a first for everything.... my hawaiian food experiences are as follows... being forced to try poi (library paste) years ago, and seeing 'plate lunch' offerings on food/travel channel shows--and commenting on how unappetizing it all looked. well, on first taste, it winds up being pretty good to me. you've had this food before. you and your high school/college buddies at 4am after bingeing, and winding up in some random kitchen. all the exotic ingredients are there in the pantry and fridge. rice, brown gravy, eggs, and some protein delivery system (meat, usually burger patty). yup. it's total drunko-stoner food, and i ate every, starchy rice grain bit of it. they also have some very good house-made sauces, and their lava sauce was not too terribly hot, with absolutely great flavor. the two young gals taking care of everything seemed to genuinely enjoy working there, and were very helpful. be advised, it's all served in styrofoam with plastic cutlery, regardless if you dine in. an interesting--and good--new/old dining experience for me in our metro...