Disclosure: HI.Shack is a marketing agency client of NateEatsHawaii LLC. Editorial coverage is never part of an agency engagement — see our editorial policy.
If you've seen the viral Filipino restaurant blowing up on Instagram — this is it.
Hi.Shack (officially Hi.Shack — Taste of Aloha by Glory) is a hidden gem in Waikiki serving authentic Filipino food, Mexican street food, fresh lobster rolls, and everything in between. Our reel hit 75,000+ views and 2,800+ shares because people couldn't believe this spot existed right on Kalakaua Ave — near the Ilikai Hotel, yet completely off the tourist radar.
What started as an orange food truck grew into Waikiki's favourite Filipino fusion restaurant. This Kalakaua Ave location has since closed — Glory's kitchen lives on at Hi Shack Kitchen on Lemon Road. Below is the complete Hi.Shack menu with verified prices, our honest review with photos, and what was worth ordering.
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Quick Info
| Restaurant | Hi.Shack — Taste of Aloha by Glory |
| Type | Restaurant (first location — started as food truck) |
| Cuisine | Filipino, Mexican, American, Hawaiian Fusion |
| Address | 1911 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Hours | Permanently closed (April 2026) |
| Phone | 808-341-7542 |
| Price Range | $$ ($10-30 per person) |
| Known For | Filipino Food, Birria Tacos, Lobster Rolls, Smashed Burgers |
| BYOB | Yes — bring your own drinks |
| Reservations | Walk-ins welcome |
| Parking | Public garage on Ena Rd (3 min walk, paid) |
The Hi.Shack Story
Hi.Shack didn't start as a restaurant — it started as an orange food truck on the streets of Waikiki.
The owner, Glory, built Hi.Shack from the ground up, serving authentic Filipino food to locals and tourists who stumbled upon her bright orange truck. Word spread. Lines grew. And in November 2025, she opened this brick-and-mortar location — Hi.Shack's first-ever restaurant.
We had the chance to talk with Glory during our visit. She's warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about the food. You can taste it in every dish — the recipes are personal, not corporate. The tapsilog tastes like someone's lola made it. The birria has that slow-cooked depth you only get when someone actually cares.
And yes — Glory's Triple Smashed ($18.95) on the menu? That's named after her. It's her burger, her recipe, her restaurant.
That's the difference between Hi.Shack and the tourist traps down the street. This isn't a franchise. It's Glory's vision, served on a plate.
Where Hi.Shack Is Now
The Kalakaua Ave restaurant and the old Waikiki food trucks are gone. Hi Shack Kitchen on Lemon Road is the one Hi.Shack by Glory still operating — same cooking, a few minutes further into Waikiki.
Hi Shack Kitchen
- Address:
- 2556 Lemon Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Hours:
- Sun–Tue 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM · Wed–Sat 7:30 AM – 3:00 AM
Hours run late Wednesday through Saturday — it's one of the few Waikiki kitchens still going at 2 AM.
What We Ordered (Our Honest Review)
We visited Hi.Shack in November 2025 and ordered four dishes to get the full experience. Note: the menu rotates seasonally — some items we tried may not always be available. Here's what stood out:
Tapsilog ⭐ Must Try
The dish that put Hi.Shack on our radar. Tapsilog is a classic Filipino breakfast: thinly sliced beef tapa marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, served with garlic fried rice (sinangag) and two sunny-side eggs (itlog).
The beef was tender with crispy edges. The garlic rice had that perfect toasted garlic flavor without being greasy. Break the egg yolk, mix everything together, and you'll understand why Filipinos eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Verdict: If you've never had Filipino food, start here.
Birria Quesadilla ($18.99) ⭐ Must Try
This is the dish that keeps showing up on everyone's Instagram. A massive flour tortilla stuffed with slow-braised birria beef and melted cheese, then griddled until the cheese forms a crispy crust on the outside.
It comes with a cup of rich, slightly spicy consomme (the braising liquid) for dipping. The combination of crispy cheese, tender beef, and that savory broth is addictive.
Verdict: Order this if you love birria tacos but want something more filling.
Glory's Triple Smashed ($18.95)
Named after the owner herself, this is Glory's signature burger. Triple smashed patties with onions, yellow American cheese, and house-made truffle sauce. Comes with a mountain of fries.
The patties had great crust from the smash technique, and the truffle sauce added richness without being overpowering. This is a serious burger — not a wimpy hotel restaurant patty.
Verdict: One of the better burgers in Waikiki, especially at this price point.
Lobster Taco ($8.00 each)
Fresh Maine lobster meat in a soft tortilla. For $8, this is solid value — most places in Waikiki charge $15+ for lobster tacos with half the meat.
Verdict: Great add-on if you want to try the lobster without committing to the full roll.
Specialty Lemonade ($7.99)
We got the Mango Tango — fresh, not too sweet, perfect for Waikiki heat. They have nine flavors ranging from passion fruit to Blue Grenade.
Total spent: ~$75 for two people with drinks. For Waikiki, that's reasonable — especially considering the portion sizes.
What to Order at Hi.Shack
With 80+ menu items, here's how to navigate based on what you're craving:
First Time? Start Here:
Lechon Kawali ($17.99) — Crispy Filipino pork belly that shatters when you bite it. This is Hi.Shack's most iconic Filipino dish and the reason locals keep coming back.
Best Birria in Waikiki:
Birria Quesadilla ($18.99) — Crispy cheese crust, tender braised beef, rich consomme. Get extra napkins.
Hungry and Want Everything:
Glory's Triple Smashed ($18.95) + Adobo Loco Moco ($15.99) — Covers American and Filipino cravings in one meal.
Adventurous Eater:
Pancit w/ Lechon ($25.99) — Filipino noodles topped with crispy pork belly. Or try the Pineapple Fried Rice with Chicken Inasal ($20.99) — served in a fresh pineapple bowl.
Balling Out:
Maine Lobster Roll ($27) + Crab & Lobster Tail Pasta ($37) — Lobster lovers paradise. Real Maine lobster, not imitation.
Best Value / Budget:
Pancake Special ($7.95) — Pancake, egg & 2 bacon for under $8. Or Spam, Eggs & Rice ($8.99) for a classic local plate. Best cheap breakfast in Waikiki.
Sharing with Friends:
Birria Taco Platter ($55) — 12 birria tacos with consomme for the table. Or the 3-in-1 Combo ($55) — Philly cheesesteak, 3 tacos, and a lobster roll.
Vegetarian Options:
Cheese Quesadilla ($12.99), Breakfast Tacos ($5/ea), Green & Eggs Omelette ($14.99), or Vegetarian Philly Sandwich ($12.95).
The Vibe & Atmosphere
Hi.Shack is tucked inside the Kalakalan building on Kalakaua Ave near the Ilikai Hotel. If you blink, you'll miss it — there's no giant sign or flashy storefront. Look for the wooden gate with a neon "OPEN" sign and tiki-style bamboo fencing.
Inside, the restaurant has a casual, tropical feel:
- Living plant wall as the backdrop (great for photos)
- Blue and red color scheme
- Mix of booth seating and tables
- Ceiling fans and open-air feel
- International flags decorating the entrance
- Live entertainment some nights
The atmosphere is relaxed — flip flops and tank tops are perfectly fine. It's the kind of place where locals come for a real meal, not a tourist trap experience.
Good for:
- Breakfast or brunch
- Casual lunch
- Breakfast & lunch (served until 2 PM)
- Groups and families
- Date night (casual)
- Solo dining
Bonus: BYOB is allowed — bring your own beer or wine!
Hours & Location
1911 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Located in the Kalakalan building on Kalakaua Ave, near the Ilikai Hotel. Look for the wooden gate entrance with neon "OPEN" sign.
Permanently closed — this location shut for good in April 2026
Previously 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily. The address is no longer trading.
Phone: 808-341-7542
How to Get There
- From Ilikai Hotel / Hilton Hawaiian Village: 3-5 min
- From Ala Moana Center: 10-15 min
- From central Waikiki (Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider): 15-20 min
- From Duke Kahanamoku Statue: 21 min (1 mile)
Any bus route along Kalakaua Ave. Get off near Prince Waikiki or Ilikai Hotel.
Public parking garage on Ena Rd (3 min walk, paid). Walking or Uber/Lyft recommended.
Nearby Landmarks
- Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites (2 min walk)
- Hilton Hawaiian Village (5 min walk)
- Prince Waikiki (3 min walk)
- Kahanamoku Beach (8 min walk)
- Ala Moana Center (10 min walk)
- Duke Kahanamoku Statue (21 min walk)
Why Hi.Shack Went Viral
Our Instagram reel "New Viral Filipino Restaurant in Waikiki" hit 75,000+ views and 2,800+ shares — making it our most viral food content ever.
Here's why people went crazy:
1. Filipino Food in Waikiki is Rare
Most Waikiki restaurants serve overpriced hotel food or generic American cuisine. Finding authentic Filipino food — real lechon kawali, pork adobo, and pancit — in the heart of the tourist district is almost unheard of.
2. The Food Spread Looks Incredible
When you order multiple dishes at Hi.Shack and photograph them together, it's an instant scroll-stopper. Lechon kawali, loco moco, pineapple fried rice, birria tacos — all on one table with that green plant wall backdrop.
3. It Feels Like a Secret
No big signs. Hidden entrance. Word-of-mouth driven. When people discover Hi.Shack, they feel like they found something special — because they did.
4. The Fusion Actually Works
Filipino + Mexican + Hawaiian + American sounds like a confused menu. But Hi.Shack pulls it off. The birria quesadilla is legit. The Filipino dishes are authentic. The lobster rolls use real Maine lobster. Nothing feels half-assed.
5. The Value is Real
In Waikiki, you expect to pay $25+ for mediocre breakfast. Hi.Shack serves massive portions of quality food for $10-20. Pancake specials start at $7.95. For Waikiki, that's a win.
6. It's a Real Local Success Story
Hi.Shack started as a food truck and grew into a full restaurant through word-of-mouth alone. The owner, Glory, is hands-on and genuinely passionate about Filipino food. People love supporting small businesses with real stories.
People kept commenting "WHERE IS THIS??" under our reel. Now you know.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Go for breakfast or brunch — The loco mocos and Filipino dishes are the star of the show. Arrive before 11 AM on weekends to avoid the rush.
Take photos by the plant wall — The green backdrop makes your food photos pop. Great for Instagram.
Order extra consomme — If you get the birria quesadilla, ask for extra dipping broth. You'll want it.
BYOB to save money — They allow outside drinks. Grab a six-pack from ABC Store and save $30 on beer.
Share plates if you want variety — The portions are huge. Two people can easily share 3-4 dishes and try more of the menu.
Try the boba or cold brew — The Ube Cold Brew ($5.95) and Taro Boba ($8.00) are uniquely Hawaiian twists you won't find anywhere else.
Go to Lemon Road instead — This Kalakaua Ave location is closed. Hi Shack Kitchen at 2556 Lemon Rd is the Hi.Shack by Glory that's still open, and it runs to 3 AM Wednesday through Saturday.
Kids eat well here — Kids meals come with a drink included. Chicken tenders, wings, or a cheeseburger all under $9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hi.Shack Taste of Aloha?
Hi.Shack is a multi-cuisine restaurant in Waikiki serving 80+ dishes spanning Filipino food, Mexican street food, Maine lobster rolls, burgers, pancakes, and specialty drinks including boba and cold brew.
Where is Hi.Shack located?
1911 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu — in the Kalakalan building near the Ilikai Hotel.
What are the hours?
Hi.Shack Waikiki is permanently closed — it shut for good in April 2026. It previously served 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily.
What is Hi.Shack known for?
Filipino dishes like Lechon Kawali and Pork Adobo, birria tacos and quesadillas, Maine lobster rolls, smashed burgers, and their extensive 80+ item menu.
How much does Hi.Shack cost?
Prices range from $5 (tacos) to $55 (family platters). Most items are in the $10-$20 range. Budget options start at $7.95.
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Written by: Nate — Founder of NateEatsHawaii, Honolulu's local food guide with 350+ restaurant reviews.
Personal Visit: November 2025
Last Updated: April 17, 2026
Prices Verified: February 23, 2026
Prices and hours may change. This review reflects our personal experience. All opinions are our own. Please confirm directly with the restaurant before visiting.