If you've seen the viral Filipino restaurant blowing up on Instagram — this is it.
Hi.Shack is a hidden gem in Waikiki serving authentic Filipino breakfast, Mexican street food, fresh lobster rolls, and everything in between. My 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 is now Waikiki's favorite Filipino fusion restaurant. Here's the complete guide: full menu with verified prices, what to order, how to find it, and everything you need to know before you go.
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 | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily |
| Phone | 808-221-6815 |
| Price Range | $$ ($15-30 per person) |
| Known For | Filipino Breakfast, Birria Tacos, Lobster Rolls |
| 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.
I had the chance to talk with Glory during my 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 Smashed Burger ($18.99) 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.
The Food Trucks Are Still Running
If you can't make it to the restaurant, Hi.Shack's iconic orange food trucks are still serving Waikiki:
| Location | Address | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Food Truck #1 | 2002 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 | 2 min walk |
| Food Truck #2 | 421 Niu St, Honolulu, HI 96815 | 5 min walk |
Same food, same quality — just grab-and-go style. The restaurant gives you the full experience with seating, BYOB, and the complete menu.
What I Ordered (My Honest Review)
I visited Hi.Shack in November 2025 and ordered four dishes to get the full experience. Here's what stood out:
Tapsilog ($17.99) ⭐ Must Try
The dish that put Hi.Shack on my 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 Smashed Burger ($18.99)
Named after the owner herself, this is Glory's signature burger. Double smashed patties with caramelized onions, melted American cheese, house-made truffle sauce, on a brioche bun. 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 ($8.99 each)
Fresh Maine lobster meat with chipotle aioli in a soft tortilla. For under $9, 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 ($5.99)
I 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.
Full Menu & Prices (December 2025)
I photographed the entire menu so you know exactly what to expect. Prices verified December 2025.
Breakfast Staples (7 AM - 2 PM)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Aloha Peaks | $16.99 |
| Gotta Love Croffles | $18.99 |
| Hi.Shack Flapjack | $14.99 |
| UBE Pancakes | $18.99 |
Hearty Breakfast (7 AM - 2 PM)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Greens & Eggs Omelette | $15.99 |
| Philly Omelette | $18.99 |
| Breakfast Burrito | $15.99 |
| Breakfast Wrap | $15.99 |
| Steak and Eggs | $23.00 |
Weekly Specials (Best Value)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pancake, Eggs & Breakfast Meat | $11.99 |
| Toast with Eggs & Breakfast Meat | $11.99 |
| Strawberry & Banana Nutella Crepe | $12.99 |
| Chicken & Cheese Pesto Crepes | $14.99 |
| Banana Nutella Crepes | $11.99 |
| Cinnamon & Sugar Crepes | $9.99 |
Breakfast meat options: Bacon, Spicy Sausage, Sausage Patty, Sausage Link, Portuguese Sausage, Vienna Sausage
Local Breakfast (7 AM - 2 PM)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Teri & Eggs (Chicken) | $17.99 |
| Teri & Eggs (Beef) | $19.99 |
| Teri & Eggs (Kalbi) | $22.99 |
| Teri & Eggs (Mixed - All of the above) | $29.99 |
| Hawaiian Loco Moco | $15.99 |
| Adobo Loco Moco | $15.99 |
Served with white rice and 2 eggs any style
Filipino Breakfast Favorites ⭐
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Longsilog | $14.99 |
| Tapsilog | $17.99 |
| Bangsilog | $16.99 |
Filipino Classics ⭐
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Lechon Kawali | $17.99 |
| Pork Adobo | $15.99 |
| Pancit | $18.99 |
| Pancit Con Lumpia | $22.99 |
| Pancit Con Lechon | $28.99 |
Flavors of Mexico — Tacos ⭐
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Birria Tacos (3 pcs) | $15.99 |
| Shrimp Taco | $6.99 |
| Fish Taco | $7.99 |
| Lobster Taco | $8.99 |
Quesadillas
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Birria Quesadilla | $18.99 |
| Cheese Quesadilla | $11.99 |
| Lobster Quesadilla | $24.99 |
Platters (Great for Sharing)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| For the Love of Tacos Platter | $48 |
| Birria Tacos Platter | $48 |
Mainely Lobstah Lovers 🦞
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Connecticut Lobster Roll | $27 |
| Cali Lobster Roll | $27 |
| Maine Lobster Roll | $27 |
| Glory's Spicy Lobster Roll | $27 |
| Lobster Mac & Cheese | $24.99 |
Burgers & Sandwiches
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hi.Shack Cheeseburger | $13.99 |
| Hi.Shack Cheeseburger (Double) | $17.99 |
| Truffle Swiss Mushroom Burger | $17.99 |
| Truffle Swiss Mushroom Burger (Double) | $21.99 |
| Glory's Smashed Burger | $18.99 |
| Spicy Hawaiian Burger | $18.99 |
| Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich | $18.99 |
All served with fries or tossed green salad. Add bacon +$3.00 · Upgrade to truffle fries +$3.00
Let's Go Local — Teriyaki
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Short Ribs Teriyaki | $27.99 |
| Chicken Teriyaki | $20.99 |
| Beef Teriyaki | $24.99 |
| Mixed Teriyaki (All of the above) | $29.99 |
Served with white rice, mac salad, and broccoli
Pineapple Fried Rice 🍍
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| With 5 Jumbo Shrimps | $24.99 |
| With Northshore Garlic Shrimps | $23.99 |
| With Chicken Inasal | $20.99 |
| With N.Y. Steak | $24.99 |
| With Lechon Kawali | $22.99 |
Served in a fresh pineapple bowl
Specialty Pastas
| Seafood Pastas | Price |
|---|---|
| Crab & Lobster Tail Pasta | MP |
| Crab Meat Pasta | MP |
| Squid Ink Seafood Pasta | MP |
| Seafood Pasta | MP |
| Shrimp Scampi | MP |
| Shrimp Pesto Alfredo | MP |
| Shrimp Alfredo | MP |
MP = Market Price
| Meat Pastas | Price |
|---|---|
| Chicken Alfredo | $26.99 |
| Chicken Pesto Alfredo | $29.99 |
| Bacon Carbonara | $25.99 |
Starters
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Wings & Fries | $15.99 |
| Seafood Bruschetta | $18.99 |
| Caprese | $14.99 |
| Lumpia Shanghai | $14.99 |
Desserts
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tiramisu | $11.99 |
| Coconut & Mango Panna Cotta | $10.99 |
| Banana Lumpia with Vanilla Ice Cream & Salted Caramel | $8.99 |
Drinks
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Specialty Lemonades | $5.99 |
| Lava Flow Freeze | $7.99 |
| Soda / Bottled Water | $2.99 |
Lemonade Flavors: Mango Tango, Green Lagoon, Sundown, Island Wave, Sunny Hawaii, Honeymooners, Honey Gurl, Blue Grenade, Bird of Paradise
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:
Tapsilog ($17.99) — The signature Filipino breakfast. Tender beef, garlic rice, runny eggs. This is the dish that defines Hi.Shack.
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 Smashed Burger ($18.99) + Tapsilog ($17.99) — Covers American and Filipino cravings in one meal.
Adventurous Eater:
Lechon Kawali ($17.99) — Crispy pork belly, Filipino style. Or try the Adobo Loco Moco ($15.99) — Filipino-Hawaiian fusion done right.
Balling Out:
Maine Lobster Roll ($27) + Lobster Mac & Cheese ($24.99) — Lobster lovers paradise.
Best Value / Budget:
Pancake, Eggs & Breakfast Meat ($11.99) — Best cheap breakfast in Waikiki. Under $12 for a full meal.
Sharing with Friends:
For the Love of Tacos Platter ($48) — 8 different tacos (birria, shrimp, fish, lobster) for the table.
Vegetarian Options:
Cheese Quesadilla ($11.99), Caprese ($14.99), Greens & Eggs Omelette ($15.99), or any pasta without meat.
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
- Late dinner (open until 10 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.
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM, seven days a week
Breakfast menu served until 2 PM. Full menu available all day.
Phone: 808-221-6815
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
My Instagram reel "New Viral Filipino Restaurant in Waikiki" hit 75,000+ views and 2,800+ shares — making it my 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 breakfast — real tapsilog, lechon kawali, and silog meals — 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 breakfasts 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 $15-20. Weekly specials are under $15. 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 my reel. Now you know.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Go for breakfast or brunch — The Filipino silog meals and loco mocos 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.
Don't skip dessert — The Banana Lumpia ($8.99) with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel is the perfect ending.
Try the food trucks too — If the restaurant is packed, the food trucks at 2002 Kalakaua Ave and 421 Niu St serve the same food — both less than 5 min walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hi.Shack located in Waikiki?
Hi.Shack is at 1911 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 — inside the Kalakalan building near the Ilikai Hotel. Look for the wooden gate entrance with a neon OPEN sign.
What is Hi.Shack known for?
Hi.Shack is known for authentic Filipino breakfast (Tapsilog, Longsilog, Bangsilog), birria tacos and quesadillas, Maine lobster rolls, and fusion dishes like Adobo Loco Moco.
What are Hi.Shack's hours?
Hi.Shack is open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. Breakfast menu available until 2 PM.
How much does it cost to eat at Hi.Shack?
Most main dishes cost $15-25. Budget breakfast options start at $9.99. Expect to spend $20-30 per person with drinks.
Is Hi.Shack BYOB?
Yes! Hi.Shack allows you to bring your own beer, wine, or other drinks.
Is Hi.Shack good for breakfast?
Yes — Hi.Shack is one of the best breakfast spots in Waikiki. Their Filipino silog meals and Loco Mocos are standouts. Weekly specials start at $9.99.
Does Hi.Shack have food trucks?
Yes! Hi.Shack started as a food truck and still operates two locations in Waikiki: 2002 Kalakaua Ave and 421 Niu St.
Who owns Hi.Shack?
Hi.Shack is owned by Glory, who started the business as a food truck before opening the restaurant. Glory's Smashed Burger on the menu is named after her.
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Written by: Nate — Founder of NateEatsHawaii, Hawaii's first AI-powered food guide.
Personal Visit: November 2025
Last Updated: December 2025
Prices Verified: December 2025 (photographed directly from menu)
Prices and hours may change. This review reflects my personal experience. All opinions are my own.