Our Customers

People talk about us:

1. Dominic G.

This is a little hole in the wall, with some nice little tables. The food is absolutely delicious, especially if you are really hungry. The food is a bit heavy but that's what makes it so good. If you are really hungry, this is the place to be. I definitely would recommend!

2. Richard C.

I just ate here for the first time and I can tell you that Papa Ole's could be the foundation for World Peace! Three reasons: 1) The portions are so enormous there is plenty to share. 2) The dishes are so spectacular that you and the persons you are sharing with will instantly and happily come to an agreement on this point (and hopefully other points). 3) The lovely counter woman there is so nice, appreciative, and humble - when she doesn't have to be - that she will inspire you to be better. Do NOT leave Oahu before eating here. It's an unassuming hole-in-the-wall that throws down FANTASTIC fare. In addition, the service was friendly and quick, the ingredients were fresh, and the prices were very reasonable. From one foodie to another, trust me on this. But get there early!

3. Linda H.

Local food.....yum. Hit up Papa Ole's and hope that you don't have to wait too long. It can get crowded but it is worth it. We had: Loco Moco - probably the best or one of the best. The hamburger patty was tender and flavorful. Gravy was really good, not too salty. Eggs done perfectly. Combo plate with Galbi and Shrimp - my top choice. It's a very large portion and the shrimp were garlicky and juicy. The Galbi however, stole the show. Super thick cuts. Portion size very generous and the flavor was really good. Outdoor patio seating only and you share it with the birds and smaller flying insects so just be aware.

4. Tim M.

TLDR: Everything tastes great, especially the Pulehu Ribs! CASH ONLY!!! A great local spot serving great tasting food! A long drive from touristy Waikiki area but if you're exploring North Shore or going to zip lining/Polynesian Cultural Center, I highly recommend coming here! I alway, always, always order their Pulehu ribs if they still have it. Super juicy and tender and it pairs well with the rice and mac salad. Their gravy for the loco moco is also amazing, smothered with their hamburger patty... so good! Cash only!!! Also you can order ahead on the phone instead of waiting to order when you get there in person.

5. Tim L.

So, food is still delicious and huge.  But, from my previous review about 7 years ago, price of deluxe double cheeseburgers has doubled!  Disappointing.  And, no bathroom access any more.  I mean, come on...the burgers, and anything eaten with hands, are messy.  And there's no publitoilets within the little shopping center.  Best option we were provided was a public beach toilet.  I think we all know that Hawaiian beach toilets are gross and don't have hand soap.  We ended up driving to McDonald's to use their toilet. Anyway...the double cheeseburgers are huge and tasty.  Not worth the $16 though

6. Vincent J.

Best best grub on the inland.. It's only take out.you should be able to have a seat on the share picnic table in front..or drive about 2 minutes away to the beach..( there's a bathroom) no public public bathrooms at the shopping complex! ..I chose to have a plate by the beach..hang out we're not an other soul too been seen... until you show up! So my little piece Paradise I'll share with you..it will not be crowded like the other beach on the inland.. besides your have the best grub in your hand...

7. Nikki P.

big j's combo (4.8/5): comes with rice with pulehu ribs and garlic shrimp. the ribs were AMAZING! they are thick and grilled/charred perfectly, i would come back just for these ribs alone. the garlic shrimp was too mayo-y(?) for my liking, but the actual shrimp were a good size and so good! great option to get if you want surf & turf, but the ribs are where it's at. when i came here in august 2023, the restaurant was to-go only. they had a table blocking the entrance to the restaurant, where a staff member would take orders and payment. the woman who took my order was so so friendly! since you couldn't enter the restaurant, there was only 2-3 tables outside where everyone shared seating. i highly recommend this place if you're used to eating the standard thin galbi ribs, this will change your life!

8. Jordan W.

Personally, I loved Papa Ole's (5 stars from me). My daughter wasn't a huge fan but let's be honest - she's 11 and she got a plain cheeseburger LOL! Ordering was super easy. Menu is posted on a huge poster on both sides of the door. You have to order out front since there is very little space inside. Picnic tables are provided and there were 6-7 groups eating at the same time with no trouble. Staff was friendly and informative. I wasn't sure if I wanted the teriyaki or garlic chicken. She said they're known for their garlic chicken so o had to go with that. She was 100% right. Chicken was juicy and tender with the perfect crunch and garlic flavor. Also went with garlic fries and they did not disappoint! Had to wait about 30 minutes after ordering but I'd wait that long again. The chick was great, the fries were amazing. Even the rice was delicious and cooked perfectly. Highly recommend Papa Ole's!

9. Mike C.

It's been eight years, not counting a failed attempt in 2020... came here when they were closed... since I reviewed and 1st tried their food. Yes, it was that good. With only one travel companion on this trip, he agreed to my request to drive here on a Monday morning to finally fulfill my mission in having their staple dish again. It is quite a drive, given the winding roads and the various roadwork being done along the way to get here. When we did arrive, there were several families dining on the outside tables. After ordering, we waited at one table and struck up a conversation with a local who moved here many years from the fine state of Alabama. He'd been living here for over thirty years and called this his go-to lunch place. After a few minutes, my friend and I were on our way to our next stop where we would actually eat lunch. You see, I didn't want to drive up here for just one stop/reason so I Yelped the city/town and had two places bookmarked to try while out this way. More on those later. After returning to town, we took a rest from our trek up north in our hotel room before digging in on our purchase from here. I ordered the pulehu ribs (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=AENTSeqhBY9-XL9sOVvG4Q&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q) with mac salad and rice, full order. My friend had a mini order. Having eaten lunch at another spot nearby, I waited till mid afternoon to take a bite of one rib. My eyes closed as I remembered that flavor. Before I knew it, I finished two of the ribs, a little rice, and the mac salad (limited shelf life). When I told the friend who introduced me to this about our visit, he recommended that I get it with the kalbi sauce next time. This place embodies what I love about Oahu, the diversity of the different parts of the island. A huge shout out to Cyla, who patiently took my order. I really appreciate her cheerful demeanor especially when I shared my story that led you to this visit. Looking forward to next time and, yes, I'll remember to get the kalbi sauce and maybe try something else too.