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About
Island Manapua Factory
Welcome to the Island Manapua Factory, a beloved culinary gem nestled in the heart of Honolulu, Hawaii. Located at 811 Gulick Ave, this small, family-owned establishment has been delighting both locals and visitors for over 40 years. With a menu filled with authentic Chinese dishes, the Island Manapua Factory is renowned for its warm ambiance and the hearty, vibrant flavors that emerge from each carefully crafted dish.
This cozy eatery captures the essence of a traditional mom-and-pop shop, reminiscent of the streets of Kowloon in Hong Kong. It's a place where history meets flavor, and every bite tells a story. The atmosphere is infused with heart, making it a perfect stop for anyone looking to indulge in genuine Hawaiian cuisine with a Cantonese twist.
- Pork Hash - Often hailed as the star of the menu, this hefty dumpling is a must-try. Customers rave about its generous filling and delightful texture.
- Half Moon - With its chewy exterior, this item keeps patrons coming back for more. It's a testament to the mastery of the chefs behind the counter.
- Char Siu Lock Fun - A fresh take on the classic cheung fun, it competes seamlessly with dishes found in larger cosmopolitan areas like Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
- Smoked Turkey Manapua - Unique and unforgettable, this dish is worth a trip on its own, showcasing the creative culinary spirit of the factory.
According to customer reviews, Efraín Barragán states it’s the “best authentic Chinese food in Hawaii,” while vance luc describes it as a “true hidden gem” and emphasizes the personal touch that comes from the owner and staff. The rustic charm of Island Manapua Factory wraps you in a warm embrace, allowing for a delectable dining experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Patrons, such as michele okamoto and sarah c., express their admiration for the extensive menu featuring items like the steamed curry manapua and large, fluffy char siu buns. Customers can't resist taking their favorites on the go, making this spot a popular choice for travelers looking to savor authentic flavors before heading off on their adventures.
Every visit is met with friendly service, generous portions, and a welcoming spirit, ensuring that Island Manapua Factory remains a staple for many. Don’t forget to arrive early if you're in the mood for their famed peanut brittle candy, as it's known to sell out fast!
So if you're in Oahu, make your way to Island Manapua Factory for a truly heartwarming dining experience that fuses time-honored culinary traditions with Hawaii's vibrant local culture. Whether you're savoring a manapua or diving into a plate of char siu chow fun, you’re bound to leave with a smile and a full belly.
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“ Best authentic Chinese food in Hawaii. Duck is delicious ”
“ A True Hidden Gem – Heart, History, and Amazing Manapua Island Manapua Factory is a must-visit if you’re on Oahu and craving delicious, authentic manapua. This spot has been serving locals for over 40 years, and you can feel that history in every bite and interaction. The atmosphere is all heart. It has a rustic, homely feel that reminds me of a shop you’d find on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong – very mom and pop. Yet, despite this cozy vibe, they also cater to larger hotels on the island, showing just how versatile and well-loved they are. One of my standout favorites is the half-moon – it has this fantastic chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more. And the look fun, which is basically cheung fun in the Cantonese style, is made fresh right here, with a texture that rivals some of the best I’ve had in LA and Hong Kong. A special mention goes to the smoked turkey manapua. It’s truly unique, something I haven’t seen elsewhere, and the flavor is so distinct and memorable that it’s worth a trip just to try that. And, of course, there’s the owner, who is always around to “talk story.” That personal touch, combined with the rich history of the place, makes every visit feel like stepping back in time – but with food that’s as on par with anything in Hawaii and reminiscent of Hong Kong and LA Chinatown. If you want authentic, local flavor with a side of history and heart, Island Manapua Factory is where you need to be! ”
“ I must say I am in love with their steamed curry manapua (bao)! Generous and yummy filling! Bought a cha siu bao, but saving it for later. ”
“ Stopped by this local favourite Manapua place and grabbed some goodies before the flight back to Canada! The Manapua (Char Siu Buns 叉燒包) are large and fluffy with lots of Char Siu (叉烧 or Cantonese BBQ pork) - a great snack or meal to go on the plane ride back. The Pork Hash (Siu Mai 燒賣) was also large and filling ! One pork hash was practically the size or volume of two SiuMai at a dimsum place ! Savoury and fulfilling - the lady said usually people buy 8 to go Lastly, for our dinner we grabbed the Char Siu Chow Funn (叉燒炒粉) which was huge! And tasty! They are also known for their peanut brittle candy! Sadly it was all sold out by the time we arrived (noon) so come early Would recommend visiting if you are in the area or have a car! ”
“ Island Manapua is a small family owned establishment that is extremely good and very consistent. This place has the best Pork Hash that I have ever eaten, and it doesn't end there. They offer a variety of items, and everything that I tried was great. The staff was very friendly and generous. This is not a sit down and eat type of establishment, but it is great if you're on the go and looking for delicious quick food. Island Manapua Factory has become a staple for me every time I go to oahu, I'm addicted to their Pork Hash! Prices are great, and you get plenty of food to fill you up! ”
“ Today I was craving for some local favorites and I was just happen to be in Kalihi area and remembered that the Island Manapua Factory was nearby, so I went to where my temptation was guiding me to. Yes, I got here and bought rice cake, pork hash, half moon, steamed char siu manapua, and peking duck bun with the workers recommendation. And they were all great, my craving was satisfied. Their friendly service was nice also. This place is highly recommended for everyone when you have that craving for the local goodies. ”
“ This place has the best hand made chow funn ! Also sells pork hash, half moon, look funn, varieties of manapua. These goodies sell put fast, especially the manapua. Friendly staff. Fast service. Very limited parking. Good prices. ”
“ The only place on the island that you can find the layered rice cake and these duck bao buns.....yummmm and let's not forget the customer service she was great handing me things left and right to try all kinds of samples. They also have platter plates so don't miss out and come and get yours in kaliki today. Much Mahalo Island Manapua ”