Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering - Image 1
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Tanioka's Seafoods and Catering

4.7
·1k reviews·Waipahu, United States

Legendary local spot famous for incredibly fresh poke and delicious plate lunches, a true taste of Hawaii.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the lunch rush

CrowdLow
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Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering - Image 1

Tanioka's Seafoods and Catering

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the lunch rush

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Legendary local spot famous for incredibly fresh poke and delicious plate lunches, a true taste of Hawaii.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"The poke here was great!! It is definitely a must if you are on the island."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Order Ahead Online

Review the menu online and have your order ready to speed up your visit. Staff appreciate it!

🌊 Don't Fear the Salt

Poke can be salty; balance with rice. Large bowls offer good value for money.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Volcano & Onion Limu Poke

Volcano & Onion Limu Poke

Poke Counter

Incredibly fresh and flavorful poke, a must-try for any visitor. The volcano and onion limu varieties are top-notch.

Pork Belly Plate Lunch

Pork Belly Plate Lunch

Plate Lunch Counter

Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, this plate lunch is a hidden gem that surprises many visitors.

Mochiko Chicken

Mochiko Chicken

Fried Chicken Selection

Described as 'out of this world tasty goodness,' this sweet and savory chicken is a standout item.

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Planning Your Visit

Order Ahead for Speed

Tanioka's is a local favorite, and lines can form quickly. Review their menu online and have your order ready before you arrive to ensure a speedy checkout and avoid holding up other customers. This is especially helpful for their popular poke and plate lunches.

Embrace the Local Flavors

Beyond their famous poke, Tanioka's offers a wide array of local favorites like pork belly, fried chicken, and corned beef hash patties. Don't be afraid to try a variety of items for a true taste of Hawaii.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the lunch rush
Crowd
Low
When
Just after opening
Why
Freshest selection
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Order Ahead Online

Review the menu online and have your order ready to speed up your visit. Staff appreciate it! Reddit

🌊 Don't Fear the Salt

Poke can be salty; balance with rice. Large bowls offer good value for money. Reddit

🍗 Try the Mochiko Chicken

This sweet and savory fried chicken is a must-try, often called 'out of this world tasty.' Reddit

🚗 Patience in Parking

Be patient in the parking lot and respect reserved spots. Drive with aloha! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Order Ahead Online

Review the menu online and have your order ready to speed up your visit. Staff appreciate it! Reddit

🌊 Don't Fear the Salt

Poke can be salty; balance with rice. Large bowls offer good value for money. Reddit

🍗 Try the Mochiko Chicken

This sweet and savory fried chicken is a must-try, often called 'out of this world tasty.' Reddit

🚗 Patience in Parking

Be patient in the parking lot and respect reserved spots. Drive with aloha! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tanioka's is a beloved local spot celebrated for its incredibly fresh and flavorful poke, particularly the Volcano and Onion Limu varieties. Beyond poke, their plate lunches, like the tender pork belly and standout Mochiko chicken, receive high praise. While some find the poke a bit salty, the generous portions and overall deliciousness make it a must-visit for authentic Hawaiian cuisine.

"Tanioka is famous for their poke, and for good reason. The volcano and onion limu poke are both top notch, incredibly fresh and flavorful. But don’t sleep on their plate lunches! I got the pork belly plate and was genuinely taken aback at how good it was. The pork was super tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Everything here hits the spot."

Noel Le

"Taniokas is a legendary poke and local foods spot on the island. The options of types of food are incredible and is perfect for something on the go or catering for a party. The poke was great!! It is definitely a must if you are on the island."

Andrew Gomez

"Poke here was fresh but a bit too salty. If you ran out of rice to balance the poke, then it’s over for you. Large bowls for the price."

Pan Lucas

What People Like

Incredibly fresh poke
Flavorful plate lunches
Generous portion sizes

What People Dislike

Poke can be salty

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tanioka's is located on Farrington Highway. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, many visitors arrive by car. Be mindful of parking and drive with aloha in the area. Reddit

Yes, parking is available, but it can get busy. Respect reserved spots and be patient. Reddit

Arrive early and be patient. Reviewing the menu beforehand can help you navigate the ordering process quickly. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No tickets are required. Tanioka's is a casual eatery and catering service, not an attraction with admission fees.

Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their most current schedule before visiting. Arriving just after opening can be a good strategy. Reddit

Absolutely! Tanioka's is well-known for its large food platters and catering services for events. Reddit

To avoid the busiest times, aim for weekday mornings or shortly after they open. Lunchtime can be particularly crowded. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Tanioka's is most famous for its incredibly fresh and flavorful poke, with the Volcano and Onion Limu varieties being highly recommended. Reddit

Beyond poke, their plate lunches are highly praised, especially the pork belly. Other favorites include corned beef hash patties, shrimp sticks, and various fried chicken options, including the standout Mochiko chicken. Reddit

Some reviews mention the poke can be a bit salty, so balancing it with rice is recommended. However, many find it incredibly fresh and flavorful. Reddit

Yes, reviews indicate that Tanioka's offers large bowls of poke and generous portions for their plate lunches, providing good value. Reddit

While Tanioka's specializes in seafood and local meat dishes, some sides like fried noodles might be adaptable. It's best to inquire directly about specific vegetarian or vegan options.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant colors of the poke bowls, the hearty presentation of the plate lunches, and the bustling atmosphere of this local eatery. The Mochiko chicken and pork belly are visually appealing. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos of your food and the general ambiance. Be mindful of other customers and staff while photographing. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tanioka's offers a fantastic, casual dining experience for families. The plate lunches are hearty and satisfying, with options like fried chicken and shrimp sticks that are generally kid-friendly. The generous portions mean everyone can get their fill. Consider ordering a variety of items to share, allowing kids to sample different local flavors. The efficient ordering system, especially if you order ahead, helps minimize wait times, which is always a plus with children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

🏖️ Day-Trippers & Beach Picnics

Tanioka's is the perfect spot to grab food for a beach picnic or a quick meal during a day of exploring. Their convenient location and quick service (especially if you order ahead) make it easy to pick up lunch on the go. Grab some poke bowls, plate lunches, or even a catering platter if you have a larger group. It's an ideal way to fuel up before or after a visit to nearby beaches. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legendary Poke Experience

Tanioka's has earned its reputation for exceptional poke. Visitors rave about the freshness and the unique flavor combinations. The Volcano Alae Ahi and Onion Limu Poke are frequently highlighted as must-tries, offering a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic notes. Many reviewers emphasize the quality of the fish, noting its incredible freshness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. While some find the poke can lean towards the saltier side, the generous portion sizes and the overall deliciousness make it a worthwhile experience for poke enthusiasts. Reddit+1

For those new to poke or looking for variety, Tanioka's offers a wide selection. It's recommended to review their menu online beforehand to make an informed choice, especially during busy periods. The staff are adept at preparing these bowls quickly, ensuring you get your fresh poke without an excessive wait if you're prepared. Reddit

Beyond Poke: Plate Lunch Delights

While poke is the star, Tanioka's plate lunches are equally impressive and deserve attention. The Pork Belly Plate is a standout, described as incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. This dish often surprises visitors who might have come solely for the poke, proving Tanioka's culinary prowess extends to other local favorites. Another highly praised item is the Mochiko Chicken, a sweet and savory delight that many describe as 'out of this world tasty goodness.' Reddit

Other popular plate lunch components include corned beef hash patties, which are a 'pillow of happiness' for fans of the dish, and various fried chicken options. The shrimp stick, akin to shrimp tempura, is also a hit, especially when served with a lighter sauce on the side. These hearty and flavorful meals make Tanioka's a perfect stop for a satisfying lunch or a picnic. Reddit

Catering for Every Occasion

Tanioka's Seafoods and Catering is a go-to for event catering on the island. They are renowned for their large food platters that are perfect for parties, gatherings, and celebrations. Reviewers have praised the quality and taste of their catering options, noting that 'everything was ono' (delicious). Reddit

Whether you're planning a wedding or a casual get-together, Tanioka's offers a diverse menu that can satisfy a crowd. Their ability to provide substantial and flavorful food platters makes them a popular choice for those looking to impress guests with authentic local cuisine. Reddit

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