Amaebi Hi: Wild Hawaiian Seafood

Definitely recommend. Got lost and randomly found ourselves at the farmers market. Got to sample the best fish cakes and shrimp we’ve ever had. Great people serving great food!

First, I must put into perspective my review today. I do not like shrimp, lobster, or prawns. I must say that as I go to evaluate a place that one of my great friends owns and operates! He has a seafood place that makes some of the best food I’ve eaten. I must state that I’ve taken almost a year to evaluate his shop specifically because... I don’t like shellfish. So... let’s talk about the area. Too many people will travel to the north shore to get the shrimp truck. Too bad! What they need to do is brave the downtown area during daylight. Right next to Chinatown and a Biki station out front, it’s worth the effort and energy. Now the food. I do eat shellfish... as a combo. I can appreciate good shrimp and prawns but as I said, it’s not my first choice. I went straight for the big plate. Jumbo prawns with furikake rice and veggies. A mix of garlic, onions, and house made salt mix. Let the picture speak to you. The prawns were as delicious to eat as it was to look at. After the first one, I gave up with the utensils... straight finger food. Rip off the tail and shell, then you gotta suck out that miso from the head. Good thing i had napkins. I do have to give one bit of criticism. If I didn’t, everyone would say I’m completely biased. There is a single table for you belly up to. That’s it. If your lucky enough to catch them at one of the farmers markets, then its a bit easier. But that schedule varies week to week. So as I get to my final breakdown... Price & Value... under $20 for quality jumbo prawns that are cooked right... YES. Service, well, Pat treated me like a friend. That puts his at #1. But as I watched him talk to other customers (potential or otherwise), he is thorough and approachable. This food is something you expect to see at a high end restaurant for about $40-$60. Rather, you get “Uncle Pat” cooking you some good grinds. It’s worth the effort.

This small food stand is making a big mark in Chinatown!! The owner, Patrick, and his crew do a really good job making sure that the customer is happy with the food and the experience. They are very friendly and they offer a variety of menu items that slightly vary everyday depending on what they catch (such as the content of the fish cakes). I would describe this food as fisherman’s fare- they use fresh local ingredients and they offer a great selection of seafood (which they catch themselves)! If I could give this place 6 stars, I would!!!

I love Amaebi's HI wild Hawaiian seafood place! The first thing that I have noticed was the quality of the ingredients that they use to make their dishes with! Top notch fresh fish and seafood and produce that is locally grown. That is already an awesome start! About the food: I LOVE their fried shrimps, homemade spreads, ceviches, fish salsas and smoked fish creations. Everything is made from scratch and they are not afraid to try different recipes. Their signature dish, in my opinion, should be the sword fish moco loco! It is out of this world delicious! An explosion of amazing flavors that I have never tasted anywhere else. The fish patties are seasoned to perfection, and then, lightly sauteed in coconut oil. The rice, eggs, lettuce, kimchee, and the homemade sauce are top quality, fresh and it blends in so well! The store is what most people would call a hole in the wall, which shows its humble beginnings and also authenticity. I love it that it is in Chinatown. The owner, Pat Malone, and his associates, are friendly, welcoming -and busy ! You can see their kitchen operation as they prepare their dishes. That is a plus, in my view, especially when you realize how imaculately clean and tidy everything is. You get quality food and a lot of flavor for your buck. I hope this business thrives. Kind regards, Bea Cantelmo

This place is way out of the way for the normal tourist crowd, maybe, which is a shame. Because by far it has the best meal I've had on the island. Totally qualifies as a "hidden gem" off the beaten path. It doesn't get more fresh than this. Everything house made. And if you're lucky enough to see Pat behind the counter you'll experience real hospitality too. Dollar for dollar, this is the best meal you can have on the island. Can't wait for my next visit - this is a destination worth planning the day around.

We got to eat fabulous food and enjoy singing street karaoke with the poke chef. Best fish around! Highly recommended!