10/10 highly recommend They’re pretty darn fast. I used to go there a lot as a kid and so I decided to stop by and see if they’re still good. They’re def still good, menu hasn’t changed and that’s a good thing. Con: parking is a problem kinda sorta just be aware.
Overview
If you find yourself in Kaneohe craving hearty Korean comfort food, Kim Chee 1 Restaurant at 46-010 Kamehameha Hwy is the kind of spot locals casually recommend to friends and visitors alike. The restaurant has been around for decades, and it shows in the steady flow of families, workers on lunch breaks, and travelers stopping by for a filling meal. Walking in, you’ll notice the unpretentious atmosphere—tables filled with sizzling plates, bowls of steaming soups, and plenty of side dishes that instantly set the tone for a satisfying dining experience.
The menu is extensive, featuring staples like kalbi short ribs, bibimbap, and spicy tofu stew, alongside generous combination plates that make it easy to try a bit of everything. One of the most popular items is the meat jun, thinly battered slices of beef that arrive golden and crisp on the outside while still tender inside. Locals often pair it with kimchi fried rice or the restaurant’s hearty soups, which are perfect after a day out near Kaneohe Bay. Portions lean on the larger side, so sharing is common, and the banchan spread—pickled radish, seasoned bean sprouts, and of course kimchi—comes generously refilled without hesitation.
From a personal perspective, what makes this place memorable is how consistent it feels across visits. The flavors don’t waver, the staff is quick and no-nonsense, and the prices remain reasonable compared to many other spots in Oahu. It’s not the kind of polished, trendy restaurant you might see featured on travel magazines, but rather the kind of dependable eatery where you can expect the same warm bowl of soup or sizzling meat plate that generations of diners before you have enjoyed. That reliability is often highlighted in online reviews, where customers mention both the portion sizes and the nostalgic feeling of eating there with family.
Looking at Kaneohe’s dining scene more broadly, Kim Chee 1 stands out because it offers something beyond fast food chains and tourist-oriented locations. It serves everyday food for everyday people, but with a quality that keeps regulars loyal. For anyone exploring the Windward side of Oahu, this spot is a reminder that sometimes the best meals are found in the most straightforward settings—where flavor, tradition, and community meet over shared plates.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Comfort food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small platesDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ CosyCrowd
âś“ GroupsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 435 reviews
Met up with a fishing buddy to try out Kim Chee for breakfast. Was pleasantly surprised. Got there before the restaurant opened and able to park in the front. Food was good and as expected with the price being also reasonable. Service was quick and ambiance was dinnernvibe through and through. From the outside it looked like a total dive but pleasantly surprised at the inside. Nice touch was addition of 2 types of kimchee as well as the soup. You know it's authentic when they don't give you a spoon for the soup. Looking forward to adding Kim Chee to my rotation and looking forward to trying their actual Korean food for lunch or dinner.
I ordered shoyu chicken & meat jun plate for $14.99 special and it came with 2 scoops of rice and more vegetatables on plate al also additional side dishes, which the server told me I could have a refill if I want to. When I got to try the food it tasted so good and also with the side dish. This is a very good price for a korean restaurant. The service was also great so it really made it a great visit.
Amazing food! Large amounts and very tasty. The family pack can feed more than 5 people and I think it was a fair price. Parking could be a problem but in our case, we didn’t have any issues. Staff was friendly and attentive. I would definitely come back if I were a local.
Kim Chee 1 is a solid choice for delicious Korean food in a casual setting. The BBQ meats were flavorful, and the portions were generous. Their kimchi and side dishes were fresh and well-seasoned, adding a nice touch of authenticity to the meal. The service was friendly, though the restaurant can get busy during peak hours, so you might experience a bit of a wait. The ambiance is simple, but the food more than makes up for it. Overall, a great spot for satisfying your Korean food cravings without breaking the bank!
Oh my word!! This food was the best!! I'd have to say it was my personal favorite on our visit to Hawaii. Our entire family loved everything. We dined in for lunch on our last day and the service was fantastic and the staff was friendly. My son cannot eat any dairy and everything on their menu is dairy free. In addition, the portions were huge. I couldn't finish mine and everyone else left completely stuffed. In comparison to what we spent on other meals on the Island, the pricing was a great value, especially considering the amount of food they brought. They brought out a huge serving of two separate kinds of Kim Chee and both were incredible. If you're in the area you should definitely check this place out! We tried shrimp and would recommend the katsu, BBQ pork, BBQ chicken, fried and steamed dumplings, Tonkatsu, rice, soup, shrimp katsu and the amazing Kim Chee
Food was great and very plentiful. For the lunch special, you get a choice of 2 entrees, plus soup and 2 types of kim chi for $15. I got 2 huge shrimp tempura and 2 large pieces of BBQ chicken with a tasty teriyaki sauce. Ate half and took the other half home. The owner/waitress was a hoot. We want to go back for the food and to see her! Service was great.