Listed below are some of Hawai’i’s local favorite Korean restaurants in O’ahu.
Hawai’i’s most traveled island is a haven for foodies, it offers a wide range of different cuisines and culinary experiences. O’ahu is also home to over one million Koreans and is one of the premier destinations for authentic Korean cuisines.
I lived in O’ahu, Hawai’i for 4 years, often visiting Korean restaurants with families and friends. Listed below (in no particular order) are some of the local favorite Korean restaurants (and tourists).
Let us know in the comments below if I missed any of your favorites!
1. Sorabol (서라벌) – Honolulu
Sorabol is one of the OG Korean restaurants established in O’ahu. They are known to have a variety of Korean food selections. Sorabol recently relocated to a beautiful location inside the Pagoda Hotel, where you can enjoy your meal while floating on top of a pond full of live fish!
2. Han Yang (한양) – Kalihi
Located in Kalihi, locals like to come to Han Yang Restaurant to enjoy affordable A.Y.C.E. KBBQ and to enjoy other Korean traditional dishes. The locals definitely recommend “chung gook jang” – a healthy, fermented soup that comes with rice and side dishes. If you’re up for the stink, you should definitely give it a try! Enjoy the variety of meat combo plates.
3. Yakiniku Korea House (고려원) – UH area
Known for its Korean business name, Goryuhwon, Yakiniku Korea House is located near University of Hawai’i and is infamously known for its Bulgogi & Octopus Soup. This hot pot dish that serves two is a definite must-try. KBBQ is provided, but no A.Y.C.E.
4. Yakiniku Jang Su (장수장) – Pearl City
Located in Pearl City, Yakiniku Jang Su, also known as Jang Su Jang, provides KBBQ but no A.Y.C.E. The locals appreciate the Chitterlings Pot Stew, a.k.a. Kop Chang Jun Kol, an small intestine hot pot dish. Yakiniku Jang Su also provides Lunch Specials from 11am to 4pm daily.
5. Yakiniku Seoul (야끼니꾸 서울) – Honolulu
Located in Honolulu on a lower floor, Yakiniku Seoul is a hot spot for locals and tourists. Enjoy more KBBQ from 11am to 9pm daily!
6. On Dong Chinese Restaurant (안동반점) – Honolulu
If you’re craving some Korean-Chinese fusion, On Dong Chinese Restaurant is known for its Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup. The restaurant is open daily from 11am to 9pm, except on Thursdays.
7. Lobster King – Honolulu
Are you craving some Asian Fusion? Lobster King provides a wide selection of Cantonese food, along with Korean-Chinese dishes. Locals and tourists praise their Lobster Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup, a.k.a. Lobster Jjamppong. Lobster King is open daily from 11am to 11pm.
8. Sikdorak (식도락) – Pearly City and Samsung Plaza
Sikdorak has three locations throughout O’ahu. Sikdorak I, the restaurant located in Keeaumoku Plaza, is open daily from 10am to 4am! Sidorak II is located in Kaneohe Shopping Center and is open from 11am to 10pm on weekdays and closes 11pm on weekends. Sidorak III is located in Waimalu Plaza and is open from 11am to 11pm.
9. Gen – Pearl City
Gen Korean BBQ House is another popular A.Y.C.E. KBBQ spot for locals and tourists. There are two locations – one in Aiea at Moanalua Road, and the other in Honolulu at Ala Moana Center.
10. Million – Honolulu
Located in Honolulu, Million Korean Restaurant is popular amongst the Hawai’i locals for its flavorful Korean dishes.
Unfortunately, we had to remove several listings that were some of our local favorites. Seoul Garden Yakiniku located in Kapiolani had one of the best A.Y.C.E. KBBQ in the island and is now replaced with Moobongri Soondae & BBQ, and Hyung Jae Restaurant had some delicious Pork Bone Soup, a.k.a. Gamjatang.
Let us know in the comments below if we missed out on any of your favorite Korean restaurants in Hawai’i!
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