What to Eat During September’s Okinawan Feastival in Honolulu
Okinawan Festival is this weekend. During Okinawan FEASTival, 20 restaurants are serving traditional and new creations Sept. 7-21.
Kame! Kame! (Eat! Eat!) The 7th Okinawan Feastival runs from Sept. 7–21 and features Uchinanchu-licious specials at 20 local restaurants and food businesses. Not only does it showcase a cuisine with a distinct flavor and character that is completely different from Japanese food, it’s also an ‘ono way to discover new eateries and revisit old favorites.
Go here for a complete list of specials and here to find out when each special is available and which you’ll need to preorder.
Okinawan Feastival is a delicious way we can support Okinawan-owned (and Okinawan-at-heart) restaurants and food businesses on O‘ahu. Since the opening of American Café in 1923, there have been over 350 in Hawai‘i. Most have closed, but a new generation of 57 Okinawan-owned eateries and food businesses are operating on O‘ahu today. Sadly, in the last six years, 21 have shut their doors. Feastival continues as a way to help the rest keep going.
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to Okinawan Festival
Okinawan Feastival runs for just two weeks, but I hope these local restaurants will continue to get your support throughout the year. Here’s what each one is offering and when:
Photo: Courtesy of Alan Wong’s
Awamori Sunrise & Ghost of Okinawa
Alan Wong’s at The Veranda
Okinawan-at-heart Alan Wong is bringing back two award-winning drinks featuring awamori, the heritage drink of Okinawa. Awamori Sunrise is a twist on a local favorite “POG” with liliko‘i, orange and guava. Ghost of Okinawa is a clear, “Blanc de Blancs” spin on the classic Manhattan using aged awamori.
Sept. 8-12, 5 to 10 p.m., Kāhala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kāhala Ave., @theverandakahala
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Andagi, Aloha Dog and Jushime
Aloha Andagi
Junko Bise and her crew will pop-up in the covered parking lot of Marukai Dillingham serving regular andagi, Aloha Dogs (Okinawan corn dog), and boroboro jushime (Okinawan seasoned rice). Cash only.
Sept. 19 and 20, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out, 2310 Kamehameha Highway, Kalihi, @alohaandagi_llc
Photo: Courtesy of Aloha Andagi
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Jimami Dofu
Aloha Tofu
From Sept. 7–21, Aloha Tofu Factory will hand-make Okinawan peanut tofu with a sweet sauce. This is not regularly offered, so don’t miss the chance to try this iconic Okinawan treat. No limits this year. Discounts on Yushidofu (soft, silky tofu with a custardy texture) and ‘Ohana soy sauce (a dashi shoyu that pairs well with tofu). Call to preorder and set your pickup date and time at Aloha Tofu Factory in Kalihi.
Sept. 7–21, 961 Akepo Lane, Kalihi, (808) 845-2669, aloha-tofu.com, @alohatofufactory
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Kokuto & Kinako Lager, Okinawan Sweet Potato Croquette, Oki-dog Chimichanga
Beer Lab HI
A special release, limited run of Kokuto Brown Sugar and Kinako Dark Lager with a new bingata design will be available to drink at Beer Lab HI locations starting Sept. 5, while supplies last. Preorder will launch Sept. 4 at 1:30 p.m. online (see website below).
Beer Lab’s Pearlridge location (98-1005 Moanalua Road) will serve Okinawan sweet potato croquette stuffed with rafute. Puck’s Alley location (2600 S. King St. #107) will serve Oki-dog Chimichanga filled with taco rice and a kokuto sugar shoyu hot dog.
Sept. 5, til supplies run out, multiple locations, beerlabhi.com, @beerlabhi
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Photo: Courtesy of Chibi Confectionery
Shikuwasa “Jell-O” & Okinawan Sweet Potato Crunch
Chibi Confectionery
Chibi’s is offering a shikuwasa (Okinawan lemon lime) “Jell-O” and Okinawan sweet potato crunch, an Okinawan take on the popular pumpkin crunch. Order via the website or call to inquire about pickup locations.
Sept. 7–24, (808) 383-0063, chibiconfectionery.com, @chibiconfectionery
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Shikuwasa Shave Ice
Chillest Shave Ice
Chillest’s Aaron Wong will feature this Okinawan citrus shave ice while his syrup supply lasts. Cash only.
Sept. 7-21 (closed Wednesday), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Tuesday 1 to 9 p.m.), 3408 Wai‘alae Ave. #102, Kaimukī, @chillestshaveice
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Okinawan Omakase
Hide Sushi
Chef Tsukasa “Tommy” Okino, Okinawan at heart, has created an omakase sushi and sashimi dinner whose assorted appetizers, soup and dessert are Okinawan-inspired. Appetizers: One-bite cold Okinawa soba noodles, Okinawan sweet potato tofu, black vinaigrette mozuku seaweed, “Biragara machi” fishcake wrapped with chives and shikuwasa miso, goya bitter melon salad. Cost: $120 per person. Reservations via OpenTable are required. Validated parking available.
Sept. 6-21, Sunday to Thursday, seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m. at Waikīkī Business Plaza, 2270 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, @hide_socialsushibar
Photo: Courtesy of Ige’s Halawa
Aunty Kay’s Sweet Potato Manju & Big Feastival Sale
Ige’s Halawa
Aunty Kay’s popular sweet potato manju is available to preorder online (see website below), with pickup on Sept. 9 and 16.
Ige’s Big Okinawan Feastival Sale will be on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a full bake sale (first come, first served). Preorder Okinawan mixed plate (shoyu pork, sweet and sour pigs feet, chicken tofu champuru), andagi and many other items.
Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 99-1086B Iwaena St., Halawa, (808) 486-6868, igeshalawa.com, @igeshalawa
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Shikuwasa Sinigang Pork Ribs & Okinawan Sweet Potato Tupig
Ilaya
Okinawan-at-heart chef RJ’s Shikuwasa Sinigang Pork Ribs comes with pickled Goya ensalada and vinegared rice; and his and Okinawan Sweet Potato “Tupig” is grated Okinawan sweet potato and sticky rice cake grilled over charcoal. Served with miso kokuto caramel, shikuwasa and calamansi koji syrup, and latik. Preorders accepted til Sept. 9 and Sept. 16 via Instagram DM or email ilaya.eat@gmail.com.
Sept. 12 & 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fishcake, 307 Kamani St., Kaka‘ako, @ilaya.eat
Photo: Courtesy of Izu’s Mochi
Okinawan Sweet Potato Kasa Muuchi
Izu’s Mochi
Izumi Randles of Izu’s Mochi will be making Okinawan sweet potato kasa muuchi. Kasa Muuchi is an Okinawan style of mochi that is wrapped in fragrant shell ginger leaves and steamed. The aroma of the shell ginger leaf permeates into the muuchi. Preorder before Sept. 19 via IG DM or email izumirandles@yahoo.com.
Sept. 12 & 19, 8 a.m. to noon, Kaka‘ako Farmers Market, @izusmochi
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Pandandagi
Kapa Hale
Keaka Lee, Okinawan at heart, will serve up his new Pandandagi (pandan andagi)! Pandan leaves are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisines and are called the “vanilla of Southeast Asia.” This exclusive special will be made to order Sept. 5–21. Limited quantities per day. Preorder online (see website below) or phone in your order. Dine-in or takeout.
Sept. 5–21, 4614 Kilāuea Ave., Suite 102, Kāhala, (808) 888-2060, kapahale.com, @4614kapahale
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Free Pork & Bittermelon Dish With $50 Order
Kin Wah Chop Suey
Kin Wah is celebrating its Okinawan part-owner Joy Sanchez. When you spend $50 or more on a single order, the restaurant will throw in a free order of pork and bitter melon in black bean sauce, or crispy gau gee. Call (808) 247-4812 to make a reservation or order. Must mention Feastival when you order.
Sept. 8–20, 45-588 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 247-4812, kinwahchopsuey.com
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Abura Miso and Jyu Shi Me
Masa & Joyce Okazuya
This Kāne‘ohe okazuya will have several Feastival dishes: Okinawan abura miso (seasoned miso using crispy pork), jyu shi me (Okinawan rice soup), andagi, Okinawa soba, pig’s feet soup, Hawai‘i Okinawan-style oxtail soup, and Okinawan sweet potato mochi (grilled, not deep-fried). Call to preorder and set date and time of pickup.
Sept. 7-21 (closed Tuesdays), 45-582 Kamehameha Highway, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 235-6129, @masaandjoyce
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Rafute Donburi
Oide Kitchen
Oide Kitchen will offer rafute (shoyu pork) donburi with ajitama (marinated soft-boiled egg) and Okinawan sweet potato salad. Until supplies last. Call to preorder.
Sept. 1-18 (closed Sundays), 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 212 Merchant St., Downtown, (808) 524-6433, @o.i.de_kitchen
Photo: Courtesy of Pitch Sports Bar
Handroll Set with Orion Beer
Pitch Sports Bar
Pitch is offering an Okinawan Feastival handroll set for $17.50. Each set includes imitation crab, spicy tuna and scallop mayo handrolls and a 12-ounce Orion beer. Reservations are not required but recommended via website.
Sept. 5–21, 11 a.m. to midnight (2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday), Salt at our Kaka‘ako, 685 Auahi St. Suite 216/217, Kaka‘ako, (808) 480-8198, pitchsportsbar.com, @pitchsportsbar
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Okinawan-Inspired 3-Course Dinner
Sky Waikīkī
Executive Chef Gary Tamashiro is Okinawan at heart. His tasting menu includes roasted Okinawan sweet potato hummus with grilled herb flatbread and goya; Okinawan Soki Soba Spaetzle with braised oxtail, fish cake, scallions, dashi broth, black garlic oil; and Fundagi a la Mode, an Okinawan-style donut funnel cake with chura kokuto and powdered sugar, served with Il Gelato Hawai‘i French vanilla gelato.
Sept. 5–21, 4 to 9:30 p.m., Waikīkī Business Plaza, 2270 Kalākaua Ave, Waikīkī, (808) 900-4240, skywaikiki.com, @skywaikiki
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Sizzling Okinawan Taco Rice
Splash Bar
Splash Bar is offering two specials: Okinawan Sweet Potato/Whiskey Slushy and an Okinawan taco rice served on a sizzling skillet layered with seasoned wagyu ground beef, Japanese garlic butter white rice, melted cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and a savory taco sauce. Taco seasonings and salsa made by Okinawan-at-heart chef Blake Kajiwara. Validated parking available.
Sept. 4–11, Monday and Friday 10:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., Sheraton Princess Ka‘iulani, 120 Ka‘iulani Ave., Waikīkī, (808) 922-5811, @splashbarwaikiki
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Five Okinawan Soups
Sunrise Restaurant
Katsu and Tomoko Tamayose are offering takeout orders of pig’s feet soup, nakami (intestine) soup, spare rib soup, Okinawan miso soup, and Okinawa soba on weekdays. Nakami is not on the regular menu and worth a try. Preorder required.
Sept. 8-17, 525 Kapahulu Ave. #A, Kapahulu, (808) 737-4118, thesunriserestaurant.com, @sunriserestauranthawaii
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Photo: Courtesy of Teruya’s Andagi
Andadog
Teruya’s Andagi
Albert of Teruya’s Andagi will be serving up Andadog (hot dog on a stick, dipped in andagi batter and fried). $3 each piece. Call to preorder at least a day ahead. Andagi and sweet potato mochi also available.
Sept. 8–19. Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1104 Pensacola St., Makiki, (808) 389-1714, teruyasandagi.com, @teruyas_andagi
Photo: Reid Shimabukuro
Pork Belly Rafute & 5 more specials
Zigu
Zigu’s Feastival specials are Okinawa-style pork belly rafute; pickled rakkyo with koregusu; Okinawan mozuku & umibudo; Spam, shiso & cheese katsu; Okinawan sweet potato pudding; Okinawan Sour and assorted Okinawan drinks and cocktails. Call for reservations. Validated parking across the street at Hyatt Centric.
Sept. 5–12, 4 to 10:30 p.m., 413 Seaside Ave., Waikīkī, (808) 212-9252, zigu.us, @zigu.hi
Shari Tamashiro is the organizer of Okinawan Feastival and full-time cybrarian at Kapi‘olani Community College.
