I came here twice during my visit to Hawaii and drove out of the way because the quality of the food is THAT GOOD. I ordered so many things on the menu, and everything was ridiculously tasty. Their spicey chicken miso ramen was rich in flavor and the portion was just right. Their yakitori skewers truly are incredibly good and are a must. The flavor it gave to the tomatoes and shitake mushrooms was my favorite. The sashimi: wow. The cuts of fish are the most generous I have ever seen and the fish is fresh. I had to bring my husband with me a second time and everything we ordered exceeded our expectations. This place is a must if you're ever on the Kailua Kona side. Of course, staff is very welcoming and friendly. I felt right at home and had some of the best meals during my vacation.
Overview
If you’re in the mood for a fantastic meal in Waimea, you can’t go wrong with Moa Kitchen. Located at 65-1298 Kawaihae Rd, this hidden gem offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu that’s packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or a special dinner, Moa Kitchen makes it easy to enjoy great food while soaking in the local charm.
What stands out about Moa Kitchen is its commitment to freshness and flavor. The restaurant has built a reputation for using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every dish is not only delicious but also supports the community. From fresh seafood to locally grown vegetables, the kitchen prides itself on showcasing the best of Hawaii in every bite.
When it comes to the menu, you’ll find a mix of traditional Hawaiian dishes and modern twists on classic comfort food. The Moa Kitchen chefs are known for their creative approach, adding unique ingredients or cooking techniques to elevate familiar meals. One standout dish is their seared Ahi tuna, which is perfectly cooked and served with a zesty sauce that complements the freshness of the fish. Another favorite is their signature poke bowls, where you can choose from an assortment of toppings that make each bowl your own. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, the loco moco, a local favorite, is a filling and satisfying option that combines a perfectly cooked burger patty, rice, gravy, and a fried egg.
It’s not just the food that keeps customers coming back, though. The atmosphere at Moa Kitchen is welcoming and relaxed. The rustic, beach-inspired decor adds to the overall experience, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a friendly, laid-back eatery where you can enjoy your meal without any fuss. Whether you’re seated inside the cozy dining room or on the outdoor patio, there’s a sense of comfort here that makes every visit enjoyable.
Another great thing about Moa Kitchen is its dedication to providing top-notch service. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations or ensure your dining experience is seamless. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a regular, you’ll always feel like a part of the family.
While the food is certainly the star of the show, the drinks menu is not to be overlooked either. From refreshing cocktails to local craft beers, there’s something for everyone. Their cocktails are carefully crafted, and many are inspired by tropical flavors, which pairs perfectly with the Hawaiian ambiance. If you’re a fan of craft beer, don’t miss out on their selection of locally brewed options. The drink menu complements the food in such a way that it enhances your dining experience from start to finish.
One of the best ways to truly experience Moa Kitchen is to check out their daily specials, which often feature dishes that highlight the freshest ingredients of the season. These specials are a great way to try something new and discover flavors you might not find on the regular menu. Plus, they rotate regularly, so you’ll always have something to look forward to with each visit.
If you’re looking for a restaurant in Waimea that offers high-quality food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a true taste of local Hawaiian flavors, Moa Kitchen should be at the top of your list. With every visit, you’re in for a treat, and it’s no surprise that this spot has earned so many loyal fans. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the area, the food and experience at Moa Kitchen are well worth checking out.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Fast servicePopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Organic dishes âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Chill night out with my crew at MOA Kitchen — and wow, now I get why everyone’s obsessed! We ordered way too much (as always ) — ramen, sushi, sashimi, and a few small plates to share. Everything was spot on. But the highlight? KUBOTA. Smooth, clean, and dangerously easy to drink. Good food, good laughs, good sake — that’s the vibe. #BigIsland #Hawaii2025 #USA2025
I highly recommend Moa’s Kitchen! While visiting the island, our group of eight visited the restaurant for two different dinners. The appetizers were incredible, the sushi was so fresh and one of the best we’ve ever had, and the Ramen was amazing! I would highly suggest eating here!
Very good food one of the better restaurants in island. Portion sizes are great food is delicious. If there are complaints I would imagine it’s based on personal preferences. We showed up without a reservation. This place is popular I recommend trying to get a reservation. They were booked but the server pulled some strings and got us three seats at the take out bar. Very much appreciated! Takoyaki and yakitori: We ordered the takoyaki, very delicious a slightly over cooked but not enough to really change flavor just texture. Honestly I actually might like the firmer outer layer. The chicken and the mushroom skewers are delicious. Perfect cook and the natural flavors are amazing. Oyakodon: I am a huge fan of Oyakodon. It’s easily my favorite meal and they serve the best I’ve had on island. Eggs not over cooked presentation is great served in a cast iron bowl with a side of rice. The sweetened dashi broth is amazing. Now it is served with more broth than I’m used to no complaints gives you the option of eating it how you would like. Keep in mind I’ve just returned from Japan and had a lot of Oyakodon. The flavor is on point maybe to the sweeter side. The egg is all one texture and cooked fully. I prefer when they add a second egg later in the cook to allow less cooked egg mixed with the cooked egg. Like I warned preference. Salmon: My son loves ikura so he got the salmon lovers the salmon sashimi and ikura were so fresh and delicious. The tamago was perfectly cooked. The salmon roll was also very delicious. The menu has sets of nigiri I may have missed it but I did not see options to order individual nigiri. I was there specific or takoyaki and Oyakodon. This place deserves five stars. They serve delicious food and very friendly staff!
A hidden gem in Waimea. Their yakitori, sashimi, and sushi rolls were excellent. Try the shiitake and zucchini yakitori - an explosion of flavors and will make you love vegetables. Great service - we came back twice. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!
If your looking for a delicious dining experience in Waimea a visit to Moa Kitchen will certainly fill your craving. The dishes are fresh, flavorful, and cooked with love, you will taste it in every bite. I highly recommend the Miso Butterfish set meal with a cold glass of Koshihikari! The server we had was attentive, knowledgeable, and very friendly. Don’t miss this wonderful restaurant if you are in Waimea!
This place is A MUST stop if you're near by. The food is absolutely delicious, we ordered the cold pupu sashimi crudo plate and it was divine. The fish was fresh and the yuzu seasoning was fantastic. The quality of the fresh fish was so worth it. And the atmosphere and staff were beyond amazing. When we come back to big island we will definitely be back.
We quite enjoyed our experience here, something for everyone and we all enjoyed our dishes. Service was very friendly, it's also family friendly and the food was fresh. It's also very reasonably priced. Recommend!