Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar

I'm a fan of Koko Head Cafe, so I decided to check out Chef Lee Anne Wong's next food establishment, Hale Ohuna. If you're in a bang for your buck mentality, don't come here and cry about the price disguised as constructive criticism and rate it low stars. If you are a fairly knowledgeable cook and know the local agriculture and food scene, you'll appreciate what Chef Wong is bringing to the table. The food is skillfully prepared and the offerings are inventive and mindful. Just as you won't be able to find another breakfast spot that can serve up the unique local flavors at Koko Head, you'll be hard pressed to find a noodle spot that can offer you the same twist. I'd be happy just eating the pupus! Ocean malasadas, lomi toast and okinawan dynamite skins were well received by the whole table. The appetizers are small and served in twos, except for the kawa gyoza (5 pcs). The bowls are heaped full of toppings, from meat tempuras, sliced pickled ginger, veggies - these noodle bowls will fill you up! The broths edge towards the saltier side. The saimin and ramen were table favorites. Haloa bowl was interesting in a one brow raising way. The pho was served lukewarm but once brought to the attention of the waiter, was quickly remedied - if you have a complaint, speak up and give the restaurant a chance to fix it on the spot! Perfection is non-existent and to expect it is ludicrous! However, a restaurant willing to fix an error means they care about your experience! My favorite desserts were the annin tofu and sake sabayon with fresh fruits. After intense broth flavors, these light desserts are perfect and refreshing. The fresh fruits included white guava which is not easily sourced. Tell me, when did you last eat white guava? Not pink guava, not strawberry guava - white guava. White guava is more delicate than its pink counterpart and difficult to find. Thank you, Chef Wong, for bringing it to the table. The sake sabayon is a great twist. Sabayon is much more than a "cream". Leave your pretentiousness outside and appreciate the simple offering of fresh local fruits elevated with an unexpected flavor accompaniment. The atmosphere is great, love it. That blank white wall on the 2nd floor? Now plays surf documentaries ala projector. The stairs? As you're walking down, take note of the vibrant purple rave lights peeking through the cracks! Tons of art, and wood, and more wood ( I love wood!) and ropes - this place is swinging and hip! Service was great! We were greeted with smiles at the hostess bar. We were promptly taken to our seats. The waiter was knowledgeable and friendly. Plates cleared, plates brought, water refills- great! We even got to see Chef Wong herself! Hale Ohuna took over the old Salt location, fronting Waialae ave between Verde and Coffee Talk. I parked in the metered private parking lot located behind Koko Head Cafe.
Nov 25th, 2015

Dec 28th, 2013

(Translated by Google) 1st floor counter 2nd floor table, private room (14 people) * Let's make a reservation (^^) / (Original) １階カウンター ２階テーブル、個室(14人) ＊予約しましょうね(^^)/
Dec 27th, 2013

wow...super good food, service and experience as a whole. Highly recommend!
Aug 31st, 2013

Jul 26th, 2013