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Aiea Buffet Here To Stay

A La Carte Columns

September 9, 2016

Story By: Lynsey Beth Futa |

Lobster baked with a mushroom-cream sauce (buffet price)

Lobster baked with a mushroom-cream sauce (buffet price)

There are a lot of changes happening on Kame hameha Highway near Pearl-ridge Center — what with the construction and the rail going up. But customers can rest easy knowing that some things are here to stay.

Beloved Makino Chaya — Hawaii’s destination for an eclectic smorgasbord of delicious fare — continues to devote itself to serving customers the best care and food possible, even in the midst of all the area’s modifications.

Utilizing a large, open space, the restaurant — which sports an extensive buffet spread — is the perfect place to hold parties, events and celebrations of any kind. According to general manager Chris Mitchell, the establishment can hold a maximum of 300 people, and if customers are looking to rent out the entire space, the minimum number of party guests is 250.

Enjoy Makino’s famous buffet, which includes local selections, as well as a carving station (Friday-Sunday) that features ribs, sausage and roast beef. For Thanksgiving, expect an upgrade at the carving station with prime rib and roast pig.

Also order an assortment of sashimi — including fresh hamachi, ahi and salmon — off the a la carte menu (included in buffet price), and try out new menu items such as Spicy Chicken Wings, Shrimp Tempura Ramen and Squid Karaage.

Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of Makino Chaya’s Early Bird Special, which runs Monday-Thursday, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Instead of paying the normal $32.98 for the dinner buffet, customers only pay $21.98.

DIVE INTO THIS SEAFOOD TREAT

Back in season at Makino Chaya is Lobster (buffet price). The chef takes extra care to prepare this item by halving a whole lobster and baking it with an irresistibly cheesy mushroom-cream sauce. Diners can order two (half is considered one order) at a time, but as many times as they desire — after all, it is a buffet. Lobster is offered nightly, but is not apart of Early Bird Special.

Makino Chaya

Westridge Shopping Center,
98-150 Kaonohi St., Aiea
486-5100
Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; dinner: Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 5:30-9 p.m.; lunch buffet prices: Monday-Friday, $14.98, Saturday-Sunday, $19.98; dinner buffet prices: nightly, $32.98
*Ask about children’s prices, as they vary according to height

Aiea, HI 96701

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