Pounders Restaurant
Pounders Restaurant offers a delightful taste of Hawaii with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from wood-fired pizzas to island-fusion specialties.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Pounders Restaurant
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pounders Restaurant offers a delightful taste of Hawaii with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, from wood-fired pizzas to island-fusion specialties.
"The mango shrimp tacos were absolute perfection - fresh, flavorful, and delicious!"
Order Macadamia Nut Fish Early
This popular dish runs out quickly, so try to order it early in your meal.
Dessert is a Must-Try
Don't leave without trying the enormous, chunky cookies or other delicious baked goods from the attached bakery.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American, Hawaiian-Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hawaiian-Fusion Cuisine
Experience fresh, island-inspired dishes crafted with local ingredients, from unique tacos to kiawe wood-fired pizzas.
Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza
Savor delicious pizzas baked in a traditional kiawe wood-fired oven, with inventive toppings like Kahuku shrimp and mango.
Elegant Ambiance & Friendly Service
Enjoy a warm, inviting atmosphere with a modern, airy setting and attentive, friendly staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Order Macadamia Nut Fish Early
This popular dish runs out quickly, so try to order it early in your meal.
Dessert is a Must-Try
Don't leave without trying the enormous, chunky cookies or other delicious baked goods from the attached bakery.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid potential slow service, consider visiting during less busy times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Order Macadamia Nut Fish Early
This popular dish runs out quickly, so try to order it early in your meal.
Dessert is a Must-Try
Don't leave without trying the enormous, chunky cookies or other delicious baked goods from the attached bakery.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To avoid potential slow service, consider visiting during less busy times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pounders Restaurant receives praise for its fresh, island-fusion dishes, especially the pizzas and tacos, and its pleasant, modern atmosphere. However, some diners have noted inconsistent seasoning and occasional issues with food temperature or service attentiveness.
"Pounders, you're a winner! Had the mango shrimp tacos and they were absolute perfection - fresh, flavorful, and delicious! The addition of fries on the side was the perfect complement. And let's not forget the pie... amazing! The quality and freshness of the ingredients really shine through. Can't wait to come back and try more of the menu. Highly recommend!"
Zach Schramm
"We were in the neighborhood and stopped in at Pounder’s today. Great food, atmosphere, and service. Jody was our server and helped with the menu. If you like the macadamia nut crusted fish dishes, their recipe is great but they run out of it quick. We had the poke bowl, Korean chicken and kids pizza. All of the dishes were tasty (no left overs) but no room for desert. Maybe next time."
Kurt Semon
"Fantastic family dinner!! when we arrived we asked for special seating and they were very very accomidating. the waitress was very aware of allergies and how the food was made. we oreder the MANGO PIZZA which is to die for the Surf and Turf with poke was delicious, stake cooked well and the poke out of this world."
Caleb Earnshaw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include Hawaiian-fusion items like mango shrimp tacos, neapolitan pizza baked in a kiawe wood-fired oven, and macadamia nut crusted fish.
Yes, Pounders Restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients sourced from Hawaii, including grass-fed beef and fresh-caught seafood.
Yes, Pounders Restaurant has an attached bakery, Aunty Emily's Polynesian Bakery, which offers delicious cookies and pastries.
The restaurant has a modern, airy setting with a deck, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere for diners.
Yes, Pounders offers a 'Keiki (Kids)' menu, including customizable personal pizzas.
Popular drinks include "Mea'inu (Beverages)" like island lemonade and a variety of soft drinks.
While not explicitly stated, many customers enjoy the food, and the restaurant is located in a marketplace, suggesting takeout might be possible.
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Laie Beach Park, commonly known as Pounders, is a white sandy beach with a backdrop of Ironwood trees for shade. Pounders is known to have waves consistently big enough for body surfing throughout the year. The beach is similar to Sandy Beach (Koko Head Park), because of the steep shallow sandbar which forces water up to create the shore break.
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Family-friendly sit-down restaurant Pounders is headed by Sean Priester (formerly of Soul Patrol) and serves dishes that include gourmet pizzas and salads, while Aunty Emily's Polynesian Bakery carries goodies that are hard to find elsewhere on O‘ahu: Think panipopo, a Samoan coconut-milk dessert, and croissants with a tropical fruit twist.
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Pounders is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center in the Hukilau Marketplace and is a great place to eat on the North Shore. A lot of the ingredients used to make their delicious meals are from Hawaii, from grass-fed beef to fresh-caught seafood. Grab a tasty burger, shrimp pizza, or fresh ahi salad for a great dinner as a couple.
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The biggest feature in this section would be Pounders Restaurant, which serves Hawaiian-fusion dishes made entirely with local ingredients. Of note is their neapolitan pizza—with toppings such as Kahuku shrimp, poke, and mango—baked in a kiawe wood fired oven. Kids can even order a fully-customizable personal pizza!
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Grab lunch at Pounders Restaurant, which serves up local fare with farm-fresh ingredients. Order the ahi poke nachos for the table, a classic appetizer with an island twist. The portions are large, so save room for dessert, like a slice of mango or guava cheesecake.
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If you are looking for one of the best restaurants on the North Shore of Oahu, Pounders is a great option. Pounders is located just outside of the Polynesian Cultural Center in the Hukilau Marketplace. Pounders prides itself on using fresh local ingredients.
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Pounders Restaurant at Polynesian Cultural Center’s (PCC) Hukilau Marketplace has you covered, offering a prix-fixe meal and tickets to its acclaimed show — making it look like you planned a romantic evening far in advance.
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Pounders is found at the Polynesian Cultural Center entrance, right before you have to pay for your cultural experience. The food there is delicious!. I loved the mahi-mahi curry.
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