Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart — Local services in Oʻahu

First and foremost, I commend the cashier who works here. He displays the upmost excellent customer service. I've come here numerous times and have witnessed him engage in conversations with customers and is always in a positive and cheerful mood. He really seems like he enjoys his job! When I interact with him he is always smiling and playing his metal music in the background, and he is very appreciative for any tips you place in his tip jar, whether it be a few cents to a dollar. I thought I'd post about his customer service skills because everyone knows that this place is KNOWN for their delicious to-go foods. If you want a quick and tasty bite to eat, this is the place to go. But be forewarned that this place gets REALLY busy and parking is hectic if you catch them on a busy day. For those who are "oh I'll go during the week" go-ers, unfortunately, this place is closed on Tuesdays, so plan on another day in the week to travel here if this place is a point of destination for you. The portion of food is hefty and plenty and their fried chicken and musubi is DIVINE!! Also try their Calamari and Korean Veggie Pancakes! I promise you wont be disappointed. I always get sad when I don't catch them on their restock days of Charmaine's Moa Betta Cookies... I'm telling you, these cookies are everything and then some! So if you see them on the corner, grab them because they go fast! Haha. Dont forget a large slushie as well to keep you cool...

A small Korean mart that sells pre-made hot foods like spam musubis, karaage, bentos, kimbaps as well as any snacks or drinks you could want. I stumbled across here when my local friends asked me if I wanted any food while we stopped by next door for some snow puffies (which I would highly recommend as well). Perfect place to grab good food if you are on the road and have a busy day planned or just want something quick and low key.

Food There are tons of delicious smelling Korean and local foods to try. I tried the karaage and spam musubi. The karaage was hot and nicely crisp on the outside. The chicken was pretty good. The spam musubi was a spam musubi and I would get it again since it was good. Next time I want to try the huge kimbap (didn't get this time since I had so much other food). The snow puffys next door are highly recommended as well since it's so puffy, flaky, and perfectly sugared.

Atmosphere This is a stop and go place. The walkways are narrow with snacks and drinks to be found on both sides. Lots of people walking around so be direct in where you are going and get it!

Pricing The prices are pretty reasonable and cheap.

Service The staff there are nice and friendly.

Other Small parking lot in front so can be challenging to find a spot since everyone is lining up for a snow puffy. There are spots if you look around...

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart has the best fried chicken! Their fried chicken is well seasoned and has extra crispy skin. I love that they are locally owned and still going strong after the pandemic. Besides selling fried chicken they also have other fried foods, noodles, hand rolls, spam musubi, and bentos. You can pick up beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) and other stuff you'd find in a convenience store. The prices for hot food are reasonable and I'd rather come here than go to 7-Eleven. This a grab and go place and there is no seating available. I recommend taking your food and beverages to the beach to enjoy.

The shop is old and run down. You will feel like you've transported back in time when you step inside. They accept cash and credit card for payment. They share a parking lot with...