Izakaya Pau Hana Base

We went here during staycation Covid time so we know we need to make reservation. Food was still good. Portion is really small just like pupu style. Drink was good. One of the waitress looks so grumpy but lucky thing the lady who wait for us was nice. Not enough waiter/waitress. Lots of people waiting outside & empty table but not enough helper. Ambiance is casual. Too bad. It could be better. Won’t coming back anytime soon.

The wait time for dinner is about 20 minutes. You can make a reservation. It is a Korean restaurant. The fried chicken nuggets are not very delicious. There is a fried pig intestine that is like a rubber band that cannot be chewed. It can only be wasted. Choose carefully. There is a toilet. Take the key on the right side of the door. It is a good place for drinking, but not very comfortable for eating.

Was able to walk in at 7 on a Thursday. Found this spot thru TikTok. We got the ribeye, grilled squid, eel over rice, and the Japanese mackerel. Everything was cooked so well!! Probably the best cooked squid I’ve ever tried, not rubbery at all. Try the yuzu chu-hi or share a pitcher of kirin like we did. We also got a complimentary cotton candy at the end that you get to make. We got all this and spent under 100 before tip.

This is it! If you want authentic Izakaya experience, it’s a must visit. I had the chicken skewer, beef intestine, squid eye socket, cod roe cucumber, chicken meatball, and shisamo. Every single food item was on point! Also delicious high ball and shochu!!!! Japanese owned, I checked the business entity.

Ordered about 7 items excluding alcohol; what's not to like here? Enjoyed every dish we ordered. Don't really understand the mediocre reviews; if this place was back at home, I'd come here every week!

Easy to find but might be challenging for those who don’t like going down alley ways. The food was onolicious. Fried and fried ramen very yummy. The salad with lotus roots chefs kiss. As were the very simple cucumber in salmon roe. The pork tonkatsu and fried chicken also delicious. The soft shell small crabs also delicious.

Second update: we’ve returned again and the service was friendly as before, but the food seemed to have taken a step back, thus it’s a 4* now. I’ve raved about this place so much so it was disappointing when we took our son who’s visiting us in Honolulu. The salad remained good, but the steak and the pork seemed tasted too salty and not as tender as before. I’m sure we will return again and see if the food gets better. Update: we went back tonight and tried a couple of new dishes. One of tonight’s specials was simmered beef tendons. It was amazingly good. There are so many excellent dishes here, but we highly recommend the salad with candied lotus roots, the yakitori and of course, the simmered beef tendons. We love the Asian fusion food and as well as Hawaiian food here in Honolulu, but this is definitely our favorite eatery in Honolulu. You know this place has good Japanese food when you are the only person in the restaurant that wasn’t speaking Japanese. At the end, we liked the taste of all the items we ordered, including the tofu salad that was simple yet excellent. The sake selection was good and the service was very friendly as well. Hidden in the back, away from Seaside Street, so look at the name to make sure you are at the correct place.

A hidden gem in Waikiki If you are looking for a place with local vibes or want to avoid touristy places, you should TRY izakaya PAU HANA BASE! I stumbled upon Izakaya Pauhana Base during a night out in Waikiki and it quickly became one of my favorite spots. From the moment you walk in, the cozy and laid-back vibe makes you feel like you’re in a local Japanese izakaya tucked away in Tokyo. The food was outstanding — every dish we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated. I love their cream croquettes and omurice it reminds me of my childhood. Its price is very reasonable! I feel its almost impossible that you find the restaurants or izakaya that offer food with the cheap price! Cant wait to visit Pau Hana Base again!