Why Asahi Grill Hawaii is My First Stop After Landing in Honolulu
After a long flight, I step out into the humid, fragrant air of Honolulu. At that very moment, my body begins to crave a specific taste. It’s not found in a glamorous resort restaurant, but in a humble eatery woven into the fabric of local life. As CityNomix, I’ve walked the streets of cities worldwide, but my journey in Hawaii always begins with a ritual: a meal at Asahi Grill Hawaii.
Flights from Japan often arrive in the morning, leaving a few hours to spare before hotel check-in. This transitional period is a golden opportunity to heighten the travel experience. I escape the tourist crowds and head to where the locals gather. For me, that place is Asahi Grill. I first discovered it during an early morning run, drawn in by its unassuming charm, and it has since become my personal ‘welcome home’ spot in Hawaii.
Catching the Ward Breeze: How to Get to Asahi Grill Hawaii
Asahi Grill is located in the Kaka’ako district, also known as Ward Village, situated between Ala Moana Center and Downtown. It’s a short distance from the heart of Waikiki, which is part of its appeal. A 20-minute ride on TheBus or via a rideshare service will get you there. I often enjoy taking the local bus, watching the scenery change from tourist hub to the authentic face of Honolulu. It’s a small journey that sets the tone for a more grounded experience.
Standing before the restaurant, a retro sign greets you. It features a red circle with the Japanese character for ‘morning’ (朝) next to the classic Coca-Cola logo. This beautiful fusion of Japanese and American aesthetics speaks to Hawaii’s unique Nikkei culture, a detail that always captivates me.
The Unforgettable Trio: My Go-To Menu at Asahi Grill Hawaii
The menu at Asahi Grill is extensive, but my order is almost always the same: Oxtail Soup, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Ramen. For me, my Hawaiian experience doesn’t truly begin until this trio is assembled on my table. It might seem like a random combination. However, these three dishes perfectly encapsulate the diverse food culture of Hawaii while simultaneously stirring a sense of Japanese nostalgia.
The Legendary Oxtail Soup: A Bowl of Soul
First and foremost is the dish that defines Asahi Grill: the Oxtail Soup. The moment it arrives, the vibrant aroma of cilantro fills the air. Submerged in the clear, savory broth are massive pieces of oxtail, simmered to perfection until the meat falls effortlessly off the bone. Even the small size is more than enough to satisfy.
One sip of the broth is all it takes. The deep, rich flavor of beef and aromatic herbs seeps into your travel-weary body, offering immediate comfort. Adding the side of grated ginger provides a sharp, clean kick that elevates the dish and stimulates the appetite. My favorite way to finish is by soaking the accompanying rice in the leftover soup. This bowl alone makes the trip to Hawaii worthwhile.
A Taste of Nostalgia: The Classic Shoyu Ramen
While Hawaii is famous for its local noodle dish, saimin, I always opt for the ramen at Asahi Grill. It’s a surprisingly authentic, old-school Japanese shoyu ramen. The bowl features yellow, curly noodles, chashu pork, a slice of narutomaki fish cake, and green onions—a simple yet perfect composition.
The chicken-based soy sauce broth is gentle and straightforwardly delicious. Enjoying this nostalgic bowl under the Hawaiian sun evokes memories of classic neighborhood diners in Japan. There’s a certain magic in finding this preserved piece of Japanese culinary history thriving here in Honolulu, a comforting reminder of home in a faraway place.
The Surprise Star: Why You Can’t Skip the Kimchi Fried Rice
And then there’s the Kimchi Fried Rice, an unsung hero that deserves its own spotlight. It’s a powerful contender that holds its own against the famous soup and ramen. The rice is stir-fried to perfection, with the tangy spice of kimchi infused in every grain. I always add the optional fried egg on top. Breaking the runny yolk and mixing it into the rice is a moment of pure bliss.
Alternating between a spoonful of soup, a bite of fried rice, and a slurp of noodles creates an endless, satisfying loop. This, I believe, is the true Asahi Grill experience. Watching locals enjoy the very same combination confirms that this is their comfort food, their everyday diner.
A Traveler’s Guide to the Asahi Grill Hawaii Experience
As CityNomix, I want to provide practical advice for my readers. Hopefully, my experience can help make your visit to Honolulu even more memorable and delicious.
Location: Finding Asahi Grill in Kaka’ako (Ward)
While there used to be another location on Keeaumoku Street, the Ward Avenue restaurant is the one most people visit today. Its official name is Asahi Grill Kapiolani, located on Kapiolani Boulevard. It’s situated in the burgeoning Kaka’ako district, making it a great stop to combine with a tour of the area’s famous street art.
Asahi Grill (Ward Location)
Address: 515 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI 96814
Official Website: https://asahigrill.shop/
Google Map:
Do You Need Reservations for Asahi Grill Hawaii?
No, reservations are generally not needed. Asahi Grill is a casual diner. However, it can get crowded during peak lunch hours (from noon to around 1:30 PM) with local workers and tourists. To avoid a wait, I recommend visiting during off-peak times. I usually arrive around 2 PM, right after my flight, and typically find a table without any issue.
Rumors of Closing: What’s the Current Status?
There were rumors of the restaurant closing at one point, but as of my visit in August 2025, the Ward location is very much open and thriving. That being said, small, family-owned businesses in Hawaii can sometimes change locations or close unexpectedly. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check their latest hours on Google Maps or their official website before you go.
Takeout and To-Go Options at Asahi Grill
Absolutely, takeout is a popular option. You’ll often see locals calling in their orders for pickup. Enjoying the flavors of Asahi Grill on your hotel lanai or at a nearby beach park could be a uniquely Hawaiian experience in itself.
The Big Question: Asahi Grill vs. The Competition – Which is Better?
When you talk about oxtail soup in Honolulu, another name inevitably comes up: Kapiolani Coffee Shop. The debate over which is better is a classic local argument. In my personal opinion, the soup at Kapiolani Coffee Shop is lighter and more refined. In contrast, Asahi Grill’s version is richer and has more punch. While both are excellent, the hearty, impactful flavor of Asahi Grill is what my body craves after a long journey. Moreover, the fantastic supporting cast of ramen and kimchi fried rice always tips the scales in its favor for me.
Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Always Return to Asahi Grill Hawaii
So, what is the enduring appeal of Asahi Grill Hawaii for me? It’s because this place offers more than just a delicious meal. It’s a window into the daily life of Honolulu, a taste of the history built by Japanese immigrants, and a repository of my own travel memories. Each sip of soup, each slurp of noodles, and each bite of fried rice pulls me from the mindset of a ‘tourist’ and into the perspective of a local. This aligns perfectly with the Photomo philosophy: to convey not records, but experiences; not the everyday, but sensation. On your next trip to Hawaii, I sincerely hope you get to feel it for yourself.
