If you’ve ever walked down Kūhiō Avenue, chances are, you’ve seen the long line of customers outside of Pāʻia Fishmarket’s Waikīkī location. The business — which originated in Pāʻia, Maui — is especially popular for its fresh catch plates.
Pāʻia Fishmarket Express opened about a month ago across of Ala Moana Center. You can find it on Atkinson Drive, along with several other food trailers and kiosks. While this location is more designed for takeout, compared to Waikīkī’s restaurant space, there are a few tables where customers can enjoy their food.
The menu at this express location is mostly the same as that at the Waikīkī location. The one exception — fish tacos currently aren’t available at the express location, but a staff member tells us they will be added to the menu soon.
Appetizers range from onion rings ($7) and deep-fried shrimp ($9) to sashimi (market price) and clam chowder ($7). If you want something comforting, go for the clam chowder, which is ultra creamy and laden with clams and potato chunks.
The fresh catch plates at this location are the business’s most popular entrée. Choose a fish (mahi mahi, ono, snapper, ‘ahi or salmon), preparation style (charbroiled; sauteed in butter, garlic, wine and lemon; Cajun style; or blackened) and a side (Cajun rice, home potatoes, French fries or rice and home potatoes). Mahi mahi prepared Cajun-style with rice and potatoes is a popular customer combo. We tried the blackened salmon served with rice and potatoes — the salmon was moist and flaky, and we enjoyed the slightly crispy, blackened exterior.
The dinner plate is a little pricey, but rest assured that the portion is massive — one plate was enough for two meals, especially with the starchy sides.
If you love mahi mahi, you can also enjoy it in the form of fish and chips ($19). This plate includes coleslaw, housemade tartar sauce and a choice of Cajun rice, home potatoes or French fries.
Pro tip: If you know what you want, call in your order to ensure fast pick-up once you reach the trailer.
CONTACT
Pāʻia Fishmarket Express
401 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu
808-807-9879
Instagram: @paiafishmarketexpress
Open daily, 12-9 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
