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Cafe Ohia
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Hawaiian Sandwiches, Hawaiian [Edit]
19-4005 Haunani RdVolcano, HI 96785
(808) 985-8587
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
35 reviews for Cafe Ohia
Review Highlights
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"Stopped here for lunch while visiting Volcano National Park." In 6 reviews -
"Their Portuguese bean soup and chili are to die for." In 4 reviews -
"...cornbread ($1.75), cinnamon rolls ($2.50), croissants ($1..." In 2 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from L. T.
Hilo, HI
2/26/2012
We wanted to go to Kiawe Kitchen, right around the corner, but they were busy so we decided to venture around the corner to see what was there. Cafe Ohia, a tiny (and I mean TINY) hole in the wall popped up. We decided to try this place just because we were so hungry after playing tourist and hiking the Volcano trails. We both ordered the fish sandwich. It was a nice sized piece of fresh fish on a regular hamburger bun with a slice of tomato and a leaf of butter lettuce along with a little side of aioli sauce. It was surprisingly really good, especially considering it didn't look like anything special. The fish was definitely fresh and was very moist. We've actually gone back just to eat that sandwich!
We also tried the bread pudding. It wasn't anything to scream about. We tried the ulu salad (breadfruit) that was like a mock potato salad, which was pretty tasty.
Also, I just wanted to add that I noticed some of the reviewers who gave this place bad reviews are also tourists who are unfamiliar with LAULAU, which is a local food that a lot (not all) of locals actually really enjoy. Laulau is the pork/fish/luau leaf dish that a few reviewers gave really bad reviews on. It does have fat included in this dish because the fat adds moisture and flavor to the leaves and meat. Sometimes you do come across laulau that has too much fat, so I'll give you that one...but all in all, a lot (not all) of people unfamiliar with this dish do not enjoy it, especially if you don't know how to spruce up the flavors (shoyu/chili pepper water) like a lot of locals do. It's probably kind of an acquired taste and most locals have grown up eating it :) -
Review from Will I.
Waipahu, HI
4/9/2012
Tried the Portuguese bean soup, chili, meatloaf, bread pudding and a pecan dessert. All dishes/desserts were just average. Service was nice and friendly. Be aware that they now close at 0500PM (when I was there during Aug 2011). Considering the location and options its a good value for the location but pricey compared to what you would normally expect.
Food- 3 stars
Value- 4 stars
Atmosphere- n/a took out
Service- 3 stars -
Review from Paul M.
1/17/2012
A little better than the typical road-side mom and pop style establishment, but a little pricier too.
The mahi sandwich, although a bit dry, was still flavorful. I substituted maui onion potato chips for a side salad, and my friends told me that I made the right choice.
I assume it's the owner's teenaged daughter or niece working behind the counter taking orders because she had the look of an indentured servant. She was attempting to be friendly, bless her heart, but she just couldn't disguise the smoldering look of "I hope this place burns down before I turn 18." -
Review from Amber D.
Castle Rock, CO
5/7/2012
Small location in Volcano Village, sandwiches, daily plate special, delicious looking sweets...all homemade! The bread is delicious! The sandwiches are big enough to share! This place is less than 10 minutes from Volcanoes National Park and is a great place to pick up lunch before you go in for a great hike!
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Review from Marin J.
12/14/2011
When on the island, be more iike an islander.
But always eat good food.
HIGHLIGHTS
Now from the outside, Cafe Ohia ain't saying' much. But the Sandwiches speak volumes. And the Macadamia nut and Chocolate Chip cookies? I have to confess, one bite and I hid the rest of them away from my traveling companions. Uh-huh. They were THAT good.
AMBIANCE
If you are the type of person who is not patient when hungry, you better get in line fast. There are places to sit outside but not very many. Never mind. Just take your purchases and go back into the National parks, pick a road. Park the car and look all around you. You can't find a better picnic spot than that.
The cafe doesn't have seating inside. Just outside area with a few picnic tables. Not much ambience as you look at the utility side of the building.
YUM FACTOR
Their sandwiches make me want to cry with delight. They are so big it's hard to hold in one hand. They are fit in a quarterbacks hand sized big. The ingredients fresh, crisp, well made and layered. The bread was home made, fresh baked sunflower seed. I could have eaten a whole loaf. Flavors just popped. I tried four sandwiches during my visit and found not a one of them to be sub par.
Coffee? Fuggedaboutit. LIke water with brown color for effect.
SERVICE AND FRIENDLINESS
Fast, but not overly friendly because the place is very small and does not have cat swinging room. You see the dessert case upon entering, read quickly and make up your mind. The line behind you has just doubled.
VIBE
it depends. If you get the hawai'ian gal who is still mad that visitors mess up her island, then you gotta pay your respects to her home turf and be extra nice when you get your sandwich. I mean, even if she has a bit of an attitude, she is right.
Or you may get the sweetest lady in the world who has the warmest heart and smile and is so very glad to talk story wit' you and belly laugh about life and love.
You just have to roll with it and understand. This island you are visiting is their home. -
Review from Suan W.
Silicon Valley
2/5/2012
Get the turkey on cranberry mac nut bread and take it to Punalu'u Beach Park for a black sand beach picnic. What could be better than sandwiches and sea turtles?
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Review from Avata R.
Los Angeles, CA
9/24/2011
Meh.
Must've ordered the wrong thing, cause, as my girlfriend summed it up, "That was d*gsh*t." Of course, she ordered the the pork & ono wrapped in taro leaves and steamed and it was f'n NASTY. I got off easy with the uber-greasy dyed red chicken.
Listen, just order the deli sandwiches. It's the safest play. I don't hate this place, it's just not good. But the people are nice.
Oh, and if you need to use the can, bring a compass. (This observation will only make sense if you make the mistake of eating here.) -
Review from Ping P.
East Bay, CA
9/12/2011
Crappiest Coffee Ever!!!
Food looked really good - but we didn't try it. -
Review from DeAnne P.
San Diego, CA
9/21/2011
Limited vegetarian choices.
We ordered a soup of the day, vegetarian chili. It had cubes of not-so-tasty tofu, corn, zucchini, garbanzo beans and kidney beans. Decent.
The cornbread was alright, if you're hungry.
The inside is cramped for space.
However, there is lots of outside seating. -
Review from Jade N.
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I took a day trip to the Big Island to see Volcanoes national park. After wards, we were famished and were looking for a good local place to eat. We came across Cafe Ohia and decided to give it a whirl. Big mistake. This place had hardly any selections other than 2 warm plates and sandwiches. I ordered a local dish...lai lai something and it was pork which a huge slab of fat wrapped in some leaves. I love trying new things and all but this was more fat then it was pork and tasted like crap. My husband got the chicken dish, which was tough and had zero flavor. Overall I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. I would say skip it and drive back to Hilo and find a place to eat there instead. Perhaps this place has better sandwiches, and perhaps this was an "off day" but I was really disappointed with our choice and wished we would've gone somewhere else.
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Review from Kalanz N.
Honolulu, HI
We stopped by the quiet town of Volcanos after spending the day at Hawaii Volcano National Park. Tired and hungry, we were turned down by the nearby Kiawe Kitchen because they closed 5 minutes before we got there. But just around the corner is where we found Cafe Ohi'a. While they have a great variety of sandwiches, i wasn't in the mood for one. But, i saw that they had Portuguese Bean Soup on the menu. And i am ALWAYS in the mood for that! Long story short, the BEST PBS i've ever had from anywhere besides my grandmas own! Wish i could have ordered the whole pot! I also had a banana nut muffin, which was probably the worst i've ever had, but the Soup more than made up for it!
ALOHA! -
Review from Elyce N.
Bothell, WA
10/11/2011 1 photo
OMG -- we were looking for a place to get something quick and easy . . . and Cafe Ohia was recommended by the owner of the B&B where we're staying . . . all I can say is yum, yum for the tum, tum!!! Their sandwiches are made with homemade bread, fresh vegetables and some pretty tasty deli meats. The 3-seed bread with turkey and provolone is a must-try. Go for the half-sandwich because the full sandwich is pretty hefty.
BUT . . . . save room for what has to be some of the best desserts around. My favorite? The chocolate pecan tart -- I'm about to eat my second one of the day!!!!!!
Joyce, the brand new owner, is keeping it real with great customer service and delicious food. Plan on eating outside because there's only room to turn around inside the cafe but, as long as you don't want fancy and If you find yourself over on the Hilo side in Volcano Village - you must drop by and see her and the rest of the family. -
Review from Hikari K.
Honolulu, HI
10/21/2011
Decided to grab some breakfast before my meeting. Seemed fitting to order the "breakfast bento" eggs were nice and fluffy, bacon cooked perfectly!! Cheap eats- stop by if you're in the neighborhood.
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Review from Franck M.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2011
The sandwich we shared was twice as big as expected, so it makes it a good value for the area. You pick your own ingredients for your sandwich... The roast beef was a miss, the 3-seeds bread as well as the rest was fine. Nice pie and cake options for dessert. This is a tiny place... if you don't take it to go, you only have the option to eat on the sad tables outside.
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Review from Kevin A.
Redondo Beach, CA
11/16/2011
This place should be a definite stop in Volcano. You'll appreciate it even more when you look at the prices on the other eating establishments in town. Bread pudding the size of bricks and other incredible desserts await you. Their sandwiches are huge and delicious. Every day that have two different specials, often they run out by dinner they have become so popular. Friendly service, excellent food. Wish we would have had time to try their breakfast items.
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Review from Rachel S.
Temecula, CA
10/18/2011
Great little hidden place on the side of a store close to the entrance to volcano national park! Two of us had the Ahi burger which was fantastic! Also had the chili as it was pretty nippy outside...definitely hit the spot! We also tried the Lau Lau plate lunch which was delish! The sides of five bean salad, macaroni salad, and potato salad were excellent!
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Review from Holli R.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2011
Wow, I'm left wondering whether I went to the same place as the other reviewers. We stopped here for lunch after our second day of hiking in the volcano, and our food was honestly terrible. I had a chicken plate and husband had a ribs plate, and though I was starving, I could only eat about half my lunch. The chicken was way, way too sweet, the rice was not cooked well, and the macaroni salad was pretty gross. Maybe we ordered the wrong things, but husband's food was no better.
The one saving grace of this place was that the women working there were super nice. I just wish that the food had measured up! -
Review from Sumi A.
Fort Worth, TX
9/4/2011
We ate a decent sandwich one day before we headed into Volcano Park. The bread and sandwich were ridiculously big, which I don't care for because it made the sandwich a little unwieldy. But everything seemed fresh and the price was decent. A good place to stop for a quick lunch.
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Review from Linda L.
Issaquah, WA
12/5/2009 5 photos
Overall: A nice LITTLE stop for breakfast or lunch
We stumbled across Café Ohia whilst visiting the Volcano National Park. Their parking is ample with a decent number of tables and chairs. However, the space inside the "café" itself is not ample - it's cramped.
On walking into the "café" you'll find that if there are more than three people in there, it becomes very difficult for them to move around. You order what you want, and they'll bring it out to you. There's no indoor seating, everything is outdoors, but is covered.
They only sell self serve coffee ($1.75/cup). Café Ohia offers daily specials during the week, served with your choice of salad. Examples include spaghetti with garlic bread, mushroom baked chicken with rice, chicken pot pie with bread, meat loaf with mashed potatoes, roast pork with mashed potatoes, lasagna with garlic bread, Hawaiian style chopped steak with rice, chicken Hekka, sweet and sour spare ribs with rice, chicken tofu with rice = all plates at $6.50 and half orders are $5.00.
They also do breakfast, which ranges from $3.50-6.00. Their baked goods include cornbread ($1.75), cinnamon rolls ($2.50), croissants ($1.75) bagels with cream cheese ($2.00) chocolate/almond torte ($2.50) and bread pudding ($2.50). They also do quiches, soups, salads, drinks and made to order sandwiches ($6.95).
We had two cups of coffee, a piece of cranberry bread pudding, a humungous cinnamon roll and a piece of pineapple & macademia nut cake = around $11. Everything was quite nice, but nothing special. We did take with us a piece of the sweet and moist cornbread with us as well.
This place is a great stop to grab breakfast/lunch before heading off to investigate the volcano nearby -
Review from Mihir M.
Fremont, CA
8/28/2011
My wife and I split a soup. They also have sandwiches. It is near the entrance to Volcanos national park, so convenient. A good place for light, inexpensive, healthy options.
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Review from Daniel A.
Kailua, HI
10/21/2011
Da best local comfort food. Under new management. Family operated. Ono palehu with mac salad.
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Review from Karla R.
12/6/2009 3 photos
I highly recommend stopping by Café Ohi'a, which is tucked away off Old Volcano Road, behind Kiawe Kitchen. The women who work here were all very nice and it sounds like they try to get as many of their ingredients as possible locally. Our first experience with Café Ohi'a was on our first day in the park. Stewart and I split a sandwich, which was a good call because it was one big sandwich. Cranberry Macadamia Nut bread, ham, turkey, just a bit of mayo, and all of the veggies. It was delicious.
Since the sandwich was so good, we went back to Café Ohi'a the following morning for breakfast. Stewart and I split a homemade cinnamon roll, which was awesome. Less sweet than most cinnamon rolls, you could eat a lot of cinnamon roll before being overwhelmed by the sugar. My mom got the croissant breakfast sandwich, which was also very tasty. -
Review from Kentaro F.
Berkeley, CA
6/2/2011
Hard to notice from the faded white signs. Stopped here after hiking the Kilauea Iki trail. Fresh Ahi burger was very good although not as big as the sandwiches. Girlfriend's Turkey sandwich was huge and delicious. Dad had a very nice light spinach quiche. The woman running the place was very friendly and helpful with the menu choices.
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Review from Pegeen B.
Kansas City, MO
10/1/2011
A little cafe tucked away behind one of the general stores. The sandwich was huge - perfect for 2 - and good bread. We also got some beef chili. It was just what we needed to take on our hike in Volcano Park.
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Review from Ingrid Y.
San Francisco, CA
5/31/2011
Road side stop with home made yummy sandwich and soups and dessert too. Try their tarts. Their Portuguese bean soup and chili are to die for!!!!! Cheap price. Good value. Friendly service.
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Review from Van D.
Chicago, IL
6/4/2011
Stopped here for lunch while visiting Volcano National Park. Only about 1.5 miles from the park entrance, this was the perfect lunch spot. Menu consists of sandwiches, quiches, and a couple of plate lunches. The portions were good and the prices were very reasonable. Had the tuna burger which was good. Sandwiches were gigantic and well worth the price. All the seating is outdoors in front of the restaurant.
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Review from Clara S.
Alexandria, VA
1/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Ate breakfast here before we went for a hike in Volcano. We got the fried rice (with spam mixed in) with an egg on top (your choice of how the egg is made, we chose scrambled). Delicious and kept us going during our 4-mile hike through the crater.
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Review from K A.
Hilo, HI
8/6/2011
Terrible Portuguese bean soup.
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Review from Tina K.
Vienna, VA
4/21/2011 2 photos
Great local service for an even better price! The ladies there are so sweet and know how to cook! The chili hit the spot and ahi tuna sandwich was delish! one of those hole in the wall spots with great food and service!!
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Review from a t.
Manhattan, NY
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
We tried the three plate specials, pork roast, lau lau and beef stew. They were all good. The portuguese bean soup was exceptional. The owner was very helpful in explaining the lau lau plate. We would definitely go back there again.
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Review from Shannon R.
Morrisville, NC
8/22/2010
A delightful gem within the village of Volcano! We stopped here twice during our visit to Volcano. A great way to pack an inexpensive lunch for your hike in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or other daily expeditions!! We were greeted by smiling, helpful staff. For $7 you can design your own large gourmet sandwich (one is truly enough to share between 2 people). We had a choice of 3 freshly-baked breads, several meats and cheeses, fresh veggies and condiments. Great value, great sandwiches, great service. A+++!
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Review from Julie K.
Fair Oaks, CA
7/13/2011
This was a great value for lunch. Really big, custom made sandwiches on unique breads for $6.95. Canned drinks were $0.75. I had the turkey on Volcano 3 Seed, with lots of fresh veggies including sprouts, avocado and cucumbers. It hit the spot after doing the Kilauea Iki hike. We purchased a couple of desserts, too - the tiramisu and chocolate mousse cake - so good! Overall, we felt we got a lot of tasty, fresh food for a good price.
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Review from Toni S.
Waikoloa, HI
7/10/2011
Stopped for breakfast and they were out of some items on the limited menu. Not very friendly, bacon was microwaved. Charged extra to substitute cheddar cheese on my breakfast croissant which was greasy and also microwaved. Very friendly to locals and obviously assumed we were tourists because they were unfriendly and we will not go back! I love to support small local businesses but not this one!
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Review from Kathleen C.
Soquel, CA
8/30/2010
Best food! Super friendly staff, reasonable prices. Veggie chili was amazing. Definitely recommend!!
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Review from Christina S.
Burbank, CA
7/18/2010
Veg chili & corned beef sandwich were good. Service could be friendlier.
