A green sign out in front says it all, Kualapu’u Cookhouse, Molokai’s Eating Landmark. The old building located in the residential area of Kualapu’u will put you in the mind of a traditional plantation-style structure. It’s fresh, family-oriented, and extremely casual serving home-style cooking to feed your heart and your appetite. Locals and visitors alike get a kick out of this Molokai food fest. No fancy ambiance here. Just friendly service and old-fashioned diner-style food.
Big belly satisfying servings for breakfast lunch and dinner fill the menu. You won’t go away hungry that’s for sure. You might leave with a take-out container, though, so bring your appetite and your patience because like their menu says, “If you’re in a hurry, you’re on the wrong island.” They really mean it! Seriously, the pancakes are so big, that they almost fall over the plate onto the table. To give you an idea the butter packet and syrup pitcher are served on top of the pancake because there is no room left on the plate! Da Breakfast menu, as it is referred to, features the famous Loco Moco, a house-made beef patty, rice, and gravy topped with tomatoes, cheese, and green onions. Talk about a gravy good top of the morning!
If you are thirsty, you’re in luck. The beverages are poured onto the tippy top of the glasses. Try the POG, a combination of passion, orange, and guava juice that is squeezed fresh to order. It will give you an instant and healthy kickstart any time of the day. The menu is full of tasty selections that almost resemble a diner-style flavor with an added tropical twist. There are All American classics like Country Fried Chicken, Burgers, BBQ Ribs, Salads, BLTs, and steaks. The Hawaiian twist is the glazes, garnishes, sauces, and spices that give the food a tropical vibe. You can also get your seafood fix here at the Kualapu’u Cookhouse. The grilled Mahi Burger or the stuffed shrimp top our “seafood and eat it too list.” But if you prefer a land and sea combo, the rib eye steak with bacon and crab-wrapped shrimp is delicious.
Popular on the Kualapu’u Cookhouse Menu is their Specialty Plates. Each selection is served with fluffy white rice, French fries, or a house-made macaroni salad:
- Teriyaki beef or chicken marinated with a special house blend
- Chicken Katsu or Pork Tonkatsu featuring a lightly panko-breaded crust
- Chicken or Pork Cutlet marinated with a special house blend
- Chopped Steak topped with a flavorful tower of buttery sauteed onions
- Stir Fry chicken, beef, or pork cooked with Asian spices and mixed with seasonal veggies and served with rice
- Lemon Chicken flavored with a bright, tangy citrus-flavor
- Grilled Mahi Mahi delightfully seasoned and seared until flaky
- Hamburger steak topped with a flavorful tower of sauteed onions and mushrooms
Visit on a Thursday and you are in for a treat. It’s prime rib night, and they load on piles of perfectly cooked melt-in-your-mouth prime rib beefy goodness and cover it with the most savory au jus. Whatever you order, whenever you visit, the Kualapu’u Cookhouse is an experience that is surrounded by an area rich in history and raw Hawaiian beauty.
Molokai is a sleepy, yet spectacular Hawaiian Island that is off the beaten tourist track. There are no traffic lights, and no modern infrastructure that creates a quaint spirit of, “Old Hawaii.” You’ll love the natural beauty that is rich with breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, state parks, wildlife reefs, and amazing places to explore. That’s why you must sit outside, take in the tropical breezes, and enjoy the view while waiting for and enjoying your meal.
Insider Tip:
Kualapu’u Cookhouse does not accept credit cards. This is a cash-only restaurant. Dinner specials begin at 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Call ahead and order for takeout.