Kimchi fried rice is one of those dishes that shows up on plates all over Hawaii, but not every version tastes like the real deal. The best plates come from spots where the kitchen respects the kimchi, packs in flavor, and does not skimp on the portion.
Across Maui, the Big Island, and Oahu, there are Korean kitchens, walk-up counters, and casual restaurants quietly turning out some of the best versions you can find. Here are nine places where locals go when they want kimchi fried rice done right.
1. Cafe Moon, Kihei, HI
Owned and run by a Korean family, this Kihei spot keeps things simple and cooks everything fresh to order. The kimchi fried rice, especially the version with spam, has become the dish regulars come back for again and again.
The menu leans into comfort food you would find in Seoul. Think beef and egg bibimbap, spicy pork bibimbap, bulgogi kimbap, meat jeon, kalbi, and pork kimchi jjigae…