Name: Izakaya Pau Hana Base
Telephone: +1 808-492-1280
Price range: $20 to $30

Izakaya Pau Hana Base Information

Izakaya Pau Hana Base: A Vibrant Dining Experience in Honolulu

If you're seeking an authentic izakaya experience in Honolulu, look no further than Izakaya Pau Hana Base. Located at 407 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States, this popular spot offers a delightful combination of Japanese comfort food and a lively, casual atmosphere. Whether you're in the mood for sizzling grilled meats or refreshing draft beer, this izakaya delivers an enjoyable dining experience for all. For reservations or inquiries, you can reach them at +1 808-492-1280.

Discover the Unique Vibe of Izakaya Pau Hana Base

Izakaya Pau Hana Base is known for its inviting atmosphere, which perfectly complements the vibrant energy of Honolulu. As an izakaya, it brings the concept of after-work relaxation and casual dining to life. The lively ambiance, paired with a variety of savory dishes, makes this spot a favorite among both locals and tourists alike.

While the food takes center stage, the laid-back setting adds to the charm of the restaurant. The atmosphere at Izakaya Pau Hana Base encourages conversation and enjoyment, making it the ideal spot to unwind with friends after a long day. Whether you're sitting at the bar or enjoying a table with loved ones, the friendly and efficient service enhances the overall dining experience.

A Menu Full of Flavorful Delights

Izakaya Pau Hana Base offers an extensive menu filled with mouthwatering Japanese dishes, each prepared with care and attention to detail. From grilled skewers to comforting noodle dishes, there's something for every palate. Below are some of the menu highlights that stand out:

Okonomiyaki: A Savory Japanese Pancake

One of the standout dishes at Izakaya Pau Hana Base is the okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is loaded with ingredients such as cabbage, pork, and a variety of seasonings, all topped with a delicious sauce. It's the perfect dish for sharing and indulging in the authentic flavors of Japan.

Chicken Yakitori: Grilled to Perfection

For lovers of grilled meat, the chicken yakitori at Izakaya Pau Hana Base is a must-try. Skewered and perfectly charred, each bite delivers a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the restaurant's selection of beers. It's an ideal choice for those seeking a savory, protein-packed snack.

Ikayaki: A Unique Squid Dish

Another dish that stands out is ikayaki, a grilled squid served on a skewer. This flavorful dish is both tender and smoky, making it a delicious option for seafood lovers. The charred edges of the squid add a satisfying crunch, while the savory sauce ties everything together.

Grilled Atka Mackerel Hokke: A Traditional Delight

For those who enjoy fish, the grilled Atka mackerel hokke is a traditional Japanese dish that shouldn't be missed. The mackerel is grilled to perfection, with crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. This dish pairs wonderfully with a cold draft beer and offers a true taste of Japanese cuisine.

ソース焼きそば (Yakisoba): Stir-Fried Noodles

If you're craving something hearty, the yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) is an excellent option. Packed with vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce, this dish is both filling and flavorful. It's the kind of comfort food that transports you to the streets of Japan with every bite.

Gyoza: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

No izakaya experience is complete without a plate of gyoza. These pan-fried dumplings, filled with savory pork and vegetables, are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They make for a perfect appetizer or snack to share with friends.

Omurice: A Fusion of Flavors

Omurice, a dish that combines rice, eggs, and a flavorful ketchup-based sauce, is a popular comfort food in Japan. At Izakaya Pau Hana Base, the omurice is cooked to perfection, with fluffy scrambled eggs enveloping a bed of savory rice. It's the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Cotton Candy: A Sweet Treat

For dessert, Izakaya Pau Hana Base offers cotton candy, a nostalgic and fun treat that brings a sense of whimsy to your meal. Light, fluffy, and sweet, it’s the perfect way to end your dining experience on a sweet note.

Customer Feedback: A Mix of Praise and Constructive Criticism

Many patrons rave about the variety of dishes and the vibrant atmosphere at Izakaya Pau Hana Base. The grilled meats, particularly the yakitori, receive special mention for their taste and quality. The draft beer is also a hit, with guests enjoying the refreshing, cold beverage alongside their meals.

However, some diners have pointed out that service can be slow at times, with waitstaff appearing overwhelmed by the number of customers. While the food quality is generally praised, there have been a few mentions of inconsistent experiences, with some customers feeling that the food quality was just "okay."

A Place to Savor and Enjoy

Izakaya Pau Hana Base is more than just a place to eat; it's a place to unwind and savor the rich flavors of Japan. The variety of dishes, from okonomiyaki to gyoza, ensures that there's something for everyone. While the service may occasionally be slow, the food and atmosphere make it well worth the visit. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist in Honolulu, this izakaya is a must-try destination for anyone seeking delicious, comforting food in a welcoming environment.

With its focus on high-quality ingredients, traditional Japanese dishes, and a casual yet vibrant setting, Izakaya Pau Hana Base has established itself as a standout spot in Honolulu's culinary scene.

Business Info

What People's Say About Place

I came here because I’d researched it before our Hawaii trip and put it on my must-visit list—and I’m so glad I did. This is a small, cozy, super cute Japanese izakaya with a great local vibe. There was one woman running the whole show, so yes, she was very busy She may not be overly chatty, but totally understandable—she’s hustling! And honestly, the service was still satisfying. We ordered almost everything on the menu… and not a single miss. Everything was a win. The grilled dishes in particular were amazing. Also, I didn’t know Kirin beer could taste THIS good until I drank it here. The best part? The prices are very reasonable, so you can order freely without stressing—and that makes the experience even better. Oh, and after you pay, they give you sugar… so you can make cotton candy yourself! Such a fun and unexpected touch. Loved it so much that we’re coming back again on the last day of our trip. That should tell you everything. Highly recommended!

One of my favorite places in Waikīkī! Been here multiple times. Great spot to go with friends on a weekend night. Highly recommend the loco moco, chicken yakitori, and crab coquette! Their take on loco moco is quite different from the typical plate lunch. The sauce is not the gravy kind, instead it’s like a thicken sweet cornstarch slurry sauce. Similar to the Chinese sweet and sour sauce, but it’s not sour. Second, the hamburger patty style is super soft and juicey. The style is more like the Japanese Hambagu. This was one of my favorite dish that I always get. The cream croquette was yummy dummy delicious. Crunchy and creamy in each bite. The chicken yakitori was tender and umami. Love sprinkling with the red pepper to add a nice kick. It can be a bit of a wait for the food to come out. As for parking, they have a two hour validation at the Hyatt Centric Waikīkī. I recommend placing a reservation as sometimes the wait can be a bit long during busy hours.

Another FANTASTIC hidden gem! Staff was extremely friendly, and when I say that I mean if you have zero idea what to order, ask your server what their favorite menu item is. I let the staff pick my meal whenever I go and they do not disappoint! Happy hour is good, get the chicken cartilage! Then the tofu soup is unreal, fantastic on a rainy day in Honolulu whenever you just wanna stay home or can't enjoy the beach, you can have the soup to brighten your day. Next, the squid eyesockets...you HAVE TO try at least once in your life. It has a caramelized sweetness to them when they cook them. Lastly, the Hokke is BEYOND anything you can get anywhere else. Hard to find, very traditional in Japan, so the fact they have this...just get it. You'll see what I mean.

A cute little Japanese izakaya hidden in the back. The staff were friendly and the cozy atmosphere reminded me of Japan. The prices were reasonable, and the food was okay.

Authentic back alley Izakaya in the heart of Waikiki. Don’t expect glitzy or top notch service here as it’s like a side street in Osaka-shi here. I’ve been here several times and always a good time. Best HH beer prices in Waikiki and everything delicious with the exception of the small and overcooked Ribeye Steak. One of those places you hesitate sharing because you don’t want it to get overcrowded sigh.

Third update: stop by on New Year’s Eve without a reservation. Luckily we didn’t have to wait long. The candied taro root salad was excellent as we always get one of these. The chicken yakitori was tender and tasty. The food remained good here, but the service level has dropped quite a bit probably because there were only 2 servers and clearly they looked overworked. The owner should hire additional servers during the busy hours. Hopefully the service will be better the next time. Second update: we’ve returned again and the service was friendly as before, but the food seemed to have taken a step back, thus it’s a 4* now. I’ve raved about this place so much so it was disappointing when we took our son who’s visiting us in Honolulu. The salad remained good, but the steak and the pork seemed tasted too salty and not as tender as before. I’m sure we will return again and see if the food gets better. Update: we went back tonight and tried a couple of new dishes. One of tonight’s specials was simmered beef tendons. It was amazingly good. There are so many excellent dishes here, but we highly recommend the salad with candied lotus roots, the yakitori and of course, the simmered beef tendons. We love the Asian fusion food and as well as Hawaiian food here in Honolulu, but this is definitely our favorite eatery in Honolulu. You know this place has good Japanese food when you are the only person in the restaurant that wasn’t speaking Japanese. At the end, we liked the taste of all the items we ordered, including the tofu salad that was simple yet excellent. The sake selection was good and the service was very friendly as well. Hidden in the back, away from Seaside Street, so look at the name to make sure you are at the correct place.

Food was good, and the menu prices were reasonable considering the location right in Waikiki Beach. The food also came out fast, and overall everything tasted pretty good. Service was quick. They also offer parking validation for the Hyatt Centric hotel, which was nice. We came in as a party of two, and the restaurant wasn’t even fully seated at the time. The only issue we had was the mandatory 20% gratuity charge, which felt a bit unnecessary given the situation. Other than that, overall a good spot with good food, fair pricing, and fast service.

Izakaya Pau Hana Base