This modest, family-run restaurant is known for its laulau & other authentic Hawaiian dishes.
Yohan Chari
J and her mom do an excellent job making fresh, tasty food!
My wife and I came back twice during our honeymoon trip. The salmon-tomato mixture and the pork that just fell apart was so good!
It truly feels like you’re entering a family’s space – where the food is storied and stands the test of time.
We traveled the whole island and nothing came close to J’s quality of food.
We’ll be back and we recommend everyone to go!
… moreMichele & Robert
On a local’s recommendation, we came by for authentic Hawaiian fare, and we were not disappointed. From the moment we stepped up to the counter, we were greeted by one of the J’s in the most warm and welcoming manner than ever. She was so nice and patient in explaining all the different sauces they offer and how to use them.
The two of us did what many do: we split a 3 combo plate, and had a chicken laulau, pork laulau, and the kalua pig and cabbage. We probably go against the grain of others’ reviews, but we liked the chicken laulau the best, then the pork/cabbage, then the pork laulau. Don’t get us wrong, they were all EXCELLENT, and we are glad we ordered what we did.
The seating is family style, and when we arrived it was pretty crowded so we had to politely hover to get a couple of seats to share our plate. On the tables, they have utensils, napkins, share plates, and sauces. Each dining group didn’t have their own set of sauces — those were shared across the entire family style table, so you have to be a little bold to ask your dining neighbors for a sauce that you want. The homemade teriyaki was an excellent addition to all the dishes, and the macaroni salad side was also yummy.
For two people, at $22 this was a great deal for a great meal and overall experience. We were quite full at the end.
… morebenji mac
What can I say about Super J’s that hasn’t already been said.
In my humble opinion, this is one of the greatest restaurants in America. That they don’t have a Michelin Star is a testament to the truth that Michelin Stars are not true markers of greatness.
I have worked in restaurants throughout the Mainland. I’ve eaten food in many different countries. I have never felt the Joy that I felt having the two plate special with Pork Lau Lau and Kalua Pork, with the Mango Cake and a can of Orange Passion Fruit Juice. Just truly amazing.
If you visit the Big Island, this is a must stop. The hospitality of the team that is making the food, as well as the quality of the ingredients and artful mastery of recipes… all I can say is Mahalo Nui!
… moreKarine Mirambeau
We were recommended this by a local and it did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in, the welcome and the service was amazing and out of this world. It’s not really a place where I would Dine in, you can though, but it’s more like a take out.
The food was very delicious, you can tell it was made with love. Both the chicken, or the pork very tender and well seasoned.
I would definitely go back there if im in Kona, sooo good .
… moreJenna Williams
We absolutely loved this place! It was my most very favorite meal on the entire island! (Actually, it’s my new favorite meal, period). I have seriously been dreaming about their laulau ever since and their homemade spicy soy sauce (chef’s kiss) . I’m not even a big mac-salad person, and I ate every last bite on my plate it was THAT good! What made it even more memorable was how kind and helpful the staff were. They just had awesome enery. They were so sweet to my daughter, Aspen and that was meaningful. It felt like were right at home. You can just tell there is a lot of love put into all that they do and the people they serve. Will be our first stop on our next trip back!
… moreCam W
Absolutely phenomenal! Super J’s unbelievably high ratings are completely justified, and this place is a must visit if you’re on the Big Island! We stopped in on a Friday afternoon when the restaurant was pretty crowded (we learned that we came at the busiest time of day) but the staff were incredibly friendly and the food came out quick. This was one of our first meals after flying into Kona, but immediately Super J’s made us feel right at home. The food was fantastic — my girlfriend and I both got the 2 entree meals. I ordered the pork laulau and kalua pig and cabbage while she ordered the pork laulau and chicken laulau and let me tell you… Everything was incredible. The pork laulau is probably the best entree I’ve had in Hawaii over the last month or so. The flavor was incredible and the texture was perfect. While I’m not an expert on Hawaiian food at all, I can safely say that this is the best I’ve had anywhere. We unfortunately were only able to visit once due to our tight schedule on the Big Island, but we will certainly be back as soon as possible.
… moreDavid Chen
Great little authentic Hawaiian food hut on the side of the road near Royal Kona Coffee Center. We got a two choice plate of pork laulau and kalua pig & cabbage, and we felt the laulau was definitely the better of the two. The mac salad had great flavor and was accented by bits of potato! One plate is about 1.5 servings, shareable but you may still be hungry. Dining room is also a bit small and a shared space, so not great for big groups.
… moreivan villegas
Aunty cooked it up I with the lau lau & cold tuna Mac on the side. Probably one of my favorite dishes & I never expected cooked taro leaf to taste so good!
You can tell it’s one of the OG spots when workers stop by & they already know what’s going to be ordered. The cabinet next to the freezers with all their family photos, the Mother Teresa
Poem on the wall as you exit, pure homey vibes 🙂
All in all go experience this family first restaurant!
… moreD J
Come by before 3 pm on your way back from snorkeling at the Place of Refuge. The Ambience is pure old-school comfort where you we had enjoyed some of the most authentic and delicious Lau Lau’s and Kailua Pork. The ladies running the establishment are super nice offering a smile and good vibes.
There is a constant stream of locals and island visitors coming to order 1 of the 3 items on the menu. Yes, only 3 items on the menu plus some limited desserts:
1) Pork Lau Lau
2) Chicken Lau Lau
3) Kailua Pork
That’s it. They are all equally delicious and at $12 for the 1 item plus Mac salad, rice, and lomi lomi, cannot beat the price anywhere.
… moreHelen and Sam Asiedu
Great authentic Hawaiian food in this hole in the wall joint w/ fast service. I ordered the Pork Laulau Plate, which was steamed pork wrapped in taro leaves & the flavor profile is very similar to Laing, a Filipino taro leaves stew that I often cook minus the coconut milk. I like the side of Lomi-Lomi Salmon & the generous portion of Rice that came w/ it! Mac Salad was yummy too. The place reminded me of a carinderia — a local & affordable establishment where you get your own ice & water from the dispenser, collect your silverware & put your own dishes away after your meal.
We dined a few min before 1pm & still got a table. We scarfed down the food within 20min & left to allow other guests to dine in since seats were limited.
… more