Next Stop: Flavortown
Where to stop and eat within walking distance of four Skyline rail stations.
Skyline’s first segment might only span 10.8 miles from East Kapolei to Hālawa, but that’s plenty of ground to cover when you look at it through a foodie lens. So put on your walking shoes, load up your Holo Card and explore some ‘ono West Side gems both classic and new.
La Casita
Photos: Courtney Mau
Photos: Courtney Mau
Photos: Courtney Mau
SKYLINE STOP
Pouhala (Waipahu Transit Center)
WALKING DISTANCE
409 steps, 4-minute walk
Before La Casita, you couldn’t find Salvadoran pupusas and pastelitos on O‘ahu, let alone in Waipahu. Now in a spacious new home in Tropicana Square, Yosselyn De Abreu’s Central American oasis weaves humble Latin fare into the fabric of this former plantation town.
94-866 Moloalo St. D-11A, Waipahu, Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., (808) 676-6987,
lacasitahawaii.com, @lacasitahawaii
Shiro’s Saimin Haven
SKYLINE STOP
Kalauao (Waimalu Shopping Center)
WALKING DISTANCE
803 steps, 6-minute walk
Dear Hearts,
It’s impossible to pass Waimalu Shopping Center and not think about Shiro’s Saimin Haven. Since opening in 1969, the diner has become a fixture in this neighborhood and a destination for those far from it. Shiro’s is that reliable friend who’s always ready to welcome you in.
98-020 Kamehameha Highway, ‘Aiea, Monday to Sunday 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., (808) 488-8824,
shiros-saimin.com, @shirossaimin
The Pearl
House made Fettuccine, Charred Broccolini, Garlic Parmesan Pancetta Cream, Sous Vide 1 hr. Egg. Photo: Courtesy of Leeward Community College
M.P.'s Big Eye Ahi Tartare, Chipotle Aioli, Honey Dashi. Photo: Courtesy of Leeward Community College
Big Island Hearts of palm Cha Wan Mushi, Sweet Soy Nitsuke, White Truffle Essence. Photo: Courtesy of Leeward Community College
46 Hour Honey Mustard Grilled Short Rib of Beef, Parsnip Puree, Provencal, Red Wine Jus. Photo: Courtesy of Leeward Community College
Pork Tenderloin "Wellington", Butternut Squash Puree, Haricot Verts, Whole Grain Mustard Natural Sauce. Photo: Courtesy of Leeward Community College
House Made Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Port Wine Star Anise Syrup, Fresh Wild Berries. Photo: Courtesy of Leeward Community College
Wild Poha Berry Streusel, Cream and Berries. Photo: Courtesy of Leeward Community College
SKYLINE STOP
Hālaulani (Leeward Community College)
WALKING DISTANCE
591 steps, 5-minute walk
As someone who went from busser to executive chef at Roy’s Hawai‘i Kai, Chris Garnier knows about paying one’s dues. Now a chef instructor at Leeward Community College, Garnier mentors future culinary stars at The Pearl, the on-campus fine dining restaurant. The student-run Pearl is a real-life simulator that gives students hands-on training in all aspects of running a restaurant, as a team. This is a neighborhood favorite, which means you’ll be lucky to snag a reservation—they book up quickly.
96-045 Ala ‘Ike, Pearl City, Leeward Community College, Wednesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., (808) 455-0475, leeward.hawaii.edu/thepearl
Straight Outta Husk
Photos: Courtney Mau
Photo: Courtney Mau
Photos: Courtney Mau
Photo: Courtney Mau
Photo: Courtney Mau
SKYLINE STOP
Kalauao (Waimalu Shopping Center)
WALKING DISTANCE
906 steps, 6-minute walk
Automatic doors slide open to the faint beat of K-pop and the scent of simmering beef birria. The folks in line are ordering tamales, tacos, burritos and more. It’s Straight Outta Husk at Pālama Supermarket. Koreatown in Los Angeles is the only other place where I’ve encountered a cultural juxtaposition like this. If that tickles your taste buds, get in line with everyone else for Marhen Yee Luevano’s cooking.
98-020 Kamehameha Highway, ‘Aiea, Tuesday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., (808) 765-1990, @straightouttahusk
Minasa
Photos: Courtney Mau
Photos: Courtney Mau
Photo: Courtney Mau
Photo: Courtney Mau
Photo: Courtney Mau
Photo: Courtney Mau
SKYLINE STOP
Pouhala (Waipahu Transit Center)
WALKING DISTANCE
412 steps, 4-minute walk
Tropicana Square is a fascinating microcosm of ethnic commerce. The green strip mall is home to Elena’s Filipino Foods, Wong Kung Chop Suey, and Da Fish Market, known for lechon. The new kid on the block is Minasa. The Tagalog word means to mash—which is exactly what Maleko Lagmay does, and he does it well.
94-866 Moloalo St. D-12, Waipahu, Wednesday to Saturday noon to 4 p.m., (808) 202-8555, minasahawaii.com, @minasahawaii
Local Joe West
Illustration: Christine Labrador
Photo: Thomas Obungen
SKYLINE STOP
Keone‘ae (UH west O‘ahu)
WALKING DISTANCE
405 steps, 4-minute walk
Much like the apartment pool it’s adjacent to, Local Joe West is a beacon—not only against the heat of the ‘Ewa Plain but also the drought of craft coffee in West O‘ahu. Charles Asselbaye’s first expansion since opening Local Joe in Chinatown in 2015 is the perfect point to start a Skyline journey. Jessica and Jeffrey Haynes, who co-own this new micro roastery café with Asselbaye, are often there preparing baked goods and pulling espresso shots for velvety Royal Hawaiian Mochas. The menu of coffee beverages and baked goods rotates seasonally, but it’s the consistently cheerful vibes that I return for. And those velvety smooth mochas.
92-3598 Nana Hope St., Suite 1425, ‘Ewa Beach, Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., (808) 364-0681, localjoewest.com, @localjoewest
