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Welcome to Paia Fish Market Waikiki
Paia Fish Market Waikiki, located at 2299 Kūhiō Ave. in Honolulu, offers a casual dining experience that emphasizes fresh, flavorful seafood. With a quick-service model, patrons order at the counter and enjoy generous portions of expertly prepared fish. The standout blackened fish, coated in a flavorful spice crust, defies appearances and delivers a delightful taste. Customers rave about the excellent service provided by friendly staff, enhancing the lively atmosphere. Popular dishes include the mahi mahi and clam chowder, while refreshing cocktails like the pineapple mojito complement the vibrant menu. Paia Fish Market Waikiki is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
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About
Paia Fish Market Waikiki
Welcome to Paia Fish Market Waikiki, a haven for seafood lovers nestled in the heart of Honolulu at 2299 Kūhiō Ave. This vibrant eatery captures the essence of island life by serving up fresh, mouthwatering fish dishes that are a must-try for both locals and visitors alike. With a casual, counter-service style, Paia Fish Market combines efficiency with a laid-back vibe that invites you to relax and soak in the flavors of Hawaii.
As you step in, you might notice the line winding out the door—an encouraging sign of the quality that awaits. Diners are greeted not only by fantastic portion sizes but also by an array of enticing seafood options that showcase the unique tastes of the Pacific. The flavors here are distinctly different from what you might find in the Gulf, yet they retain a freshness that is second to none. Each dish is crafted with care, making it hard to choose just one!
One of the standout items on the menu is the blackened ahi tuna, renowned for its bold crust of spices that adds a delightful kick. At first glance, the “burnt” exterior might surprise you, but rest assured, it’s intentional and results in a succulent, juicy fish experience. A customer remarked, “Don’t let the burned look fool you,” highlighting how this signature style brings out the fish's natural flavors.
For those looking for variety, the menu also features delicious options such as fried calamari and shrimp cocktail, with the latter boasting impressively large shrimp that are a treat for the taste buds. Families will appreciate the kids’ fish and chips, an absolute hit among the younger crowd. And let’s not forget about the refreshing pineapple mojito, a perfect complement to your meal.
The ambiance is complemented by friendly, attentive staff like Makenna, who has received compliments for providing excellent service, ensuring that every guest leaves with a smile. Customers rave about the atmosphere, noting the casual vibe that makes it perfect for a quick meal or a leisurely dinner with friends.
If you're planning a visit, keep in mind that street parking can be tricky, but the experience is well worth the wait. Reviews consistently highlight the fantastic flavors, large portion sizes, and commitment to quality that define Paia Fish Market Waikiki. You’ll leave feeling satisfied and eager to return for more. This is not just a meal; it's a true Hawaiian experience that tantalizes the palate and warms the soul.
What Guests Say
Guestbook
“ Great place to get fresh fish! Portion sizes are fantastic! A different taste from what we are used to from Gulf, however, still excellent. I would eat here again. Counter/quick service style dinner. You wait in line to order your food at the counter, they give you a number and you find your table. They bring your food when done. If you need a smaller portion of fish, I’d recommend the sandwich version. ”
“ All of the stars, here, are for the staff. I give them 5 stars! Makena and Fin give superior customer service and really go above and beyond. The pineapple mojito was pretty decent. The fish and chips missed the bar big time for me. I didn’t like the texture and the breading was severely lacking in seasoning; I sprinkled salt on the fish and used almost every condiment to try to add flavor. I was very happy with their in-house made cole slaw; normally, I skip eating cole slaw when accompanying a meal, but this was very fresh and flavorful, I really enjoyed it. I learned about this restaurant from my Lyft driver; I would give Paia a try again, to actually go with what my driver recommended, pick a fish, preparation, and sides. ”
“ Pā’ia Fish Market, Honolulu — don’t let the burned look fool you. When I first saw photos of the fish here on Google, I thought, “Whoa… that’s way too burnt. Why would anyone cook fish like that?” It looked blackened to the edge of existence — I was sure it would taste dry or bitter. But no. That “burnt” look? It’s actually intentional — and brilliant. They coat the fish in a crust of spices and char the seasoning, not the fish itself. Once I understood that — I gave it a try. Medium rare ahi tuna, blackened style. And let me tell you — the moment that fish touched my tongue, I got it. Juicy, tender tuna inside, with this crunchy, salty, smoky crust of spices on the outside. It’s like flavor fireworks. You get heat, salt, umami, and this deep roasted character that only happens when spices hit fire just right. I legit sat back in my chair and said: “Damn.” You can actually choose from about five different cooking styles, from gentle, European-style white wine + garlic + lemon butter sauce, all the way to that bold blackened spice crust. So there’s something for everyone — mild to wild. Price-wise? Around $30 with a drink, and honestly — 100% worth it. Fresh fish, big portions, real flavor. I regret judging this place by its photos. Now I’d go back in a heartbeat — and next time, I’m getting the blackened style again. If you’re in Honolulu and love seafood — this is a must. — Ilya #CyborgRecommends #PaiaFishMarket #Don’tJudgeByTheCrust #HonoluluEats #SpicyTunaHeaven ”
“ Super good fish as expected. Really like the casual vibe and ordering a drink while in line. There's usually a line outside the door but it isn't too bad, about 15 minutes until you're inside, then you line up to order. Portion is massive. Fish is delicious. ”
“ Very busy place. Took about 20 minutes to get through the line. Clam chowder had a really good flavor, was a bit on the cool side. I had the blackened ahi tuna and my wife had olo fish butter garlic glaze. I thought the coleslaw was fantastic. Street parking around the area if you can find it. We walked from the hotel. ”