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About
Kalena Fish Market
Welcome to Kalena Fish Market, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Lihue, Hawaii! This vibrant spot is not just another seafood restaurant; it specializes in Korean cuisine, infusing traditional flavors with a unique island twist. Conveniently located just moments from the Lihue airport, it serves as a perfect pit stop for both locals and travelers seeking a hearty meal.
As you step into Kalena Fish Market, you'll find a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The reviews from patrons echo a consistent theme: the food is both delicious and generous in portions. The convenience of being close to the airport, paired with an impressive menu, makes it a reliable choice. However, be sure to arrive early! Many have noted that the popular fish items can run out quickly, a testament to their popularity.
- Popular Dishes: The standout items include the bi bim bap, spicy beef, and chicken katsu. Diners rave about the Kalena special, which allows guests to sample multiple dishes, from kalbi to meat jun and BBQ chicken, all paired with homemade sides like mac salad and fish cakes.
- Affordability: Customers often remark on the great pricing, providing excellent value for the quality and quantity of food served.
- Friendly Staff: The staff at Kalena Fish Market are known for their warm hospitality, adding to the overall welcoming atmosphere of the establishment.
One review from Heliana Mano highlights the incredible food experience with a group of friends, enjoying a mix of flavors that left them craving more. Similarly, Gene Nepomuceno sums it up perfectly, calling it the best Korean plate lunch in Kauai, especially praising the Meat Jun and Mandu.
Kalena Fish Market transcends the typical dining experience by bringing together the rich culinary traditions of Korea with the vibrant local tastes of Hawaii. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of culture and community. The sense of ‘ohana permeates the air, with locals flocking to this small but mighty eatery, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the island.
Just remember, it's cash only and they close by 2 PM, so plan accordingly to ensure you don’t miss out on this delightful culinary voyage!
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“ 2nd time eating Korean food and loved this place. Very close to the airport and so convenient since we were starving as it was past lunch time. Place is small but clean. Come early to get their fish items, as they were all finished by the time we ordered. Staff is friendly and works fast. Between the 6 of us we ordered chicken katsu regular beef spicy beef 3 portions of bi bim bap Food was amazing. Great prices and portions! ”
“ By far, the best Korean plate lunch in Kauai. Meat Jun and Mandu are ono! ”
“ Recent visit to Kauai and their Korean style dish with an island twist were AMAZING!!!! The Kalena special was my favorite because I could sample 3 to 4 main dish Kalbi, meatjun, bbq chicken and pork belly and loved how we can select three homemade sides. I selected the Mac salad, fish cakes, noodles and I got to taste the cucumber, eggplant plant and seaweed salad too! You know the place is good when lots of locals go there to eat!!!! Its close to Lihue airport, but make sure you go there before 2 pm MF only!!! CASH ONLY!!! OHANA definitely love what they do!!!! ”
“ Best meal on the island. Friendly Aunties, and great food. Must try the fish or meat jun. ”
“ A great little gem for lunch! The folks were friendly and everything tasted delicious. Enjoyed the medium lunch plates which came with an entree, rice, and 2 veg sides. We tried the beef bibimbap and fish and chicken katsu. Theres also a cute park across the street where we took our lunch. ”
“ Try the meat jun or fish katsu! ”
“ Found this spot on a whim during my 2 day visit to Kauai. This is a MUST try for a delicious lunch. It was worth every penny. The owners, husband and wife, are incredibly friendly. Definitely the best service Ive had in a restaurant in some time. Go and enjoy! ”
“ Fish Katsu, Meat Jun, Mac salad, Tofu, and Seaweed Salad. So ono!!! That seaweed salad was the perfect balance to the plate! ”