Waiahole Poi Factory
Address:
Phone:
808/239-2222NileGuide Expert tip:
Try the Haupia, and don't be afraid to try everything else.Description:
Nestled in an inconspicuous building on the east side of Oahu, the Waipole Poi Factory is a unique, and local style place to eat good Hawaiian food and browse the goods. They make what many locals say is the best poi ever, as well as serve up huge "plate lunches" made with heaps of Hawaiian food. What is poi? Well, read on...
Poi is a Hawaiian staple that sustained the culture since the days of settling the islands and is still enjoyed by Hawaiians, and many other people in Hawaii today. Poi (rhymes with boy) is the taro root fermented a bit and then pounded (traditionally by hand) into a paste with water added along the way.
The thing about the Waihole Poi Factory is that they're only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., making it tough even for locals to catch open and enjoy. The old wooden build just about looks abandoned, but it only adds to the down to earth and non-mainstream feeling of the place.
In addition to trying the poi, the plate lunches here are a must-eat meal. Plates consist of a lot of local and Hawaiian foods like lomi lomi salmon, kalua pig, pork laulau, poi, rice, macaroni salad, and other option - and they're all usually big enough for two people to share and end up with full bellies.
If you're taking a cruise along Oahu's east side and enjoying the amazing white sand beaches out here, make sure to stop into the factory in the Kaneohe area.
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