Make Your Own Hawaiian-Style Pizza In A Kiawe-Fired Brick Oven At Pounders Restaurant

From underrated eateries to upscale, oceanfront restaurants, there’s no doubt in our minds that the Hawaiian Islands are home to some incredible restaurants that are loved and frequented by many. And while we love all of the restaurants you’ll find in Hawaii’s major cities and resort destinations, we also love heading off-the-beaten-path to enjoy a scrumptious meal unlike any other. Nestled in the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Hukilau Marketplace on Oahu’s northeastern shore, this restaurant serves up some mighty delicious pizzas, among other tasty dishes.

Welcome to Pounders Restaurant, a farm-fresh, island-style dining restaurant that’s big on old Hawaiian charm and utilizing local flavors combined with spices from around the world.

Start with a delicious, drink: island-fresh fruit juices are the star of the show here and whether you have a glass of pineapple, orange, or POG juice, you’ll be delighted. They even offer MOG juice — or mango, orange, and guava juice.

Sodas and water are also available, of course.

Next, choose an appetizer to share with the table. Will you go for these snow crab cakes, a kalua pork quesadilla, shrimp tacos, or mahi mahi nuggets?

Serving fresh produce from island farms, Hawaii-raised grass-fed beef, locally caught seafood, savory dishes from the Pacific Rim, Pounders has a delectably diverse menu, but they're known for one food in particular: Hawaiian-style pizzas.

Each of their pizzas is cooked to perfection in the kiawe-fired brick oven pizza imported straight from Napoli and with seven unique flavor combinations (as well as cheese and pepperoni), you’re sure to find a pie that will satisfy all of your cravings.

Keiki are also welcome to build their own pizzas! This option is perfect for picky eaters and kids who like to play with their food.

Not in the mood for pizza? No worries, the menu features a variety of scrumptious dishes, from short ribs and garlic chicken to ahi katsu, fish and chips, and seafood curry.

The burgers and sandwiches are out of this world! The loco moco burger is a unique spin on an island favorite, the candied bacon burger is served with Vermont white cheddar cheese and a brioche bun, and the Hawaiian burger (pictured below) is topped with grilled pineapple and a fried egg — talk about delicious!

Don't forget to save room for dessert! Whether you try the homemade banana cream pie, the mango cheesecake, or another treat, you can easily consider your sweet tooth satisfied here.

Whether you go on Pounders for a date with your significant other or meet up with friends from across the island, you're sure to leave feeling full, satisfied, and happy.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit the next time you find yourself in the area or make a special trip — you won't be disappointed.

Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Highway, Laie, HI 96762

Pounders Restaurant is located within the Hukilau Marketplace and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. They are closed on Sunday. For more information, you can visit the Hukilau Marketplace website or the Pounders Facebook page. Have you ever visited this modern restaurant that serves up mouthwatering meals? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.