Paia Fish Market Waikiki — Restaurant in Honolulu

Changing my stars to 5! I stand by my review below for our experience the other night. My kids love this place ! Today I though give it a shot. Service was prompt and helpful suoer quick, hot , fresh and the entire staff friendly and efficient. They had their special sauce out! Still watch the “ large party fee” errors can be made but be alert!

3 stars ! We went here on high recommendation of how delicious it was. The service was fine , cashier somewhat helpful, not overly but somewhat. Out of a few things which is acceptable. But when the food was served it was VERY overly salted, Cajun not spicy but salty. They said they were out of their special sauce that should have been served woth the meal, but they could sell us a jar for 7.00 😆🧐. When we went over the receipt we noticed a “ large party” charge, very curious for it was 4 adults and a 5 year old. I phoned the place and asked what constitutes a large party , she said well over 6 people, or actually 6 plates or more. I explained that is their policy thst is fine but it should be told to the patron, on top of it we all just decided to order together to Make it simple on the cashier and Venmo each other ( again only 4 adults) and again we should have been notified of this charge, especially when not constituted by the sale, we had onky 5 plates. Maybe next time we don’t order our 5 year old a 24.00 fish plate we just share ours, god forbid giving them good business and being charged an extra 12.00 for purchasing a fifth meal. This is theft! I own a cafe ans I would NEVER charge somebody more money to Order more food! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. The food was just below par at best, but it did seem fresh, just couldn’t eat it because too salty. We were over it by then anyway. I’m Sure my kids will return they love it but I can’t support that! And no, I don’t want my 12.00 back from the 160.00 food and bar tab we had, not worth my time trucking back over there,...

Paia Fish Market is a fantastic destination for those seeking high-quality, freshly prepared seafood in a casual, no-frills setting. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, with a local charm that makes both tourists and residents feel welcome. The menu offers a wide variety of seafood choices, and the multiple preparation styles—charbroiled, sautéed, blackened, or Cajun—allow diners to customize their meals to suit their preferences. Each dish is cooked to order and consistently delivers robust, satisfying flavor.

One of the most impressive aspects of Paia Fish Market is the generous portion sizes, which far exceed expectations—especially given the fair and approachable pricing. Whether you opt for a fish burger, plate lunch, or taco, you’re likely to walk away feeling more than satisfied. It's clear that the restaurant prioritizes both quality and value, which is likely why it has earned such a loyal following.

That said, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning. Due to its popularity, long lines are typical, especially during lunch and dinner rushes. While the food is absolutely worth the wait, it helps to plan accordingly. Additionally, the fast-paced environment impacts table maintenance; it's not uncommon to see uncleared or sticky tables during peak hours as staff hustle to meet demand.

Despite these operational issues, the overall dining experience at Paia Fish Market remains highly enjoyable. The freshness and flavor of the seafood are undeniable, and the value you receive for the price is hard to beat. For anyone in search of a casual, satisfying seafood meal in a lively setting, Paia Fish Market is a must-visit spot—you’ll just need a bit of patience and perhaps a...

Fish Jerkey - Not worth the wait

If you go at dinner time, expect to wait and then wait some more. And once you are done waiting in the outside line, you get to move inside to wait again before you can actually order. The good news is that you have an opportunity to order drinks from the bar while waiting in the interior line. Drink prices are fair and the wait staff are friendly.

Notwithstanding the wait, the real problem is with the food. For a place that bills itself as a fish market, you would think they know how to properly cook fish, but that is decidedly not the case. My party ordered a "fresh catch" grilled snapper with the Cajun rice and home fries, as well as the fish and chips. The fish in both dishes was extremely dry and overcooked -- not what you want after waiting 45 minutes. Check out the picture to see how the fried fish was so dry that it shredded. The snapper was similarly overcooked into a tough, jerkey consistency. The one saving grace is that the grill marks and exterior flavor on the snapper were outstanding.

Further adding to the disappointment, the "chips" (fries) were cold and stale, as if they had been sitting under a sad heat lamp for some time. Even the rice was cold and tasted like it was served from an Uncle Ben's packet. Most of the dishes on the menu include a side of cole slaw; the slaw was covered in a mayo/vinegar, but was a bit strong with the lemon.

Overall, I do not recommend wasting your time waiting in line, only to end up with dry, overcooked fish. There are plenty of restaurants in Waikiki that can provide a better preparation...