Kim Chee 1 Restaurant
About This Spot
Kim Chee 1 Restaurant settles quietly along Kamehameha Highway in Kaneohe, embodying the charm of a familiar neighborhood eatery where the rhythms of daily life gently unfold. Walking in, you're greeted with an unpretentious vibe that feels like stepping into a well-loved local spot—a place where the door opens to faces that have likely been coming here for years, sharing moments over satisfying meals.
The atmosphere hums with an easy, steady pace. It’s neither rushed nor drawn out, inviting diners to savor the comfort of generous plates and the warmth of genuine service. The interior, modest and straightforward, contrasts with the steady stream of loyal patrons who appreciate an authentic experience over polished surroundings. This is a restaurant where the flavors carry the conversation, and where the food arrives promptly, promising both familiarity and freshness.
Here, the table comes alive with the rich, home-style Korean dishes that have kept people returning through the years. Hinting at the traditional, the menu blends hearty plates like teriyaki-glazed chicken and crisp, breaded katsu with generous servings that nourish both body and spirit. Accompaniments such as kimchi and warm bowls of soup quietly round out each meal, inviting you to linger on the layered tastes and textures that feel thoughtfully prepared.
It’s a place where family and friends gather without fuss, drawn not by trendy appeal but by the comfort of consistent flavors and a kind welcome. While parking might require some patience, the warmth inside delivers a reward beyond convenience—making Kim Chee 1 a genuine slice of community in Kaneohe that quietly holds its place in local hearts.
What’s Available Here
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Has wheelchair-accessible car park
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Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Offers takeaway
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Serves dine-in
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No delivery
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Popular for breakfast
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Popular for lunch
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Popular for dinner
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Good for solo dining
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Serves comfort food
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Quick bite
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Serves small plates
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Serves breakfast
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Serves lunch
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Serves dinner
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Serves dessert
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Has seating
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Has toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Good for groups
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Accepts credit cards
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Accepts debit cards
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Accepts NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs available
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Somewhat difficult to find a space
Location & Hours
| Monday | 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Jaybriel Akoi 16 Dec 2025
10/10 highly recommend They’re pretty darn fast. I used to go there a lot as a kid and so I decided to stop by and see if they’re still good. They’re def still good, menu hasn’t changed and that’s a good thing. Con: parking is a problem kinda sorta just be aware.
Sang “JohnLee” Moon 06 Dec 2025
I ordered shoyu chicken & meat jun plate for $14.99 special and it came with 2 scoops of rice and more vegetatables on plate al also additional side dishes, which the server told me I could have a refill if I want to. When I got to try the food it tasted so good and also with the side dish. This is a very good price for a korean restaurant. The service was also great so it really made it a great visit.
Rich S 11 Nov 2025
Met up with a fishing buddy to try out Kim Chee for breakfast. Was pleasantly surprised. Got there before the restaurant opened and able to park in the front. Food was good and as expected with the price being also reasonable. Service was quick and ambiance was dinnernvibe through and through. From the outside it looked like a total dive but pleasantly surprised at the inside. Nice touch was addition of 2 types of kimchee as well as the soup. You know it's authentic when they don't give you a spoon for the soup. Looking forward to adding Kim Chee to my rotation and looking forward to trying their actual Korean food for lunch or dinner.
Justin H 10 Nov 2025
Great value lunch special. Pick two meats for 14.99 plus rice, veg, kimchee and soup. Lots of choices and large portions from a great family restaurant. Don’t pass it by.
Jorge Avila 05 Nov 2025
Amazing food! Large amounts and very tasty. The family pack can feed more than 5 people and I think it was a fair price. Parking could be a problem but in our case, we didn’t have any issues. Staff was friendly and attentive. I would definitely come back if I were a local.
Chantal Hite 30 Oct 2025
Oh my word!! This food was the best!! I'd have to say it was my personal favorite on our visit to Hawaii. Our entire family loved everything. We dined in for lunch on our last day and the service was fantastic and the staff was friendly. My son cannot eat any dairy and everything on their menu is dairy free. In addition, the portions were huge. I couldn't finish mine and everyone else left completely stuffed. In comparison to what we spent on other meals on the Island, the pricing was a great value, especially considering the amount of food they brought. They brought out a huge serving of two separate kinds of Kim Chee and both were incredible. If you're in the area you should definitely check this place out! We tried shrimp and would recommend the katsu, BBQ pork, BBQ chicken, fried and steamed dumplings, Tonkatsu, rice, soup, shrimp katsu and the amazing Kim Chee
CC 21 Oct 2025
Kim Chee 1 is a solid choice for delicious Korean food in a casual setting. The BBQ meats were flavorful, and the portions were generous. Their kimchi and side dishes were fresh and well-seasoned, adding a nice touch of authenticity to the meal. The service was friendly, though the restaurant can get busy during peak hours, so you might experience a bit of a wait. The ambiance is simple, but the food more than makes up for it. Overall, a great spot for satisfying your Korean food cravings without breaking the bank!