Paia Fish Market Waikiki

We decided to try this place because there’s a line outside ( good eats ) but it’s a little misleading .. you stand outside to get into the building line because there’s a maximum amount of people but it’s go to the window, order your food self serve your drink self your to go boxes.. Kind of felt like McDonald’s where you get a number and they bring your food out to the table after you order at the counter. A basic place for fast food seafood for less than an arm and a leg like most places near the beach. The “Seafood Pasta” had a few pieces of shrimp and more chicken than seafood in a sauce that kind of reminded us of the “sandy Beach “ a little gritty but edible with linguine. The Hamburger was as expected from a quick eat joint, frozen Sam’s Club patty with their signature salad chunks, and tomatoes with fresh shredded cheese mix on a brioche’ bun I think. But think of kraft shredded cheese that you put on a salad that melted on your burger. Sashimi was good didn’t really give me an option, but it was tuna and appeared fresh. There’s mixed reviews on the mahi-mahi plate. The fish itself is a little dry and had some flavor, but not one of our favorites. The potatoes were grilled nicely. The rice had good flavor and had their signature salad chunks on the plate. Onion rings were expected not overcooked and OK Fish and chips is what it is as a codfish deep-fried with french fries and their signature chunk salad nothing fancy. For a quick and cheap eats, you can’t go wrong here but it’s not a capital Grille or a fancy restaurant, as you might expect here in Waikiki but a great place to bring the kids for sure and you’ll save some money.

Food: I ordered the sautéed mahi-mahi with fries. The fish was cooked perfectly: moist, flaky, and well seasoned and the fries were hot and perfectly salted. The coleslaw was a pleasant surprise; it had a creamy, slightly apple-forward flavor that worked really well with the dish. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. My only drawback is the portion size. For a $25 plate with no drink included, the overall serving felt pretty small. Service: Service was efficient but lacked warmth. The staff seemed pretty burnt out and not especially happy to be there, which showed in the interactions. Nothing was outright bad, just very transactional. If the service were a bit more enthusiastic and welcoming, this would easily be a five-star experience. Ambiance: The space has a casual, industrial vibe that fits the fish-market concept well. Everything was clean, organized, and comfortable, with plenty of seating. It’s a relaxed spot that works well for a quick but quality meal.

We first had Paia Fish Market in Maui and it completely stuck in our minds, so we had to have it again while in Waikiki. The fish is absolutely amazing. We both ordered the mahi mahi, I had mine with garlic butter and my husband had his Cajun style. Both were incredibly fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. You can really taste the quality of the fish. That said, I do feel it’s a bit overpriced for what it is. Delicious, yes, but definitely on the pricier side. Overall, still so good and worth it if you’re craving really well prepared, fresh fish.

We dined at this restaurant during our trip to Hawaii, and it truly exceeded every expectation we had. The seafood was unbelievably fresh and full of flavor — from start to finish, every dish felt like a highlight on its own. Honestly, I can’t even choose a favorite because everything we ordered was outstanding in its own way. The presentation, the balance of flavors, and the quality of the ingredients were all exceptional. You can really tell how much care and skill goes into each plate. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff were friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, which made the experience even better. Overall, this was one of the best seafood meals we’ve ever had, and easily one of the highlights of our Hawaii trip. If you love fresh, beautifully prepared seafood, this place is an absolute must-visit.

The first line starts on Kuhio Ave and leads up to the stairs. There is a second line which starts inside the restaurant. You may assume 45min wait if you’re starting from Kuhio Ave. This was my second visit. I got mahi mahi cajun style with cajun rice. My wife got the prawns quesadilla. The fish was an 8 oz fillet - beautifully char broiled with spicy tangy cajun seasoning. This is the best fish dish I’ve had in my life - and miles ahead of every bite I’ve had on the island. I run out of superlatives every-time I eat here. The prawns were immaculate and my wife thoroughly enjoyed it. They were so smoky and paired well with cheese! We also got a seasonal beer and island ginger beer. Both the drinks were bright and fresh. This place should be on top of your list if you’re in Oahu.

Fast food? Or food fast? Definitely food fast even if there is a line to get in! Worth every minute to enjoy the freshest fish. Choose from Mahi, ono, tuna, salmon, snapper. Great cold slaw too. So well run that when you order your food you find your table afterwards...and it works! Friendly service, local vibe. Would definitely return.

We make it a point to stop at Paiai Fish Market multiple times every single time we visit — and when we’re here, we come back again and again! The prices are great, the portion sizes are generous, and you absolutely will NOT walk out hungry. It truly feels like home — inviting, welcoming, and relaxed. The staff is always friendly, attentive, and on top of everything. Kylie is one of a kind, and I look forward to seeing her every time we come in. She’s truly a staple and makes the experience even better. If you’re looking for amazing food, great value, and a place that feels like family, this is it. 🌺

Wow this is place is definitely worth the wait! During our week long stay, we went here three times and each time we were absolutely obsessed with our food. Each time we ordered their blackened mahi mahi with 1/2 rice and 1/2 roasted potatoes. The portions are generous and it was perfect for sharing. We also ordered their fish tacos and they were also incredible! The fish is so fresh and prepared to a perfection. I highly recommend checking this place out.

No line during lunch time. Mahi mahi cajun style is my favorite plus the house potato and salad both taste really good . Fries you can get anywhere, but highly recommend their house potatoes. Night time has a long line sometimes but lunch is good 😆 Sorry no fish and chips today 😉

​I recently stopped by Paia Fishmarket for lunch and had a fantastic experience. I ordered the classic Mahi Mahi Fish and Chips, served with a side of coleslaw, and every element of the dish was spot-on. ​The Mahi Mahi was incredibly fresh, showcasing a beautiful, firm and flaky texture. The batter was perfectly seasoned—it provided a wonderful crunch without overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish. ​The portion size was generous, offering excellent value for the price, which is always appreciated. The coleslaw was a refreshing and light accompaniment to the hearty fish and chips. ​If you are looking for the freshest seafood in a casual, lively atmosphere, Paia Fishmarket is an absolute must-visit. Highly recommended!