! We are happy to hear you enjoyed your diner as well as our flower bouquets!

    Report
26. KH

    KristenH

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 17 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our favorite Kailua place to bring guests or for an easy date night even with kids. The specials are always amazing and they rotate their regular dishes. Love to bring home their muffins for next day breakfast - it’s like icing on the cake.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 28 May 2022Thank you for the amazing review! I love to hear that we are a favorite and somewhere you love to bring guests!

    Report
27. LS

    LSchop

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 17 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Consistently good food and good service. It is a Kailua gem.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 28 May 2022Thank you for the five star review! We hope to see you again soon!

    Report
28. DW

    DebraWeinberg

    Hawaii

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 13 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is a great place to eat, but the tables in the back of the restaurant are amazing ! The inside is nice but more loud. If you have a husband hard of hearing, reserve in the back.

    Report
29. b

    bassirem

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 9 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The food, as always, was fantastic. I loved the Mother’s Day steak and lobster special (great value) and my partner was super happy with his giant pork chop and the kale!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 12 May 2022Thank you for the five star review! We love to hear that everything was fantastic!

    Report
30. DC

    DianeC

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 9 May 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    This was a memorable evening in every aspect. Our waiter, Kai, was efficient and friendly, which was impressive, given it was Mother's Day! The food, service and ambiance surpassed our expectations and I can't wait to return!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 12 May 2022Thank you for the review. Please join us again soon!

    Report
31. LM

    LMorgado

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great place to go in Kailua. Ono food and close to home.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 5 May 2022Thank you for the great review! Come again soon!

    Report
32. DG

    DavidG

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The gumbo and the seafood special were excellent. The gumbo fish, shrimp, scallops were cooked to perfection, and the sauage provided a nice extra zest. The special was a firm white fish with seafood risotto. Great flavor!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 5 May 2022The gumbo and fish specials are a crowd favorite! I love to hear that you loved them too! Our specials change often so please come again soon to try a new one!

    Report
33. LA

    LACoolJ

    Hawaii

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on 30 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service with Kaitlin and and excellent meal

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 5 May 2022We are so glad to hear you had an excellent experience! We have all of our awesome staff to thank for making this experience possible!

    Report
34. TF

    TheFlyingFork

    Hawaii

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on 30 April 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Caitlyn was awesome! Love Bruchetta. Pork slightly over brined Salty

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 5 May 2022I'm so happy you had an awesome experience and thank you for the awesome review! Thank you for the critique, we truly appreciate all feedback! A hui hou!

    Report
35. DW

    DebraWeinberg

    Hawaii

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on 26 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very nice inside and outside -back. If you sit in the outside -front its "OK".

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 29 April 2022Thank you for the great review! I'm so happy to hear that you have enjoyed dining with us! We try to offer an arrangement of seating options to accommodate everyone's needs/wants! If you prefer a specific dining option (Inside, Back patio, Front patio) feel free to request it on your reservation and we will do our best to accommodate your request! A hui hou!

    Report
36. TS

    ToddS

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 26 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful evening with great food and drinks in a fun environment sitting outside with nice mood lighting. And the waitress was knowledgeable and friendly.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 29 April 2022We love to hear that your experience was wonderful! We are lucky to have great staff that strive to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience! Come again soon!

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 April 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience4

    I've eaten there several times before and it was fine. Last night was awful.

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 29 April 2022I am so sorry you had a subpar dining experience with us. We do take all critiques seriously and will be addressing them with the staff. I hope that you do chose to dine with us again and know that the experience you had is not the level of service we aim for. I would like to thank you for your continued patronage and hope we can make a better impression in the future. Aloha!

    Report
38. HO

    HOllyR

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 April 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience4

    Husband didn’t care for his eggplant dish and my tuna was okay but could’ve had more flavor. Rose was delish. Waitress was great

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 29 April 2022I'm sorry that you had a less than remarkable experience when you dined with us. We love to hear that service was great but, we do hold the food to the same standards as our service. We appreciate all feedback and take it very seriously. The experience you have described is definitely not the experience we strive to give. We will be addressing these critiques with our staff to insure a better experience in the future. I do hope you will come back and give us another try. Aloha!

    Report
39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on 24 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of my favorite spots in Kailua. Must go when you are in the area!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 24 April 2022Thank you for the awesome review! We love to hear we are a "must" when you are in Kailua!

    Report
40. MT

    MeganT

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 18 April 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The best meal in Kailua!

    Kalapawai CafeResponded on 22 April 2022We agree! We hope to see you again soon!

    Report