Wahoo’s Hawaii

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: OUTER REEF BURRITO (STARTS AT $10.95)

Drop in, have fun and eat well,” is the motto at Wahoo’s Fish Taco in the booming Kakaako area and since its local inception in 2006, customers have come to enjoy every aspect of the eatery’s offerings.

Having recently gained new management last fall, a new and improved menu has come into play in addition to the original favorites that has attracted crowds in for more than a decade.

“Wahoo’s is known for using fresh ingredients for all of our dishes and having the choice to build your own meal from picking your proteins, beans, starches, salad, dressing and the style of sauces,” says owner and managing director Brian Hee.

Wahoo’s now has breakfast daily from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It features Kalbi Kimchi Loco Moco, Ube Pancake, Crab Cake Benedict and much more. Additionally, the restaurant expanded its space to have a sit-down bar and revamped outdoor sitting area.

Hee shares that Wahoo’s happy hour block from 3 to 7 p.m. daily is worth the while with specials like kids eat free every Tuesday, $2 tacos on Wednesday and Pau Hana Fridays, plus live music performances during the latter two nights. Hee also encourages guests to chow down on popular dishes like Outer Reef Burrito, 7 Layers Salad, Fish Taco and Paleo Bowl for lunch or dinner.

On top of serving traditional Mexican cuisine, Wahoo’s mixes the best of California, Brazilian, Baja, Asian and Hawaiian flavors. “Being known by surfers and skaters as the place to hang out, we cook to order, use locally sourced products whenever possible, offer great service and generous portions,” continues Hee. “We encourage customers to nourish themselves with food and experiences that make them feel more alive.”

GET WET

The “wet” option smothers the Outer Reef Burrito with tempting flavors of mild red enchilada sauce, spicy roasted pepper cilantro sauce or go for half and half. It is all topped with dreamy melted cheese.

GO BIG OR GO HOME

This bomboocha burrito comes packed with white or brown rice, cheese, lettuce or cabbage, salsa, mild black beans or spicy Cajun white beans and choice of protein such as pork, chicken, steak, tofu, seafood or kalbi.

FOR THE PICKING

Opt for more stuffing with sour cream and guacamole, and avocado for a small extra charge, plus, make it an entree with rice and beans on the side.

GO LOCAL

Tomatoes from local farmer KUNIA are diced then added to a mixture of cilantro, onions, jalapenos, serranos and spices to make fresh salsa, which is also incorporated in several of Wahoo’s sauces including what’s on this burrito.