‘Ōlena by Chef Ron Simon

4.9 ( 165 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
Dole Cannery Food Court, 650 Iwilei Rd #135, Honolulu, HI 96819, United States
+1 808-745-7777

‘Ōlena by Chef Ron Simon, nestled within the Dole Cannery Food Court in Honolulu, is not just another restaurant; it’s an experience. This culinary gem delivers an exquisite mix of traditional Filipino flavors with a fine dining twist. Diners rave about dishes like the adobo pork belly, which is described as tender and flavorful, combining stewed and fried techniques to create a novel taste sensation. Patrons have noted the melt-in-your-mouth brisket, paired beautifully with cold soba noodles—an innovative fusion that leaves a lasting impression. The enthusiastic service adds to the warmth of the dining experience, making visitors feel like part of the family. Many highlight the refreshing Filipino lemonade and the incredibly moist banana poi bread as must-try items. Customers express their delight at discovering this hidden gem, appreciating the intimate atmosphere and Chef Ron’s dedication to quality. The consistent praise for both the food and the welcoming service reflects a commitment to excellence that is hard to come by. It’s clear that ‘Ōlena not only serves up delicious dishes but also creates unforgettable memories that keep patrons coming back for more.

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Quick bite
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
  • Parking
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For ‘Ōlena by Chef Ron Simon

Big Fish Dive Club
Jun 11,2025
A nice little find inside of near empty Dole Plantation Foodcourt next to Costco. I had the adobo pork belly. We all know there are many ways that adobo can be prepared, but this place’s adobo was different and it was excellent. It looks like the pork was stewed and then fried. It was tender and flavorful. The best adobo I’ve had here or on the mainland. I ordered with half salad and half Olena rice (rice with turmeric). After ordering, you can eat your food in the roomy air conditioned sitting area. And the iced tea was very good as well.
Tracy Guo
Jun 8,2025
6 stars if we could! Came here with my daughters during our vacation and everything we ordered was amazing. The lady working was so enthusiastic and the nicest. We had filipino lemonade and mango passion tea for drinks and those were perfect too. Especially the beef brisket was the best thing. The sauce with the cold soba noodles was absolutely delicious as well. Definitely recommend and we will be back!
Mei Miller
Jun 7,2025
We ordered the Brisket bowl with half Olena rice and half salad and the Pork Belly Adobo Banh Mi with Truffle Fries. Food was soo dang yuuuumsss! Rose was super friendly and awesome. The brisket was melt in your mouth buttery yummy-ness. Pork belly too! Just wish there was a little bit more pork belly in my Banh Mi. Everything was great. Filipino Lemonade was so freshing and delicious. We also had the banana poi bread too (not pictured) and it is soo sooo moist and flavorful. Definitely recommend this place!!
K Clark
May 27,2025
Chef Ron Simon is very talented! The idea that he is sharing fine dining on a to go plate it’s crazy !!!!!! I have been a client of this restaurant since 2019, back then he was already well known for his delicious menu! I’m always so very exited to share my experiences at the restaurant with all my friends and family when they stop by the island. You can often catch his wife at the front of the store! Her welcoming smile and fun sense of humor is so complementary to Ron’s beautiful meals. De kind of home feeling that you can only get on a family owned restaurant. Sorry no pictures of the food it’s yummy that I forget to take pictures of it every time! It is wheelchair accessible and since they moved to this new location there is seating area in the food court! Update, found some old photos but I promise not to be so greedy next time and take pictures before I eat all the yummy stuff!
Ron J
May 6,2025
Possibly the best hidden gem on this island. The food is fantastic and the daily specials never disappoint. The regular menu is relatively small, allowing for the chef to focus on making consistently amazing food. The owners are incredible and really make you feel like part of their family. Even though the restaurant is small and tucked away, they really do deserve so much more attention. If I'm ever free before they close I always make it a point to stop by and take something to go for later.
Kaitlyn Martinson
Apr 21,2025
Wow... I am visiting from Canada and happened across this place because I was at Costco close by... hands down best banh mi and Filipino lemonade I’ve ever tried. The pork adobo was juicy, the crispy onions were an amazing added texture and flavor, and the picked radish, carrot, and cucumber gave an amazing acidity and depth. The bun was perfectly crunchy and soft. And the Filipino lemonade was so tasty and hydrating. Please do not miss out on this place. Incredible food, and the service by Rose and Ron was cherry on top. Support your local spots! Skip the line at the Costco food court and walk 5 minutes to ‘OlenaHi. You want to find a hidden gem? This is the place.
Jody905
Apr 6,2025
Stopped by today about 11 am, just when they opened. Great call because by 11:30 the line was long. The owner, Rose was so friendly, took time to share the menu. We had the Red Wine Beef Stew, potato salad (or you could have toss green), and rice which was all excellent. The brisket was very tender and the stew gravy was so tasty! It was worth the price! We also had the Adobo Pork Belly Banh Mi. The adobo is not dark or vinegary like regular pork adobo. The pork belly was very tender. Excellent sandwich! We also bought the Poi Dessert Sampler & Original Banana Poi dessert for gifts for some friends. Will need to try them ourselves next time! We also got to meet Chef Ron! Mahalo Rose and Chef Ron! We’ll be back for sure! Can’t wait to try the Loco Moco!
Kim Stewart
Apr 4,2025
So good. Fish & chips & the chicken bowl both wwee delicious. Topped off wirh Royal Filipino lemonade & fudgy brownies & poi banana bread. Everything was delicious. A must eat place!

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