Open Kitchen — Restaurant in Oʻahu

This is a simple walk up window with outdoor seating in a botanical garden setting. I expected to be disappointed by overpriced low quality fast food, but everything (kobe burger, hot dog, hurricane fries with cheese and furikake) was very good, and I was blown away by the kalua pork sandwich. This sandwich is truly a masterpiece. I have to say, presentation-wise it's probably the prettiest sandwich I've ever ordered. It comes on a soft taro bun, which is of course bright purple inside the crust. That purple bread holds a full portion of juicy meat, reddish pink pickled ginger, bright leafy greens, and charred golden pineapple. It was an overwhelming palette of edible color and I have to say I would be incredibly proud to have made something so beautiful that's...

It seems I can no longer visit Waimea Valley without having lunch here after, and I'm not complaining- the food here goes so hard I practically have no choice. Everything I've gotten has been gorgeously vibrant with colorful veggies and hot crispy proteins, and it's just nice to sit and people watch while refueling after volunteering or walking all morning. You can't go wrong with the plate lunches, and the sandwiches have also been killer- I loved the valley veggie one I tried last trip, and their seasoned fries are properly crispy! Will be coming by forsure with every Waimea visit at this rate of deliciousness. FYI there is a kamaʻāina discount but you may have...

Holy.. I had the most amazing dessert of my LIFE here. Hale Kope coffee house's BUTTER MOCHI. I ate it on the North Shore beach, unwrapping the saran around that soft, warm dough, and honestly my life changed. It was so delicious, the most perfect texture, and a subtle buttery brown sugar flavour that almost made me cry it was so good. I wish I bought all of them to bring back home. I think about how I may never taste anything that delicious and I can't even come to terms with it. I'm still in denial because I spiritually need to have it again... But for now it shall remain just a beautiful memory I think...