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Pai Honolulu, Honolulu, HI

Pai Honolulu

5.0
5
487 Reviews
$50 and over
Hawaii Regional Cuisine
Top Tags:
We welcome you to Celebrate life's special moments with us!

ho`o.PAI means to excite, inspire, and rouse. In 2017, chef Kevin J. Lee opened highly-anticipated and award winning PAI Honolulu after a four-year search for a welcoming restaurant that offered guests an innovative dining experience, while incorporating familiar flavors and presented in surprising ways. As a former food scientist, chef Kevin brings a unique balance, using the highest quality ingredients with a creative artist’s approach to presentation. His passion for his craft is evident in his commitment to curate as many of the ingredients that he uses in his menus in-house which has won the restaurant many awards including Hawaii's Best Restaurant, Best Chef's Tasting Menu, and more.

2 dining experiences:
4 course Prix Fixe Menu*
Chef's Tasting Menu**

*Pescatarian, Vegetarian and GF options available
**We are happy to accommodate dietary preferences and allergies with a 48 hour notice.

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 1 time today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Contemporary Asian, Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (808) 744-2531
  • Website
    http://www.paihonolulu.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Women
  • Executive chef
    Kevin J. Lee
  • Catering
    For catering requests, please contact Justine at celebrate@paihonolulu.com
  • Private party facilities
    Celebrate life's special moments with us! Please email event inquiries to Justine at celebrate@paihonolulu.com All occasions of any size are welcomed. They are all special to us and we hope to create a memorable experience for you and your guests! We are also happy to accommodate events on days that we are closed, for an exclusive experience!
  • Private party contact
    Justine Kadokawa: (808) 253-1363
  • Location
    55 Merchant Street Suite 110, Honolulu, HI 96813
  • Neighborhood
    Honolulu
  • Cross street
    Bethel Street
  • Parking details
    WEEKDAYS:- Municipal Parking in Harbor Court, Entrance on Bethel ($0.75 per 30 min for first 2 hours; $3 flat rate after 5:00pm) and Free Street Parking on Merchant St. after 5:30pm. For WEEKENDS and HOLIDAYS- Municipal Parking in Harbor Court, Entrance on Bethel ($3 all day)- Free Street Parking on Merchant St. all day.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • 4 Course Dinner

    $95.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy a seasonal 4 course prix fixe menu. $95 per person (kids options available upon requrest) Vegetarian and gluten free options readily available. If you have any other dietary preferences, please note in your reservation and we are happy to accommodate with a 24 hour notice. Current menus can be viewed on our website at https://www.paihonolulu.com/menu

  • Chef's Tasting Menu

    $185.00 per person

    Jul 1, 2021 - Sep 30, 2023
    Our menus can be viewed at www.paihonolulu.com/menu. With a 48 hour notice, we are happy to accommodate all dietary preferences and allergies - please include the details in your booking notes or call our team at 808-744-2531. If you need to cancel, we kindly ask for a 24 hour notice due to the detailed preparation of each menu. Same day cancellations and no shows may incur a full charge. *Menu is subject to change at any time due to seasonality and availability of fresh ingredients.

  • Pau Hana!

    Multiple dates available
    Hours: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 4:30pm - 6pm. Seating available on the patio in the outdoor covered rotunda of Harbor Court and at the inside bar. Featuring drink specials & shared appetizer plates. Every following Friday will feature Nā Hoku Hanohano Award Winner Ben Vegas. Occasionally we will also feature local guest musicians and talent. Check our website, instagram or sign up for our mailing list to stay updated! Walk-ins and Reservations both welcome.

What 487 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

5.0
5 based on recent ratings
  • 5Food
  • 5Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Hawaii

    Best Overall

  • Hawaii

    Best Food

  • Hawaii

    Best Service

  • Hawaii

    Best Value

  • Hawaii

    Good for special occasions

  • Hawaii

    Hawaii Regional Cuisine

  • Oahu

    Best Overall

  • Oahu

    Best Food

  • Oahu

    Best Service

  • Oahu

    Best Value

  • Oahu

    Good for special occasions

  • Oahu

    Hawaii Regional Cuisine

487 Reviews

  1. ConnieY

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love this restaurant so much! Did our research from home, months in advance of going to Hawai’i for our honeymoon and PAI consistently came up top of reviews and now we see why. Service was excellent, personal and attentive. Chef Kevin’s dishes were superb. The Ginger Chicken Risotto was fantastic, creamy but light at the same time. The Ginger Chicken flavour was incredible and gave me a real taste of home. The atmosphere was a calm and relaxing. No sense of being rushed out as soon as you’ve walked through the door. Just nice quiet conversation with each other and our wonderful hosts. Highly recommend this restaurant to any foodies looking for a great night out in Honolulu.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Marce130

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My husband says, “Simply put, this is the very best meal I have had in the last 2+ years. It may be the very best meal I have ever had. We were lucky enough to get reservations here on our honeymoon and after eating here, I don't know how we are supposed to enjoy any other food on the island. Chef Lee provided so many smooth transitions between American, Korean, Japanese, Thai And Chinese cuisines and did so seamlessly. The textures were outrageous and the staff brought the meal to another level. I can see a Michellin star in their future and wouldn't be surprised to hear that Chef Lee is a James Beard finalist or recipient in the future. The next time I am fortunate enough to eat here, I expect that the secret will be out and his kitchen staff will have quadrupled to keep up with demand. I remain incredibly satisfied with everything presented tonight. Outrageous and outstanding still don't fully award the experience of our meal this evening. This is my new, Last Meal. Thank you to Pai chefs, servers, bar tenders and everyone between.”

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  3. Hunter

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I went there for our anniversary and received complimentary champagne to celebrate! All the employees were friendly and made sure to make us feel welcomed. The owner and his wife actually came over and talked to us which made the whole visit feel personal! We will definitely be back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  4. LeahB

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic restaurant now has the best pau hana (after work, late afternoon) menu in town!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Hungry5

    Hawaii

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    PAI was a remarkable course meal experience! We sat on the counter seats, which gave us an up close and personal view of what’s happening. Awaiting us at our seats, were beautiful flowers and a menu with “Happy 38th Anniversary! “ and our names printed on them. I was pleased that they were very accommodating with my dietary issues too. I knew it was going to be great when the first course came out, white grape & clam gazpacho. Simply Scrumptious! The courses came out in a timely manner. We loved the service. My favorite dish for that evening was the 90 day dry-aged beef. So tender and delicious! The waitresses were so attentive and polite. Chef Kevin even talked with us throughout the night. We even got to sample Chef’s Kevin famous Peanut Butter cookies. What a treat! Overall, we had a wonderful time celebrating our anniversary at PAI. Thank you!

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  6. Marissa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious! Wonderful restaurant with a very interesting menu. Everything was great. Food, drinks and service! Highly recommend.

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  7. DianeH

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We recently celebrated a friend's birthday with the chef's tasting menu, and this restaurant left all of us utterly impressed. The chef's creativity shone through in every plate, offering a unique and innovative take that was absolutely delicious. Chef Kevin is truly gifted. He is an artist, and his medium is food. There is no doubt. The wine pairing was spot-on. Service was impeccable, and frankly, we very much enjoyed our waitress' personality in addition to our food. We have dined all over the world, and honestly, the experience reminded me of the exceptional quality, attention to detail, presentation, and culinary artistry one would expect from a Michelin-starred establishment. None of us could name a dish we did not like, which is unusual at even the best of places, and we all left very full.

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  8. PDRAL

    Los Angeles

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Creative and tasty food. Almost looks too good to eat. A must stop

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great to celebrate anniversary. Food was enjoyable and service was great.

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  10. Jerro

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went here for our wedding anniversary and they did such little things that made the experience special. They even put Happy Anniversary on our tasting menu.

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  11. geoffreym

    Hawaii

    312 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    312 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We came in for a Date night Everything was excellent Very informed service from Kay Chef Kevin made another dynamic Tasting Menu

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  12. FredM

    Hawaii

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Pai is a restaurant that we frequent periodically and always enjoy the evening. Their food is always innovative and delicious. The service has been uneven but this time we had a very knowledgeable and talented waitperson. She not only made an excellent Martini but at the end of the meal made a great Cappuccino. It is always a treat to go to a restaurant where it is not stressful, and everything runs smoothly.

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  13. Ruben

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated my Birthday with Pai Honolulu Yesterday, Their Service was unlike any other restaurant I've been too. Absolutely incredible Staff with an amazing Tasting Menu. The Wine Pairings added another Level of Complexity and Flavors to each Dish, Highly Recommend the Chef's Tasting Menu for anyone visiting.

    Is this helpful?

  14. GeoffN

    Detroit

    87 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    87 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals we've had in a long time. Food was delicious, innovative and attractive. Had the smaller tasting menu and everything was excellent. Deserves all the James Beard accolades it has received.

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  15. AndrewR

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My wife had the salmon and I had the pork shoulder. The ladies who served us were quite friendly and informative about the food. There was some noise as there is only a counter separating the kitchen from the diners but we did not find that distracting. We are in our seventies and we have gotten used to have small portions for dinner. Twenty years ago, the portions would have been spot on, but today they provided use with substantial take out bags. Which is fine, as I will get two lunches out of the left-overs. The food was delicious and such standard items as salmon and pork were presented in innovative and tasty ways.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing, all the staff was super friendly, just a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What an experience! We’ve been to Honolulu 10 times and this is the first time we discovered this haven. Everything was impeccable - the service, ambience, location, hospitality, drinks, dessert and most especially the food. We did the 4 course menu and it was really terrific from start to finish. Our son said to make sure we go back there next year when we visit HNL again. Justine was great personalizing our menu to celebrate son’s belated birthday. Sierra & Kate provided a top-notch service to us all. Can’t say enough compliments to this place. Surprised they are not a Michelin star restaurant, as we had dine in a Michelin starred restaurant in NYC and this place is way better. We spent 10 days in HNL this time and we recommended the place to every tourist we met while we were there. We cannot wait to come back and savor the experience again. Thank you, Justine and Kevin for one of the best HNL memorable dinner celebration.

    1 person found this helpful

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful experience at Pai! The four course menu with wine pairing was excellent. Justine, the wine expert, did such an amazing job with the pairings. The food was inspired, creative, local, and delicious. Truly some of the best service as well from the whole team. We will definitely be back!

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  19. FeliciaL

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food and service. This was our second time at Pai. We had the tasting menu - one vegetarian and the other vegan. Food was outstanding!

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  20. TracyD

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great service, excellent food with wonderful wine pairings

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  21. CesarM

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have had hit-and-miss service at the multi-course dinner experience, but one visit to PAI and I’m once again a believer! Not only was the food superb, but the service is why I will come back! We had the honor of being served by the Chef’s wife, and it was a meal to remember! We came here because we wanted a taste of local Hawaiian cuisine with a twist. I highly recommend the squid pasta (it has a more eloquent name, sorry!) All in all, I highly recommend coming here if you’re looking for a fantastic dinner experience!

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  22. ChuckC

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Host Justine, Chef Kevin, and server Kate, and a truly creative assortment of exceptionally delectable dishes made the Pai experience both memorable and one we will want to come back to many times.

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  23. JD24

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, and service was impeccable. Would recommend this place to everyone

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  24. Bdubs

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful experience with a wonderful staff and the food was great. They made our anniversary super special and we appreciated the entire above and beyond experience!

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  25. ChuckC

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    For two devoted foodies, one a chef who has authored a number of cookbooks, this was one of the most exceptional dining experiences ever - and for our anniversary. Every detail, from the seating to the food, wine, and incredibly welcoming and expert service and fantastic dishes, was perfectly arranged and managed by Justine, the host and server, and Kevin, her husband and the lead chef, who are also the owners. We would and will go back many times. On a scale of 1 to 5 stars, Justine, Kevin and Pai rate at least a 7. Truly off the charts.

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The food and service were excellent. Our only criticism is that the directions on how to get to the restaurant and where to park were inadequate

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  27. kennethr

    Austin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals and overall dining experiences in Honolulu. We look forward to returning.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Went for Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu, food was exquisite and service was very good. They did confuse the drinks on our first order which caused us to order incorrectly on the second round however that was smoothed out right away. Will definitely go again

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Everyone made us feel special. I love the menu that allows for choices and helps you go outside your normal dish choices.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was fantastic, took my girl for an early Valentine’s Day and everything was spectacular. I’ve already recommended this place to multiple people

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant. Food and service was excellent.

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  32. Katherine

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a great restaurant that provided a sophisticated experience and taste. It’s quiet and it’s so unique that it’s locate inside of harbor court, the restaurant has modern and beautiful designs. I would recommend it to friend and family, and go back more often.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food. Great location. Service was spectacular. Highly recommend you come here to try Hawaii’s version of fine dining.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time at Pai and we were celebrating my girlfriend’s birthday. They made us feel very welcomed and Jess’s birthday very special. Phenomenal food!!! We’ll definitely be back!!!

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely incredible I will tell EVERYONE To come here

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  36. donw

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Successfully creative food from start to finish. Exquisite, yet friendly, service and perfectly designed and executed cocktails. We’re always happy after visiting Pai.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our wedding anniversary on NYE and they were very kind to make a special menu for us. They happily accommodated for my wife’s vegetarian diet. The food was excellent and the ambiance was pleasant. Would highly recommend.

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  38. Eater

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef’s tasting menu was amazing. Went on NYE so best way to end the year

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Hawaii

    14 reviews

    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Had enjoyed meals here before. Was looking forward to our dinner. I was disappointed in the food. It was not as tasty as it had been. We had the 4-course experience. Was especially disappointed in the pork shoulder. It just didn't taste good at all.

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  40. VegasNative2000

    Las Vegas

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was outstanding. The service was super professional and friendly. Dishes were a little slow to come out but in the end it helped us enjoy each dish. Top 5 restaurants I’ve been to.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • 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
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Pai Honolulu offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (808) 744-2531.

Pai Honolulu is rated 5 stars by 487 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 1 time today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Pai Honolulu

55 Merchant Street Suite 110, Honolulu, HI 96813

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Bethel Street
  • Neighborhood
    Honolulu
  • Hours of operation
    Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Hawaii Regional Cuisine, Contemporary Asian, Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    WEEKDAYS:- Municipal Parking in Harbor Court, Entrance on Bethel ($0.75 per 30 min for first 2 hours; $3 flat rate after 5:00pm) and Free Street Parking on Merchant St. after 5:30pm. For WEEKENDS and HOLIDAYS- Municipal Parking in Harbor Court, Entrance on Bethel ($3 all day)- Free Street Parking on Merchant St. all day.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Asian and Pacific Islander, Women
  • Executive chef
    Kevin J. Lee
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.paihonolulu.com/
  • Phone number
    (808) 744-2531
  • Catering
    For catering requests, please contact Justine at celebrate@paihonolulu.com
  • Private party facilities
    Celebrate life's special moments with us! Please email event inquiries to Justine at celebrate@paihonolulu.com All occasions of any size are welcomed. They are all special to us and we hope to create a memorable experience for you and your guests! We are also happy to accommodate events on days that we are closed, for an exclusive experience!
  • Private party contact
    Justine Kadokawa: (808) 253-1363

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