HAMADA GENERAL STORE
Family-Run Deli Serving Hawaiian Plate Lunch
Picture this: my kid brother, fresh off the plane from the mainland, is looking to start his Hawaii vacation with something delicious. Where to go? None other than Hamada General Store, a culinary gem in Kaka’ako tucked away on Queen Street, between Kamani and Cooke.
Parking in Honolulu can be a game of its own, but Hamada General Store makes it easy with its own lot.
Back in the day, this spot was home to the H. Hamada Store, a beloved mom-and-pop grocery that held court here from 1958 through 2007. Today, the spirit of that legacy lives on in Hamada General Store, a takeout and catering joint that's all about community, aloha, and ono food.
The brains behind this modern operation? That'd be Brandon Hamada, Neil Nakasone, and John Estrella. We're talking the same team behind Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room back in 1999. In 2008, they decided to shake up Hawaii's sports bar scene with Kanpai (closed in 2013) and Home Bar & Grill (closed in 2020). Fast forward to now - as well as a pandemic-forced pivot - and they've breathed new life into an old favorite.
Their motto? “We just try to make really, really good food.”
Loco Moco, a hallmark of modern Hawaiian cuisine, was first whipped up at the request of a group of teenagers seeking an inexpensive alternative to a sandwich in 1949. This dish traditionally features a comforting combo of white rice, a juicy hamburger patty, and rich brown gravy.
Speaking of food, let's talk about their Loco Moco. It's a dish that's equal parts indulgent and comforting – a love letter to local cuisine. The beef patty is succulent, the gravy is decadently flavorful, and the egg, cooked to perfection, crowns the dish with a golden yolk that cascades down when pierced.
Hamada’s menu features a great mix of Asian-fusion breakfast and lunch options. Just be sure to get there early. I had my heart set on the chef's special, but alas, they were all sold out. Can't say I was surprised; good grinds go fast in this town!
Chef Special: Baked Spaghetti & Fried Chicken
Chef Special: Kalbi Tacos
Chef Special: Steak Poke
Before you leave, be sure to check out their items for sale, which make for great souvenirs (also known as “omiyage,” a Japanese tradition of gift giving after returning home from a trip). Plus, rocking a Hamada General Store t-shirt is not only a nod to a Honolulu classic, but also a way to carry a piece of island history with you.
Hamada General Store has merch for sale!
Whether you're a local or a visitor, a stop at Hamada General Store is a testament to the enduring spirit of our community and a reminder that, in this city, good food and good company are never hard to find.