To the untrained eye this looks like an average market, similar to that of a convenience store, but inspect a little longer and you will see that what lies before you is a very special place indeed. I know there’s a BBQ pit out front and a huge sign that reads “Beach Burgers here today!” that gives away that you can order food here but of all the times I’ve been here that’s the first time I’ve ever seen it. I’m not big on burgers and it’s not the reason why I’ve come. It’s not that I don’t like them, I’m sure their burgers are lovely but their secret deli is my reason for being here. The deli can easily be missed and it would be a shame if you did so let me help you. When you walk in don’t make any sudden turns just keep heading straight to the back. There you will find a small but quaint deli.
They have cold items to choose from through a glass window or you can order a fresh cold or hot sandwich with the man or woman at the counter. Their sandwiches average about $6.00 and they are delish. I shared a Reuben and a small pasta salad with my friend Sara.
Here’s my half of the sandwich
This is their pasta salad. I don’t recommend it. I know it looks like soup right? We did eat most of it, but that’s a little ridiculous. It cost $4.00 for a small, and that it was. They didn’t give very much at all and it wasn’t very good. Which goes to show you, stick to sandwiches at a deli. Ray got a chicken club. He was very happy with it.
Kalapawai Market is a great place before or after any beach excursion. It’s right around the corner from Lanikai Beach, which is voted one of the best beaches in the world. Actually, instead of wasting time packing a lunch, make a stop here and have a picnic at the beach. That’s what Ray and I did in April when we were on vacation here from California. We had a romantic picnic on the beach right before he proposed to me. It’s one of my fondest memories. Shitty pasta or not, I have nothing but love for this place.
If your hungry and you don’t want to walk to the beach, there’s benches to the side of the market with shade.
And if your a wine-o, you will be pleased to find a nice selection of wine at this market. They have wine openers if you want to spend some extra money on a crappy one that you’ll probably never use again or you can just buy a twist off. Hey, don’t be so judgemental, there’s some really good twisties out there. My favorite is, “Bitch.” Yes, I said Bitch and I’m not talking about your mother. It was suggest to me by the owner one day and I’m so glad that he did because I was really pleased with it. Don’t forget to buy some cheap plastic red cups if your gonna bring it to the beach.
Directions to Kalapawai Market