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Karai Crab, Honolulu, HI

Karai Crab

4.6
4.6
814 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Karai Crab is a local-style seafood boil restaurant. We have a fun and spicy menu that uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and we serve it with aloha.

Our seafood combos are always popular, and they can be customized with any of our house-made sauces, and with one of our four spice levels ranging from mild, all the way up to ghost pepper!

If you are looking for something different, try out BuzzFeed’s rated best chicken wings in Hawaii! We also serve lighter fare like our fresh ahi cakes or poke, vegetarian pasta, or specialty items like our cioppino or shrimp and grits. We even have a rotation of house-made desserts daily (if you have room after dinner…)

Join us for a pau hana drink and pupus during happy hour, for dinner with the family, or during our late-night happy hour with friends!

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Cajun, Creole / Cajun / Southern

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (808) 952-6990

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Chef Miles Miyamoto

  • Private party contact

    Jon Shimotsukasa: (808) 952-6990

  • Neighborhood

    Honolulu

  • Cross street

    South King Street & Cedar Street

  • Parking details

    Free street parking is available on King Street Monday-Friday after 6:30, Saturday after 4:00, and all day on Sunday and State holidays.We also offer validated parking in the Interstate Building parking structure for a small fee. The garage can be entered from both King and Young Street Monday-Friday, or Saturday and Sunday from King Street only.

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 814 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6
4.6 based on all time ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. RichR

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great food. Excellent calamari. Was pleasantly surprised. Would highly recommend
  2. SheilaF

    Phoenix

    46 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    Thought it was pretty overpriced for quality of seafood. $90 for 2 King Crab legs that just didn’t seem that fresh. Shrimp were over cooked and somewhat rubbery. Potatoes were flavorless, probably not boiled with seafood but boiled in water and seasoned. Corn cobs had a more authentic flavor. Garlic noodles were good though. $120 for two pre tax, well let’s just say it is not a good value.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite crab spot
  4. JenniferP

    Edmonton

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great place, lots of choices. Try the chocolate chip potato chips cookies, great mix of sweet and salty
  5. GinaB

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was exceptional to say the least !!! A must to eat there for sure, you won’t be dissatisfied! ENJOY!!
  6. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The location is kind of hidden you could easily past by it and not know it. The interior is not fancy just common tables and chairs. However the food by far is absolutely amazing and on point. Everything we had was prepared to perfection. I had read many positive reviews about this place and they were definitely right on point. Plan to visit again before leaving next week. Amazing food and service!
  7. RichM

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Always a treat - our favorite regular dining option in town. Will be back again soon!
  8. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Order the calamari which was very good and the
  9. Kyoko

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    one of the most disappointing dining experiences in a long time. Ordered lobster tail, sautéed mushrooms, shrimp fried rice + a glass of house wine Cost: USD90 for one person Location: non-descriptive industrial area, next to a park with a full of homeless people Service: non existence Food was very salty, and portions were very small. As for the lobster tail, there was so little meat to eat covered by a full of strong sauce that you didn't taste any lobster. Despite asking to eliminate garlic in the fried rice, it came with so many garlic pieces that I was unable to sleep in the evening with unpleasant after taste. Lobster was advertised on OpenTable menu as USD39, but I was charged USD48, as well as the fried rice for USD12, instead of USD10. The waiting staff claimed they didn't know who put up the wrong pricing on OpenTable, even though this restaurant uses the platform for taking reservations. I only noticed the different prices when I asked for the check. Not only the food quality was substandard, I felt deceived and cheated for what I had paid for.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2021

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    I made a reservation for 6pm, but arrived early and was seated immediately following hostess checking our vaccine cards/ID. Food came out quickly. Drinks and Garlic noodles came out first. Tasted like top ramen with Parmesan, garlic, scallions added. It was ok. We ordered our own combo with dungeness crab, sausage, no mess shrimp, potatoes and corn. We have never been before, so I asked what is the most popular sauce, and we took the suggestion for the karai house sauce. The crab was not sweet and taste like it had been frozen and over cooked. The sauce was not flavorful. I used the gloves given to mixed our meal in the bowl that was provided, but it did not help. Friendly staff, clean bathroom.
  11. Royce

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is our first time at Karai Crab's new location in S. King St. We used to be regulars when it was located next to Hausten. There was no drop in quality or service. Same great taste that will forever cement it's status as the best seafood boil place on the island. Each staff member was so courteous. From greeter to the server and to the cashier. No matter who it was from, they were all great.
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on December 24, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    King crab legs were great, shrimp chips interesting and calamari-the BEST we have ever had!!
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    A hidden gem! We had a great experience. Staff were very hospitable and went above and beyond to make sure our dinner was unforgettable. Highly recommend if you're looking for crab and other seafood options.
  14. James

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 21, 2021

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    Not baby friendly. No diaper changing table in the restroom. The food is costly as well and not very fresh. The clams were not washed well. I ate sands all the time during the meal
  15. JulieKW

    Alabama

    36 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Vacation dinner. Crab was very good. Appetizers could use some work. We appreciated the cook preparing plain butter noodles for our picky kid.
  16. LatishaL

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 19, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing. Definitely visiting again. Great staff.
  17. Solo

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2021

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The flavor of the food was amazing I totally recommend the “Garlic Noodles “!
  18. JJNK

    Denver

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2021

    overall3food4service5ambience5
    While the food tasted delicious, the amount of money that you pay for the amount of food they give you, in most cases, is ridiculous. The worst I would say is the eight dollar glass of sake that comes out in less than a shot size. I understand there is inflation at this time, but it seemed a bit over the top. Service was good. Ambience is good. Ease of parking along with access to the restaurant is all fine. They seem to have a nice selection of Japanese whiskeys, yet even though we enjoyed the food we ate (most of us…my husband complained of stomach issues that evening and said the seafood was not fresh), we will never go back again.
  19. Joey

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 14, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    They had the best seafood! The Karai Combo is perfect for one person. We also had separate orders of the Snow Crab Legs and Mussels. We tried the Lemon Pepper, Karai Special and Ginger&Scallion sauce and they were all tasty. The Cayenne level has a bit of a kick but manageable. They were also able to accommodate us early, and we had great service :)
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 14, 2021

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Ordered king crab combo. Crab was slightly over cooked and boil was salty
  21. DaunW

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and friendly staff! Recommend that you try it if you haven’t been there.
  22. Shijuro

    Atlantic City

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really tasty food, unique take on appetizers, and the best servers ever. Wonderful experience beginning to delicious cookie end.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 11, 2021

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    They kicked us out of our table after 1 hr to accommodate incoming guests, we had 4 small kids… food was good tho.- the waiter also lacks logic when it comes to masks
  24. FoodJunkie

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is wonderful!! I'm from the south were we do cajun crab boils all the time. I can say this spot did not disappoint. I had the snow crab legs with the Kari special sauce a Cayenne heat levelwith corn and three dipping sauces. I should have gone for the habenero heat level as I like my crabs spicy. The one thing that differs is Kapari doesn't steam the corn with the crab legs. It was served separately without seasoning. There was enough seasoning in the crab bowl for me to season the corn. I enjoyed my dining experience. I may return before I leave to try the garlic noodles, it's the most ordered side dish. I also had an order of shrimp chips. They were delicious. Try this spot if you want a great crab boil experience while visiting Hawaii.
  25. PJMfoodie

    Calgary

    166 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    166 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We chose to come here to get seafood away from the tourists in Waikiki. I’d call this place a neighbourhood gem. At first, upon entry, it looked cafeteria-like. But we were early. The place filled right up (covid protocols in place so good distancing between tables) and the ambiance picked right up. The staff are very well trained. Attentive, no mistakes, offer recommendations… all good! We enjoyed cioppino, miso sake clams, mussels and more. Highly recommended.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Karai Crab had great crab legs in garlic butter sauce (complete with bib).
  27. Wendy

    San Francisco

    70 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Loved the sauces for dipping the crab into. Best sweet potato fries of my life… Appreciated the great customer service to ensure every dish was to our liking.
  28. AdamA

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 5, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is one of the best! Great people, great food, and garlic! Mmmmmm!
  29. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you love crabs like I do, this is the place for you! I’ve been here at least 5-6 times, and I always look forward to the next time! King crab is good, but snow crab is easier to eat. My friend and I each had an order of snow crab—it’s a luxury to be full on crab! I always get my crab with their special sauce, though the crab is good even without any sauce. Honey garlic shrimps are good. Potatoes dipped in their sauce are SO good! Mushrooms are good, too. Everything is good here!!! People are friendly. Service is fast. I’m super happy every time I come here!!!
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food! Excellent customer service!
  31. SelinaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my 1st time visiting this establishment. I did enjoy the food, and those cookies, ( both chocolate chips and lemon cookies) are very good. I recommend getting both.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were visiting from Chicago and this is the only restaurant reservation we made for our trip based on the reviews. It did not disappoint! We shared the Kona Crab with the Karai seasoning and shrimp garlic fried rice. The crab was so fresh, sweet and the spices complimented the taste perfectly. The fried rice was excellent and tons of garlic. Only regret was not bringing mints and having to wear our masks afterwards. Our server was very attentive, welcoming and polite. We will definitely be back!
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Nashville

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    A wonderful night with delicious food and great service. Got the Kraken and all left with full stomachs!
  34. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Good food and service. It’s a little bit expensive but overall a good experience
  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2021

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Food was not great as we expected.
  36. PauoaRes

    Hawaii

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We wanted crab and boy, did we get crab: dungeness legs. Also got some chioppino-like stew, garlic shrimp, a couple of orders of garlic noodles, cajun broccoli, garlic mushrooms, and surprised to see ricotta lemon cookies which were also terrific
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Cleveland

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2021

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Very sad with new location, but food delicious
  38. moniquel

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is fabulous , especially the shrimp and calamari
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is absolutely amazing!!!!! The service and food were out of this world! If your here visiting this place is a must!!!!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was amazing. Would go back again

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Karai Crab using the Order Online button. Karai Crab also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (808) 952-6990.

Karai Crab is rated 4.6 stars by 814 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online

Additional information

  • Cross street

    South King Street & Cedar Street

  • Neighborhood

    Honolulu

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Cajun, Creole / Cajun / Southern

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Free street parking is available on King Street Monday-Friday after 6:30, Saturday after 4:00, and all day on Sunday and State holidays.We also offer validated parking in the Interstate Building parking structure for a small fee. The garage can be entered from both King and Young Street Monday-Friday, or Saturday and Sunday from King Street only.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Chef Miles Miyamoto

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
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