Hawaii (State of) Restaurants

Best stateside pizza I've had. Best in the world is at Trianon, Naples, Italy (see my Naples page)

It may be a little hole in the wall, but 'Kahuna's' is well worth a meal, and definitely the first restaurant I'd go to if I visit Hawaii again. That's saying a lot. don't miss it!!

IN REALITY IT'S ALSO 'OFF THE BEATEN PATH'
LOCALS FLOCK TO THIS PLACE.
THEIR PIZZA IS OUTSTANDING, AND DON'T PASS UP THE GARLIC CHEESE BALLS

Included is an excerpt from a newspaper article on the place.

By Matthew Gray
Advertiser Restaurant Critic

This is the story of a young lady, Kelly Suchotzki, who learned the secret of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Eight years ago, she decided to go into business, launching Big Kahuna's Pizza -N- Stuffs.

In Hawaiian, kahuna means shaman in its most formal usage. Nowadays, though, kahuna often signifies a level of expertise associated with that of a wizard, guru or, in this case, an expert or master (of pizza, that is).

True Chicagoans rave about two things: the Cubs, and, to a lesser extent, the Malnati family's pizzeria. You can get a version of this luscious fried-crust favorite here, with local flair, flavorings and liberal doses of aloha.

Before you get started, get an order of the garlic cheese balls.

The most popular pizza here is 'da Big Kahuna's sumo special' that combines toppings such as pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, Kahlua pork, Portuguese sausage, bacon, onions, mushrooms, chopped tomato and black olives.

It's amusing that Suchotzki is a vegetarian, considering how well she treats her meats. The kalua pork and the beef brisket are done on the premises using 'the exact same preparation. It's tender and smoky, and if you ask nice, she'll even give you her recipe.

The 'stuffs' part of the menu refers to the sandwiches ($5.95) that you definitely should try. Keep in mind that the bread is homemade and that the owner is a self-proclaimed bread lover. The large, fresh rolls really make a difference. One choice comes stuffed with corned beef, roast beef or turkey, with cheddar and jack cheese, shredded cabbage, tomato and onion, sprinkled with olive oil and vinegar. The surfer sub/grinder gives you the choice between ham and pastrami done in much the same fashion.

Hawaii (State of) Restaurants

Visiting Hawaii (State of)?

Visiting Hawaii (State of)?