“No one has aloha like here,” said Lukela Kalama from Laie while taking orders at Tita’s Grill in Kahuku. “We’re like the cafeteria of the North Shore. Everybody comes here. You can come here barefoot with your family. All of our chefs really love everyone and you can taste that in the food. That’s different than anywhere else.”
Located at 56-485 Kamehameha Hwy in Kahuku, right across the street from Kahuku High School, Tita’s Grill is open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Local favorites include Kalbi & Shrimp, the Mini Pounder, Garlic Shrimp, and BYU-Hawaii students’ No. 1 order: Cocoa Rice. “You know what the students like?” said Kalama.
“We’re out of Cocoa Rice because they come and eat it all. Toast and Cocoa Rice, it comes out to $2.10. College students don’t have a lot of money, but it fills them. That’s what the college kids come for.”
From the kitchen, head chef Sia Taotofi from Hau’ula, said it’s the greatest place she’s ever worked. “This is the best place. It will make you feel like home. It’s a family-oriented place. No one feels left out here. Everyone is involved and welcome to eat here anytime they want.”
Kalama’s Auntie Myra and Uncle Junior Ah You own Tita’s Grill. “It’s beautiful to work for the Ah Yous,” said Kalama. “And they really just love everyone. They’re like these huge people in the community. It’s been one of the nicest places I’ve ever worked. I love hanging out at this window taking orders. It’s the dumbest thing, I know, but I just love meeting everybody.”
Check out what BYU-Hawaii students have to say about Tita’s Grill and submit your own reviews at byuhlocalfood.tk. Your review could be featured in our next article.
A review by Kayla: "Tita’s Grill is incredible. I’ve yet to order anything off the menu that isn’t wonderful. The amount of food you get for how much you pay is very worth it. There’s nothing better than a fresh slice of bread and cocoa rice early in the morning!"
A review by Laina: "Tita’s Grill is the best place to eat on the island!! No lies!! The food is made out of love and service!! The owners have nothing but charity and love for this island and all people in general. So grateful to have a company with values that show through food presentation and through food preparation.
"No doubt the best food they have on the menu is
Koko Alaisa (Cocoa Rice) and Polynesian Fresh Bread!! "A review by Ty: "I love the food the Tita’s Grill provides. The food is great for a great price. I love their breakfast sandwiches and their cocoa rice. For me, the trip to Kahuku is well worth it."