Waiāhole Poi Factory Just Opened in Windward Mall
(Somewhat) better parking, longer hours and a shorter drive from town are perks of Waiāhole's expansion to Kāne‘ohe.
Photo: Thomas Obungen
“It’s right there!” my friend exclaims as we enter the doors to Windward Mall. Like clockwork, Waiāhole Poi Factory opened Wednesday in the corner space of the mall’s Pā‘ina Ko‘olau food court next to Subway. We immediately get in the opening day line. The excitement of the crowd is palpable. We see office aunties, construction braddahs, postal carriers and even a coworker from the past waiting to order combos of lau lau, kalua pig and beef lū‘au.
Photo: Thomas Obungen
The menu is virtually the same as at the eatery’s flagship three miles up Kamehameha Highway in Waiāhole. You can choose between a bowl ($10), a plate ($13.75) or a combo ($17.25), or you can have a little bit of all with the Kanaka Nui ($25.50). A la carte portions are also available: pork and butterfish lau lau ($7.50 apiece), kalua pig ($10), chicken long rice ($9), squid lū‘au ($10) and beef lū‘au ($10).
Photo: Thomas Obungen
As promised, the Sweet Lady of Waiāhole ($7), warm kūlolo with haupia ice cream, also makes an appearance—you just have to ask for it by name. While there are poi cups ($2.75), if you want the hand-pounded poi Waiāhole Poi Factory is famous for, you’ll have to visit the original location. The same goes for online orders, at least for now.
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The new spot marks the Hawaiian food icon’s first expansion since the Hoe family turned the former poi factory and art gallery into a restaurant in 2009. Along with longer hours, this Waiāhole Poi Factory location offers more parking (if you’re not competing with Target customers) and a shorter drive from town. For these reasons alone, we are happy to see this expansion. I’m not sure if it was a fluke, but even on opening day, service was expeditious. We spent more time eating our Sweet Lady of Waiāhole than we did waiting for our dinner order. My hope is that the same holds true for you.
Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy, (808) 239-2222, waiaholepoifactory.com, @waiaholepoifactory
