Lookin’ for some tasty eats after a long day in the sun? Kealani’s new location at 207 North Coast Highway is the perfect place to feed your belly.
Start off with one of their signature plate lunches, which include two scoops of rice, one scoop of macaroni salad, and your choice of meat. Try “Hawaii’s number one luau grind,” the Kalua pig (roast pork), teriyaki chicken or beef “grilled wit da back-home flavor,” mahi-mahi, loco moco, a hamburger steak with two sunny-side-up eggs on top, or the sweet ‘n’ sour spareribs guaranteed to “melt in da mouth.” Top it off with some lumpias, manapua, and a mango-orange Hawaiian Sun to drink, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a post-surf meal. For dessert, this authentic Hawaiian spot even has shaved ice reminiscent of the North Shore’s Matsumoto’s.
Hawaii native Kealani Keliinoi opened the first Kealani’s in 1999 and with its success opened the Oceanside location in May of this year. “Surfers are always looking for good food right after they get out [of the water] ‘cause they’re hungry,” Kealani’s son Kai said while hyping the location of the new restaurant.
While Kai takes credit for inspiring certain menu items, Kealani’s all started with Tutu, Kai’s grandmother, who had the vision of bringing authentic Hawaii food to San Diego. Kealani made her mother’s dream a reality, not only in terms of the authentic menu, but also with the down-home atmosphere, a friendly staff of Hawaiin surfer girls called “Kealani’s girls,” and a gift shop that sells slippers, seeds, clothing, and other items that you can only find in Hawaii.
After ordering one of Kai’s creations, the Mount Ka’ala, a plate that lets you choose any two meats on the menu, I was stuffed. From a bargain for your buck standpoint Kealani’s is just about as good as it gets, as nothing on the menu exceeds $7.
So next time you’re in the neighborhood, be sure to “live the aloha spirit” with the guys at Kealani’s. Oh, and as Kai says, “Don’t forget to leave your sandals at the door.” You may even find a better pair on the way out!
