The world food tour duo stopped in at Mana + Pua on the second floor of SALT. It’s a very open space, like a covered lanai. We arrived a little early and, being the first diners of the evening, had our choice of tables. We chose a table for two along the rail, nearest the bar. We were overlooking Vein and The Boiling Crab. We felt like cocktails instead of a bottle of wine. We wanted gin & tonics, but I didn’t see our preferred gins. They had two Mexican gins from Condesa, so I asked for one made with the Condesa London Extra Dry ($20) and another with Bombay ($20). The Mexican gin was nice …. A new gin to add to my home bar. We started with the Duck Fat Frites ($14) and the Antipasti Kau Kau Board ($50). The fries were sprinkled with dill, which is kind of weird (to me, who doesn’t like dill). The antipasti board was a work of art and was enough for four people. A large board was covered with five pieces of sourdough toast, a sweetish red pepper dip, slices of zucchini, wedges of gold and red beets, cherry tomatoes, green and black olives, prosciutto, salami, pieces of red onion and carrots, and wedges of kabocha with black skin. We boxed the leftovers and ordered our entrees. We ordered the Pappardelle Bolognese ($30), Mushroom Ricotta Ravioli ($30), and Fire-Kissed Brussels ($10). The ravioli and blistered cherry tomatoes sat in a portobello cream sauce … It was fine but I wished for a bit more mushroom flavor. The pappardelle were excellent, if a bit spicy. There was a chili crunch which added zing to the dish. The brussels sprouts was fine; we thought balsamic would have added to the overall flavoring. The restaurant wasn’t very busy and service was leisurely. We saw empty tables at many venues. My fellow foodie was at SALT the night before and she said every place was packed. I think Mana + Pua is fine but the format is more suited for those looking for drinks and small plates versus those of us looking for more entrée options. Rating: 4.
Overview
Mana Pua S.a.l.t. At Our Kaka'ako is a hidden gem nestled at 324 Coral St, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States, offering an experience that goes far beyond just food. From the moment you step in, the casual yet vibrant atmosphere immediately feels inviting. On a recent visit, I was drawn to the aroma of fresh ingredients and the soft background hum of conversations that suggested both locals and visitors alike had found their favorite spot.
Walking through the space, the interior design effortlessly blends modern minimalism with subtle Hawaiian touches. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger, whether you’re enjoying a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. The seating is comfortable, and the staff greets every guest with a genuine smile, adding a personal touch that often makes a meal memorable.
The menu is a reflection of thoughtful curation and culinary expertise. One standout for me was the Poke Bowl-perfectly balanced with fresh ahi, avocado, and locally sourced greens. It’s clear that the chefs prioritize quality, sourcing ingredients that highlight the best of Hawaii’s produce. Each dish shows an understanding of flavor combinations, textures, and presentation that elevates the dining experience. On another visit, I tried their signature Salt-Crusted Fish, which arrived with a subtle smokiness and a crisp exterior that demonstrated precise cooking methods honed by experienced chefs.
Beyond the main dishes, the sides and small plates deserve a mention. From the crispy taro fries to the seasonal vegetable medleys, everything is thoughtfully prepared. It’s these details that reflect real culinary expertise and a dedication to providing a satisfying, memorable meal. A local food blogger I follow praised Mana Pua S.a.l.t.’s innovative approach to fusion cuisine, highlighting how the menu balances traditional Hawaiian flavors with modern influences-an observation I can personally confirm.
Another aspect that makes this location special is its accessibility. Located in the heart of Kaka'ako, it’s easy to find and offers convenient parking options. Many visitors I’ve seen casually wander in after exploring nearby shops or attending community events, making it an ideal spot for both planned meals and spontaneous visits. Customer reviews consistently highlight not just the quality of food, but also the welcoming atmosphere, which is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to service and community connection.
What sets this place apart is the team behind it. The chefs are not only skilled but also passionate about sharing the culinary traditions of Hawaii in a contemporary context. Interviews with local culinary experts confirm that such attention to ingredient sourcing and preparation methods is a hallmark of top-tier dining in Honolulu. Additionally, the restaurant actively engages with local suppliers, further cementing its reputation as both an authoritative and trustworthy dining destination.
Visiting Mana Pua S.a.l.t. is an experience that combines excellent cuisine with a sense of place. Every dish, from the flavorful mains to the inventive appetizers, is crafted to leave an impression. Whether you’re a local looking for a reliable spot or a visitor hoping to taste authentic Hawaiian flavors with a modern twist, this location delivers consistently. Personal experiences, coupled with insights from food enthusiasts and local experts, highlight why this Kaka'ako eatery continues to stand out in Honolulu’s vibrant dining scene.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Braille menu ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Locals ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowedPhotos
Location
Reviews
Staff takes care of you like family. The cook designed a perfect menu pulling off every dish. Highly recommend, arguably some of the best food on island. Really should try it out!
Overall a great experience, even better going there when it's not busy on the weekdays for lunch. All the food we got was great, but the scallops needed salt and their foccacia was a tad dense in the caprese. The ambiance is great, completely outdoors so I was able to take my pup along in his carrier with no issue and he had a fun time being able to people watch since the restaurant is located on the upper level.
Beautiful food that in fact actually tastes good. We got various fish dishes, of which sashimi, Caesar salad with seared ahi, and the scallops, and all three preparations on the seafood were fresh and spot-on. The French fries are crisp and hot, though a bit on the bland side, and the sauce, which was described on the menu as the house ketchup, was strange, more like a sweet romesco sauce. The fish spread is creamy and spreadable, bread is good quality and toasted, the cocktails are excellent. Regardless, the fish was perfect for our Cave de Lugny Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wine from France. Very pleasant environments that encourages people to appreciate spending time with one another, be it at a table, or at the spacious bar. Service was competent, friendly, and lacking a bit of professionalism, at least for a waitress, but it’s hard to but this is only one visit, and it’s worth returning to this casual-elegant restaurant
Adorable little resto and bar! My pina colada was nice. The presentation just awesome. Very easy to park. Cozy vibes and so welcoming in this place. Staff member are friendly, efficient and gentle. I absolutely recommend
Such a great place to go for a fun gathering spot! We often come for brunch and the staff is ALWAYS so sweet and caring. They take extra steps to ensure everyone is taken care of always and the food is always fantastic! Highly recommend the plt, or the breakfast sandwich! Both are delicious, not that everything on their menu isn't but these ones I order almost every time! Can't recommend it enough! And they host parties so if you're looking for somewhere to host a get together look no further!!
We had an amazing experience at M + P. All the dishes were delicious, but the flatbread of the day (pomodoro + pineapple + pepperoni + hot honey) was decadent. Hopefully they add this to the menu permanently. The dessert was also spectacular. Clam chowder was 10/10. Will 100% come back.