If you’ve never heard of the Maunawili Night Market, don’t worry—you’re not alone. A relatively new entry to Oʻahu’s night market scene, it’s quietly tucked away in the lush, serene Maunawili Valley. But once you find it, you’ll wonder how it stayed a secret for so long.
How to Get There
Getting to the market feels like you’re uncovering a local secret. From the Pali Highway, turn onto Auloa Road, then take the first left—look for a small sign pointing the way.
 |
Follow the winding road past open green spaces and enjoy the stunning views of the Koʻolaus. Eventually, you’ll arrive at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Course.
 |
The market takes place at “The Charming Estate” on the property, and it lives up to its name. Think elegant, laid-back vibes in a breathtaking natural setting.
The Maunawili Night Market is held on the last Friday of each month, from 5–9 PM. It’s popular enough to feel lively, but still far less crowded than the markets in town—a perfect balance.
I showed up just before 6 PM and was pleasantly surprised to see a good crowd—families, couples, friends catching up—but not so many people that it felt overwhelming.
 |
I headed straight for Wasabi Express by Tiger, hoping to try their famous teppanyaki lobster plate.
 |
Sadly, no lobster that night, but I ordered the steak and shrimp combo instead. The friendly lady at the booth told me it would be about a 30-minute wait—they cook 15 plates at a time and mine was up next. Perfect. That gave me time to explore.
 |
Vendors were set up both outside and inside the main building. Everything was from small local businesses—handmade snacks, desserts, plate lunches, jewelry, crafts, and more. Inside was air-conditioned (a bonus), with comfortable seating areas downstairs.
 |
I took a walk outside, snapped a few photos of the incredible Koʻolau backdrop, and soaked in the peaceful beauty of the valley.
 |
 |
After checking in with Wasabi Express again and realizing my plate wasn’t quite ready, I browsed a bit more and picked up a few treats to bring home. Here's what I ended up with:
Seafood Paella from Santi’s Paella
Tasty, with a nice saffron flavor, though I found myself wishing it had a bit more seafood.
Mango Sticky Rice from Olay’s Thai Food
One of my favorite market desserts—sweet, chewy, and refreshing. (If you’ve been to any other farmers market, you’ve probably seen Olay’s there too.)
Mochisadas (Poi Donuts) from Hauoli Pastry
Light, chewy, and delicious—some of the best mochi donuts I’ve had on island.
Brioche from Breadington’s Bakery
They were giving out samples, and one bite of the buttery bread sold me instantly. The baker is also the chef for The Charming Estate. My son loved it so much he asked me to go back for more. Next time, I’m definitely picking up a bag of their cornbread cookies too.
- Steak & Grilled Shrimp Combo from Wasabi Express
Served with garlic fried rice, seasonal veggies, and their made-from-scratch yum yum sauce. The steak was tender, the shrimp perfectly grilled, and we especially loved the rice—savory, garlicky, and full of flavor.
 |
I’m officially in love with the Maunawili Night Market. The setting is dreamy, the vendors are all local and passionate about what they do, and the food? Top-notch. If you’re looking to escape the hustle of town and support small businesses in a truly stunning setting, this night market is a must-visit.
Tips:
Arrive early if you have your eye on something specific—some items do sell out, or the wait times get longer as it gets later)
Bring cash (some vendors don't charge tax if you pay with cash)
Don’t forget your reusable bags and a camera—the views alone are worth the trip.
___________________________________________
MAUNAWILI NIGHT MARKET
770 AULOA ROAD
LAST FRIDAYS 5 PM - 9 PM
No comments:
Post a Comment