Paniolos Kailua — Restaurant in Hawaii

Oh. Em. Gee. This place is better than Chipotle.

After a corworker told me about a place in Kailua that's like Chipotle, I had to try it out as my husband is a diehard fan. When we were in the states, we lived 2 mins away from one and my husband wanted to eat there all the time. I thought it was ok, but it wasn't great. I put it just a small step above Taco Bell. But Paniolos is the real deal... I'm just so sad it is so far away from Ewa!

We came here after hitting up the beach on a Sunday afternoon, about 1:30p. Even at that time, the line went to the door (and now I know why). The set up is real simple. Pick your type (burrito, bowl, salad, etc), pick your rice, then protein (tofu, veggies, organic chicken, paniolo steak, cubed steak, or kalua pork) and then all your toppings.

My husband and I decided to get a burrito. I got the kalua pork and my hubby got the paniolo steak. One the members there suggested to get the green chili avocado and regular salsa together, so I did and I am so glad I did! I thought the upcharge for guacamole was crazy, but avocado are a bit expensive right now ($2.50 one at some places) and they did give a good amount of it.

I did not like how when you pay they turn the thing around and show you the green buttons to tip if you so choose. That kind of tactics forces people to tip out of guilt... definitely a boo-boo move on their part. I noticed other Yelpers mentioned it, so I was prepared. My husband paid and when I say him going for a $3 tip, I quickly pushed that no tip button. I'm all for tipping for good service, but me and those folks spent about 2 minutes together.... Sorry. Unless you go over and beyond in those 2 minutes you will not be getting a tip from me.

The cilantro rice is soooo good!!!! The paniolo steak burrito was delicious, the meat was a little spicy though but it packed tons of flavor! I was hesitant about getting the kalua pork because it looked like it was sitting it its own fat juices, but I am so glad I went for it! The pork was so tender and had so much flavor... I am salivating thinking of it! Paired with that delicious rice--pure perfection!!! The ingredients are so fresh, and you can really taste it! That's what makes this place better than Chipotles to me. The ingredients are super fresh, the meat it packed full of flavor, and the meat is super tender and juicy!

We will definitely be coming back here again next time we are on this side...

Today I visited and the girl that was behind the counter making food with the colored hair and piercings in her face was so rude. I asked her if she could put the toppings actually on top of the meat not on the sides of the tortilla shell, as she carelessly was tossing the toppings onto the taco. I was actually nice. After she flipped her hair and gave me attitude, she then started putting the rest of the toppings on intentionally off of the taco. 😣 That hurt my feelings because I was so sweet. Toppings go on top of the meat inside of a taco right??? Then I whispered to the cashier that she should put the toppings on top of the meat inside of the taco and he replies “She’s good”. 😳 Food is great but those employees need to get it together! Customer service goes along way guys! And this is a taco place, learn how to properly dress a taco. The things go inside of the taco, not onto the...

Good, fresh meals all for around $10.50. This is super close to being like Chiptole back home, but it was just as good, if not better. Simple menu with chicken, steak, pork and tofu choices—pick your meat—pick a bowl, burrito, or tacos—pick your toppings. Super simple and fresh. The lime chips and guacamole are very fresh and worth buying!!! Really good. We are on vacation here for 8 days and we have gone 3 times so far. The consistency of the quality of food is fantastic and the friendly staff is a plus. There is some good seating outside, or they prepare it well to take it to go. Great job—surpasses Chiptole. We need this on...