If you're planning to buy hand-pounded poi on Oʻahu, knowing when to visit makes all the difference. At our original Waiāhole Valley location, we prepare hand-pounded poi and paʻiʻai using the traditional board and stone on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Because we make limited batches, availability can change depending on the kalo harvest, weather, and staffing. We encourage customers to call before making the trip, especially when planning to purchase poi or paʻiʻai by the pound.

Here's what you should know before visiting us.

When Can You Buy Hand-Pounded Poi at Waiāhole?

We schedule hand-pounding on Wednesdays and Sundays at our historic Waiāhole Valley location.

Unlike the poi available as part of our regular Hawaiian food menu, hand-pounded poi is a specialty we prepare on designated days.

Our hand-pounding schedule depends on several factors, including the availability of kalo and the people needed to prepare it. That means pounding may not take place every scheduled Wednesday or Sunday.

We sell hand-pounded poi in limited quantities, with purchases handled on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Before visiting, we recommend calling (808) 239-2222 to confirm whether pounding is taking place and to ask about reserving your order.

You can also find our current hand-pounding information and published prices on our official website.

Choosing Between Hand-Pounded Poi and Paʻiʻai

When ordering from our hand-pounding batches, you'll see two traditional kalo preparations available.

Although they come from the same pounding tradition, poi and paʻiʻai have different consistencies.

Both products are scheduled for Wednesdays and Sundays at our Waiāhole location, subject to availability.

If you're purchasing for a family meal or gathering, consider how you plan to serve the kalo before deciding which preparation to request.

Our team can help you confirm what's available when you call.

Where to Pick Up Hand-Pounded Poi on Oʻahu

Our hand-pounded poi and paʻiʻai are sold at our original restaurant in Waiāhole Valley.

Historic Waiāhole Valley Location

48-140 Kamehameha Hwy
Kāneʻohe, HI 96744
Phone: (808) 239-2222

Restaurant hours:

• Wednesday through Monday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Tuesday: Closed

Our original location is part of a building constructed in 1905 as a poi factory. Our family has been connected to this place since 1971, and we began operating our full-time Hawaiian food restaurant in 2009.

Today, we continue the tradition of hand-pounding kalo alongside our regular Hawaiian food service.

You can learn more about our family's connection to this place on our History page.

Can You Buy Hand-Pounded Poi at Windward Mall?

Our Windward Mall food court location serves Hawaiian food, but we do not sell our specialty hand-pounded poi or paʻiʻai there.

If you're planning to purchase either product by the pound, please contact our Waiāhole Valley location instead.

Both restaurant locations offer Hawaiian food, but their offerings are not identical. Checking the location before ordering helps make sure you're going to the right place.

How to Plan Your Poi Purchase

A little planning is helpful when buying from one of our limited hand-pounding batches.

1. Choose a scheduled pounding day.

Wednesdays and Sundays are our designated hand-pounding days at Waiāhole. These are scheduled days, not a guarantee that pounding will take place.

2. Call to confirm availability.

Contact our Waiāhole team at (808) 239-2222. We can confirm whether hand-pounded poi or paʻiʻai is expected to be available and discuss your intended purchase.

3. Ask about reserving your order.

Our website recommends calling ahead to reserve hand-pounded poi or paʻiʻai. Let us know which preparation you're interested in and how much you'd like to purchase.

Because batches are limited and subject to change, please confirm your reservation directly with our team.

4. Visit our original Waiāhole location.

Once you've confirmed availability and any reservation details, plan your pickup at 48-140 Kamehameha Hwy in Kāneʻohe.

If you're making a special trip, calling beforehand is particularly important. We don't want you to arrive expecting a pounding batch that isn't available that day.

Want Poi With Your Hawaiian Plate Instead?

You don't need to plan a visit around a hand-pounding day to enjoy poi with one of our Hawaiian plates.

Our regular menu offers poi as a side and as an alternative to rice with selected plates.

For example, our Single Plate lets you choose one entrée, while our Combo Plate includes a choice of two. Both include a choice of rice or poi, along with Lomi Salmon and Haupia.

Our Kanaka Nui, also known as "The Works," includes Laulau, Kalua Pig, Chicken Long Rice, a choice of Beef Luau or Squid Luau, and a choice of rice or poi. Lomi Salmon and Haupia are also included.

Bowls are served with rice, not poi.

You can explore our Hawaiian food menu to see the available plates, sides, and desserts.

If you're simply looking for a Hawaiian meal rather than hand-pounded poi by the pound, our regular menu provides another way to enjoy this traditional staple.

Planning Poi for a Larger Gathering?

If you're organizing a family gathering, company lunch, or other event, our catering menu includes fresh milled poi.

This is a different offering from our limited hand-pounded batches.

Our catering options include poi in 4-ounce cups or by the pound, making it possible to discuss quantities for a group.

Catering requires at least 48 hours' notice, with one week's notice for parties of more than 40 people.

For details about portions, ordering requirements, and other traditional Hawaiian dishes, visit our catering page.

For catering questions, call (808) 239-2222 or email waiaholepoi@gmail.com.

Visit Us for Hand-Pounded Poi in Waiāhole Valley

Hand-pounding kalo remains an important part of what we do at our original Waiāhole location. It connects our work today with the food traditions that have long been part of Hawaiian life.

Whether you're picking up poi for your family or looking for paʻiʻai, we want you to have the information you need before making the trip.

Call us at (808) 239-2222 to confirm the next hand-pounding session and ask about reserving your purchase.

We look forward to welcoming you to Waiāhole.

Mahalo for your support.

‍